Welcome to The Chief Brief!

TGIF, Seminole!

Here’s the docket for you today:

⚽ No. 2 FSU Soccer Dominates Syracuse 5-1 in ACC Opener ⚽
FSU kicked off conference play with a decisive win over Syracuse, extending their unbeaten streak to 30 games. Taylor Huff led the way with two goals.

🏌️‍♂️ Carson Brewer’s Journey to FSU Golf Stardom 🏌️‍♂️
Carson Brewer shines in his debut golf season, leading FSU at the Folds of Honor Collegiate.

🏊‍♂️ FSU Swimming & Diving Hosts Annual Garnet vs. Gold Meet 🏊‍♀️
FSU swimming and diving kicks off their season with a spirited Garnet vs. Gold meet on Friday.

🏐 No. 18 FSU Volleyball Heads to Alabama for Final Non-Conference Match 🏐
The Seminoles aim to close out non-conference play with a win against Alabama, with Audrey Koenig and Khori Louis continuing their standout seasons.

🎾 FSU Women’s Tennis Heads to ITA All-American Championships 🎾
Four FSU players will compete in the prestigious ITA All-American Championships starting this weekend.

🛡️ FSU Eyeing Defensive Lineman Josiah Victor for 2025 Class 🛡️
FSU shows interest in three-star DL Josiah Victor, who’s currently committed to Boston College.

🏈 FSU Focuses on Two Key Running Back Targets for 2025 Class 🏈
FSU looks to lock down top RB recruits Ousmane Kromah and Byron Louis.

🏈 Four-Star Safety Ladarian Clardy Set to Announce College Decision 🏈
FSU remains in contention for four-star safety Ladarian Clardy, who announces his decision on Saturday.

🔍 Opponent Insight: Breaking Down Cal Ahead of FSU Clash 🔍
Cal enters the game with strong momentum, led by QB Fernando Mendoza and standout defensive playmakers.

🔍 FSU’s Long-Term Outlook: Key Questions Answered 🔍
Recruiting experts weigh in on FSU’s struggles and reliance on the transfer portal, offering insights on the program's future.

⚽ No. 2 FSU Soccer Dominates Syracuse 5-1 in ACC Opener ⚽

No. 2 Florida State soccer kicked off ACC play with a commanding 5-1 victory over Syracuse, extending their unbeaten streak to 30 games. Wrianna Hudson opened the scoring early, followed by two goals from Kameron Simmonds and a brace from Taylor Huff, who now leads the team with eight goals this season.

The Seminoles controlled the match, outshooting Syracuse 22-11 and holding a 14-4 advantage in shots on goal. With Huff’s second goal in the 87th minute, FSU remains dominant, having conceded only two goals all season.

FSU now looks ahead to their Sunday matchup against SMU in Dallas.

🔗 [More on the match here]

🏌️‍♂️ Carson Brewer’s Journey to FSU Golf Stardom 🏌️‍♂️

Carson Brewer, a redshirt freshman at Florida State, has made waves in his debut season after transitioning from a baseball career due to elbow injuries. Brewer led FSU at the 2024 Folds of Honor Collegiate, tying for 19th place individually with a strong showing across the final two rounds.

Up next, Brewer and the Seminoles will compete at the 18th Annual Fighting Illini Invitational this weekend, hosted by Illinois at Olympia Fields, alongside top teams like North Carolina, Stanford, and Alabama.

🔗 [Full story on Brewer’s rise here]

🏊‍♂️ FSU Swimming & Diving Hosts Annual Garnet vs. Gold Meet 🏊‍♀️

Florida State’s swimming and diving teams are set to host the annual Garnet vs. Gold meet on Friday at 3 p.m. at the Morcom Aquatics Center. Admission is free, and the event promises plenty of exciting races and competition between the teams.

FSU head coach Neal Studd emphasized that the meet is a great way to build team chemistry as they gear up for the season ahead. The 16-event format will feature relays, freestyle, and diving competitions.

🔗 [More details here]

🏐 No. 18 Florida State Volleyball Heads to Alabama for Final Non-Conference Match 🏐

The Seminoles (7-2) will face Alabama (8-2) on Saturday at 3 p.m. to close out their non-conference schedule, with the game broadcast on SECN+.

FSU is off to a strong start, aiming to match their 2021 record with a win. Offensively, FSU ranks 23rd nationally in hitting percentage and 46th in kills per set.

Senior standouts like Audrey Koenig and Khori Louis continue to lead the team, with Koenig close to breaking into the top four for career kills in FSU history.

Taylor Head, a transfer from Arkansas, has also made an immediate impact, leading the team with 76 digs.

Senior libero Emery Dupes has returned from injury, playing in all 33 sets this season. The Seminoles’ tough schedule includes matches against NCAA Tournament teams, with more ranked opponents ahead as FSU looks to defend its ACC title.

🔗 [Read more on FSU’s non-conference showdown]

🎾 FSU Women’s Tennis Heads to ITA All-American Championships 🎾

Four Florida State women's tennis players—Millie Bissett, Kristyna Lavickova, Tina Li, and Maria Juliana Parra Romero—are set to compete at the ITA All-American Championships in Cary, NC, beginning this Saturday.

In singles, Lavickova, ranked No. 98, joins Parra Romero (No. 113) and Bissett (No. 120) in the competition. Bissett and Parra Romero, ranked No. 34 in doubles, will also team up in doubles action.

The tournament runs from September 21-29.

🔗 [More details on the tournament here]

🛡️ FSU Eyeing Defensive Lineman Josiah Victor for 2025 Class 🛡️

Three-star defensive lineman Josiah Victor from Loganville (Ga.) Grayson, currently committed to Boston College, will visit FSU on Saturday for the Cal game. While FSU has not extended an official offer yet, the Seminoles have shown increased interest in the 6'2", 297-pound prospect, who holds 27 total offers.

FSU’s 2025 class currently features one defensive line commit, four-star Kevin Wynn.

🔗 [More on FSU’s defensive line recruiting here]

🏈 FSU Focuses on Two Key Running Back Targets for 2025 Class 🏈

Florida State is honing in on four-star running backs Ousmane Kromah and Byron Louis to bolster their 2025 recruiting class.

Louis, deciding between FSU, Miami, Wisconsin, and Georgia, will announce his college commitment on Saturday, with FSU leading in predictions. Meanwhile, Kromah is set to attend FSU’s home game this weekend, with Auburn gaining momentum in his recruitment. Kromah will make his decision on September 28.

🔗 [More on FSU’s running back recruiting here]

🏈 Four-Star Safety Ladarian Clardy Set to Announce College Decision 🏈

Ladarian Clardy, a four-star safety from Pensacola, FL, will announce his college decision this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT. Clardy is deciding between seven finalists, including Florida State, Ole Miss, LSU, and Washington.

Clardy, rated as one of the top safeties in the country, will honor his late brother with this decision. Ole Miss currently leads the 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions, but FSU remains in the mix.

🔗 [Full details on Clardy’s recruitment here]

🔍 Opponent Insight: Breaking Down Cal Ahead of FSU Clash 🔍

Ahead of Saturday’s matchup, we get a closer look at Cal’s strengths:

1. Offense: QB Fernando Mendoza’s steady play has secured his role over Chandler Rogers, despite star RB Jaydn Ott’s injury concerns.

2. Defense: Cornerbacks Nohl Williams and Marcus Harris have improved pass coverage, backed by solid pressure from linebackers.

3. Kicking Woes: Kicker Ryan Coe has struggled, going 2-of-6 on FGs.

4. Key Players: Teddye Buchanan, Nohl Williams, and Xavier Carlton stand out on defense.

5. Prediction: With positive momentum, Cal is expected to edge out FSU in a close one.

🔗 [Full preview here]

🔍 FSU’s Long-Term Outlook: Key Questions Answered 🔍

1. Is It Time for FSU Fans to Panic?
   Brian Dohn believes it’s not time to panic just yet, as setbacks are common. Tom Loy agrees, though he suggests a quarterback change could be the spark FSU needs. Both highlight the importance of the next few months for a potential turnaround.

2. Does FSU Rely Too Much on the Transfer Portal?
   Dohn cautions that relying heavily on transfers can expose depth issues. Loy acknowledges the portal’s value but notes that missing key recruits, like QB Cam Ward, has hurt FSU.

🔗 [Read full analysis here]

And that’s a wrap!

With action-packed matchups across multiple sports, the Seminoles are ready to tackle another exciting weekend.

Keep an eye on key decisions in football recruiting, the dominance of our women’s teams, and upcoming pivotal games.

Go Noles!