🏹 September 5th - The Chief Brief 🏹

Upsets to Upgrades

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Which FSU program’s momentum has you most excited right now?

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🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Big wins bring big momentum—and Florida State’s upset over Alabama continues to pay dividends across the board.

On the Pitch – No. 7 FSU soccer didn’t just win Thursday, they dominated, rolling past Stetson 7–0 with goals pouring in from all over the roster.

🏐 On the Court – FSU volleyball heads to Tampa this weekend, looking to extend its hot start with key matches against USF and South Carolina.

🏀 On the Hardwood – Luke Loucks is on a recruiting heater. First, 4⭐ Collin Paul. Then, top-100 wing Brandon Bass Jr. The Seminoles now own the No. 1 class in the nation.

🏈 On the Trail – The recruiting buzz is electric. 2027 QB Kavian Bryant is weighing options after a strong visit, while momentum is building with Lawrence Britt, Jatori Williams, and even Alabama commit Jabarrius Garror.

The Noles are setting the tone for the future, in every sport.

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⚽ Noles Blank Stetson 7–0 in Tallahassee ⚽

No. 7 Florida State soccer returned from a week off and made a statement Thursday night, routing Stetson 7–0 at the Seminole Soccer Complex. The win moves FSU to 3-0-1 and extends their dominance over the Hatters to 9-0-0 all-time.

🔥 Goals Galore

  • Yuna McCormack (23’) opened the scoring, assisted by Jordynn Dudley.

  • Wrianna Hudson (24’) struck just 31 seconds later, her team-best 3rd goal of the year.

  • Dudley (51’) added her 2nd goal of the season with a rocket from distance.

  • Ashlyn Anderson (67’) netted her first career goal, cleaning up a rebound.

  • Nawreen Ahmad (79’, 81’) delivered back-to-back headers for her first two goals in garnet and gold, both assisted by newcomer Mya Brandon.

  • Taylor Suarez (85’) capped the night with her first of the season, assisted by Giana Riley.

📊 By the Numbers

  • FSU: 26 shots (13 on goal).

  • Stetson: 1 total shot.

  • Clean sheet shared by Addie Todd and Kate Ockene, who combined for 1 save.

  • Streaks extended: 29-0-3 in non-conference regular season play since 2019, and 29-0-2 at home since 2022.

⏭️ What’s Next
The Seminoles close non-conference play Sunday at FAU (12 p.m. ET, Boca Raton) before turning to the ACC grind.

Why It Matters: A seven-goal explosion, with five different players scoring, shows FSU’s depth and firepower as they push toward another postseason run.

🏐 Noles Volleyball Heads to Tampa 🏐

Florida State volleyball (2–0) continues its season-opening road swing this weekend with two matchups in Tampa: USF on Friday (6 p.m., ESPN+) and South Carolina on Saturday (3 p.m., statbroadcast.com).

🔥 Scouting the Opponents

  • USF (0–3): Losses to Purdue, Tennessee, and Florida after a 19–10 campaign in 2024.

  • South Carolina (3–1): Wins over ETSU, Campbell, and Coastal Carolina; lone loss came in five sets to Clemson.

📊 Series History

  • FSU leads USF 42–6 all-time, including 8–2 in Tampa, and has won five straight.

  • FSU holds a 17–9 series edge over South Carolina, though the teams haven’t met since 2006.

💡 Noles to Watch

  • Iane Henke: Breakout sophomore with 26 kills, .317 hitting %, and 9 aces on opening weekend (including 7 vs. UIC, tied for 4th-most in school history).

  • Nenu Kpea: Freshman posted 13 blocks in her debut weekend, including 8 vs. UNF.

  • Delaney Ewing: Transfer went a perfect 7-for-7 in her first match; added 10 kills and 6 blocks overall.

  • Mio Yamamoto: Sun Belt Libero of the Year transfer leads FSU’s back row, notching 21 digs and 6 aces.

  • Lily Nicholson & Stevenson: Veteran setters combining to steady the offense after both topped 1,000 assists at their previous schools.

📈 Program Notes

  • 14 newcomers this season (largest class under Chris Poole).

  • FSU improved to 35–8 all-time on opening weekends under Poole.

  • New assistant coach Jon Wong (from Rice & Texas) adds championship pedigree.

  • Noles won’t play at home until Sept. 14—their latest home opener since 2001.

Why It Matters: A strong showing in Tampa could give FSU a 4–0 start before their long-awaited home debut, while Henke and the freshman class continue to show star potential.

🏀 Brandon Bass Jr. Commits to FSU 🏀

Florida State basketball’s recruiting heater continued Wednesday as Brandon Bass Jr. (No. 98 overall) pledged to the Seminoles, just one day after four-star forward Collin Paul committed live on CBS Sports.

🔥 The Prospect

  • Product of Windermere Prep (FL) and Austin Rivers’ Southeast Elite grassroots program.

  • Averaged nearly 15 PPG, 4 RPG during the 3SSB season.

  • Elite shooting touch: 42% from 3 on 6 attempts/game and 82% FT.

  • Length and upside: 6’6” with a 6’8” wingspan, plus solid rebounding instincts.

📊 Scouting Report

  • Strengths: Knockdown shooter, confident lefty scorer, versatile on the wing.

  • Areas to Grow: Needs to keep developing his right hand, physical strength, and consistency finishing at the rim (42%).

  • Fit at FSU: Brings much-needed shooting to Luke Loucks’ first recruiting class, opening the floor for playmakers like Paul and big man Marcis Ponder.

🌟 Recruiting Impact

  • Becomes the fourth commit in FSU’s 2026 class, joining Paul, Ponder, and Jasen Lopez (dual-sport football/basketball).

  • Loucks’ staff is clearly prioritizing local Florida talent and building a versatile, multi-positional group.

  • With Bass on board, expect FSU to keep targeting wings like Alex Egbuonu, Kevin Thomas, and the Placide brothers to round out the class.

Why It Matters: In 48 hours, FSU has landed two top-100 pledges—Paul and Bass Jr.—vaulting Loucks’ first full recruiting cycle into national prominence and setting the tone for a new era in Seminole hoops.

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🏈 2027 QB Kavian Bryant Weighing Options After FSU Visit 🏈

Florida State made its pitch to Top247 QB Kavian Bryant (Palestine, TX), but the 2027 two-sport star isn’t rushing a decision just yet.

🔥 Recruitment Snapshot

  • 6’1.5, 180 lbs, ranked No. 3 QB nationally and No. 6 overall prospect in Texas.

  • Dual-sport athlete: plans to play both football and basketball at the next level.

  • Recently visited FSU for the Alabama upset, where the staff went “all out” to impress.

👀 Schools in Play

  • Texas Tech: currently seen as the frontrunner after a strong summer that included multiple five-star commitments. Bryant will visit Sept. 13.

  • Texas: set to host him Sept. 20.

  • SMU: official visit scheduled for Oct. 4.

  • Florida State: firmly in the mix after his multi-day Tallahassee trip, though Tech has momentum.

📝 Scouting Report

  • Dual-threat with “excellent playmaking ability with arm and legs.”

  • Shows touch, accuracy, and developing velocity—thrives extending plays.

  • Elite athletic profile with family basketball ties; considered one of the highest-ceiling QBs in the 2027 cycle.

⏳ Timeline

  • Decision expected by late October after completing visits.

Why It Matters: FSU made a strong impression hosting Bryant, but Texas Tech currently holds the edge. Still, with basketball in the equation and several visits left, this recruitment is far from over.

🔥 Recruiting Buzz: Momentum Builds After Bama Win 🔥

FSU’s upset of Alabama didn’t just shake the polls—it sent ripples through the recruiting world. Here’s the latest intel on where the Seminoles stand with top 2026–28 prospects.

🏈 Quarterback Focus

  • 2027 4⭐ QB Kavian Bryant: The weekend visit made a huge impact. One source called it “tough to beat.” FSU is setting the pace here.

  • Other QBs: FSU also in good standing with 3⭐ Logan Flaherty and 4⭐ Jayce Johnson (expected back for game visits), but Bryant remains the priority.

💨 Wide Receiver Heat

  • 2027 4⭐ WR Lawrence Britt: Left Tallahassee calling it a “major move” by FSU. Loves Malzahn’s scheme. Noles seen as frontrunner.

  • 2027 4⭐ WR Dederick Kimbrough: FSU remains the team to beat.

  • 2028 WR Derrell Hines Jr.: Early favorite status building for the Seminoles.

🛠️ In the Trenches

  • 2026 4⭐ OL Jatori Williams: Alabama had the edge pre-visit, but FSU surged back into the race after the Bama win.

💪 Defensive Standouts

  • 2027 4⭐ DL Jabarrius Garror (Bama commit): Momentum trending toward FSU; an RPM flip pick is being considered.

  • 2028 5⭐ DL David Jacobs: Called his FSU visit “significant.” Likely return trip vs. Miami.

  • 2026 3⭐ JACK Chris Carbin (GT commit): Still leans Jackets, but FSU comfort and fit are drawing real interest.

  • 2026 4⭐ DL Cam Pritchett (Oregon commit): Steady chip-away recruitment; another visit expected.

📈 Linebacker & Secondary Notes

  • 2026 4⭐ LB DQ Forkpa: Visit boosted FSU’s chances; shaping up as FSU vs. Michigan.

  • 2027 4⭐ LB/S Gregory Batson: Intel points to FSU leading; decision could come sooner than later.

  • 2026 4⭐ DB Kennedy Green: Strong buzz, aided by teammate Devin Carter’s FSU commitment.

Why It Matters: Alabama may have taken the L on the field, but FSU’s win also stole momentum in the recruiting wars. From quarterbacks to defensive line playmakers, the Seminoles’ turnaround in 2025 is resonating with blue-chip prospects.

And that’s a wrap!

That’s a wrap on today’s edition of The Chief Brief!

From soccer’s seven-goal statement to hoops locking down back-to-back top-100 recruits, it’s clear the ripple effect of FSU’s upset over Alabama is still rolling strong. Whether on the field, court, or recruiting trail—the Noles are making noise that’s impossible to ignore.

Stay tuned, because the storylines only get bigger from here.

Until tomorrow, Chief 🍢

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