Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy gameday Seminole!

Here’s the pre-tailgate docket for you:

🏐 FSU Volleyball Sweeps FAU in Seminole Classic Opener 🏐
Florida State Volleyball continues to impress with a dominant 3-0 victory over FAU. Khori Louis and Kyleene Filimaua led the way with standout performances as FSU prepares for their next challenge against UCF.

🎾 Katie Rybakova Inducted into FSU Hall of Fame 🎾
Former tennis star Katie Rybakova joins an elite class in the FSU Athletics Hall of Fame this weekend. Her incredible legacy will be celebrated at both the induction ceremony and Saturday’s football game.

⚽ Bobby Shuttleworth Promoted to Associate Head Coach ⚽
Assistant coach Bobby Shuttleworth has been promoted to associate head coach for FSU Soccer, following his pivotal role in FSU’s recent defensive successes.

🏀 FSU Basketball in Final 10 for 2025 Recruit Cam Ward 🏀
Top 2025 recruit Cam Ward is closing in on his decision, and FSU is among the final 10 schools vying for the talented forward.

🔥 Key Recruits Flock to Tallahassee for Memphis Game 🔥
FSU hosts several key recruits, including 4-star linebackers Tarvos Alford and Darrell Johnson. This weekend's game against Memphis presents a critical opportunity for the Seminoles to impress.

🏈 FSU Set to Face Memphis with Key Recruits in Attendance 🏈
Florida State is aiming for its first win of the season against an undefeated Memphis team. Key matchups, staff predictions, and Hall of Fame honors will take center stage this weekend.

📊 FSU Faces $25 Million Financial Impact from House Settlement 📊
FSU is preparing for increased athletic expenses, including NIL payments and roster expansions, which could add $25 million annually to its budget. The school continues legal mediation with the ACC regarding its future conference alignment.

🏐 FSU Volleyball Sweeps FAU in Seminole Classic Opener 🏐

Florida State Volleyball (6-1) kicked off the Seminole Classic with a 3-0 sweep against Florida Atlantic, extending their unbeaten streak against the Owls to 11-0.

Khori Louis led the charge with 15 kills and 8 blocks, while Kyleene Filimaua posted a career-high 14 kills.

The Seminoles dominated the second set and fought through a tight third set, securing the victory in front of a sold-out Tully Gym.

FSU now looks ahead to their Sunday matchup against UCF.

Read more here

🎾 Katie Rybakova to be Inducted into FSU Hall of Fame 🎾

Former Florida State tennis star Katie Rybakova will be inducted into the FSU Athletic Hall of Fame this Friday, joining an elite class of 2024 honorees.

Rybakova, who earned 174 total victories from 2008 to 2011, ranks second in school history for singles wins with 103.

Her outstanding career will be celebrated both at the Hall of Fame ceremony and during Saturday's football game against Memphis.

Read more here

⚽ Bobby Shuttleworth Promoted to Associate Head Coach of FSU Soccer ⚽

FSU soccer head coach Brian Pensky announced the promotion of Bobby Shuttleworth to associate head coach.

Shuttleworth, who joined the program in 2022 after a 14-year MLS career, has been instrumental in FSU’s recent defensive success, including guiding goalkeeper Cristina Roque to All-America honors.

His leadership and coaching skills were key to FSU winning the 2023 National Coaching Staff of the Year award.

Read more here

🏀 FSU Basketball in the Final 10 for Top 2025 Prospect Cam Ward 🏀

Cam Ward, the No. 54 overall prospect in the 2025 class, is narrowing his recruitment and has Florida State among his final 10 schools. The 6'7" forward from Maryland is also considering Michigan State, Alabama, Virginia, and others.

Ward has already visited FSU and plans to finalize his decision by November or December after completing all his visits. He is looking for a strong development plan and fit within each program’s system.

Read more here

🔥 Key Recruits Flock to Tallahassee for FSU vs. Memphis Showdown 🔥

Florida State is hosting several top-tier recruits this weekend, headlined by:

• Tarvos Alford (4-star LB, Ohio State commit): One of FSU’s top targets, visiting officially with FSU pitching early playing time.

• Darrell Johnson (4-star LB, Alabama commit): A crucial visit as FSU looks to gain traction.

• Cam Brooks (4-star Edge, 2026): Ranked No. 78 nationally, Brooks is a priority for the 2026 class.

• KJ Green (Edge, 2027): 6’5", 215-pound elite prospect, likely to receive an offer this weekend.

• Malachi Toney (3-star WR, Miami commit): FSU hopes to make a strong impression.

Read more here and here

🏈 FSU Set to Face Memphis with Key Recruits in Attendance 🏈

Florida State (0-2) will take on Memphis (2-0) this Saturday at noon in Doak Campbell Stadium. The Seminoles are aiming for their first win of the season, coming off a bye week, while Memphis remains undefeated. FSU is favored by 6.5 points.

Key Matchups:

• Memphis Passing vs. FSU Pass Defense: Memphis QB Seth Henigan poses a strong test with his passing attack. FSU’s secondary has been mostly untested but is expected to be challenged. Advantage: Even

• Memphis Rushing vs. FSU Rush Defense: Memphis' run game, led by Mario Anderson Jr., has been effective, while FSU's rush defense has struggled. Advantage: Memphis

• FSU Passing vs. Memphis Pass Defense: FSU's passing game has struggled, but Memphis’ secondary hasn’t faced strong competition yet. Advantage: Even

• FSU Rushing vs. Memphis Rush Defense: FSU’s running game has been off to a slow start, but Memphis’ front shouldn’t pose as much of a challenge as previous opponents. Advantage: FSU

Staff Predictions:

• Coach Adam Brown: FSU 28, Memphis 24

• Chris Nee: FSU 22, Memphis 21

• Clay Fink: FSU 28, Memphis 21

• Brendan Sonnone: FSU 27, Memphis 24

• Trey Rowland: FSU 24, Memphis 21

• Kevin Little: FSU 17, Memphis 14

• Brett Nevitt: FSU 20, Memphis 17

• Zach Blostein: Memphis 27, FSU 21

Hall of Fame inductees, including Anquan Boldin and Lamarcus Joyner, will also be honored during the game.

Read more here and here and here

📊 FSU Grapples with $25 Million Increase in Athletic Expenses Due to House Settlement 📊

Florida State is preparing for major financial changes as the potential House v. NCAA antitrust settlement looms.

The settlement could require the Seminoles to increase expenses by $25 million annually, including NIL payments and expanded rosters.

Athletics Director Michael Alford presented these concerns to the FSU Board of Trustees, noting the financial burden to stay competitive.

Additionally, FSU continues its legal efforts to leave the ACC for a more lucrative conference. Court-ordered mediation is ongoing, but no resolution has been reached.

Read more here

And that’s a wrap!

As the Seminoles gear up for a big weekend of football, volleyball, and key recruiting battles, there’s plenty to keep your eyes on.

Stay tuned for all the updates, and we’ll be back with more insights soon.

Until next time, keep bleeding Garnet and Gold! 🏹🌞