Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy humpday, Seminole!

Here’s the (mostly football) docket:

🏆 Lottie Woad Wins Golden Torch for Women’s Golf 🏆
Sophomore Lottie Woad continues to excel, earning the Golden Torch for her outstanding academic and athletic achievements at FSU.

🏐 FSU Volleyball Falls to Florida in a Five-Set Battle 🏐
The Seminoles lost a hard-fought match to the Gators, with Khori Louis leading the way with a career-high 18 kills.

🏈 Top Running Back Prospects Spotlight 🏈
Four-star RB Ousmane Kromah and 2026 standout Jae Lamar took center stage in Georgia, with FSU actively pursuing both.

🏈 CJ Wiley Reaffirms Commitment Despite FSU’s Start 🏈
The four-star wide receiver remains committed to the Seminoles, emphasizing his relationship with the coaching staff.

🏈 FSU Targets Offensive Lineman Daniel Pierre Louis 🏈
FSU lines up a critical official visit from 2025 OL target Daniel Pierre Louis, positioning themselves well in his recruitment.

🏈 Rising Star DL Trashawn Ruffin Gains Momentum 🏈
Three-star DL Trashawn Ruffin continues to attract major interest, with FSU among the schools pursuing him.

🏈 2025 Recruits Still in Play for Major Programs 🏈
Na’eem Offord, DJ Pickett, and others are drawing attention as schools push for late flips in their commitments.

🏈 Five-Star Solomon Thomas Discusses His Commitment 🏈
The top-rated OL remains firm in his FSU commitment but acknowledges ongoing interest from LSU, Miami, and Georgia.

🏈 Cal Running Back Jaydn Ott Questionable for Saturday 🏈
As FSU prepares for their upcoming game, Cal’s star RB Jaydn Ott remains questionable due to an ankle injury.

🏈 FSU Practice Report: Rising Energy Ahead of Cal Showdown 🏈
Tuesday’s practice saw improved energy, with standout performances from Kam Davis, Hykeem Williams, and the defensive line.

🏈 ACC, FSU, and Clemson in Talks Over Increased Payouts 🏈
Negotiations between FSU, Clemson, and the ACC could result in larger payouts based on TV ratings, with both schools potentially staying in the conference.

🏆 Lottie Woad Honored with Golden Torch for Women’s Golf 🏆

Sophomore Lottie Woad was awarded the prestigious Golden Torch for her academic and athletic excellence at Florida State University.

Alongside her No. 1 world amateur golf ranking, Woad continues to impress with multiple accolades, including ACC Golfer of the Year and All-American First-Team honors.

Her academic achievements match her success on the course, earning FSU Dean’s List, Academic Honor Roll, and the 2024 Mark H. McCormack Award.

🔗 Read more about Lottie’s incredible journey here

🏐 FSU Volleyball Falls to Florida in Five-Set Thriller 🏐

The No. 18 Florida State volleyball team (7-2) narrowly lost to No. 16 Florida (7-2) in a five-set battle (23-25, 25-22, 25-21, 16-25, 6-15).

After trading points in the first set, FSU claimed sets two and three with strong rallies but couldn’t maintain the momentum.

Florida dominated the fourth and final sets to seal the win. Khori Louis led the Seminoles with a career-high 18 kills, while Audrey Koenig and Taylor Head added 13 and 10 kills, respectively.

🔗 FSU heads to Alabama on Saturday

🏈 Florida State Targets Star Running Backs in Georgia Showdown 🏈

In a south Georgia clash, two standout running backs with FSU interest took center stage.

Four-star 2025 RB Ousmane Kromah of Lee County, nearing his college decision, is considering FSU, Tennessee, Georgia, and Auburn.

Meanwhile, 2026 RB Jae Lamar of Colquitt County, who recently received an FSU offer, impressed with a 61-yard touchdown run in the game.

Lamar, also receiving attention from other schools, praised FSU's running game and his connections with the Seminoles' coaching staff.

🔗 Read more on the developing recruitment

🏈 Four-Star WR CJ Wiley Remains Committed to FSU Despite Slow Start 🏈

Despite FSU’s 0-3 start, four-star wide receiver CJ Wiley reaffirmed his commitment to the Seminoles, citing his strong relationship with head coach Mike Norvell.

The 6'3" wideout from Milton (Ga.) appreciates FSU's rebuilding efforts after losing several players to the NFL and remains optimistic about the program’s future.

While Georgia, Auburn, and LSU continue to show interest, Wiley values his connection with FSU’s coaching staff, particularly wide receivers coach Ron Dugans and offensive coordinator Alex Atkins.

🔗 More on Wiley's recruitment here

🏈 FSU Set to Host Offensive Line Target Daniel Pierre Louis for Official Visit 🏈

Florida State is continuing its search for offensive linemen in the 2025 recruiting class, with a key target, Daniel Pierre Louis from Seminole Ridge High School, scheduled for an official visit. Pierre Louis, who received an offer from FSU this summer, will visit for the Seminoles' October 5th matchup against Clemson.

The 6'4", 285-pound lineman is also being pursued by NC State, Memphis, and West Virginia, but FSU seems to have the inside track.

🔗 Read more here

🏈 Three-Star DL Trashawn Ruffin Sees Recruiting Interest Skyrocket 🏈

Trashawn Ruffin, a rising junior defensive lineman from Mount Olive, N.C., has been gaining serious traction in his recruitment. Standing at 6'3" and 307 pounds, Ruffin recently added Michigan to his growing list of offers, which includes Texas A&M, Florida State, NC State, and more.

Having visited South Carolina and Texas A&M in recent weeks, Ruffin remains undecided but is looking forward to building relationships with the standout programs pursuing him.

🔗 Read more here

🏈 Latest Updates on Top 2025 Football Recruits 🏈

The 2025 recruiting class is still shifting, with several committed players being eyed for flips. Ohio State commit Na'eem Offord is attracting Auburn’s interest, while DJ Pickett's LSU commitment faces pressure from Miami.

Georgia continues to push for FSU commit Solomon Thomas, while Auburn looks to flip CJ Wiley from FSU. Several other high-profile recruits, including Andrew Babalola, Jared Smith, and Michael Terry III, are also weighing their options as schools make strong pitches ahead of the early signing period.

🔗 Read more here

🏈 Five-Star OL Solomon Thomas Discusses Senior Season and FSU Commitment 🏈

Florida State's top commit, Solomon Thomas, reflects on his senior season, noting areas of growth for both himself and his team, including improving his transition to guard.

Thomas is eager for FSU offensive line coach Alex Atkins’ return after a three-game suspension and plans to visit FSU soon.

Despite his strong commitment, schools like LSU, Miami, and Georgia remain in contact, but no other visits are planned at the moment.

🔗 Read more here

🏈 FSU vs. Cal: Jaydn Ott's Status Uncertain Ahead of Saturday’s Game 🏈

Florida State will host Cal this Saturday in a pivotal matchup. Cal’s star running back Jaydn Ott remains questionable due to an ankle injury that has limited him so far this season.

Ott’s backup, Jaivian Thomas, impressed in Ott’s absence, rushing for 169 yards against San Diego State.

Additionally, Cal will be without wide receivers Tobias Merriweather and Kyion Grayes, as well as nickel Matthew Littlejohn, who is doubtful for the game.

🔗 Read more here

🏈 FSU's Practice Report: Energy Rises as Team Prepares for Cal 🏈

Florida State returned to practice on Tuesday with renewed energy as they prepare to face Cal this Saturday.

Players were noticeably more vocal, and head coach Mike Norvell pushed his team harder, emphasizing focus and accountability.

While QB DJ Uiagalelei had an inconsistent showing, standout performances came from true freshman Kam Davis, who made several explosive plays, and LB Justin Cryer, who impressed coaches during drills.

The defensive line also dominated in one-on-one sessions, with DE Marvin Jones Jr. and DT Josh Farmer excelling. The defense racked up several takeaways, highlighted by CB Fentrell Cypress and S Conrad Hussey's interceptions.

With NFL scouts from six teams in attendance, the heightened intensity will need to carry over to Saturday's game as FSU searches for their first win of the season.

🔗 Read more here

🏈 ACC, FSU, and Clemson in Talks for Larger Payouts Amid Legal Disputes 🏈

Florida State and Clemson are in negotiations with the ACC, exploring a deal that could increase annual payouts for both schools based on television ratings.

This development comes amid ongoing legal battles, as FSU and Clemson seek to leave the conference without paying hefty exit fees.

The proposal could offer a temporary solution, potentially keeping both schools in the ACC while providing additional revenue.

Changes to the Grant of Rights agreement, possibly shortening its length, are also being discussed.

🔗 Read more here

And that’s a wrap!

We’re excited to see how the rest of the week unfolds as the ‘Noles prepare for a pivotal matchup against Cal!

With key players returning to the field and fresh energy in practice, all eyes are on Doak Campbell Stadium this weekend.

Keep supporting your teams as they make strides both on and off the field! 💪🏽

Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, go ‘Noles!