Forwarded this email from a friend? Subscribe at the button below

Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Saturday, Seminole!

It’s gameday and kickoff is at high noon. We’re keeping things focused almost entirely on that today:

⚽ Volleyball Battles, Big Recruiting Weekend, and a Must-Win at Doak ⚽
FSU Volleyball put up a fight in its home return, but fell to No. 10 SMU despite a record-setting night from Kyleene Filimaua.

🏈 Recruiting Heats Up in Tallahassee 🏈
Dozens of top prospects from the 2026-2029 classes are on campus for the Pitt game — with FSU surging for 2028 RB Anthony Howard Jr. and locking in high-profile visits from blue-chip recruits across the Southeast.

🔥 All Eyes on Saturday’s Showdown 🔥
Florida State enters a pivotal matchup against Pitt looking to stop a two-game skid, fix the turnover woes, and prove this season’s still alive. Experts break down what it’ll take for the ‘Noles to get right at home — plus full score predictions from Noles247 and Tomahawk Nation.

👉 Dive in for everything you need before kickoff — from recruiting buzz to Saturday’s stakes at Doak.

Kentucky’s Best Buzz

Autumn porch nights, tailgates, and bonfires all have one thing in common: good
company deserves good sips! Cornbread Hemp’s THC Seltzers deliver just that: a refreshing, guilt-free
way to sip, socialize, and relax without the alcohol. Each can is infused with 5mg of pure hemp-derived
THC, blended with real fruit flavors, and just 30 calories.
It’s the perfect balance of bubbly and blissful, and because they’re federally legal, THC Seltzers ship
straight to your door in discreet packaging, so you can enjoy Kentucky’s Best Buzz wherever your good life takes you.

🏐 FSU Falls to No. 10 SMU Despite Filimaua’s Career Night 🏐

Florida State volleyball (8–6, 2–3 ACC) dropped its home return match to No. 10 SMU on Friday night in four sets (26–24, 23–25, 15–25, 20–25) at Tully Gym — the program’s first home contest since mid-September.

🔥 Fast Start, Tough Finish
The Noles took a tightly contested first set 26–24 behind six kills from Kyleene Filimaua, then led midway through the second before SMU surged late to even the match. The Mustangs’ offense took control in the final two frames to close it out.

💪 Stat Leaders

• Kyleene Filimaua: Career-high 25 kills, 14 digs, and 3 blocks — her second straight double-double.

• Mio Yamamoto: 18 digs to lead FSU’s defense.

• Delaney Ewing: Delivered the clinching kill in the opening set.

📅 Up Next
Florida State stays home to face No. 4 Pitt on Sunday at 3 PM (ESPN), seeking its first win over a top-five opponent this season.

👉 Full match recap and highlights via Seminoles.com/Volleyball.

🏈 FSU Hosting Dozens of Recruits for Pitt Game Weekend 🏈

Florida State’s matchup against Pitt on Saturday at noon will double as one of the program’s biggest recruiting weekends of the fall, with top prospects from multiple classes expected in Tallahassee.

🔥 Official Visitors

• ⭐ 3-star EDGE Chris Carbin (Hillgrove, GA)

• ⭐ 3-star DL Franklin Whitley (Greenville, SC)

💥 2026 Headliners

• ⭐ 4-star TE Xavier Tiller (FSU commit, Langston Hughes HS)

• ⭐ 3-star RB Qwantavius Wiggins (Langston Hughes HS)

• ⭐ 3-star ATH Prince Jean (Valdosta, Kentucky commit)

• ⭐ 3-star OL Mike Ionata (FSU commit, Calvary Christian)

• ⭐ 3-star LB Noah LaVallee (FSU commit, George Walton)

• ⭐ 3-star LB Karon Maycock (FSU commit, Miami Central)

🌟 2027 Standouts

• ⭐ 3-star QB Cason Myers (Auburn HS)

• ⭐ 4-star RB Jerry Beard (Prince Ave Christian)

• ⭐ 4-star WR Sean Green (Camden County, GA)

• ⭐ 4-star DL Seth Tillman (South Pointe, SC)

• ⭐ 4-star S Tory Pittman III (Nebraska commit, Central HS)

🔥 2028–2029 Future Names to Know

• ⭐ 3-star WR Seven Rashad (Buford, GA)

• ⭐ 3-star EDGE Luke Nabors (Buford, GA)

• ⭐ QB Beckham Jarrard (Statesboro HS)

• ⭐ WR Jordan Peacock (George Walton HS)

👉 Full visitor breakdown and updates via Noles247.

🔥 FSU Builds Recruiting Momentum with Blue-Chip Visitors Across 2026–2028 Classes 🔥

Florida State’s coaching staff continues to make recruiting waves across multiple classes, drawing elite visitors from 2026 to 2028 — even amid tough on-field results. The Seminoles’ culture, energy, and tradition continue to resonate with top prospects nationwide.

⭐ FSU Leads for 2028 RB Anthony Howard Jr. (IMG Academy)
One of the nation’s top underclassmen, Anthony Howard Jr. (5'10", 175), already holds offers from Florida, Miami, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Tennessee — but right now, the Seminoles have the edge.

Howard visited Tallahassee for the Miami game and came away impressed with FSU’s hospitality and player relationships. He’s expected to visit Miami next week, but sources indicate Florida State currently leads his recruitment.

⭐ 2027 CB Amare Nugent (American Heritage) Praises FSU’s Energy
Top247 cornerback Amare Nugent (6'1", 177) — ranked No. 104 nationally and No. 13 among CBs — was also in attendance for the Miami game and left with glowing remarks about the Seminole environment.

Nugent highlighted FSU’s “family-oriented and competitive” culture, calling the Seminoles “a program that holds each other to a high standard.”

⭐ 2026 EDGE Kamron Wilson (Miami Southridge) Plans Official Visit
Three-star edge Kamron Wilson (6'5", 210), currently committed to Syracuse, may not stay that way for long. The Miami native called FSU his “dream school” after experiencing Doak’s atmosphere during the Miami game.

Wilson met with Mike Norvell and defensive line coach Odell Haggins, who emphasized the program’s development path for young players. He’ll return for an official visit on November 15 vs. Virginia Tech, and FSU appears to be trending upward in his recruitment.

⭐ 2026 OL Grady Howell (West Laurens, GA)
Georgia Southern commit Grady Howell (6'5", 290) will visit Tallahassee this weekend for the Pitt game. The Seminoles have kept in consistent contact, pushing for an in-person connection.

Howell represents another example of FSU’s growing regional pull, especially in Georgia — a state the staff has increasingly prioritized in recent cycles.

💡 Why It Matters
Even after a tough stretch on the field, FSU’s recruiting machine hasn’t slowed down. The Seminoles are in strong position with a future five-star in Howard Jr., gaining traction with rising 2026–27 defenders, and maintaining a top-15 national class — all while reinforcing a culture recruits describe as “family, tradition, and development.”

10 Weird Little Hacks Costco Shoppers Should Know

Do you shop at Costco? Then you know the thrill of saving money. But you might be missing other smart ways to stretch your dollars. Check out our list of genius money hacks—almost as good as that $1.50 hot dog!

🏈 FSU vs. Pitt: Must-Win Showdown at Doak 🏈

Florida State (3–2, 0–2 ACC) returns home Saturday for a pivotal noon kickoff against Pittsburgh (3–2, 1–1 ACC) — a matchup that feels like a crossroads for the program. After back-to-back losses to Virginia and Miami, the No. 25 Seminoles are desperate to right the ship, earn their first conference win in over a year, and prove the season isn’t slipping away.

🔥 The Stakes
A loss here would mark Mike Norvell’s fifth career three-game skid at FSU and could send the Seminoles tumbling out of the Top 25 — while a win steadies the season and keeps ACC contention alive. The margin for error is gone: turnovers, inconsistency, and missed assignments have already cost Florida State two winnable games by a combined 14 points.

📊 The Matchup

Offense vs. Defense:
FSU’s offense ranks among the nation’s best — 2nd in rushing (295 ypg) and 5th in scoring (46.8 ppg) — but faces one of the few defenses capable of matching its physicality. Pitt ranks No. 3 nationally in rushing defense and Top 5 in both tackles for loss and sacks under veteran head coach Pat Narduzzi, who’s built a scheme around relentless pressure and chaos.

“They blitz a lot,” said offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. “They bring six a whole lot. They take chances — and they’re really good at it.”

The challenge for FSU will be giving Tommy Castellanos enough time to read and react. When clean, the senior has produced 1,120 yards passing, 274 rushing yards, and 10 total touchdowns. When hurried, turnovers have piled up — six in the last two weeks alone.

💣 Panther Threats
Freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel, fresh off an ACC Rookie-of-the-Week performance, adds intrigue. In his first start, he torched Boston College for 323 yards and 4 TDs, showing poise, mobility, and a quick trigger on RPO looks. Saturday will mark his first road start — inside one of the ACC’s loudest stadiums.

Defensively, Pitt leans on linebackers Rasheem Biles and Kyle Louis, who’ve combined for 76 tackles, 12 TFLs, and three sacks. If FSU’s offensive line can hold up, expect opportunities downfield against a Panther secondary ranked 81st in passing defense.

⚔️ Keys to Victory

✅ Protect the Football: Eight turnovers in two games can’t happen again. Castellanos must stay composed under pressure and avoid forcing plays off-script.

✅ Exploit the Blitz: Pitt dares opponents to throw hot — slants, screens, and misdirections will be key to neutralizing its aggressiveness.

✅ Contain the Freshman: Make Heintschel earn every throw. Defensive coordinator Tony White must disguise coverages and mix pressure packages to test his composure.

✅ Start Fast: Pitt hasn’t allowed a first-quarter point all season. FSU can’t afford another sluggish opening drive at home.

🧠 Analyst & Media Predictions

📺 Noles247 Panel

• Trey Rowland: FSU 34–20

• Zach Blostein: FSU 31–21

• Adam Brown: FSU 31–21 — “Did Tommy learn a lesson from Miami? If his eyes stay up, plays will be there.”

• Brendan Sonnone: FSU 33–21 — “A get-right game for the defense and Castellanos — but if they struggle, serious doubts ahead.”

• Kevin Little: Pitt 28–24 — “If FSU loses, it’s not about talent — it’s about culture.”

• Chris Nee: FSU 34–21 — “Avoid self-inflicted mistakes and make the freshman uncomfortable.”

🏈 Tomahawk Nation Crew

• NoleThruandThru: FSU 38–27 — “Saturday will tell us everything we need to know about the rest of the season.”

• Matt Minnick: FSU 34–31 (OT) — “Situational football has haunted this team. It better change.”

• Jordan Silversmith: FSU 31–27 — “Pitt’s D is legit, but Gus Malzahn will find ways to run the ball.”

• Jon Marchant: FSU 38–24 — “Avoid killer turnovers. Don’t make the freshman look like a Heisman candidate.”

• Curt Weiler: FSU 35–24 — “Lose here, and fans might quit watching.”

• Tim Scribble: FSU 31–24 — “Do-or-die for morale.”

• Frank DãNolé: FSU 41–24 — “The rushing attack will shred one of the worst pass defenses in the nation.”

• Perry Kostidakis: FSU 27–17 — “The difference between 4-2 and 3-3 is monumental. FSU cleans it up.”

📈 Consensus Pick: Florida State by ~10
Vegas Line: FSU -10.5 | O/U 58.5

💡 Why It Matters
This is the turning-point game for Florida State’s season — and perhaps for Norvell’s tenure. A clean, disciplined win restores order and confidence heading into the softer mid-season stretch. Another sloppy loss, though, would trigger real panic about the direction of the program.

And that’s a wrap!

🔥 The Takeaway
It’s a massive weekend for the Garnet & Gold — not just between the lines, but behind the scenes. The recruits are watching, the atmosphere will be electric, and for Mike Norvell’s squad, Saturday represents a line in the sand. Win, and the noise quiets. Lose, and the questions only get louder.

Until next time — stay sharp, stay loyal, and stay unconquered.

— The Chief