Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Victory Sunday, Seminole!

We’ve got the recap on everything at Doak and all our other squads in action:

🏈 Homecoming Dominance 🏈
Florida State football secured its second win of the season in style, defeating Charleston Southern 41-7. Freshman QB Luke Kromenhoek shined in his first start, and the defense delivered its best performance of the year.

🏀 Noles Top Gators in Rivalry Win 🏀
Women’s basketball soared past Florida 98-74, fueled by a 20-0 second-quarter run and standout performances from Ta’Niya Latson, O’Mariah Gordon, and Makayla Timpson.

🎾 Historic Tennis Semifinal Run 🎾
Youcef Rihane and Alex Bulte capped off a remarkable season by reaching the NCAA doubles semifinals, marking back-to-back appearances for FSU in program history.

🏃‍♀️ Cross Country’s National Stage 🏃‍♀️
Women’s cross country wrapped up its impressive season with a 24th-place finish at the NCAA Championships, climbing the national rankings throughout the year.

🏊‍♀️ Swimming & Diving’s Record Day 🏊‍♂️
FSU swimming and diving broke school records and claimed multiple top-three finishes on the opening day of the Georgia Tech Invitational, with NCAA standard marks aplenty.

🏈 Coaching & Recruiting Updates 🏈
The Seminoles zero in on Brennan Marion for offensive coordinator, while recruiting heats up with key visits and potential flips ahead of Signing Day.

🏈 FSU Dominates Charleston Southern in Homecoming Victory 🏈

Florida State football picked up its second win of the season in commanding fashion, defeating Charleston Southern 41-7 at Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday.

The Seminoles delivered their most complete performance of the year during the annual Seminole Heritage and Homecoming game, fueled by Luke Kromenhoek’s standout performance and a relentless defensive effort.

🔑 Game Highlights:

• Offensive Breakthrough: The Seminoles recorded a season-high 415 total yards (240 passing, 175 rushing), with Kromenhoek throwing for 209 yards and three touchdowns on 13-of-20 passing.

• Defensive Lockdown: FSU held Charleston Southern scoreless for the first three quarters, the first time since 2016, and allowed only seven points—the fewest by an opponent this season.

• Special Teams Impact: Kicker Ryan Fitzgerald continued his perfect season with a 25-yard field goal, tying the second-longest streak in school history with 12 consecutive makes to start the year.

🎙 Key Players:

• Luke Kromenhoek: Threw for three touchdowns, including a 71-yard strike to Ja’Khi Douglas, marking the longest pass and reception of the season for FSU.

• Caziah Holmes: Rushed for two touchdowns, including an 18-yarder in the fourth quarter.

• Ja’Khi Douglas: Led the team with 82 receiving yards, highlighted by his career-long 71-yard touchdown catch.

• Ryan Fitzgerald: Added five extra points to his total, placing him at No. 4 on FSU’s all-time PAT list with 179.

• Defensive Standouts: Ja’Bril Rawls led the team with seven tackles, while Patrick Payton recorded two tackles for loss. Ashlynd Barker notched his first career interception, setting up a field goal.

📊 Game Summary:
After a scoreless first quarter, FSU opened the scoring with a Fitzgerald field goal early in the second. Special teams provided a spark as a fumbled punt return by Charleston Southern was recovered by Shawn Murphy, setting up a Kromenhoek-to-Williams touchdown pass. Holmes added a rushing touchdown before halftime to extend the lead to 17-0.

FSU struck immediately in the second half with a 71-yard Kromenhoek-to-Douglas touchdown. Hykeem Williams added a 10-yard touchdown reception, and a field goal by Jake Weinberg extended the lead to 34-0. Holmes capped off the scoring with his second rushing touchdown before Charleston Southern managed a late touchdown against FSU’s reserves.

🚨 What’s Next:
The Seminoles (2-9) will conclude their season next Saturday in a primetime showdown against in-state rival Florida at Doak Campbell Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 or 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

Read more here and here.

🏀 Seminoles Soar Past Gators in 98-74 Rivalry Win 🏀

Florida State women’s basketball (5-1) delivered a dominant 98-74 victory over Florida (3-2) at the Donald L. Tucker Center, marking their third consecutive win in the rivalry. A 20-0 second-quarter run sealed the deal as FSU pulled away for their fourth-largest margin of victory in series history.

🔑 Top Performers:

• Ta’Niya Latson: 25 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists.

• O’Mariah Gordon: 19 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals.

• Makayla Timpson: 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks.

📊 Game Highlights:

• Breakout Second Quarter: FSU outscored Florida 31-15, holding the Gators to 33% shooting.

• Team Effort: Four players scored in double figures, and the defense forced 11 steals.

• Strong Finish: The Noles maintained their dominance, outscoring Florida 27-20 in the final quarter.

💬 Coach Brooke Wyckoff:
“Our second quarter was amazing defensively, and it led to our best offensive quarter. I’m proud of the team’s effort and buy-in.”

🚨 Next Up:
FSU heads to the Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands, starting against Texas Tech on Nov. 28 at 8 p.m.

Read more here.

🎾 Rihane & Bulte Shine in Historic NCAA Semifinal Run 🎾

Youcef Rihane and Alex Bulte capped off an exceptional performance at the NCAA Men’s Tennis Individual Championships, reaching the doubles semifinals for the second consecutive year—a first in Florida State program history.

🔑 Match Recap:

• The semifinal match saw eight straight service games, leading to a tight 4-4 first set before Michigan broke serve to claim the set.

• Despite winning two service games in the second set, the Seminole duo fell to the Wolverines, concluding their tournament run.

🎖 Historic Achievements:

• Second FSU pairing to reach the doubles semifinals.

• Third FSU duo to earn ITA All-American status.

• First time FSU earned All-American honors in both singles and doubles championships in the same season.

🚨 What’s Next:
The Seminoles wrap up their fall season and will begin defending their conference title in January.

Read more here.

🏃‍♀️ FSU Women’s Cross Country Finishes 24th at NCAA Championships 🏃‍♀️

The Florida State women’s cross country team wrapped up its impressive 2024 season with a 24th-place finish at the NCAA Championships in Madison, Wisconsin, on Saturday.

🔑 Top Performers:

• Bieke Schipperen: Led the Noles, finishing 57th with a time of 20:16.9.

• Agnes McTighe: Placed 130th at 20:43.9.

• Brooke Mullins: Finished 140th with a time of 20:45.9.

• Elizabeth Barlow: First-time Nationals competitor, placed 176th at 20:59.8.

• Rebecca Bergnes: Rounded out the team in 221st at 21:24.8.

🎙 Coach’s Reflection:
“It’s a privilege to coach this group,” said head coach Cody Halsey. “From being ranked 11th in the ACC to 24th nationally, this season was a testament to their dedication. We’re closer to our ultimate goal and excited for the future.”

📊 Season Highlights:

• FSU climbed from 8th in their region to 24th nationally.

• Secured two regular-season wins and four All-Region honors.

The Noles’ 2024 campaign showcased remarkable growth, setting the stage for an even brighter future.

Read more here.

🏊‍♀️ FSU Swimming & Diving Shines with Record-Breaking Day at Georgia Tech Invite 🏊‍♂️

Florida State swimming and diving opened the Georgia Tech Invitational in record-setting fashion, claiming nine top-three finishes, three victories, and achieving multiple NCAA qualifying times on Friday in Atlanta.

🔑 Key Highlights:

• School Records Broken:

  • Logan Robinson set an FSU record in the 200-yard butterfly (1:41.50), surpassing a nine-year-old mark.

  • The women’s 400 medley relay team (Velden, Huggins, Jernstedt, Muzito) claimed victory with an FSU-record time of 3:31.68.

• Dominant Relays:

  • Men’s 400 medley relay (Wilson, Baravelli, Robinson, Yanchev) secured first with an NCAA A qualifying time (3:04.69).

  • Both men’s and women’s 200 freestyle relays posted NCAA B times.

🎖 Individual Wins:

• Sam Bork: Won the 50 freestyle final with a time of 19.18 (No. 4 all-time at FSU).

• Samantha Vear: Took the women’s 1-meter diving title (325.95), with teammate Kayleigh Clark finishing second.

📊 Top Performers:

• Maddy Huggins: Recorded the second-fastest 200 IM in program history (1:56.76).

• Edith Jernstedt: Achieved an NCAA B mark in the 200 IM prelims (1:58.25).

• Gloria Muzito: Clocked the fourth-fastest 50 freestyle in FSU history (22.36).

📅 What’s Next:
Competition continues through Sunday with prelims at 10 a.m. and finals at 5 p.m. ET. Live coverage is available on ACCNX and Meet Mobile.

Read more here.

🏈 FSU Offensive Coordinator Search and Recruiting Buzz 🏈

As the Seminoles continue to reshape their staff and pursue key talent, here’s the latest on FSU’s offensive coordinator search and critical recruitments leading up to the Early Signing Period:

🔍 Offensive Coordinator Search

• Brennan Marion remains the top name for the OC position.

  • Sources indicate players, recruits, and program insiders believe Marion is the likely hire.

  • Marion’s innovative offensive approach and connections to the program have made him the standout candidate.

🔑 Recruiting Updates

1️⃣ Tavion Wallace – 4-Star LB (Arkansas Commit)

• Status: Took an unofficial visit for the Charleston Southern game and plans to return for the FSU-UF game next weekend.

• Recruitment Insights:

  • Wallace praised FSU’s consistent communication and relationship-building, stating, “The whole staff has recruited me, so it’s not just one guy.”

  • Highlighted the development of sophomore linebacker Blake Nichelson as a standout factor in FSU’s favor.

  • Unbothered by win-loss records, Wallace values work ethic, behind-the-scenes improvement, and personal relationships.

• FSU’s Position: Strong contender to flip Wallace, competing with Arkansas and Georgia. Wallace acknowledged, “FSU is the biggest threat.”

2️⃣ Peyton Joseph – 4-Star OL Commit

• Status: Recruitment reopened after Alex Atkins’ dismissal but appears to be stabilizing.

• Contenders: Georgia Tech and Mississippi State remain active, but FSU has improved its standing.

• FSU Outlook: Mike Norvell’s direct involvement has reassured Joseph about the program’s offensive future, keeping FSU in the lead.

3️⃣ Justus Terry – 5-Star DL

• Status: Considering a visit to Tallahassee for the Florida game, potentially his final stop before signing.

• Recruitment History: Georgia is the perceived leader, with Auburn also making a late push.

• FSU’s Strategy: Continuing consistent communication to stay in contention.

4️⃣ Zahir Mathis – Top247 Edge Rusher

• Status: Delaying his signing until February, creating a longer recruitment window.

• Competition: Michigan, Miami, and USC are pursuing Mathis alongside FSU.

• FSU Position: Leveraging defensive line needs and program ties to remain a top contender.

⚡ Rapid-Fire Recruiting Notes

• Kevin Wynn (4-Star DT Commit): South Carolina is the likely landing spot, though Georgia, Texas, and USC remain involved.

• Tae’shaun Gelsey (UF WR Commit): FSU is appealing with a wide receiver pitch versus UF’s flex tight end role. He’s expected to visit for the FSU-UF game, with a decision expected by December 4.

• UF Game Visitors:

  • Confirmed: Ole Miss 4-star Edge commit Tylon Lee, FSU 4-star QB commit Kevin Sperry, JUCO 3-star DL Tyeland Coleman, USF 3-star OT commit Sean Poret.

  • Likely Unavailable: Oregon 5-star WR commit Dallas Wilson is expected to visit Oregon instead.

🗨️ Wallace’s Take on FSU

• Why Visit Now?: “The bond I have with the coaches and players is one of the main things.”

• Impression of FSU Defense: Praised young players' contributions and the momentum shift in the Charleston Southern win.

• Norvell’s Impact: Wallace emphasized the strong relationship he has with FSU’s head coach, noting, “He feels I would be a perfect fit for this team.”

• Consistency Matters: “The record doesn’t even bother me… It’s the personality, the work ethic I see behind the scenes.”

Read more here and here and here

And that’s a wrap!

This week showcased resilience, triumph, and vision for what’s next. Whether it’s a dominant Homecoming win, a record-setting performance in the pool, or the chess moves on the recruiting trail, the Seminoles are building momentum. Rivalry week is just around the corner, and the stakes have never been higher.

Let’s carry this energy into next week’s faceoff with Florida—where legacy meets opportunity.

Until next time, stay inspired, stay loyal, and Go Noles! 🏹