🏹 October 16th - The Chief Brief 🏹

Momentum, Milestones & Midseason Reality Check

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The Chief
October 16, 2025

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🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Thursday, Seminole!

Things are very officially in full swing. We have an absolutely loaded edition across the board today:

🏈 Trenches Taking Charge — FSU’s offensive line lands on the Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Roll, powering one of the nation’s most balanced attacks and protecting a record-breaking passing game.

🏐 Noles Hit the Bay — Volleyball heads west for a historic first regular-season trip to the Bay Area, facing No. 5 Stanford and Cal in back-to-back matchups.

🏀 Ballin’ in Boutwell — Both the men’s and women’s basketball squads face Alabama in a Thursday doubleheader that marks the official start of the Luke Loucks era.

🎾 Court Confidence — Women’s tennis returns to the court for the ITA Southeast Regionals, with multiple Noles eyeing NCAA berths.

⚽ National Title Rematch — It’s No. 7 FSU vs. No. 2 Stanford in the Paint It Pink match — a clash of national powers and a celebration with heart.

⚾ Recruiting on Fire — Link Jarrett’s 2027 baseball class surges to No. 7 nationally, landing six new commits, including two top-70 prospects.

📊 Midseason Reality Check — Florida State football hits the halfway mark at 3-3. The offense has stars in Castellanos, Kromah, and Danzy, but the line’s inconsistency keeps them from their ceiling.

💡 Today’s Vibe: Progress, promise, and pressure — Seminole programs are surging off the field even as football regroups on it.

👉 Dive into every story below — the season’s second act starts now.

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💪 FSU Offensive Line Earns Joe Moore Award Recognition 💪

Florida State’s offensive front continues to power one of the nation’s most explosive attacks — earning a spot on the Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Roll, recognizing the top offensive line unit in college football.

🔥 Elite in Every Category

  • National Ranks: No. 3 in total offense, No. 5 in both rushing and scoring.

  • Consistency: LT Gunnar Hansen, LG Richie Leonard IV, C Luke Petitbon, and RG Adrian Medley have started all six games. RT Micah Pettus started the first five before Jacob Rizy took over vs. Pitt.

🏆 Weekly Honors

  • Luke Petitbon — Outland Trophy National Offensive Lineman of the Week and ACC O-Lineman of the Week after the win over No. 8 Alabama (230 rushing yards, 4 TDs, 0 sacks allowed).

  • Adrian Medley — ACC O-Lineman of the Week following FSU’s 729-yard explosion vs. East Texas A&M, part of a stretch that included a school-record 498 rushing yards vs. Kent State.

📊 By the Numbers
QB Tommy Castellanos leads the nation with 15.87 yards per completion and ranks fifth nationally in yards per attempt (9.89).
FSU also leads the country with 14 plays of 40+ yards, with 14 different Seminoles finding the end zone this season.

📅 What’s Next
Semifinalists for the Joe Moore Award will be announced November 5 — and Florida State’s road-grading unit looks poised to stay in the mix.

🏐 FSU Volleyball Heads West for Historic Bay Area Trip 🏐

Florida State volleyball (8–7, 2–4 ACC) makes its first-ever regular season trip to the Bay Area this week, facing No. 5 Stanford on Thursday (10 PM ET) and Cal on Saturday (7 PM ET). Both matches stream live on ACCNX.

🔥 Challenging the Nation’s Best

  • Stanford enters 14–3 (5–1 ACC) with ranked wins over Florida and Missouri — their only losses coming to current Nos. 1, 2, and 4.

  • A victory would mark FSU’s highest-ranked road win in program history.

  • Cal (5–11, 2–4 ACC) has recent conference wins at Virginia and Virginia Tech.

🌟 Players to Watch

  • Iane Henke returns from injury, ranking 3rd in the ACC with 5.20 points per set and Top 25 nationally in kills per set (4.43).

  • Kyleene Filimaua leads the team with 207 kills, including a career-high 25 vs No. 10 SMU.

  • Freshman Nenu Kpea anchors the middle with 66 blocks (1.16 per set).

  • Transfer libero Mio Yamamoto adds veteran stability, leading the team with 205 digs.

🏀 FSU Women Face Alabama in “Ballin’ in Boutwell” Exhibition 🏀

Florida State women’s basketball tips off its preseason Thursday at 1 PM ET vs. Alabama in the Ballin’ in Boutwell exhibition at Boutwell Auditorium — part of a doubleheader with the men’s matchup later that evening.

🔥 Early Test for the Noles
Both FSU and Alabama reached the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, and the Crimson Tide holds a narrow 6–5 edge in the all-time series after last year’s 82–74 tourney win.

🌟 Returning Firepower & New Faces

  • FSU led the nation in scoring last season (86.9 PPG) with four double-digit scorers, led by Sydney Bowles (10.6 PPG).

  • Veterans Amaya Bonner and Avery Treadwell return for their third year.

  • The Noles welcome seven newcomers, including six transfers — Jasmine Shavers, Allie Kubek, Emma Risch, and Sole Williams — plus JUCO standout Pania Davis and freshman Mari Gerton.

🎾 FSU Women’s Tennis Heads to ITA Southeast Regionals 🎾

Florida State women’s tennis is back in action this week, competing in the ITA Southeast Regional Championships beginning Thursday at the USTA National Campus in Orlando.

🔥 Tournament Overview
The five-day event features:

  • 64+ singles players and 32+ doubles pairs in the main draws.

  • Winners advance to the NCAA Singles and Doubles Championships (Nov. 18–23, also at the USTA National Campus).

🌟 Seminoles to Watch

  • Abby Kelliher makes her collegiate debut for FSU.

  • Vic Allen Bissett reached the Round of 16 in singles and doubles quarterfinals at last year’s Regionals.

  • Mary Boyce Deatherage advanced to the Round of 32 in 2024.

💪 Recent Momentum
The Seminoles are coming off a strong showing at the ITA All-American Championships, where they earned seven singles wins — highlighted by Bissett’s 3–0 run in Cary, N.C.

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🏀 Luke Loucks Era Tips Off vs. No. 15 Alabama 🏀

Florida State men’s basketball opens the Ballin’ in Boutwell event Thursday night at 8 PM ET vs. No. 15 Alabama, marking head coach Luke Loucks’ debut on the sideline. The game caps off a week-long Birmingham basketball showcase featuring eight programs.

🔥 New Era, New Energy

  • Loucks, a former FSU point guard (2009–12) and 2012 ACC Champion, takes over a roster with 11 new players — seven transfers and four freshmen.

  • Key newcomers include Chauncey Wiggins (Clemson), Lajae Jones (St. Bonaventure), and Robert McCray V (Jacksonville).

  • Loucks emphasized competitiveness and pace: “We’re going to play fast and shoot the ball.”

💪 Elite Competition
Alabama enters ranked No. 15 nationally after averaging 90.7 PPG last season en route to an Elite Eight appearance. Guards Labaron Philon Jr. (First Team All-SEC) and Aden Holloway (Third Team) lead a dynamic Tide backcourt.

📅 Event & Season Outlook

  • Women’s Game: FSU vs. Alabama, 1 PM ET

  • Men’s Game: FSU vs. Alabama, 8 PM ET (Hibbett YouTube stream)

  • Next Up: FSU hosts Alcorn State on Nov. 4 at the Tucker Center to open the regular season.

⚽ No. 7 FSU Hosts No. 2 Stanford in National Championship Rematch ⚽

The stage is set for a College Cup-caliber showdown Thursday night as No. 7 Florida State hosts No. 2 Stanford at 7 PM ET in the Paint It Pink match at the Seminole Soccer Complex — a rematch of the 2023 national title game.

🎀 Paint It Pink Night

  • FSU will wear special pink uniforms auctioned to benefit the Walker Breast Program at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare.

  • Fans can bid on jerseys through Oct. 31 at midnight ET.

  • Admission is free, and the match airs live on ACC Network Extra (ESPN+).

🔥 Top-Tier Clash

  • FSU (8–1–2, 4–1–1 ACC) is undefeated at home (5–0–0) but coming off its first loss in over a year — a 4–2 setback at No. 1 Notre Dame.

  • Stanford (11–1–1, 5–0–1 ACC) has won five straight and recently topped No. 1 Virginia.

  • The teams are even all-time (3–3), with FSU winning the last meeting — a 5–1 victory in the 2023 NCAA Championship.

🌟 Players to Watch

  • Wrianna Hudson: 8 goals, 17 shots on goal — 16th nationally in goals per game.

  • Jordynn Dudley: NCAA leader in assists per game (0.82); on a nine-game point streak.

  • Addie Todd: 0.68 GAA, .722 save percentage in goal.

📊 Stat Edge

  • FSU ranks No. 2 nationally in shutout percentage (.727) and No. 5 in goals per game (3.0).

  • Stanford leads the ACC in scoring (51 goals) and just knocked off the nation’s top-ranked team.

📅 Next Up
The Seminoles stay home Sunday to host Cal at 1 PM ET in another key ACC test.

🏀 4⭐️ SF Kevin Thomas Sets Commitment Date — FSU in Final Four 🏀

Montverde Academy (Fla.) standout Kevin Thomas, the No. 72 overall prospect in the 2026 class, will announce his college decision Friday, Oct. 17 at 3:30 PM ET on the CBS Sports College Basketball YouTube channel.

🔥 Final Four Choices
Thomas, a 6'7", 190-pound small forward, will choose between Florida State, Auburn, LSU, and Miami after visiting each program this fall.

💪 Scouting Report (247Sports)
Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein praised Thomas as:

  • “A high-level athlete with great size and explosiveness.”

  • “An improved perimeter shooter who thrives in transition and catch-and-rip drives.”

  • “A versatile defender with a 6'10" wingspan and clear long-term upside.”

⚾ FSU Baseball Lands Six More 2027 Commits, Now Ranked No. 7 Nationally ⚾

Florida State baseball’s recruiting machine under Link Jarrett continues to roll — adding six new commits in the past 17 days, five of whom rank in the Top 200 nationally, including two Top-70 prospects per Perfect Game. The surge pushes FSU’s 2027 class to No. 7 nationally.

🔥 Recent Additions

  • #64 Hunter Wieckowski (RHP, Timber Creek, Orlando, FL) – 6'3" righty with a low-90s sinker and elite sweeping slider (2,800+ RPM).

  • #20 Dariel Carrion (C, Carlos Beltran Academy, PR) – Top-ranked catcher in the class, power bat and cannon arm.

  • #125 Tristan Macpherson (RHP, Durant HS, Lithia, FL) – Touches 93 MPH with a strong 6'2", 210-lb frame.

  • #156 Juan Diaz (MIF, IMG Academy, FL) – Switch-hitter batting .486 in PG events; 6.55 60-yard dash.

  • #184 Matt Werner (RHP, A3 Academy, Plant City, FL) – 6'6" frame, four-pitch mix, fastball up to 93 MPH.

  • #409 Jameson Moan (C, Northside Christian, St. Petersburg, FL) – Right-handed hitter with advanced pop behind the plate.

💎 Previously Committed

  • #1 Chase Fuller (SS/RHP)

  • #197 Preston Matricardi (LHP/OF)

  • #206 Jace Riggan (RHP/MIF)

📈 With elite arms and power bats from Florida to Puerto Rico, the Seminoles’ 2027 haul positions them among the nation’s premier future classes — proof Jarrett’s recruiting pipeline is thriving.

🏈 Midseason Report: FSU Offense Shows Bright Spots — and Blunders 🏈

At the halfway mark of the 2025 season, Florida State sits at 3–3, dropping three straight after a 3–0 start. While the offense has flashed explosive upside, inconsistency and protection issues have kept the Seminoles from finding their rhythm.

🔥 Top Offensive Performers (PFF Grades)
Using Pro Football Focus metrics (60 = average, 70 = good, 50 = below average), here are FSU’s standouts so far:

1️⃣ RB Ousmane Kromah (87.4) – True freshman phenom averaging 6.15 yards per carry with 15 missed tackles forced and an Elusive Rating of 159.5 (8th nationally).
2️⃣ QB Tommy Castellanos (87.0) – Top-10 nationally in Big Time Throw Rate (6.8%) and 6th among Power 4 QBs in Passing Grade (87.7).
3️⃣ WR Micahi Danzy (83.3) – Converted RB turned deep threat, averaging 20.6 yards per target (7th nationally).
4️⃣ RB Gavin Sawchuk (77.1) – Steady Oklahoma transfer leading the team with 6 TDs and 352 yards on 5.25 YPC.
5️⃣ WR Duce Robinson (73.6) – 3rd nationally in Contested Catch Rate (81.8%) and a reliable downfield target.

🔻 Areas of Concern
While skill positions shine, the offensive line has struggled in pass protection and consistency.

  • Gunnar Hansen (51.8) – Team-low grade, allowing 11 QB hurries and just one game above a 60 run-block score.

  • Adrian Medley (62.2) – Strong in run blocking but erratic in pass sets (graded 12.2 vs. Miami).

  • Richie Leonard (60.9) – Reliable but rarely dominant; embodies the line’s “average” identity.

  • WR Squirrel White (55.7) – Hampered by injuries; only two catches in four games and three INTs on his targets.

💡 The Takeaway
FSU’s offensive potential is clear — Castellanos’ efficiency, Danzy’s explosiveness, and Kromah’s emergence form a promising core. But to finish strong, the Seminoles must stabilize the offensive line and reestablish rhythm in the passing game.

👉 Full breakdown and player-by-player grades via Noles247 of the good and the bad

And that’s a wrap!

Florida State sports are writing one of their most intriguing midseason stories yet — from Luke Loucks’ debut on the hardwood to Link Jarrett’s recruiting surge and a football team searching for balance in the trenches. The vibes around Tallahassee are clear: this isn’t a program falling apart — it’s one evolving in real time.

As the Seminoles hit the road, the hardwood, and the recruiting trail, there’s one thing you can count on — the Garnet & Gold are building toward something bigger. Stay locked in, enjoy the ride, and we’ll see you right back here tomorrow for more from The Chief Brief.

🔥 Until next time — stay sharp, stay unconquered. 🔥

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