🏹 October 25th - The Chief Brief 🏹

Hey there, Seminole Nation! 🍁 

October's crisp air might be hinting at the upcoming winter, but the heat is on in the world of FSU sports. From the soccer field's record-breaking feats to the basketball court's anticipation, there's no shortage of action.

So, grab your favorite fall beverage, maybe from our fantastic sponsor, The Gnarly Barley, and let's dive into this week's FSU highlights!

🏈 Echegini's Historic Streak: Onyi Echegini is not just playing; she's making history. Her back-to-back ACC Player of the Week titles have set a new standard for Seminole soccer. And with her current form, who knows what's next?

🏀 Basketball's Grand Entrance: The ACC Basketball Tip-Off is here, and our Seminoles are ready to shine. With Coach Hamilton leading the charge and our standout players ready to dazzle, the upcoming season promises to be electric.

🏈 Recruiting Rundown: The future of FSU football looks bright, with a slew of promising prospects showing keen interest. From five-star recruits to potential flips, the Seminoles are on a roll.

🏀 Butler's NBA Journey: John Butler's NBA path has seen its ups and downs, but with a new contract with the Washington Wizards, things are looking up.

🏈 NCAA Waiver Decisions: The NCAA's decision-making has raised eyebrows, especially concerning the eligibility of UNC's Tez Walker. With FSU's Darrell Jackson still in limbo, there are questions that need answers.

🏈 Victories and Challenges: With a 7-0 record, FSU is back in the spotlight. But as we gear up to face Wake Forest, there are hurdles to overcome, including key injuries.

Before we delve deeper into these captivating stories, a big shoutout to our sponsor, The Gnarly Barley. Whether you're celebrating a Seminole victory or just chilling on a weekend, their delectable offerings are a must-try. Cheers to them!

Alright, Seminole enthusiasts, let's journey through the midweek FSU tales and triumphs of our beloved teams! 🚀

Echegini Makes History with Consecutive ACC Player of the Week Honors

In a remarkable display of skill and consistency, Florida State's forward Onyi Echegini has etched her name in the annals of Seminole soccer history. For the second week in a row, Echegini has been crowned the ACC Offensive Player of the Week, sharing this week's accolade with Clemson's Renee Lyles. This achievement marks the first time a Seminole has clinched back-to-back ACC Player of the Week titles.

Echegini's journey to this historic moment has been nothing short of spectacular. This recent honor marks the fourth time she has been named ACC Player of the Week in her illustrious career, with previous wins on 10/24/23, 10/17/23, 11/1/22, and 9/20/22.

Last week, Echegini's brilliance on the field was evident in FSU's triumphant victories over No. 18 Pitt and Duke, propelling the Seminoles to clinch a share of the ACC Regular Season Championship. In a nail-biting match against the Panthers, it was Echegini's decisive strike in the 75th minute that sealed a 3-2 win for FSU. Not one to rest on her laurels, Echegini dazzled once again in the subsequent match, netting two goals within a span of five minutes against Duke. These feats have positioned her as the ACC's top goal-scorer this season, boasting an impressive tally of 11 goals. Furthermore, Echegini has become the first Seminole to achieve back-to-back double-digit goal-scoring seasons since the legendary Deyna Castellanos in 2018-19.

As the Seminoles gear up for their next challenge, they have their sights set on clinching the outright ACC Regular Season Championship. The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as Florida State faces off against NC State this Thursday at 7 p.m. on ACCNX. With Echegini's current form, fans are in for a treat as they eagerly anticipate another stellar performance from this record-breaking Seminole.

Seminoles Shine at ACC Basketball Tip-Off: Hamilton, Green Jr., and Miller Take Center Stage

The spirit of the Garnet and Gold is set to light up North Carolina this Wednesday, Oct. 25, as the Florida State Seminoles make their grand appearance at the annual ACC Basketball Tip-Off. Leading the charge will be Head Coach Leonard Hamilton, accompanied by the team's standout players, Darin Green Jr. and Baba Miller. The trio is scheduled for a jam-packed day, including press conferences, interviews, photo ops, and TV appearances, signaling the imminent commencement of the 2023-24 basketball season.

As the season's excitement builds, fans are eagerly awaiting the Seminoles' upcoming exhibition games. The team will face off against Flagler College on Oct. 29 at 4:00 p.m., followed by a clash with Valdosta State on Nov. 5 at 4:00 p.m. The regular season will kick off with a home game against Kennesaw State on Nov. 10 at 6:00 p.m. All these thrilling matches are set to take place at the iconic Donald L. Tucker Center.

On the day of the ACC Tip-Off, the Seminoles will start their morning with radio appearances, both local and national, from 9:00 – 9:30 a.m. The main event, the press conference, will see Green Jr., Miller, and Hamilton take the stage at 11:00 a.m. Fans can catch this live on ACCNX via the Watch ESPN app. Hamilton's exclusive segment on the ACC network is slated for 11:45 a.m., while Green Jr. and Miller will grace the network at 1:15 p.m.

Darin Green Jr., entering his senior year, stands as the Seminoles' top returning scorer. In his debut season with FSU, he boasted an average of 13.4 points per game, ranking second on the team. His prowess from beyond the arc was evident with 91 made 3-pointers, and he was the only Seminole to feature in all 32 games in 2023. As he steps into the new season, Green Jr. is on the brink of a milestone with 299 career 3-pointers to his name.

Baba Miller, now in his sophomore year, is a rising talent in the ACC. With an average of 9.4 points and 6.0 rebounds, Miller showcased his talent on the global stage, aiding Spain in clinching the U-19 FIBA World Championship this past summer. His personal best came against Clemson, where he netted 12 points, and he led the team in rebounds on four occasions during his freshman year.

At the helm of the Seminoles is the legendary Leonard Hamilton. With a staggering 604 wins under his belt, Hamilton stands as the most victorious coach in Florida State's history and ranks fifth in ACC's all-time list. As he embarks on his 22nd season with the Seminoles, he holds the 23rd spot among active coaches for career victories.

With such a dynamic trio representing the Seminoles, the ACC Basketball Tip-Off promises to be an event to remember, setting the tone for an exhilarating season ahead.

Seminoles' Recruiting Momentum: A Glimpse into the Future of Florida State Football

Florida State's football program is not just gaining traction on the field but is also creating a significant buzz in the recruiting world. With a series of strategic moves and a keen eye for talent, the Seminoles are positioning themselves as a top destination for elite high school prospects.

Florida State's Recruiting Prowess: 2024 and 2025 Prospects

The Seminoles' on-field success, marked by a 7-0 start, is resonating with recruits. Mike Norvell's team recently secured a commitment from Miami's five-star defensive line recruit, Armondo Blount. The momentum doesn't stop there:

Elyiss Williams: The 5-star tight end, currently committed to the University of Georgia, recently visited Tallahassee and was impressed by the game's atmosphere and FSU's use of their tight ends. With another visit planned for the FSU-Miami game and his mother's evident fondness for the program, the Seminoles might have an edge in flipping this talent.

Solomon Thomas: The 5-star offensive lineman from Jacksonville was recently in awe of the atmosphere at Doak Campbell Stadium. Thomas has expressed a strong connection with FSU's coaching staff, especially with offensive line coach Alex Atkins. Currently, FSU stands as the leading choice for Thomas, who appreciates the vision and camaraderie within the program. Some recruiting analysts anticipate an early commitment to to ‘Noles is forthcoming.

Artavius Jones: Currently committed to Miami, this 4-star defensive lineman is showing strong interest in FSU. Recent visits and the proximity of Tallahassee to his hometown make the Seminoles a strong contender.

Jamari Howard: This 4-star cornerback has been leaning towards FSU for some time. With an announcement expected on November 10, the Seminoles are optimistic.

Jadon Perlotte: The 2025 4-star linebacker, currently committed to Georgia, is on FSU's radar, especially with his high school teammate, KJ Bolden, pledging allegiance to the Seminoles.

Darrell Johnson: A rising star from Georgia, Johnson has visited FSU multiple times. The Seminoles' recent success in Georgia puts them in a favorable position for this 4-star athlete.

Ousmane Kromah: This elite 2025 running back from Georgia has visited FSU numerous times. With the Seminoles securing high school teammate Kam Davis in 2024, they are poised to be the frontrunners for Kromah.

With such promising prospects on the horizon, the future looks bright for Florida State football. The Seminoles' recruiting strategy, combined with their on-field success, is setting the stage for a dominant era in college football.

John Butler Joins Washington Wizards on Two-Way Contract

Former Florida State forward, John Butler, has found a new NBA home with the Washington Wizards. After going undrafted in 2022, Butler has been on a journey, previously linking up with the New Orleans Pelicans and then the Portland Trail Blazers.

During his rookie season with Portland, Butler played in 19 games, averaging 2.4 points and 0.9 rebounds. He also had a stint in the G League with the Stockton Kings, where he averaged 8.3 points and 3.2 blocks in six games.

Despite his evident potential, Butler's journey in the NBA is still unfolding. The Wizards' decision to sign him indicates their belief in his capabilities. Before his NBA endeavors, Butler had a standout season with the Seminoles, averaging 5.9 points and shooting an impressive 39.3% from three-point range.

Florida CFO Seeks Clarity on NCAA Waiver Decisions

Florida's Chief Financial Officer, Jimmy Patronis, is seeking answers from the NCAA regarding the eligibility of UNC wide receiver Tez Walker. In a public letter, Patronis has requested a formal review of the NCAA's decision-making process, especially in light of the recent change in Walker's eligibility status.

The NCAA had previously denied Walker's waiver but later overturned the decision due to "new information." Patronis is keen to understand the nature of this new information and why Walker's case differed from that of FSU defensive tackle Darrell Jackson, who remains ineligible.

FSU head coach Mike Norvell has also expressed confusion over the NCAA's decisions, noting the "interesting dynamic" when comparing Walker's and Jackson's cases. While the specifics remain unclear, Norvell did confirm that Jackson would be eligible to play in FSU's postseason games. Just something to keep an eye on and nice to see someone in state government has the Noles’ back.

Victories, Viewers, and a Few Bumps on the Road

Over 4 million viewers tuned in to our 38-20 victory against the Duke Blue Devils, making it the third most-watched college game of the weekend. And with a 7-0 record, it's clear: FSU is back in the spotlight, and the nation is watching.

But, as with any thrilling story, there are ups and downs. As we prepare to face Wake Forest (yes, the team that's had our number for the past three matchups), Coach Mike Norvell delivered some tough news. Dennis Briggs Jr., our versatile defensive linchpin (he plays both tackle and end), is out with an injury. His absence is a blow, but this is FSU we're talking about. We've got depth. Players like Fabien Lovett Sr., Braden Fiske, and Malcolm Ray are ready to step up.

Diving a bit deeper into that Duke game, Jordan Travis was nothing short of spectacular. He's now surpassed Chris Weinke's total offense record for FSU. And if you're looking for consistency, Travis has thrown multiple touchdowns in 14 consecutive games, tying the record set by Jameis Winston. On defense, Fabien Lovett Sr. stood out, making crucial tackles throughout the game including 2 for loss. And let's not forget Deuce Spann's electrifying 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Moments like that are what college football dreams are made of!

Closing Out Another Seminole Saga 🏹

From the pitch to the court, the Seminoles have given us a week to remember. Every stride, every goal, and every dunk echoes the legacy of the Garnet and Gold. As the next chapter unfolds, let's rally behind our teams with the same fervor they bring to each game.

Want to stay even more connected with all things FSU? Don't forget to follow us on Instagram for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and a whole lot more. 📸 Follow @The.ChiefBrief on Instagram

A massive thank you to our readers for being a part of this journey. Your passion and dedication to the Seminoles make all the difference. And once again, cheers to our sponsor, The Gnarly Barley, for their continued support.

Until next time, Seminole Nation, keep the spirit alive and the cheers loud! Go 'Noles! 🏹

Here’s a highlight of Chris Thompson’s 74 yard run against Wake Forest to pump you up for the day (it’s only 25 seconds)