Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Thursday Seminole!

As we near the most critical 2 game stretch of this season and national signing day, there’s lots to think about.

Here’s what we’ve got for you:

🎾 Corey Craig’s Star Shines Bright
Florida State tennis is making waves as Corey Craig earns his first ITA All-American honor, advancing to the third round of the NCAA Singles Championship. Meanwhile, FSU’s top doubles team continues their strong run in the tournament.

🏈 Late Recruiting Push for Teriq Mallory
The Seminoles are looking to flip the towering 6’5” West Virginia WR commit. With his dream school now in play, will Mallory visit Tallahassee before Signing Day?

🏈 Chase Loftin’s Commitment Holds Firm
Despite a tough season and relentless competition, four-star TE Chase Loftin remains loyal to FSU. Will his faith in the program’s future be rewarded?

🏈 Seminoles Target Top Edge Rusher
FSU ramps up efforts to flip Milton, Fla. native Tylon Lee from Ole Miss, with proximity to home and Norvell’s “work” philosophy in their favor.

🏈 Preparation for Charleston Southern Continues
With defensive dominance shining through, the Seminoles focus on consistency and execution ahead of Saturday’s game. NFL scouts are in attendance as the team fine-tunes its strategy.

🏈 Rebuilding the Offensive Line
FSU faces a daunting task this offseason: retooling one of the weakest O-lines in the country. The Transfer Portal will play a pivotal role in reshaping the trenches.

🏈 Recruiting Struggles Persist
As rival programs poach key commits, Florida State scrambles to retain its 2025 class while staying in the hunt for top targets like Carter Smith and Byron Louis.

🎾 FSU's Corey Craig Earns All-American Honor in NCAA Singles Championship 🎾

Florida State men’s tennis continues its historic run as Corey Craig clinched his first ITA All-American title by advancing to the third round of the NCAA Men's Tennis Singles Championship. This marks the first time in program history the Seminoles have had three All-Americans in a calendar year.

Match Highlights

Corey Craig’s Dominance:

• Craig defeated UCLA’s Emon van Lobel Sels in straight sets, 6-2, 6-0, with commanding four-game win streaks in both sets.

• The Boston University transfer has made an immediate impact in his debut semester, solidifying his status as one of collegiate tennis’s rising stars.

Jamie Connel’s Effort:

• Connel faced Georgia’s No. 14 Thomas Paulsell in a rematch of their ITA Southeast Regional clash. After a resilient 6-1 second set, Connel ultimately fell to Paulsell, who advanced to the next round.

Doubles Success

Youcef Rihane and Alex Bulte:

• The senior pairing broke into the Round of 16 with a strong win over Columbia’s top-25 ranked duo, 6-3, 6-0.

• With their victory, the Seminoles secured a second consecutive season with a doubles team advancing to the NCAA Round of 16.

What’s Next?

• Singles: Corey Craig takes on Princeton’s No. 11 Paul Inchauspe for a spot in the quarterfinals.

• Doubles: Rihane and Bulte face Liberty’s Joaquim Almeida and Siwanat Auytayakul, aiming for All-American recognition.

Read more here

🏈 FSU Offers WVU Commit Teriq Mallory Amid Recruiting Push 🏈

Florida State is making a late recruiting push for West Virginia receiver commit Teriq Mallory, a 6-foot-5 standout from Cheshire (Conn.) Academy. After a stellar senior season, Mallory now has the Seminoles among his options just two weeks before Signing Day.

Why FSU?

• Dream School: Mallory revealed that Florida State has long been a dream destination.

• Immediate Impact: The coaching staff envisions Mallory as a versatile big receiver who could contribute right away.

• Impressive Senior Stats: Mallory posted 49 catches, 691 yards, and eight touchdowns this season, showcasing his dual-threat abilities with 20 tackles and an interception on defense.

What’s Next?

Mallory is in discussions with FSU to schedule an official visit. Potential dates include this weekend’s Charleston Southern matchup or the Nov. 30 rivalry game against Florida.

Recruiting Journey

• Flipping Potential: Previously committed to Wake Forest, Mallory flipped to West Virginia in June.

• New Options: FSU’s late interest could shake up his recruitment as Signing Day approaches.

Read more here

🏈 Chase Loftin Remains Solid in Commitment to Florida State 🏈

Despite Florida State’s challenging season, Omaha (Neb.) Millard South four-star tight end Chase Loftin remains firm in his commitment to the Seminoles. Loftin, who pledged to FSU in late June over programs like Texas A&M, Nebraska, and Missouri, has stayed in close communication with head coach Mike Norvell and his staff.

Why Loftin is Sticking with FSU

• Strong Relationships: Loftin speaks with Norvell and tight ends coach Chris Thomsen almost daily, reinforcing his belief in the program’s future.

• Belief in the Turnaround: Loftin understands the reasons behind FSU’s struggles and is confident they’ll be resolved.

• Loyalty Through Changes: Despite major staff shakeups, Loftin appreciates Norvell’s transparency and leadership during a tough season.

The Recruitment Landscape

• Competing Programs: Nebraska, Missouri, and Texas A&M continue their pursuit, with Nebraska hosting Loftin on a recent visit.

• Upcoming Visits: Loftin plans to attend FSU’s home game against Florida on Nov. 30, depending on travel arrangements.

What’s Next for Loftin

• State Championship: Loftin’s immediate focus is his state title game on Monday, making other visits unlikely before Signing Day.

• Early Signing Period: Loftin, an early enrollee, will officially sign with the Seminoles on Dec. 4.

While there was speculation of a flip after Loftin’s Nebraska visit, FSU’s staff, especially Thomsen, has done an outstanding job maintaining his commitment. Unless something unexpected occurs, Loftin looks set to join FSU in January.

Read more here

🏈 Seminoles Push to Flip Four-Star Edge Rusher Tylon Lee from Ole Miss 🏈

Florida State is making a late push to flip four-star edge rusher Tylon Lee from Ole Miss, aiming to bolster their 2025 recruiting class despite recent losses to other programs.

FSU’s Renewed Efforts

• Personal Touch: FSU’s coaching staff, led by Mike Norvell and defensive ends coach John Papuchis, has re-engaged with Lee, sending encouraging messages and planning for his visit.

• Upcoming Visit: Lee is set to attend the Florida game in Tallahassee in two weeks, marking his first visit to FSU in over a year.

Lee’s Perspective

• What He’s Watching: Lee wants to see both sides of the ball compete and deliver a win during his visit.

• Norvell’s Approach: The Seminoles’ head coach left a strong impression with his emphasis on hard work and earning success, which aligns with Lee’s values.

• Proximity Matters: As a Milton, Fla., native, Lee acknowledges that being close to home could play a role in his decision.

Recruitment Context

• Rankings: Lee has risen to become the No. 71 recruit in the nation, the No. 7 edge rusher, and the 10th-ranked prospect in Florida.

• Current Commitment: While Lee feels good about his pledge to Ole Miss, he remains open to exploring his options and staying connected with FSU.

What’s Next

FSU’s ability to secure a flip will hinge on their performance in the Florida game and their ability to demonstrate a compelling vision for Lee’s role within the program.

Read more here.

🏈 FSU Continues Charleston Southern Preparations Amid Defensive Dominance 🏈

Florida State hit the practice field Wednesday under overcast skies, with the team showing intensity on both sides of the ball in preparation for this weekend’s game against Charleston Southern.

Offensive Highlights

• Luke Kromenhoek: Connected with tight ends Landen Thomas and Amaree Williams early, showcasing precision and composure in tempo drills.

• Brock Glenn: Delivered key completions, including a tight-window touchdown to Amaree Williams during red-zone work.

• Standouts: Wide receivers Elijah Moore and Kentron Poitier hauled in impressive catches during 1-on-1 drills, while Lawayne McCoy displayed excellent hands on a challenging pass.

Defensive Dominance

• Patrick Payton: Recorded a sack, a forced fumble, and batted down a pass at the line in team drills, setting the tone early.

• Darrell Jackson Jr.: Shined with a sack, helping the defense overwhelm the offensive line.

• Pass Breakups Galore: Defensive backs Edwin Joseph, Charles Lester III, and Fentrell Cypress III showcased their playmaking ability, breaking up multiple passes.

Special Teams and NFL Presence

• Ryan Fitzgerald: Continued his stellar season, nailing field goals from 47 and 51 yards in windy conditions.

• Scouts in Attendance: NFL representatives from the Panthers, Patriots, Giants, and Eagles observed the session, underscoring the program’s talent pool.

What’s Next

FSU’s defense looks poised to carry its momentum into Saturday’s matchup, while the offense works to address consistency and capitalize on its opportunities.

Read more here.

🏈 Revamping the Trenches: FSU’s Path to Offensive Line Rebuild 🏈

Florida State faces a critical offseason challenge: rebuilding an offensive line that has struggled mightily. With multiple starters departing and lingering questions about the current roster’s depth and talent, the Seminoles must rely heavily on the Transfer Portal to address this glaring weakness.

The State of the Line

• Departures: Three starters, including Darius Washington, Maurice Smith, and Jeremiah Byers, will exhaust their eligibility, along with key rotational players.

• Potential Returners: Jaylen Early and Jake Rizy have shown promise but remain unproven at a high level. Lucas Simmons, a Top 100 prospect, has struggled with development due to injuries.

Key Questions

1. Can existing players step up? Early and Rizy have flashed potential but need consistency. Lucas Simmons and Richie Leonard must prove they can be building blocks for 2025.

2. What impact will the new offensive line coach have? Retaining or motivating current players under new leadership is a critical factor.

The Transfer Portal Strategy

Florida State will need to secure at least 3-5 starting-caliber linemen in a highly competitive portal market. Tackles are a top priority, and while difficult to find, calculated gambles and NIL investment will be essential.

Read more here.

🏈 Recruiting Struggles Mount as FSU Fights to Hold the 2025 Class 🏈

Florida State’s 2025 recruiting class continues to unravel amid a challenging season, with high-profile decommitments, persistent flips to rivals, and visits to other schools from committed prospects. Despite the turmoil, head coach Mike Norvell remains focused on salvaging the class as the early signing period looms.

Key Developments

• Flips and Visits:

  • Byron Louis (4-star RB): Returning to Florida this weekend for an official visit, raising concerns about his commitment to FSU.

  • Gregory Thomas (4-star DB): Planning visits elsewhere amid uncertainty about the coaching staff.

  • Kevin Wynn (4-star DL): Trending toward South Carolina, with a visit to FSU still unconfirmed.

• Positive Notes:

  • Carter Smith (4-star QB): FSU remains the favorite to land the dynamic signal-caller, with a Tallahassee visit on the horizon.

  • Chase Loftin (4-star TE): Expected to reaffirm his commitment with a return visit for the FSU-UF game.

The Coaching Factor

FSU’s coaching changes, including dismissals of key coordinators and rumors of further departures, have fueled doubts for recruits. Defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain’s potential move to Southern Miss only adds to the uncertainty.

Read more here.

And that’s a wrap!

Whether it’s Corey Craig making history on the tennis court, top recruits considering the garnet and gold, or the team fighting to rebound from a tough season, the Seminoles continue to show grit and determination.

Let’s rally behind the players, coaches, and recruits shaping the future of Florida State!

Till next time,
Stay bold. Stay Seminole strong. 🏹✨