Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

After another miserable game day, all eyes turn to the future for football. Here’s the breakdown for today’s news:

🏈 Seminoles Collapse Against UNC, Drop to 1-8 🏈
Florida State’s struggles continue, as the Seminoles fell 35-11 to North Carolina, marking their fifth straight loss and the worst ACC record in program history at 1-7. The offense sputtered once again, while Omarion Hampton dominated with five touchdowns and 265 total yards.

🏈 Mike Norvell Reflects on FSU’s Struggles After UNC Loss 🏈
After the crushing defeat, head coach Mike Norvell took responsibility but expressed unwavering confidence in the program’s future. Despite frustrations, he believes the team can bounce back, though their confidence has been shaken.

🚨 Calls for Mike Norvell to Shake Up FSU Staff Immediately 🚨
The Osceola is calling for Mike Norvell to make staff changes before the season ends, pointing to repeated failures on offense and defense. With mounting pressure, will Norvell make a move, or will he stick with his current coaching staff?

🌟 Four-Star WR/TE Tae’shaun Gelsey Visits FSU Amid Recruitment Shake-Up 🌟
Top recruit Tae’shaun Gelsey visited FSU this weekend, and despite the rough season, he’s still intrigued by the program. Gelsey is eager to learn more about life at FSU beyond football as he evaluates his options.

🔥 FSU’s Top Offensive Recruits Remain Firm Despite Season Woes 🔥
Despite FSU’s 1-8 record, four-star quarterback Tramell Jones and running back Byron Louis remain firm in their commitments. Both players are recruiting other top talent and are determined to bring FSU back to prominence.

🏈 Four-Star RB Ousmane Kromah Visits Doak 🏈
Georgia commit and four-star running back Ousmane Kromah made another trip to Tallahassee. While he remains committed to the Bulldogs, FSU is still in the mix as they aim to flip this elite talent.

🏈 Seminoles Collapse Against UNC, Drop to 1-8 🏈

Horrible and hapless. Florida State suffered a demoralizing 35-11 defeat to North Carolina on Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium, extending their losing streak to five games. With the loss, the Seminoles fall to 1-8 on the season and end ACC play at 1-7, the worst conference mark in program history.

⚡ A Glimpse of Hope
FSU took an early 3-0 lead with a booming 56-yard field goal from Ryan Fitzgerald, who remains perfect from beyond 50 yards this season. But the momentum quickly shifted as UNC's Omarion Hampton scored two short rushing touchdowns, and the Seminoles went into halftime trailing 14-3.

🚨 Second-Half Disaster
UNC opened the second half with a swift 75-yard drive capped by Hampton's 31-yard touchdown run. FSU briefly showed life when Brock Glenn connected on a 50-yard bomb to Malik Benson, setting up a 28-yard touchdown to Ja’Khi Douglas. A successful two-point conversion cut the deficit to 21-11, but Hampton responded with a 43-yard burst, leading to his fourth rushing touchdown. He later added a 49-yard catch-and-run score, finishing with 172 rushing yards, 93 receiving yards, and five total touchdowns—the most by any player against FSU since Lamar Jackson in 2016.

🤕 Injuries and Ineffective Play
FSU's offense sputtered, with quarterbacks Brock Glenn and Luke Kromenhoek both struggling under pressure. Glenn went 6-of-11 for 123 yards and a touchdown, while Kromenhoek completed just 2-of-7 passes with two interceptions. The Seminoles allowed seven sacks, matching the highest total under head coach Mike Norvell. Defensively, linebacker Justin Cryer was carted off late in the third quarter, likely ending his season.

👀 What’s Next?
With only three games left, FSU heads to South Bend to face No. 15 Notre Dame next Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on NBC. Can the Seminoles salvage any pride as this nightmare of a season winds down?

Read more here and here.

🏈 Mike Norvell Reflects on FSU’s Struggles After UNC Loss 🏈

Florida State’s 35-11 loss to North Carolina on Saturday marked a historic low point, ending their ACC season at 1-7—the worst conference record in program history. With their sixth consecutive defeat, the Seminoles now sit at 1-8 overall. After the game, head coach Mike Norvell didn’t hold back in his assessment of the team’s performance and the season's challenges.

🎙 Opening Statement
“Obviously, a very disappointing outcome,” Norvell began. “Congratulations to Carolina. They did a great job and really dominated the game in pretty much all phases—offense, defense, special teams. We have to be better than what we put on display today.” Norvell emphasized the importance of establishing the run game and stopping the Tar Heels’ star running back, Omarion Hampton. Both goals went unmet, as Hampton racked up 265 total yards and five touchdowns.

😔 Confidence Issues
When asked about the players’ shaken confidence, Norvell admitted, “I do think that the course of the season has shaken our confidence in a lot of ways. The response when there’s a negative play just hasn’t been what we train for or emphasize.” He expressed frustration at the lack of spark and resilience, adding, “It’s something we need to get back because we have some really good players who aren’t showing what they’re capable of consistently.”

🚨 Effort and Accountability
Pressed on whether he felt the team quit in the second half, Norvell was clear: “I don’t think they quit. I do think the confidence was... it got caught up in some of the negative things that happened.” He took full responsibility for the team’s struggles, stating, “This all comes back to me because I have the privilege of being the leader of this program.”

🔄 Quarterback Rotation
FSU once again rotated quarterbacks, with Brock Glenn and Luke Kromenhoek both seeing action. Glenn finished 6-of-11 for 123 yards and a touchdown, while Kromenhoek was 2-of-7 with two interceptions. Norvell explained, “Luke was limited this week coming into it. He wasn’t able to get the full week of practice... but both of these guys are young and talented. They’re learning in real-time under difficult circumstances.”

💬 Looking Ahead and Staying Committed
Despite the turmoil, Norvell remains unwavering in his belief in the program’s future. “I’ve been through the highs and lows in football, and in life,” he said. “I know what it needs to look like, and I know how to build it back. Am I pissed off about it? Yes. But my confidence in where we’re going hasn’t wavered.” He acknowledged the frustrations of fans and boosters but insisted, “The belief in what’s ahead is a choice. We’re going to get this program back to where it’s supposed to be.”

🔜 Next Up: Notre Dame
The Seminoles travel to South Bend to face Notre Dame next Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on NBC. With only three games left, FSU aims to salvage some pride and end the season on a positive note.

Read more here

🚨 Calls for Mike Norvell to Shake Up FSU Staff Immediately 🚨

Florida State’s 35-11 defeat at the hands of North Carolina has left no doubt: the Seminoles’ 1-8 season is spiraling out of control, and the fanbase is demanding action. The call for change has reached a fever pitch, with The Osceola making a pointed plea for head coach Mike Norvell to address the coaching deficiencies before the season's end.

💥 Staff Under Fire
The blowout loss to UNC, a team that previously surrendered 70 points to James Madison, was yet another chapter in a season plagued by offensive and defensive breakdowns. FSU managed just 201 yards of total offense, marking the 12th consecutive game they failed to reach 300 yards. As the Seminoles’ offensive playcaller, Norvell bears much of the blame, but key members of his staff, including offensive coordinator Alex Atkins and defensive coordinator Adam Fuller, are equally culpable.

🔄 Time for Immediate Action
Despite the dismal performances, Norvell has been reluctant to make in-season staff changes. When asked postgame if he’s considered reshuffling his staff, Norvell responded, “I’m evaluating everything. I care about these players, I care about this year... If I feel that the best thing to do is to make a change, then obviously I’d make the change.” But with eight different starting offensive lineups in nine games, and a defense ranked 108th nationally in third-down stops, time is running out.

🏈 Offensive Struggles Highlight the Need for Change
Alex Atkins, who was once celebrated for transforming FSU’s offensive line, has watched his unit regress dramatically. Injuries have been a factor, but they can’t excuse the Seminoles’ inability to protect their quarterbacks or generate a consistent run game. Against UNC, FSU allowed a season-high seven sacks and managed just 42 rushing yards on 28 attempts.

🔍 Defensive Failures Add to the Pressure
On the other side of the ball, Adam Fuller’s defense has failed to capitalize on its talent. The Seminoles allowed UNC to convert 11 of 16 third downs, a recurring issue that places them near the bottom nationally in this category. Even more alarming, FSU’s defense has forced just two turnovers all season. The Osceola notes that these struggles have become an indictment of Fuller’s leadership, as talented players are failing to execute in critical situations.

🛑 No More Small Measures
The Osceola argues that the gravity of this season requires decisive action. While Norvell’s prohibitive buyout likely secures his job for another year, his staff does not have the same luxury. The publication insists that making a statement — even if it means firing a coach midseason — is necessary to show that the current state of affairs is unacceptable.

Norvell himself admits, “We’ve not done a good enough job... We have to take ownership of it. It’s my job to get it fixed.” Yet fixing it requires more than talk; it demands accountability and a willingness to make tough decisions now.

Will Norvell heed the growing calls for change, or will he stick with the status quo as FSU’s nightmare season continues? All eyes are on Doak Campbell Stadium as the Seminoles brace for another tough test at Notre Dame.

🌟 Four-Star WR/TE Tae'shaun Gelsey Visits FSU Amid Recruitment Shake-Up 🌟

Florida wide receiver and tight end commit Tae'shaun Gelsey was among four recruits taking an official visit to Florida State this weekend, and his presence has become increasingly significant for the Seminoles. With FSU having lost all three of its previous wide receiver commitments this season, Gelsey has quickly risen as a top priority for the coaching staff since being offered just weeks ago.

🎙 Gelsey on His Visit
Despite the 35-11 loss to North Carolina, Gelsey remains open-minded about the potential of joining FSU. “I’ve always had communication with them, so I think the visit was needed,” Gelsey explained. “You never know what can happen.”

While the game highlighted areas for improvement, Gelsey noted some key takeaways: “They have a lot of potential. Just a lot of plays, weaknesses that they need to clean up on. Cleaning up on their mistakes to make them their strengths.”

🍽 Experience So Far
Having arrived Friday night, Gelsey has already participated in several aspects of the visit, including meals, academic meetings, and discussions with the staff. However, much of his experience is still to come. “Not much yet. We did eat, and we did the academic part, meetings. I think mostly everything that we're doing is after this, and tomorrow,” he shared.

🏫 Exploring Life Beyond Football
Beyond football, Gelsey is eager to understand the broader experience at Florida State. “Just the life here outside of football,” he said. “Everyone knows the football side here, but school-wise, and I’d have to be in the community here, so just seeing everything outside of football.”

Gelsey, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound four-star recruit, is ranked No. 346 overall and is considered the No. 18 tight end in the nation, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Read more here

🔥 FSU’s Top Offensive Recruits Remain Firm Despite Season Woes 🔥

Despite Florida State’s 1-8 record following another tough loss on Saturday, the Seminoles’ top offensive recruits for the Class of 2025 remain steadfast and optimistic about the program’s future. Warchant caught up with four-star quarterback Tramell Jones and four-star running back Byron Louis to hear their thoughts on FSU's season and their commitment to the ‘Noles.

💬 Byron Louis: Staying the Course
Byron Louis, a standout from American Heritage, committed to FSU knowing full well the challenges the team faced on the field. But he’s unfazed by the struggles. “Even though the team outcome wasn’t what they were looking for, they weren’t hanging their heads, and they know the future is bright,” Louis said. He emphasized the unity of FSU’s 2025 recruiting class, noting, “The guys in our recruiting class, we speak once a week... We are going to bring FSU back to the way it was.”

Louis also praised the Seminoles’ running back rotation and versatility. “They run three backs every game, and it’s going to be beneficial,” he said. Highlighting his experience as a receiver, he added, “I’m very comfortable [as a receiver]. I can line up at the X, Y, everywhere.”

While other schools have reached out, Louis made it clear he’s firmly committed to FSU and will return to Tallahassee for the Florida game later this month.

💬 Tramell Jones: Recruiting for the Future
Quarterback commit Tramell Jones hasn’t wavered in his dedication to the Seminoles, and he’s actively working to recruit other top talents. “The visit isn’t over yet as I have some guys [recruits] to see and talk with,” Jones said, adding that he was impressed by moments of offensive spark on Saturday. “When everything falls into place... they just have to capitalize. It’s the small things that will go up from there.”

Jones expressed unwavering confidence in head coach Mike Norvell. “Just the vision, belief in what they are doing. When they were 13-0, the vision was unchanged,” Jones explained. “He’s the same guy every time I talk with him. Even when they are at their lowest with the season, you see the same guy. Consistency.”

The four-star QB is also actively recruiting wide receivers Tae Gelsey and Jayvan Boggs, both of whom were on official visits. “Message is the same — come play early and make an impact,” Jones said. With close connections to both players, he’s hopeful about their potential decisions.

Jones, like Louis, has shut down his recruitment and is fully committed to Florida State, emphasizing his excitement to be part of the Seminoles’ resurgence.

🏈 Four-Star RB Ousmane Kromah Visits Doak 🏈

Four-star Georgia commit and longtime Florida State target Ousmane Kromah made his way to Doak Campbell Stadium for the Seminoles' matchup against UNC. Despite committing to the Bulldogs in October, the 6-foot, 205-pound running back from Leesburg, Georgia, continues to show interest in FSU.

🌟 A Strong Relationship
FSU offered Kromah back in 2021 and has remained a top contender throughout his recruitment. Kromah has visited Tallahassee as frequently as any other program, and this time, he was joined by his mother.

🏆 Recruiting Battle
Though FSU wasn't his final choice, the Seminoles’ staff remains in the mix. Auburn is another program that made significant headway before Kromah's commitment, adding more intrigue to this ongoing recruitment.

🔍 Elite Talent
Ranked as the No. 4 running back and No. 73 overall prospect in the 2025 class (247Sports Composite), Kromah’s recruitment continues to draw attention as the Seminoles push to flip this talented RB from the Bulldogs.

Read more here

And that’s a wrap!

Another challenging weekend for the Seminoles has left the fanbase longing for better days. But amidst the struggles, FSU's commitment to growth and the unwavering loyalty of top recruits provide a glimmer of hope. As we look ahead to the upcoming battle in South Bend, one thing is clear: the journey back to greatness continues, one step at a time.

Thank you for tuning in to The Chief Brief! Stay strong, Noles fans, and as always, keep the faith. 🍢 🏹