Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Thursday, Seminole!

We’ve got a loaded edition for you today:

🥎 FSU Softball kicks off signing season with a top-tier 2025 recruiting class, ranked No. 3 nationally. Head Coach Lonni Alameda’s new recruits bring a mix of top pitching and versatile field skills, setting a strong foundation for the future.

🥍 FSU Women’s Lacrosse proudly signs its first-ever recruiting class, featuring talent from 10 states and setting the stage for the program’s debut season in their new lacrosse-only stadium.

🏐 FSU Volleyball welcomes four promising recruits, blending international and national talent to build a dynamic 2025 roster with skills across all positions.

🏀 FSU Women’s Basketball adds JUCO star Pania Davis and Ohio’s top combo guard Mari Gerton, boosting the team’s scoring potential and defensive depth for upcoming seasons.

🏀 FSU Women’s Basketball Game Day – The Seminoles take on Samford tonight in a matchup honoring Seminole heritage. Tune in to watch FSU showcase their strength at the Donald L. Tucker Center.

⚾️ FSU Baseball signs a solid 2025 class with a mix of JUCO and high school prospects. The new recruits will bolster the team’s lineup as roster and scholarship changes roll out across Division I baseball.

🏈 Recruit Updates Amid Coaching Changes – FSU commits, including four-star QB Tramell Jones Jr., CB Zae Thomas, and RB Byron Louis, remain optimistic and committed to the Seminoles, supporting Coach Norvell’s vision for a turnaround despite a rocky season.

💼 Alford & Ponder’s Vision for FSU’s Future – In a recent town hall, AD Michael Alford shared insights on stadium renovations, NIL updates, and FSU’s ongoing legal battle with the ACC, expressing confidence in FSU’s path forward.

🥎 FSU Softball Locks in Top-Ranked 2025 Recruiting Class 🥎

Head Coach Lonni Alameda and the Seminoles’ softball program celebrated a stellar signing day, securing nine elite players for their 2025 class, which ranks No. 3 nationally and tops the ACC.

This diverse group of talented athletes brings a mix of pitching power, infield versatility, and high-caliber performance from across the U.S.

Coach Alameda praised the class, emphasizing their alignment with FSU’s core values of family, competitiveness, and commitment.

With standout players like top-ranked pitcher Bella Dimitrijevic from Illinois and No. 1 prospect Anna Hinde from North Carolina, FSU’s future shines bright as this incoming class gears up to make an immediate impact.

Read more here

🥍 FSU Lacrosse Inks Historic Inaugural Signing Class 🥍

Florida State women's lacrosse celebrated a major milestone on Wednesday with the signing of its first-ever recruiting class, featuring 14 talented athletes from 10 states.

Head Coach Sara Tisdale expressed her excitement, calling this group “Class 1” and highlighting their strong alignment with FSU’s core values of dedication and work ethic.

With three signees from New York and multiple recruits from lacrosse hubs like Florida and California, this class is poised to establish FSU’s program among the nation’s elite.

Tisdale also shared updates on FSU’s new lacrosse-only stadium, signaling a strong foundation for the future of FSU lacrosse.

Read more here

🏐 FSU Volleyball Welcomes Four Elite Recruits for 2025 Class 🏐

Head Coach Chris Poole and Florida State volleyball have signed four standout athletes to bolster their lineup for the 2025 season.

The new class includes outside hitter Victoria David from Brazil, middle blocker Nenu Kpea from Texas, libero Ava Lambert from Arizona, and setter Ryan Murphy from Florida. With diverse skill sets and impressive accolades, this talented group is expected to make an early impact in the ACC.

International & National Talent
David brings global experience from Brazil, having won multiple championships, while Kpea, Lambert, and Murphy have each excelled in their respective states, earning all-region and all-conference honors.

Future Prospects
Poole praised the incoming class for their versatility and athleticism, highlighting their potential to enhance FSU’s competitive edge. This talented quartet is set to enroll in the spring of 2025, primed to contribute to the Seminoles’ success.

Read more here

🏀 FSU Women’s Basketball Strengthens Roster with Key Signings of Pania Davis and Mari Gerton 🏀

Florida State women’s basketball head coach Brooke Wyckoff announced the addition of two dynamic players who will elevate the Seminoles’ competitive edge.

Pania Davis – Junior College Standout
Hailing from Perth, Australia, and currently playing for New Mexico Junior College, Davis is the No. 1-rated junior college player in the nation by the Collegiate Girls Basketball Report. Known for her versatility, Davis averages 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game this season, bringing top-notch defense and scoring ability. Head coach Wyckoff highlighted her three-level scoring, ball-handling, and defensive prowess as perfect complements to the FSU roster.

Mari Gerton – Elite Combo Guard from Ohio
Gerton, one of Ohio’s top combo guards, will join FSU in 2025. Averaging 21.6 points and 3.1 assists per game, she’s recognized for her offensive agility, strong defensive skills, and ability to shine in high-stakes games. Wyckoff praised Gerton’s leadership and winning mindset, which will enhance FSU’s on-court chemistry.

With these two standout additions, the future looks bright for the Seminoles as they continue to build a formidable team.

Read more here and here

🏀 FSU Women’s Basketball Hosts Samford for Seminole Heritage Night 🏀

The women's basketball team (2-1) is set to host Samford (0-3) at the Donald L. Tucker Center tonight at 6 p.m. This marks the first meeting between the two teams since the 2019-20 season, with FSU holding a 5-0 lead in the series. It’s also the first matchup under head coach Brooke Wyckoff.

Honoring Seminole Heritage The Seminoles will don turquoise shirts during warmups to honor the special bond with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Turquoise represents harmony, friendship, and fellowship in Native American communities, celebrating this unique friendship.

Recap & Key Players In their previous game, FSU secured a decisive 93-54 win over Florida A&M. Ta’Niya Latson led with 21 points, while O’Mariah Gordon posted a season-high 19 points and six steals. Carla Viegas added 12 points, shooting 4-of-7 from three-point range.

Fans can catch the game on ACC Network Extra or listen via 96.5 The Spear, Seminoles.com, or Sirius XM.

Read more here

⚾️ FSU Baseball Signs Top Prospects in 2025 Class with Strong JUCO and High School Talent ⚾️

Florida State baseball has officially signed 15 promising players in their 2025 recruiting class, marking Head Coach Link Jarrett’s third class at his alma mater. The group includes 11 high school standouts and four JUCO transfers, showcasing talent across pitching and infield positions. Perfect Game ranks the class 28th nationally, with several highly ranked players.

JUCO Stars to Watch The Seminoles bolstered their pitching rotation with JUCO right-handers Jake Echols and Jackson Peeler, both known for high strikeout rates, and lefty Cooper Whited, who posted solid ERA numbers. On offense, 1B/OF JC Vanek brings a high batting average and on-base percentage to FSU.

Top High School Recruits FSU’s high school signees are headlined by No. 46-ranked 3B Kelvyn Paulino Jr. and catcher Ty Harvey, both expected to bring power to the lineup. Other notable signees include lefty pitchers Charlie Buckles and Rivers Kurland, along with INF Will Bavaro.

Looking Ahead With roster and scholarship adjustments set for DI baseball, this class could help position FSU competitively for the future. These signees bring athleticism, versatility, and depth, preparing the Seminoles for a promising season under Jarrett’s guidance.

Read more here

🏈 Florida State Commits Weigh In on Coaching Changes Amid Season Struggles 🏈

In the wake of Florida State’s recent coaching shake-up, several key 2025 commits, including four-star QB Tramell Jones Jr., CB Zae Thomas, and RB Byron Louis, are standing by their commitments while navigating the changing dynamics in Tallahassee. Here's what each had to say about the developments:

QB Tramell Jones Jr.
Jones, a four-star quarterback from Jacksonville, addressed rumors about a potential flip to Florida on a local radio show, reaffirming his commitment to FSU despite the team’s 1-9 record. His long-standing bond with Coach Norvell and QB coach Tony Tokarz has kept him loyal to FSU, even as rival schools remain in the mix. Jones expressed optimism about Norvell’s vision, calling the team’s recent setbacks “just a little stump in the road.”

CB Zae Thomas
Committed since June, four-star cornerback Thomas was initially taken aback by the staff changes, though he anticipated some restructuring. He continues to talk to other programs but remains firm in his commitment to FSU for now, especially after conversations with Norvell and interim DC Randy Shannon. Thomas is eager to see how FSU performs in the final two games with the interim coaching setup.

RB Byron Louis
Four-star running back Louis, preparing for his own postseason at American Heritage, was surprised by the dismissal of OC Alex Atkins. However, his close relationship with RB coach David “Coach Yac” Johnson has been a source of stability. Louis believes in Norvell’s ability to “put FSU in the best spot” and is looking forward to being part of FSU’s resurgence.

Despite the coaching upheaval, these key recruits are holding steady, believing in the long-term potential Norvell has outlined for the program.

Read more here and here and here

💼 FSU's Alford and Ponder Discuss Athletic Vision, Budget Impact, and Football’s Path Forward 💼

In a Seminole Boosters Town Hall, FSU Athletics Director Michael Alford and Boosters CEO Stephen Ponder addressed pivotal updates on Florida State athletics, discussing the football program’s struggles, Doak Campbell Stadium upgrades, NIL, and ongoing efforts to elevate FSU’s brand in national media.

Football Turnaround: Alford's Optimism and Staffing Moves Alford spoke about FSU's disappointing 1-9 football record and recent staff changes, emphasizing his and Coach Norvell’s shared vision for a quick rebound.

Alford praised Norvell’s leadership and confirmed that top coaching candidates have shown strong interest in joining FSU, signaling confidence in Norvell’s ability to steer the program back to success.

The swift support from donors—along with promising ticket sales for the renovated stadium—underscores the resilience of FSU's fanbase.

Stadium and NIL Strategy With the Doak Campbell Stadium renovations on track for completion in 2025, Alford highlighted the expected boost in fan experience with new seating options and enhanced facilities.

He also touched on FSU’s competitive NIL landscape, noting the anticipated introduction of a structured cap and new revenue-sharing models to ensure fair compensation for student-athletes.

ACC Legal Dispute and Media Rights As FSU pushes for a larger media rights deal and continues its lawsuit with the ACC, Alford emphasized the strength of the Seminoles' brand, consistently drawing top viewership numbers.

This, he noted, positions FSU favorably in ongoing negotiations despite the current season’s setbacks.

With a strong fan base, a clear vision for football’s revival, and robust financial planning, Alford expressed confidence in FSU’s trajectory for the coming years.

Read more here and here

And that’s a wrap!

From powerhouse recruits committing to FSU's future to resilient players standing by the Garnet and Gold, it’s clear the path ahead is filled with promise.

Stay tuned as Coach Norvell and the team set the stage for a new chapter. Until next time, keep the spirit high and the tradition strong – Go ‘Noles!