Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Thanksgiving, Seminole!

Today’s edition dives into women’s basketball gearing up for the Paradise Jam, volleyball wrapping up its season, beach volleyball unveiling its 2025 schedule, and updates on the Seminoles' recruiting efforts as the Early Signing Period approaches. Plus, a breakdown of FSU’s big rivalry showdown against the Florida Gators!

🏀 FSU Women’s Hoops Ready for Paradise Jam 🏀
The Seminoles head to the Virgin Islands for the Paradise Jam, looking to build on their nation-leading scoring average of 100.7 points per game.

🏐 FSU Volleyball Falls to No. 10 SMU 🏐
A hard-fought battle against SMU keeps the Noles focused as they close out their regular season on Friday.

🏖️ FSU Beach Volleyball Unveils 2025 Schedule 🏖️
Mark your calendars! The Seminoles set sights on an NCAA Championship with exciting matchups and a road to Huntington Beach.

🏈 Samari Matthews Narrows Top 8 Schools 🏈
Top 2026 cornerback prospect Samari Matthews keeps Florida State in his final eight as recruitment heats up.

🏈 Four-Star Edge Rusher LaJesse Harrold Set for FSU Visit 🏈
The Seminoles aim to flip LSU commit LaJesse Harrold during this critical recruiting weekend.

🏈 FSU Fighting to Keep Key Offensive Line Commitments 🏈
The Seminoles focus on retaining pledges from four-star Mario Nash Jr. and five-star Solomon Thomas amid coaching changes.

🏈 FSU Hosting Key Recruits for Season Finale vs. Florida 🏈
The Seminoles welcome a star-studded lineup of visitors, making this rivalry weekend a must-win both on and off the field.

🏈 Florida State Prepares for Rivalry Clash Against Florida 🏈
As the Seminoles take on the Gators, all eyes are on DJ Lagway and a Florida team looking for a signature win on the road.

Let’s dive in! 🏹

🏀 FSU Women’s Hoops Ready for Paradise Jam 🏀

Florida State women’s basketball (5-1) is set to showcase its high-powered offense at the Paradise Jam in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. The Seminoles, who lead the nation in scoring at 100.7 points per game, will face three opponents over three days, starting Thursday night.

🔑 Tournament Schedule:

• Thursday, 8 PM: vs. Texas Tech (6-0)

• Friday, 5:30 PM: vs. Missouri State (3-1)

• Saturday, 8 PM: vs. Gonzaga (4-2)

📊 Matchup History:
FSU holds a 1-5 all-time record against these three teams combined. The last time they played in the Paradise Jam (2016), the Seminoles went 3-0, including a win over Gonzaga.

🌟 Last Time Out:
Florida State dominated rival Florida with a 98-74 win, marking their third straight victory over the Gators.

• Ta'Niya Latson: Nation-leading 26.8 PPG, added 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.

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

• Makayla Timpson: Tallied 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks, including a career-high 9 points at the free throw line.

• Malea Williams: Grabbed a team-high 11 rebounds.

Read more here

🏐 FSU Volleyball Falls to No. 10 SMU 🏐

The No. 21 Florida State volleyball team (20-9, 12-7) battled but ultimately fell to No. 10 SMU (24-6, 16-3) in three hard-fought sets (25-27, 23-25, 21-25) on Wednesday afternoon at Tully Gym.

🔑 Match Highlights:

• Set One Drama:

  • FSU rallied with a 6-0 run to take a late 23-20 lead, but SMU stormed back to claim the set.

  • Khori Louis: Dominated with 7 kills on 7 attempts and added 4 blocks.

• Set Two Fight:

  • Neither team led by more than three points, but SMU held on for another narrow win, 25-23.

• Set Three Comeback Attempts:

  • FSU took its first lead of the set at 17-16, but SMU closed it out with a 25-21 victory.

🌟 Standout Performances:

• Khori Louis: Led the team with 14 kills and 5 blocks.

• Taylor Head: Contributed 12 kills to the Noles’ offensive effort.

🚨 What’s Next:
The Seminoles will wrap up their regular season on Friday with a road match against Wake Forest. First serve is set for noon on ACCNX.

Read more here

🏖️ Florida State Beach Volleyball Unveils 2025 Schedule 🏖️

Head coach Brooke Niles has announced the 2025 schedule for Florida State’s beach volleyball team, as the Seminoles aim to build on last season’s impressive 31-8 campaign.

🔑 Key Highlights:

• Season Opener:

  • February 21 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, at the Southern Miss Tournament.

• Home Matches:

  • February 28-March 1 (Seminole Beach Bash).

  • April 4-5 (FSU Unconquered Invitational).

• Championship Events:

  • CCSA Tournament: April 24-25 in Huntsville, Alabama.

  • NCAA Tournament: May 2-4 in Huntington Beach, California.

🌟 Coach Niles’ Milestones:

• Entering her 10th season at FSU, Niles is the winningest coach in NCAA beach volleyball history.

• In 2024, she earned her seventh CCSA Championship and CCSA Coach of the Year honors.

🏆 Road to Glory:

• The Seminoles have appeared in every NCAA tournament since its inception in 2016, finishing as national runner-up three times.

• With a mix of returning stars and exciting new talent, FSU is eyeing its first NCAA Championship.

Read more here

🏈 Samari Matthews Narrows Top 8 Schools 🏈

Cornelius (NC) Hough’s standout cornerback, Samari Matthews, one of the nation’s top defensive backs in the 2026 class, has trimmed his recruitment list to eight schools. The 6-0, 180-pound Top247 talent is focusing on South Carolina, Clemson, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Penn State, and Florida State.

🌟 Matthews’ Insights:

• South Carolina:
  "They’ve shown love since I was a freshman. Coach Beamer and coach Gray have something special going, and the fan base is one of the best."

• Clemson:
  "Coach Reed knows ball and can develop me into the player I want to be. They make me feel like part of the team."

• Alabama:
  "The new staff impressed me, especially after visiting during the Georgia game. They’re always checking in."

• Tennessee:
  "Coach Banks and the staff make me feel like I’m a need for the Vols. I can definitely see myself in Knoxville."

• Georgia:
  "Talking with coach Hudson and seeing Georgia’s defense dominate on Saturdays made them a clear contender."

• North Carolina:
  "UNC gives a family feel. I know half the staff, and coach Jones has really pulled me in."

• Penn State:
  "One of my best visits ever. The love and care they show make me feel truly wanted."

• Florida State:
  "FSU knows how to develop defensive backs. Coach Surtain is someone I trust to take my game to the next level."

📊 The Road Ahead:
Ranked as the No. 136 overall player in the 2026 class, Matthews will continue visits and conversations before making his decision. FSU fans will hope Coach Surtain’s track record with defensive backs keeps the Noles in the mix.

Read more here

🏈 Four-Star Edge Rusher LaJesse Harrold Set for FSU Visit 🏈

Florida State is making a late push for LaJesse Harrold, a four-star edge rusher currently committed to LSU. Harrold will visit Tallahassee this weekend as the Seminoles look to bolster their No. 46-ranked 2025 recruiting class.

🌟 Recruitment Highlights:

• Current Commitment: Harrold has been pledged to LSU since June.

• Key Recruiter: Defensive ends coach John Papuchis is leading FSU’s efforts.

• Other Offers: Florida, Georgia, Miami, Penn State, and Texas A&M.

📊 Senior Stats:
32 tackles, 14 TFLs, 11 sacks, and 4 fumble recoveries.

🎯 Scouting Snapshot:
At 6’5” and 215 pounds, Harrold is a dynamic athlete with NFL upside, showcasing elite speed and versatility. While still refining his technique, his energy and athleticism make him a high-ceiling prospect.

Read more here

🏈 FSU Fighting to Keep Key Offensive Line Commitments 🏈

Florida State is navigating a high-stakes finish to the 2025 recruiting cycle, working to secure the commitments of four-star Mario Nash Jr. and five-star Solomon Thomas amid coaching changes and external pressures.

🔑 Mario Nash Jr.: Locked In

• Status: The Kemper County (Miss.) standout flipped from Mississippi State earlier this season and remains committed despite FSU’s struggles and the firing of OL coach Alex Atkins.

• Key Relationship: Nash’s trust in head coach Mike Norvell and assistant OL coach Gabe Fertitta keeps him firm in his pledge.

• Quote: “I trust that Coach Norvell is going to get the right guy to develop us.”

• Next Steps: Nash plans to sign early next week and enroll in January.

🔑 Solomon Thomas: Decision Pending

• Status: Thomas, committed since last December, is weighing his options after visits to Florida and LSU, citing the OL coaching vacancy as pivotal.

• Key Quote: “I just need a coach to play for. It’s hard to commit to a school without a coach.”

• Timeline: Thomas may delay signing until FSU announces its new OL coach but doesn’t plan to wait long.

• Competition: Both Florida and LSU are making strong pitches, emphasizing their need for Thomas as a cornerstone player.

Read more here and here

🏈 FSU Hosting Key Recruits for Season Finale vs. Florida 🏈

Florida State’s regular-season finale against the Florida Gators on Saturday is shaping up to be a pivotal weekend for recruiting, as the Seminoles prepare for the Early Signing Period starting next week.

🔑 Weekend Highlights:

• The matchup offers FSU its final chance to impress prospects before signing day.

• With a current No. 46-ranked recruiting class, the Seminoles aim to make significant strides.

🌟 Expected Visitors:
Official Visitors:

• 5-star WR Dallas Wilson (Oregon commit): Possible visit.

• 4-star Edge Tylon Lee (Ole Miss commit).

• 4-star Edge LaJesse Harrold (LSU commit).

• 3-star WR Teriq Mallory (West Virginia commit).

• 3-star JUCO DL Tyeland Coleman.

• 3-star OT Sean Poret (USF commit).

Unofficial Visitors:

• 5-star iOL Solomon Thomas (FSU commit): Likely visit.

• 4-star OT Mario Nash Jr. (FSU commit).

• 4-star WR Tae’shaun Gelsey (UF commit).

• 5-star DL Justus Terry: Possible visit.

• 4-star LB Tavion Wallace (Arkansas commit).

Read more here

🏈 Florida State Prepares for Rivalry Clash Against Florida 🏈

Florida State wraps up the regular season with a highly anticipated showdown against in-state rival Florida this Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium.

With the Early Signing Period just a week away, this game not only carries major bragging rights but also serves as a critical opportunity for FSU to impress recruits and build momentum heading into 2025.

🔑 Key Game Details:

• 📅 When: Saturday, November 30, 7 PM ET

• 📺 Where to Watch: ESPN2

🌟 Spotlight on UF QB DJ Lagway:

• True freshman DJ Lagway has injected new life into the Gators’ offense, leading them to a 4-1 record in his starts.

• With an impressive 97.3 passing grade on deep throws, Lagway has established himself as a big-play threat, throwing 12 passes of 40+ yards this season.

• Supported by a strong running game and a seasoned offensive line, Lagway’s dual-threat capabilities—both as a passer and runner—make him a significant challenge for FSU’s defense.

📊 Key Matchup Stats:

• Florida’s Strengths:

  • Averaging 403.8 total yards of offense with Lagway under center.

  • 17 takeaways this season, including 11 interceptions—their most since 2019.

  • Standout special teams anchored by punter Jeremy Crawshaw (46.3 yards/punt, 5th nationally) and kicker Trey Smack (81.3% FG accuracy).

• Florida’s Weaknesses:

  • Despite their improved play with Lagway, the Gators have struggled on the road, going 3-19 in their last 22 contests outside Gainesville.

  • Defensive inconsistencies have left them allowing over 400 yards per game, ranking 103rd nationally in total defense.

• FSU’s Edge:

  • The Seminoles have won two straight in the rivalry and hold a 9-4 series advantage since 2010.

  • With a strong home-field presence, FSU looks to exploit Florida’s road woes to close the season on a high note.

Read more here and here

And that’s a wrap!

As the Seminoles charge into a pivotal weekend, both on the court and the gridiron, every play and every visit counts. Whether it’s clinching a Paradise Jam win, wrapping up volleyball’s season strong, or securing those all-important commitments, Florida State is poised for action. Let’s finish the year with a bang, Noles!

Until next time – keep the Garnet and Gold spirit alive! 🎯