Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Tuesday, Seminole!

We’ve got a jam-packed edition for you today:

🏀 Timpson Takes Center Stage: Florida State’s Makayla Timpson earned her first ACC Co-Player of the Week honor, leading the Seminoles to victory with a historic 38-point, 15-rebound performance against Samford.

🏀 Women’s Basketball Dominates: The Seminoles tied a program record with 119 points against NC Central. Ta’Niya Latson’s return brought a double-double, and Makayla Timpson continued her standout play with 19 points and six blocks.

🏀 Honoring Seminole Heritage: FSU men’s basketball hosts Hofstra while donning their iconic turquoise uniforms, celebrating the university’s special bond with the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

⛳ Teeing Up for the Future: The men’s golf team adds top-ranked junior Shawn Coultoff, a state champion ready to bring his winning edge to FSU.

🏈 Depth Chart Adjustments: Changes ahead of the Charleston Southern game include co-starters at quarterback, Kam Davis’ return, and a revamped linebacker rotation.

🏈 Season Finale Set: FSU will host the Florida Gators under the primetime lights, a rivalry game with added stakes for both teams.

🏈 Recruiting Shifts: The Seminoles face challenges in retaining top commits, but the upcoming UF game offers a critical chance to solidify key prospects.

🏈 Coaching and Injury Updates: Coach Norvell balances a busy week of hiring searches and managing player injuries, including the potential return of Roydell Williams for the season finale.

🏀 Makayla Timpson Named ACC Co-Player of the Week 🏀

Florida State senior Makayla Timpson earned her first ACC Co-Player of the Week honor after a standout performance against Samford. Timpson dominated with 38 points and 15 rebounds, fueling the Seminoles’ 101-68 victory.

Historic Performance

• 38 Points: The third-highest single-game total in program history, just two points shy of Natasha Howard’s 2014 record.

• Career Highs: 15 field goals made, tying the third-best mark in FSU history.

• National Leader: Leads the nation with 60 total rebounds and an average of 15.0 RPG through two weeks.

Read more here

🏀 Dominant FSU Women’s Basketball Ties Program Scoring Record in 119-57 Win 🏀

The RV Florida State women’s basketball team (4-1) delivered a commanding performance on Monday night, tying their single-game scoring record with a 119-57 victory over North Carolina Central (0-6) at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. This marks the Seminoles' third 100-point game of the season.

Team Highlights

• Offensive Prowess: FSU showcased incredible efficiency, recording a 21-5 assist-to-turnover ratio and shooting 54.8% from the field, including 13-of-24 from beyond the arc.

• Defensive Execution: The Seminoles held the Eagles to 36.7% shooting and forced 18 turnovers.

Standout Performances

• Ta’Niya Latson: Returned from illness with her first career double-double, tallying 34 points and a career-high 10 assists. It was her 15th career game scoring 30+ points.

• Carla Viegas: Contributed a career-high six three-pointers for 18 points.

• O’Mariah Gordon: Scored 21 points in her 100th career game, including a perfect 3-of-3 from three-point range and 8-of-8 at the free-throw line.

• Makayla Timpson: Added 19 points, nine rebounds, and tied her career high with six blocks.

Game Flow

• First Quarter: A 22-3 run propelled FSU to a 28-13 lead, highlighted by two three-pointers from Viegas and seven points from Gordon.

• Second Quarter: FSU extended their dominance with 34 points, entering halftime up 62-31.

• Third Quarter: Gordon took control, adding 10 points, while the defense stifled NC Central.

• Fourth Quarter: Latson capped the game with 15 fourth-quarter points as FSU outscored the Eagles 28-15.

Next Up

The Seminoles will host in-state rival Florida on Friday, Nov. 22, at 7:00 p.m. on ACC Network.

Read more here

🏀 Florida State Men’s Basketball Honors Seminole Heritage in Turquoise Uniforms 🏀

Florida State (3-1) will host Hofstra (4-0) on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Donald L. Tucker Center. This matchup marks the Seminoles’ 29th appearance in their iconic turquoise uniforms, worn to celebrate their special relationship with the Seminole Tribe of Florida as part of Native American Heritage Month.

A Symbol of Unity

The turquoise jerseys represent harmony, friendship, and fellowship across Native American communities. First debuted in 2013, the uniforms pay tribute to the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the university’s commitment to honoring Indigenous heritage.

Historical Highlights

• Heritage Games: FSU has a 20-8 record in turquoise uniforms, often worn during significant November matchups.

• Expanding Tradition: Beyond basketball, Seminole Heritage turquoise apparel has been embraced by FSU soccer and football programs, with proceeds from fan merchandise supporting the university’s Native American and Indigenous Studies Center.

Key Moments of Partnership

From the 1947 naming of the Florida State Seminoles to the 2020 debut of patchwork-inspired athletic uniforms, FSU’s collaboration with the Seminole Tribe of Florida ensures respect and authenticity in representing their culture and traditions.

Read more here

⛳ Florida State Men’s Golf Signs Top-Ranked Junior Shawn Coultoff ⛳

Florida State men’s golf head coach Trey Jones has secured a key addition to the program with the signing of Shawn Coultoff, Florida’s top-ranked junior golfer in the class of 2025. Coultoff, a Winter Garden native, will join the Seminoles for the 2025-26 season, bringing an impressive resume of victories and consistent top finishes.

A Winning Legacy

Coultoff’s accolades include:

• FSGA Junior Amateur Champion (2022): Dominated with a six-stroke victory, shooting a 204 over three rounds in Tallahassee.

• Consistent AJGA Performer: Ranked 235th nationally, with standout finishes like tying for sixth at the Justin Thomas Junior Championships and 18th at the Western Junior Championships.

• High School Success: Led West Orange High School with a 4-under 68 at the 2024 FHSAA Region 3 Tournament, advancing to the state championships.

Coach’s Perspective

"We built this program by signing the best players in Florida," said Coach Jones. "Shawn being a FSGA state champion certainly fits that. He has a lot of power and knows how to win. We are looking forward to watching him capitalize and develop in our program."

Read more here

🏈 FSU Depth Chart Update: Changes Ahead of Charleston Southern Matchup 🏈

Florida State released its official depth chart ahead of Saturday’s matchup against Charleston Southern, revealing notable updates following the bye week. The game kicks off at 1:30 p.m. and will air on ACC Network Extra.

Key Adjustments

• Quarterback Decision Pending: Brock Glenn and Luke Kromenhoek are now co-starters.

• Kam Davis Returns: The freshman running back reappears on the depth chart after missing games due to injury.

• Right Guard Shake-Up: Jaylen Early and TJ Ferguson are now listed as co-starters.

• Linebacker Updates: Justin Cryer is out with injury, while Cam Riley, DeMarco Ward, and Shawn Murphy step into key roles.

• Safety Depth Grows: Earl Little Jr. and Conrad Hussey are in an OR situation for backup free safety, adding intrigue to the secondary rotation.

Position-by-Position Highlights

• Quarterback: Freshman Luke Kromenhoek’s size (6-4, 208) contrasts with redshirt freshman Brock Glenn’s experience, setting up a dynamic competition.

• Running Back: Lawrance Toafili leads the group, but all eyes will be on Kam Davis as he reclaims his spot.

• Tight End: Landen Thomas and Amaree Williams now officially share the rotation, showcasing FSU’s trust in its young talent.

• Offensive Line: Rotational flexibility with co-starters like Early and Ferguson could stabilize protection moving forward.

Defensive Tweaks

• Linebackers: Blake Nichelson and Omar Graham take primary spots, supported by depth adjustments.

• Defensive Backfield: Charles Lester, Conrad Hussey, and Earl Little Jr. signal a youth movement ready to make an impact.

Special Teams and Returners

• Kickoff Return: Kam Davis and Caziah Holmes could share duties, offering versatility in the return game.

• Punt Return: Malik Benson remains the primary option, with freshman Lawayne McCoy listed as a backup.

Read more here

🏈 FSU vs. Florida: 2024 Season Finale Set for Primetime 🏈

Florida State will host in-state rival Florida in the 2024 season finale on Saturday, November 30th, with kickoff scheduled for either 7:00 or 7:30 p.m. The game will air on ESPN2, with the exact time to be determined after games on November 23rd.

Matchup Preview

• Florida’s Record: The Gators are 5-5 and face No. 9 Ole Miss this weekend before heading to Tallahassee.

• All-Time Series: FSU trails 28-37-2 against UF, adding extra motivation to close the season with a rivalry win.

ACC Schedule Highlights

Key matchups on the ACC slate include Miami vs. Syracuse (3:30 p.m. on ESPN) and South Carolina vs. Clemson (Noon on ESPN).

Read more here

🏈 Patrick Surtain Sr. Interviews for Southern Miss Head Coaching Role 🏈

Florida State defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. is reportedly in consideration for the head coaching position at his alma mater, Southern Miss, according to On3's Pete Nakos. While no in-person interviews have occurred yet, Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner is considered the frontrunner for the role.

Surtain’s Contributions at FSU

• Defensive Excellence: In his second year with the Seminoles, Surtain helped FSU achieve one of the nation’s top pass defenses in 2023, contributing to a stellar 13-1 season. His mentorship was pivotal in the development of NFL Draft picks Renardo Green (Round 2) and Jarrian Jones (Round 3).

• Recruiting Success: Surtain has been instrumental in landing five blue-chip prospects over the last two recruiting cycles, including four-star cornerbacks Charles Lester, Cai Bates, and Ricky Knight III.

Southern Miss Legacy

Surtain’s ties to Southern Miss run deep. As a player, he was a two-time first-team All-Conference USA selection and the league's Defensive Player of the Year in 1997. He remains one of the most accomplished defensive players in school history and is a member of the Southern Miss Hall of Fame, the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame, and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

What’s Next?

While Surtain’s name is in the mix, Georgia Tech’s Buster Faulkner currently leads the candidate pool, with other contenders including Georgia TE coach Todd Hartley and Auburn OC Derrick Nix.

Read more here

🏈 FSU Recruiting Update: Rival Visits and Key Weekend Ahead 🏈

With Florida State on a bye, several commits used the opportunity to explore other schools, leading to shifts in recruiting dynamics.

Notable Visits and Flips

• Tramell Jones: The former FSU quarterback commit officially flipped to Florida after his visit, as anticipated.

• Solomon Thomas: The five-star offensive lineman, a cornerstone of FSU’s class, visited Florida, which now emerges as the primary competitor for his commitment. LSU remains in the mix, with Thomas reportedly planning another visit to Baton Rouge.

Key Visitor Weekend for FSU-UF Game

Several top recruits are expected in Tallahassee for the regular-season finale, including:

• Carter Smith (4-star QB): The Seminoles are well-positioned to close the deal with Smith after his visit to Wisconsin.

• Chase Loftin (4-star TE): Despite interest from Nebraska and Texas A&M, FSU is confident in retaining Loftin.

• Kevin Wynn (4-star DL): With South Carolina and USC pressing hard, Wynn’s visit could be pivotal in securing his commitment.

Commitments in Flux

• Daniel Pierre Louis (3-star OL): The Gators are making a strong push, and without much engagement from Pierre Louis after Alex Atkins' departure, this could be a tough retention for FSU.

• Gregory Thomas (4-star DB): Though Thomas is likely to visit FSU for the UF game, Colorado and Clemson remain contenders.

• Max Redmon (3-star LB): A potential visit to Mississippi State is on the horizon, but his commitment seems solid for now.

Read more here

🏈 FSU Football Update: Injuries, Coaching Searches, and Big-Picture Moves 🏈

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell provided a broad update during his Monday press conference, covering injuries, coaching searches, and offseason evaluations. Here are the key takeaways:

Player Injuries: DJ Uiagalelei and Roydell Williams

• DJ Uiagalelei: The transfer quarterback has shown progress in his recovery but is unlikely to return this season. Despite his absence on the field, Norvell praised Uiagalelei’s leadership and engagement during practices.

• Roydell Williams: The senior running back may return for the season finale against Florida. If not, Williams could redshirt and maintain eligibility for next season.

Coaching Search Timeline

Norvell is actively vetting candidates for vacant coaching positions, including offensive and defensive coordinator roles.

• The goal: Announce hires shortly after the regular season concludes.

• Respect for candidates’ commitments to conference championships may delay final decisions.

• Norvell emphasized a balance between recruiting prowess, developmental acumen, and team fit when selecting candidates.

Evaluating Strength and Conditioning

Amid questions about second-half performance fades this season, Norvell reaffirmed his confidence in the strength and conditioning program led by Coach Josh Storms.

• Norvell credited Storms for player development and past successes, including FSU’s strong showing at the NFL Combine earlier this year.

• While S&C isn’t seen as an issue, Norvell stressed the need for program-wide evaluations to identify disconnects and areas for improvement.

Restructuring the Program’s Front Office

Norvell hinted at potential changes in the personnel structure, including roles and responsibilities within the recruiting and evaluation teams.

• With the transfer portal becoming an integral part of team building, Norvell wants a more efficient and effective approach to recruiting and roster management.

• The recent dismissal of director of recruiting Adam Van Clay signals Norvell’s intent to enhance this area.

Read more here and here and here

And that’s a wrap!

From record-breaking performances to crucial decisions shaping the program’s future, the Seminole spirit is thriving.

With big games and big moves ahead, this is the moment to rally together.

Keep your tomahawks high, and we’ll see you tomorrow for more updates on the tribe we love. Go Noles!