🏹 September 19th - The Chief Brief 🏹

Recruiting momentum, Olympic Fields golf, and game week against Kent State

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Will FSU cover the spread of -45.5 points against Kent State?

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🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

TGIF Seminole!

Plenty of action across FSU athletics this week:

β›³ Noles Golf heads to one of the toughest fields of the fall at Olympia Fields, led by Walker Cup standout Tyler Weaver.

🏊 Swim & Dive opens its season with the annual Garnet & Gold Meet β€” free for fans at Morcom.

πŸ€ Hoops Recruiting took a twist as 4⭐ forward Gage Mayfield committed to Oklahoma over FSU.

πŸ”’ Football Recruiting stays hot with DB Jay Timmons reaffirming his pledge despite an Ohio State offer, while OT Jared Doughty locks in an October visit and the 2027 RB board takes shape.

🏈 Football is back after the bye, with Kent State visiting Doak. We’ve got five Golden Flashes to keep an eye on as the Noles look to stay perfect.

It’s all here, Chief β€” let’s dive in.

🎟️ Lock In Your Season Pass & 1-in-50 Odds for Miami Tickets 🎟️

We’re giving away 2 extra tickets to Miami @ Florida State β€” but only the first 50 Season Pass sign ups will be entered. Just 39 spots remain.

β›³ Noles Golf Set for Olympia Fields Invitational β›³

No. 9 Florida State men’s golf is heading north for the Olympia Fields Fighting Illini Invitational (Sept. 19–21), one of the toughest fields of the fall slate.

πŸ”₯ Tournament Field

  • 15 teams total, with 11 ranked or receiving votes.

  • Includes 5 top-10 squads, giving FSU a strong early-season test.

🏌️ Noles Lineup

  • Tyler Weaver β€” Back after playing in the 50th Walker Cup for Team GB&I; ranked No. 10 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings.

  • Carson Brewer β€” Opened the season with a 16th-place finish (+3) at Folds of Honor Collegiate.

  • Jack Bigham β€” Tied for 21st (+5) at Folds; ranked No. 67 in WAGR.

  • Wilmer Edero, Jack Whaley, Patrick McCann round out the squad.

πŸ“Š Season Context

  • FSU finished top-20 in its opener earlier this month in Michigan.

  • First tee times at Olympia Fields are Friday at 9 a.m. ET.

🏊 Garnet & Gold Meet Kicks Off Swim/Dive Season 🏊

Florida State swimming & diving opens its 2025–26 campaign with the annual Garnet & Gold intrasquad meet on Friday, Sept. 19, at 3 p.m. ET at Morcom Aquatics Center. Admission is free for fans to this and all home meets this season.

πŸ”₯ Event Details

  • Traditional 16-event slate plus the 100 IM.

  • Swimmers racing across 100s/200s of each stroke, 50, 500 & 1000 frees, and relays.

  • Diving runs simultaneously.

πŸ—£οΈ Coach’s Take
β€œThe Garnet & Gold meet is a great tradition to begin the year,” said head coach Neal Studd. β€œIt’s competitive, it’s fun, and it’s a great way for fans to see our team in action early on.”

⏭️ What’s Next
The Seminoles host the FSU Invitational (Sept. 26–27), with a pre-meet tailgate Friday from 5–7 p.m. featuring a DJ, bounce house, games, and food trucks.

πŸ€ Gage Mayfield Commits to Oklahoma Over FSU πŸ€

Four-star forward Gage Mayfield (No. 60 overall, 2026) announced his commitment to Oklahoma, picking the Sooners over Florida State, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee.

πŸ”₯ The Decision

  • Mayfield: β€œThey want their players to be great not just temporarily good… they also make all conversations and time bigger than basketball.”

  • Becomes Oklahoma’s first pledge in the 2026 class.

πŸ“Š Scouting Report

  • 6’7”, 7’1” wingspan, explosive vertical athlete.

  • Versatile defender/rebounder; upside as an inside-out scorer.

  • Averaged 13.8 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.7 BPG with Pro One on the UAA Circuit.

  • Still raw offensively β€” flashes of shooting, handling, and rim protection, but needs refinement against higher competition.

πŸ“Œ Why It Matters
FSU had been in the mix after hosting Mayfield, but his decision trims down the Seminoles’ options as they look to finish the No. 1-ranked 2026 class with other wings still on the board.

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πŸ”’ DB Commit Jay Timmons Drawing Big Offers, Staying Solid to FSU πŸ”’

Four-star defensive back Jay Timmons, a summer flip from Indiana and the son of FSU legend Lawrence Timmons, has seen his stock explode early in his senior season. Ranked among the top 30 prospects nationally, Timmons added a scholarship offer this week from defending national champion Ohio State β€” but he insists his future is in Tallahassee.

πŸ”₯ Rising Star

  • Went from MAC offers last year to blue-blood attention this fall.

  • Leads his high school team in TDs (6) and receiving yards (350) while starring as a cover corner.

  • Says he prides himself on proving critics wrong: β€œI love hitting people … perseverance is my biggest factor.”

πŸ—£οΈ Commitment to FSU

  • β€œI’m 100% committed. I’ll be down for the Miami game. When you get offered by a team like [Ohio State], you know you’re doing something right. But I’m committed to Florida State.”

  • Describes FSU as a family: regular talks with Norvell & staff often focus on life, not just football.

  • Built a unique bond with Norvell: even brags about beating him in bowling on his official visit.

πŸ‘€ Recruiting Role

  • Actively recruiting others to join him, including 2027 Penn State WR commit Khalil Taylor, his high school teammate.

πŸ“Œ Why It Matters
Despite a flurry of attention from national powers, Timmons is locked in with the Seminoles. His rapid rise underscores FSU’s eye for talent β€” flipping him early now looks like a major recruiting win.

🦍 FSU Offers OT Jared Doughty, Sets Official Visit 🦍

Florida State extended an offer Thursday to Atlanta (Ga.) Banneker three-star OT Jared Doughty (6’5.5”, 300), and momentum is building fast between the two sides.

πŸ”₯ Recruitment Status

  • Recently decommitted from Georgia State after landing offers from Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Missouri, and FSU.

  • Slated for an official visit to Tallahassee on Oct. 11 when FSU hosts Pittsburgh.

  • Other OVs: Georgia (Oct. 18), Auburn (Nov. 1), Missouri (Nov. 8).

  • Expected at Missouri this weekend for an unofficial.

πŸ“Š Prospect Profile

  • Rated the No. 90 offensive tackle nationally by 247Sports.

  • Earned an 87 grade as a prospect.

🌟 Why It Matters
FSU’s OL board continues to expand with high-upside prospects, and getting Doughty on campus in October puts the Seminoles firmly in the mix against SEC competition.

πŸƒβ€β™‚οΈ Building the 2027 RB Board πŸƒβ€β™‚οΈ

With the 2026 class nearly full at 23 commits, Florida State has already turned an eye toward 2027 recruiting β€” and running back is one of the biggest needs moving forward. Here’s a look at the names on the Seminoles’ early board:

πŸ”₯ Top Targets

  • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kemon Spell (Penn State commit) β€” The nation’s No. 1 RB is pledged to PSU but still listening. He’s set to visit Tallahassee for the Miami game on Oct. 4. FSU’s chance to make a big impression.

  • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Brayden Tyson (Brookwood, Ga.) β€” Ran for 2,100+ yards last season. Has visited FSU multiple times and will return for the Miami game. One of the Noles’ most realistic top options.

  • ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Asa Barnes (Tennessee) β€” Holds big offers (Alabama, OSU, USC, etc.) but FSU is a clear standout early. Expected to visit this fall.

  • ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Mikel Stephen (Mississippi) β€” On campus for FSU’s opener vs. Alabama. Ole Miss is a threat, but the Noles are firmly in the mix.

  • ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Nigel Newkirk (Gainesville, Ga.) β€” Visited for Alabama game. Also considering UGA, Bama, Michigan, USC. David Johnson checked in during the bye week.

  • Noah Parker (Georgia) β€” Unranked for now, but drawing SEC attention. Visited FSU for the Alabama win and also got an in-person eval from Johnson.

🌟 Why It Matters
FSU doesn’t have a RB committed in 2026 or 2027 yet. Laying groundwork now β€” especially with multiple Georgia standouts and a visit from the No. 1 back in the class β€” will be crucial to filling that future need.

🏈 Scouting Kent State: Five to Watch 🏈

Florida State returns from the bye ranked No. 7 and ready for Kent State this Saturday at Doak (3:30 p.m., ACCN). The Golden Flashes sit at 1–2 with their lone win over FCS Merrimack, but showed life in a narrow loss to Buffalo. Here are five names to know:

πŸ”₯ Offensive Threats

  • QB Dru DeShields β€” Dual-threat redshirt sophomore missed 2024 but has bounced back strong. Threw for 279 yards and 2 TDs vs. Buffalo. Also adds mobility (61 rush yards, 2 TDs).

  • WR Cade Wolford β€” Team’s top weapon (223 yards, 2 TDs on 7 catches). Has topped 95 yards twice already and contributes on returns.

  • RB Gavin Garcia β€” Leading rusher (135 yards on 45 carries) and reliable snap-eater (97 snaps). Dangerous as a receiver out of the backfield.

πŸ›‘οΈ Defensive Standouts

  • LB CJ Young β€” Team leader in tackles (21) with 4 QB pressures, a forced fumble, and high PFF grades.

  • CB Jaire Rawlson β€” Playmaker with 19 tackles, 2 PBUs, and 1.5 TFLs. Had his best game last week vs. Buffalo (8 tackles).

🌟 Why It Matters
Kent State lacks firepower compared to FSU, but DeShields’ dual-threat ability and Wolford’s explosiveness mean the Noles’ defense must stay disciplined early.

And that’s a wrap!

That’s a wrap, Chief. From recruiting flips to shutout streaks and everything in between, the Garnet & Gold machine keeps rolling. Let’s see if the Noles stay sharp coming out of the bye β€” and if Miami tickets are in your future, don’t forget those 1-in-50 odds.

Until next time, stay locked in and stay unconquered. 🍒

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