🏹 October 2nd - The Chief Brief 🏹

Rivalry Week, Recruiting Shifts, and Red Zone Health Checks

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The Chief
October 02, 2025

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Will FSU cover the spread against Miami (+4.5)?

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🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Thursday, Seminole!

Rivalry week is peaking: roster updates, a trench-war preview, and a recruiting weekend that could reshape multiple classes—plus diamonds and dollar signs for FSU Baseball’s 2026 slate.

Here’s what’s inside today:

⚾ FSU Baseball → Globe Life Field
Early-season showcase vs. Michigan, Auburn, and Nebraska at the Rangers’ park (Feb. 20–22, 2026).

🏈 Noles in the NFL: Trey Benson to IR
Meniscus scope; timeline 4–6 weeks, expected back this season.

🩺 Injury Watch: Three Noles
Status trackers for WR Jayvan Boggs, RB Roydell Williams, and S Ashlynd Barker ahead of Miami.

🛡️ Amaree Williams → More Defense
Versatile sophomore shifting to edge snaps as FSU hunts pass rush juice.

🌟 Mega Recruiting Weekend
~100 visitors, flip targets (Hall, Lherisse, Wilson, Fordham), and blue-chip underclassmen converge at Doak.

📊 Top247 Shakeup (2027)
New 247Sports ranks for FSU’s priorities—headliners, watchlist, and where momentum sits.

⚔️ Bloodbath Brewing: Trench War Preview
FSU physicality mandate vs. Miami’s elite front (Bain/Mesidor), plus the cracks FSU can exploit.

⚾ FSU Baseball Heads to Globe Life Field ⚾

Florida State’s 2026 season is already circled for a big road trip — the Seminoles will play in the Amegy Bank College Baseball Series at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers, from February 20–22.

📅 Weekend Slate

  • Feb. 20 (Fri): vs. Michigan – 12 p.m. ET

  • Feb. 21 (Sat): vs. Auburn – 4 p.m. ET

  • Feb. 22 (Sun): vs. Nebraska – 3:30 p.m. ET

🎟 Tickets

  • On sale now at GlobeLifeField.com

  • Options include general admission, premium home plate reserved, and weekend packages

🌍 Event Overview

  • Six teams, nine games across three days.

  • Field includes FSU, Auburn, Michigan, Nebraska, Kansas State, and Louisville.

  • Marks the second weekend of the 2026 season for the Seminoles.

Why It Matters:
The early-season showcase gives FSU a chance to measure up against major conference foes in a pro park atmosphere, with eyes already on Omaha in 2026.

🏈 Trey Benson Lands on IR 🏈

Former Florida State running back Trey Benson has been placed on injured reserve by the Arizona Cardinals after suffering a knee injury in Week 4 against Seattle.

⚠️ Injury Update

  • Arthroscopic surgery on his meniscus.

  • Expected timeline: 4–6 weeks.

  • Move to IR sidelines him at least four games, but he is expected back this season.

📊 Career So Far

  • Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2024 NFL Draft by Arizona.

  • 17 career games played, with 92 carries for 451 yards and 1 TD.

  • Added 19 receptions for 123 yards.

Why It Matters:
Benson’s setback delays his second-year breakout, but the Cardinals expect him to return this season — giving FSU fans reason to watch for his comeback.

🩺 Injury Watch: Three Noles in Question 🩺

Mike Norvell provided updates Wednesday on three key Seminoles whose availability for Saturday vs. Miami remains up in the air.

👀 Player Updates

  • WR Jayvan Boggs: Missed UVA with a leg injury. “Coming along… expecting more this week.” Could be cleared to return.

  • RB Roydell Williams: Out since Alabama game (leg). Looked good in practice, likely available vs. Miami, role TBD.

  • S Ashlynd Barker: Left UVA game with a shoulder issue. Still progressing, next couple of days critical.

Why It Matters:
All three are starters in FSU’s two-deep, and their status could swing depth and matchups in a primetime rivalry game.

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🔒 Amaree Williams Shifts to Defense 🔒

Second-year athlete Amaree Williams is set for more defensive snaps moving forward after seeing his first extended action at defensive end vs. Virginia.

👀 Context

  • Played mostly TE through first three games.

  • Shift enabled by TE Randy Pittman’s return to the lineup.

  • Logged 7 snaps at DE vs. UVA, earning a 71.0 PFF grade.

  • Had a sack earlier this season vs. East Texas A&M.

⚡ Why Now

  • FSU ranks last nationally in Time to Throw Allowed.

  • Rotational pass rusher Deamontae Diggs is sidelined indefinitely, creating a void.

  • Norvell: Williams will mix defense, special teams, and situational offense.

Why It Matters:
With Miami’s O-line up next, Williams’ athleticism could be key as FSU searches for more edge pressure.

🌟 Mega Recruiting Weekend: Miami Matchup Looms Large 🌟

Florida State–Miami week isn’t just a rivalry on the field — it’s one of the biggest recruiting weekends of the year. With around 100 recruits expected in Tallahassee, Mike Norvell and his staff have a golden opportunity to swing momentum in the 2026 and 2027 cycles.

🔥 Flip Targets & Key Visitors

  • Kaiden Hall (4★ S, Florida commit) – Longtime FSU lean growing up. Choosing Tallahassee over Gainesville this weekend speaks volumes. The Gators’ coaching situation could make this a flip waiting to happen.

  • Xavier Lherisse (3★ DB, Oregon commit) – Has visited multiple times; staff views him as a safety fit. Strong showing vs. Miami could boost FSU’s chances.

  • Corbyn Fordham (4★ TE, Ohio State commit) – Legacy recruit trending toward FSU. Wiltfong: “Looks like it’s going the Seminoles’ way.”

  • Kamron Wilson (3★ EDGE, Syracuse commit) – Excited for the visit and already predicting an FSU win. Seen as one of the most flippable prospects this weekend.

  • Jabari Watkins (4★ WR, Nebraska commit, 2027) – Committed last week but calls FSU his dream school. Noles must show he’s a priority to have a shot at flipping.

👀 Young Stars to Watch

  • Joshua Dobson (5★ DB, 2027) – Nation’s top-ranked corner. Tennessee/South Carolina lead, but FSU leaning on DB coach Patrick Surtain’s rep to make inroads.

  • Kaden Henderson (4★ LB, 2027) – Major Miami/FSU battle. Strong staff ties; this visit could tilt things Garnet & Gold.

  • Gregory Batson (4★ LB, 2026) – Already trending toward FSU after being blown away by the Alabama win.

  • Derrek Cooper (5★ RB, Texas commit) – Nation’s No. 2 RB. Grew up an FSU fan. Visit status still shaky, but if he shows up, the Noles could become Texas’ biggest challenger.

📈 The Big Picture
Recruiting insider Steve Wiltfong says momentum from the Alabama upset still resonates with prospects:

“Recruits are excited about Florida State and the trajectory of this program.”

Saturday night at Doak is a stage built for statement wins — on the field and in recruiting. A victory over Miami could give Norvell’s 2026 class a Top 10 trajectory and plant seeds for elite 2027 and 2028 hauls.

👉️ Full recruiting coverage via Rivals & On3

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📊 247Sports Updates 2027 Rankings 📊

247Sports dropped its updated Top247 for the 2027 class, and there’s plenty of movement that affects FSU’s commitments and top targets. From five-stars at the top to key flip candidates deeper down, here’s where things stand:

⭐ Headliners (Top 32)

  • DJ Jacobs (5★ EDGE, No. 1) – Georgia legacy, but FSU has hosted him multiple times. Relationship with staff strong.

  • Mark Matthews (5★ OT, No. 4) – Major Miami battle, but Norvell + OL coach Herb Hand in the mix.

  • Kemon Spell (5★ RB, Penn State commit, No. 8) – Visiting Doak this weekend for Miami.

  • KJ Green (4★ EDGE, No. 11) – South Carolina a factor; FSU has hosted.

  • Joshua Dobson (4★ CB, No. 13) – Top CB target. Noles battling Tenn/Clemson/ND.

  • Nick Lennear (4★ WR, No. 17) – Best WR in Florida; Miami favorite, but FSU pushing.

  • Easton Royal (4★ WR, No. 25) – LSU lean, but FSU still recruiting.

  • Kavian Bryant (4★ QB, No. 32) – Top QB target; visited for Alabama win, but Texas Tech trending.

💪 Key Targets in 32–100

  • Chris Whitehead (4★ EDGE, No. 37) – Visiting next weekend (Pitt game).

  • Kaden Henderson (4★ LB, No. 50) – FSU first to offer; visiting Miami weekend.

  • Lawrence Britt (4★ ATH, No. 53) – Loves FSU after Bama visit; recruited as WR.

  • Jaxon Dollar (4★ TE, No. 58) – National offers coming, but FSU an early standout.

  • Xavier Hasan (4★ CB, No. 61) – Visiting Doak for first time this weekend.

  • Jamarin Simmons (4★ WR, No. 63) – Tallahassee native, must-get prospect.

  • Jayce Johnson (4★ QB, TAMU commit, No. 64) – Still in touch with FSU.

  • Jaiden Bryant (4★ EDGE, No. 80) – Visiting this weekend.

  • Jaden Upshaw (4★ WR, No. 81) – Lee County standout, back on campus for Miami.

📌 100–200 Watchlist

  • Rashad Streets (4★ EDGE, No. 101) – On campus this weekend.

  • Khalil Taylor (4★ WR, Penn State commit, No. 102) – Teammate of FSU commit Jay Timmons.

  • Jaylen Scott (4★ S, Auburn commit, No. 112) – Former FSU commit, still visiting.

  • Mekhi Williams (4★ S, FSU commit, No. 133) – Locked in but Miami still pushing.

  • Jabarrius Garror (4★ EDGE, Alabama commit, No. 95) – Attended FSU’s Bama win; flip candidate.

  • Khing Thibodeaux (4★ DL, No. 195) – Visiting for Miami game.

📍 200–247 Notables

  • Amarri Irvin (4★ LB, No. 205) – Early standout for FSU.

  • Jabari Watkins (4★ WR, Nebraska commit, No. 208) – Dream school is FSU; will visit this weekend.

  • Bryce Williams (4★ CB, FSU commit, No. 210) – Solid, but still hearing others out.

  • Sean Tatum (4★ iOL, No. 226) – Priority in-state OL target, visiting this weekend.

  • Ah’Mari Stevens (4★ WR, Miami commit, No. 236) – FSU pushing for flip.

Why It Matters:
The updated rankings confirm what Norvell’s staff already knows — the 2027 cycle is loaded with must-get Florida and Southeast talent. With multiple top-50 targets in Tallahassee this weekend, Miami week could be a launchpad toward locking in another elite class.

⚔️ Bloodbath Brewing: FSU–Miami Trench War ⚔️

As No. 18 Florida State and No. 3 Miami gear up for Saturday night, the tone is already set. Safety Earl Little Jr., whose father played at Miami, has been telling teammates all week: “It’s going to be a bloodbath.”

🔥 FSU’s Focus on Physicality

  • After a passive showing in the double-OT loss at Virginia, Mike Norvell and DC Tony White have hammered home a simple message: finish every play with physicality.

  • FSU knows what it looks like when they play that way—see the opener vs. Alabama. The challenge is bottling it up again against the most physical opponent on the schedule.

  • Little Jr.: “We know they want to run the ball. We know we’ve got to be big and physical, and we’ve got to match up on the perimeter.”

💪 Miami’s Defensive Juggernaut

  • The Canes rank Top 10 nationally in scoring defense and Top 20 in yards allowed per play.

  • Rueben Bain Jr. (nation’s No. 1 graded run defender per PFF) and Akheem Mesidor form arguably the best DE duo in the country—both with elite PFF grades (95.8 & 91.4) and 19 QB pressures each.

  • Miami dominates inside-zone runs (FSU’s bread and butter), allowing just 1.11 yards before contact (23rd nationally).

  • They thrive in zone-heavy coverage (Cover 3/2), forcing short passes and preventing explosives—just 11 plays of 20+ yards allowed all season.

🕳️ Cracks in the Armor

  • Dual-threat QBs: Miami has shown vulnerability against designed QB runs and off-script plays outside the pocket. They rank 72nd in success rate vs. QB runs and 68th nationally in passer rating allowed when QBs throw on the move.

  • Secondary stress: If pressure doesn’t get home, Miami’s DBs can be exposed. Several starters give up high NFL passer ratings when targeted (Jakobe Thomas, Xavier Lucas, Ethan O’Connor).

  • Tempo & motion: Gus Malzahn’s pre-snap shifts and Tommy Castellanos’ mobility could force hesitation, keeping Miami’s front from attacking downhill.

🕵️ Miami’s “Secret Weapon”

  • The Canes have been preparing for Castellanos with a scout-team QB impersonator—Riply Luna (“just Luna”). The redshirt sophomore WR has mimicked dual-threat QBs in practice all year, giving Miami’s defense live reps at containing mobility.

  • Mesidor: “The goal is to keep him inside the pocket, squeeze it, limit his rush lanes.”

⚡ Why It Matters
Saturday night will pit FSU’s explosive offense (97th percentile nationally in big plays) against Miami’s suffocating pass rush and disciplined zone coverage. Something has to give. If Castellanos and Duce Robinson can stress the edges and create explosives, FSU can flip the script. If Bain and Mesidor keep Castellanos bottled up, Miami controls the night.

👉 Full matchup breakdown here, here, and here

And that’s a wrap!

That’s it for today’s Chief Brief!
As the Noles gear up for Miami, the spotlight isn’t just on the field — it’s on the recruits in the stands, the injured stars fighting back, and the message from the trenches: get physical or get left behind.

See you tomorrow with more updates from Garnet & Gold country.

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