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Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy hump day, Seminole!

A record-breaking night in hoops, a rivalry showdown on the volleyball court, and major recruiting momentum on the trail — Florida State athletics is firing across every front this week.

🏀 Basketball Is Back in Style
Luke Loucks opened his FSU head coaching era with a dominant 108–76 win and a school-record 17 assists from Robert McCray V, signaling that Seminole basketball just got its energy back.

🏐 Volleyball’s Defining Moment
The Noles head to Coral Gables riding a five-match win streak, looking to upset No. 15 Miami and make a late-season push for the NCAA Tournament.

🥍 A New Era of Seminole Sports
Tickets are officially on sale for FSU women’s lacrosse’s first-ever game at the brand-new Seminole Lacrosse Complex — the program’s historic debut kicks off February 7.

🏊 Seminoles Dominate the Pool
Kayleigh Clark and Michel Arkhangelsky continued their standout seasons, each earning ACC Performer of the Week honors after multi-event wins over South Carolina.

💥 Recruiting Surge Continues
The Seminoles added 3⭐ DL Franklin Whitley — their third defensive commitment in three days — while four-star DB Jay Timmons weighs an Ohio State offer and fellow DB Tedarius Hughes flipped to Syracuse.

📊 Class Nearly Locked In
FSU’s 2026 recruiting class sits No. 13 nationally with 27 commits — only a few positions remain open as the Early Signing Period approaches.

📈 The Numbers Don’t Lie
Despite a 4–4 record, advanced metrics show FSU ranking among the Top 25 Power Four teams in both offensive and defensive efficiency. The talent and numbers say “good” — the record says “average.” Clemson will reveal which side wins out.

👉 A busy week of records, recruiting, and rivalry energy — the kind that reminds you: in Tallahassee, the story never really stops.

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🏀 FSU Men’s Basketball Opens Loucks Era with Record-Setting Win 🏀

The Luke Loucks era tipped off in style Monday night, as the Seminoles rolled past Alcorn State 108–76 behind a historic performance from senior guard Robert McCray V — and a sense that FSU basketball just got its spark back.

🔥 McCray’s Historic Night
McCray dished out 17 assists, breaking the school record set in 1972 and tied in 1983. He added 12 points, becoming the first Seminole to record a double-double in a season opener since 2021.

Loucks — the eighth FSU head coach — earned his first win, extending the program’s streak: every head coach in school history has now won his debut.

💪 Offensive Firepower Returns

• Chauncey Wiggins: Career-high 22 points, 5 rebounds — the most points in a season opener by any Seminole since 2021.

• Lajae Jones: 18 points, 7 rebounds in his FSU debut.

• Alex Steen: 12 points, 6 boards, 2 blocks.

• Cam Miles (Fr.): 10 points in 9 minutes off the bench.

The Seminoles hit 13 threes, matching their highest total since January 2023, and used a 16–0 first-half run to seize full control.

📅 Up Next: Alabama State visits the Tucker Center on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.

👉 A record-breaking debut for Loucks and McCray — and an early statement that FSU basketball may be on the rise again.

🏐 FSU Volleyball Eyes Signature Win at No. 15 Miami 🏐

The Seminoles (13–8, 7–5 ACC) travel to Coral Gables on Wednesday night for a high-stakes rivalry match against No. 15 Miami, aiming to boost their NCAA Tournament résumé and extend a dominant run over the Hurricanes.

🔥 Momentum on Their Side
After dropping four straight in mid-October, FSU has rebounded with five consecutive wins, fueled by a resurgent offense hitting .285 during the streak — nearly 100 points higher than earlier in the season.

💪 Henke & Filimaua Leading the Charge
Senior Iane Henke has been unstoppable, averaging 20+ kills per match over the streak and ranking among the nation’s top 15 in kills per set. Kyleene Filimaua, meanwhile, has recorded double-digit kills in 10 straight matches and sits top-10 in the ACC in points per set.

📊 Series Edge & What’s at Stake
FSU has won six straight over Miami — tied for the longest streak in series history — and will look to secure its first road win over a top-15 opponent since 2021. A victory would also mark the Noles’ first top-50 RPI win of the season.

👉 First serve from Coral Gables is set for 7 p.m. ET on ACC Network — with postseason hopes and bragging rights on the line.

🥍 Tickets On Sale for FSU Lacrosse’s Inaugural Game 🥍

A new era begins in Tallahassee — Florida State women’s lacrosse will take the field for the first time on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. ET, hosting Stetson at the brand-new Seminole Lacrosse Complex.

🔥 A Historic Debut
Head coach Sara Tisdale called the opener “the culmination of incredible teamwork and vision,” adding that the new facility is “the most premier women’s lacrosse-only facility in the country.”

🎟️ Ticket Info

• Adults: $7

• Youth: $4

• FSU Students & Kids under 2: Free

• All seating is general admission

• Tickets available at 2026 Lacrosse | Florida State University

📅 The full 2026 schedule will include eight home games and 10 ACC matchups, marking FSU’s entry as the 13th women’s lacrosse team in the ACC — a league that’s produced 14 national champions since 1997.

👉 History begins this February — and Seminole fans are invited to be part of it.

🏊 Clark & Arkhangelsky Earn ACC Performer of the Week Honors 🏊

Florida State swimming and diving continued to shine this week as Kayleigh Clark and Michel Arkhangelsky were named ACC Performers of the Week, following standout showings against South Carolina on October 31. It marks the second time this season — and in their careers — that both have earned the honor.

🔥 Dominant in the Pool

• Arkhangelsky (Nice, France) swept three events — 50 free (19.82), 100 free (42.97), and 100 fly (46.34) — while helping FSU post the 10th-fastest 200 medley relay in school history (1:24.81).

• Clark (Marietta, Ga.) took first on 1-meter (281.93) and second on 3-meter (312.75), both NCAA qualifying scores.

💪 Elite Company
FSU now has five ACC Performer of the Week awards this fall — its most since 2022 — and both athletes become the first Seminoles to earn multiple honors in one season since 2023.

📅 Up Next: FSU faces No. 14 LSU and No. 16 Alabama in Baton Rouge on Nov. 7 at 12 p.m. ET.

👉 Clark and Arkhangelsky are setting the pace for what could be a record-breaking season in the water for the Seminoles.

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🧱 FSU Lands High-Upside 3⭐ DL Franklin Whitley, Third Commitment in Three Days 🧱

Florida State’s recruiting momentum continues to surge — the Seminoles added their third commitment in three days with three-star defensive lineman Franklin Whitley pledging to FSU on Tuesday morning.

🔥 Recruiting Win for the Noles
The 6’6”, 265-pound Greenville (S.C.) standout chose FSU over Tennessee, Clemson, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia, all of which extended recent offers. Whitley visited FSU officially in mid-October and cited Mike Norvell’s transparent coaching approach and the “genuine energy” of the staff as key factors:

💪 An Intriguing Prospect with Sky-High Upside
Whitley is a first-year football player after previously focusing on basketball, where he helped lead his team to a state title. His rare combination of length, athleticism, and coordination immediately caught scouts’ attention:

• Frame: 6’6” with elite wingspan — longer than 90% of NFL defensive linemen.

• Stats (2024): 31 tackles, 10 TFLs, 3 sacks.

• 247Sports Grade: 87 (Composite 0.8833)

• Strengths: Explosive first step, spatial awareness from basketball background, and high motor.

• Weaknesses: Still developing pass-rush technique and upper-body power.

Analysts project Whitley as a Deante McCray-type hybrid lineman with even more physical tools. His upside is described as “NFL-caliber if it all comes together.”

🚀 Recruiting Momentum
Whitley joins EDGE Chris Carbin (flip from Georgia Tech) and LB Daylen Green (flip from Arkansas) as part of FSU’s three-day recruiting streak, bringing the 2026 class to 27 total commits — ranked No. 13 nationally by 247Sports and No. 14 by Rivals.

👉 FSU’s staff continues to emphasize developmental potential and elite athletic traits — and Whitley’s commitment perfectly fits that blueprint for the next generation of Seminole defenders.

🧠 FSU DB Commit Jay Timmons Weighs Options After Ohio State Visit 🧠

Florida State is riding a recruiting hot streak this week, but one of its top 2026 commits — four-star defensive back and legacy recruit Jay Timmons — is drawing heavy attention from Ohio State following a weekend visit to Columbus.

🔥 Family Legacy Meets New Temptation
Timmons, the son of former FSU linebacker Lawrence Timmons, remains publicly committed to the Seminoles but admitted that the Buckeyes made a strong impression:

The Pennsylvania native said he enjoyed the trip with his family and met several OSU players and coaches, including Tim Walton, who impressed him with his player development approach.

💪 Still Loyal, But Listening
Despite the Buckeyes’ push, Timmons reaffirmed his commitment to FSU and defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain, emphasizing the “family atmosphere” in Tallahassee:

However, he admitted he plans to make a final decision this week, leaving room for speculation about a potential flip.

👉 Timmons remains a critical piece of FSU’s 2026 class — but with Ohio State in hot pursuit, this could be one of the most closely watched recruiting storylines of the week.

🧩 3⭐ DB Tedarius Hughes Flips from FSU to Syracuse 🧩

Florida State’s recruiting momentum took a small hit Tuesday as three-star defensive back Tedarius Hughes flipped his commitment from the Seminoles to Syracuse, announcing the decision on social media.

🔥 Flip to the Orange
The 6’3.5”, 180-pound Miami Northwestern product had been committed to FSU since July 2024 but kept his options open. After recent interest from Nebraska and Miami, it was Syracuse — fresh off hosting him for an unofficial visit this past weekend — that ultimately landed the flip.

💪 Scouting Snapshot (via 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins)

• Tall, wiry defensive back with strong tackling instincts and positional versatility.

• Known for his physicality against the run and improving man-to-man coverage ability.

• Viewed as a developmental player with significant long-term upside once in a college strength program.

With Hughes’ departure, FSU’s defensive back class now includes five-star Chauncey Kennon, four-star Jay Timmons (who remains on flip watch with Ohio State), and three-stars Sean Johnson and Darryl Bell III.

👉 A setback for FSU’s defensive back haul, but the Seminoles still boast one of the most talented secondary classes in the ACC.

📊 FSU’s 2026 Recruiting Class Nears Completion — Here’s Where Things Stand 📊

Florida State’s 2026 recruiting class is nearly wrapped up, ranking No. 13 nationally with 27 commitments following a flurry of defensive additions this week. With the Early Signing Period less than a month away, only a few spots remain — and the Seminoles’ staff is now laser-focused on positional fine-tuning.

🔥 Quarterback (Need: 1 | Committed: 1)
✅ 3⭐ Jaden O’Neal — Flipped from Oklahoma this summer.
FSU appears set at QB unless O’Neal reopens his recruitment, which currently seems unlikely.

💨 Running Back (Need: 1 | Committed: 0)
🔑 Top Target: 3⭐ Qwantavius Wiggins (FIU commit) — visited Tallahassee last weekend; FSU trending.
Others in play: Amari Thomas (South Carolina commit) and Wisconsin/Auburn/Cincinnati monitoring.

🎯 Wide Receiver (Need: 5–6 | Committed: 6)

• 4⭐ Devin Carter

• 4⭐ Efrem White

• 4⭐ Brandon Bennett

• 3⭐ Jasen Lopez

• 3⭐ Jonah Winston

• 3⭐ Darryon Williams
  No further additions expected — staff is thrilled with this deep, balanced group.

🧱 Tight End (Need: 2 | Committed: 2)
✅ 4⭐ Xavier Tiller, 3⭐ Corbyn Fordham
Still monitoring Florida commit Heze Kent, a jumbo-athlete prospect.

🧩 Offensive Line (Need: 4–5 | Committed: 4)
✅ 3⭐ Da’Ron Parks, Michael Ionata, Jakobe Green, Luke Francis
Line class likely complete.

💪 Defensive Line (Need: 4–5 | Committed: 5)
✅ 4⭐ Earnest Rankins, 3⭐ Tico Crittendon, Judah Daniels, Wihtlley Cadeau, Franklin Whitley
Set along the interior — FSU’s depth up front looks solidified.

⚡ Edge Rushers (Need: 2–3 | Committed: 1)
✅ 3⭐ Chris Carbin (flip from Georgia Tech)
Targets: Damaad Lewis, Jaemin Pinckney, Kamron Wilson. Expect at least one more addition.

🧠 Linebacker (Need: 3–4 | Committed: 4)
✅ 4⭐ Izayia Williams, 3⭐ Karon Maycock, Daylen Green, Noah LaVallee
Maycock recently visited Texas, and Williams’ recruitment has seen plenty of movement — FSU will watch closely but feels confident in this group.

🔒 Defensive Back (Need: 4–5 | Committed: 4)
✅ 5⭐ Chauncey Kennon, 4⭐ Jay Timmons, 3⭐ Sean Johnson, Darryl Bell III
❌ Tedarius Hughes flipped to Syracuse; Timmons remains on flip watch with Ohio State.
Holding onto Timmons is now the top defensive priority.

👉 With 27 commits, FSU’s 2026 class is nearly locked — but the next few weeks could bring key moves at running back, edge rusher, and defensive back as the Early Signing Period approaches.

📊 Advanced Metrics Paint Clearer Picture of FSU’s “Average” Record 📊

Florida State sits at 4–4, a record that doesn’t exactly scream dominance — yet the numbers suggest the Seminoles are performing far better than their win-loss tally indicates.

🧠 Efficiency Over Volume
When filtering out Group of Six and FCS games to compare only Power Four opponents, FSU ranks:

• 19th in Yards Per Play (6.1) — 73rd percentile nationally.

• 15th in Yards Per Play Allowed (5.0) — 78th percentile.

That means on a per-snap basis, the Seminoles have been one of the more efficient teams in the country — both moving the ball and limiting opponents.

🔥 EPA Confirms Solid Play

• Offensive EPA/Game: +8.76 (18th among P4 teams)

• Defensive EPA/Game: -0.27 (25th among P4 teams)

EPA — or Expected Points Added — measures how much each play increases or decreases a team’s chances of scoring. The data shows FSU ranks inside the Top 25 nationally in both categories, reflecting consistency and balance despite uneven outcomes.

📉 Where the Record Diverges
The Seminoles have had multiple high-output performances (7.39 YPP vs. Wake, 6.59 vs. Pitt) but have also sputtered in key matchups (4.87 vs. Miami, 5.69 vs. Stanford). Their 2–4 mark vs. Power Four opponents underscores the gap between efficiency metrics and game-closing execution.

💬 The Takeaway
FSU isn’t elite, nor is it underperforming relative to talent. The numbers place the Seminoles firmly in the “above-average but inconsistent” category — a team capable of competing with anyone on a good night, but still learning how to turn efficiency into wins.

👉 In other words: The stats say “good,” the record says “average,” and Saturday at Clemson will help determine which one’s closer to the truth.

And that’s a wrap!

That’s all for today’s edition of The Chief Brief — a day that proves the scoreboard never tells the full story. Between record-setting performances, streaks on the line, and a recruiting class nearly locked, the Seminoles are rewriting their season one headline at a time.

Tomorrow brings new numbers, new names, and maybe a few surprises. Until then — stay sharp, stay faithful, and as always...

🔥 Go Noles. 🔥