High School spring football has been going on for the past two weeks. You will start to have spring football games next week and the following week. FSU coaches have been on the road. Where do the Seminoles stand with some of the options on the recruiting board? We will break down the list and give you our thoughts on who is trending at this time.

Stock Up

1) Jasen Lopez (Chaminade Madonna) WR - 5-10, 165: Went and watched Chaminade practice yesterday and there may not be a more consistent receiver catching the ball than Lopez. Throw the ball in his direction and Lopez will come down with it. He is not the biggest (5'10) or fastest (4.5) receiver but ask any coach that has watched J-Rock this spring and they come away impressed.

2) Samuel Roseborough (Clearwater HS) OT - 6-5, 290: FSU needs linemen and Samuel is one of the guys who likes the Seminoles at this time. He is a big kid who can move. He is able to play multiple positions on the OL. They need tackles and Samuel projects on the outside at the next level.

3) Aaron Thomas (Mountain Pointe-Arizona) OT - 6-7, 300: Thomas was recently offered and the Seminoles sit in a good spot. His father I believe played at FSU. At 6-7, we like this. Finally some tackles on the board with both the size and length to play the position. FSU needs to get bigger at tackle and this is one way to get there.

4) Jaden O’Neal (Mustang HS) QB - 6-3, 200 (Committed to OU): What we know is O’Neal took a visit and enjoyed it. He is still committed to Oklahoma but the Seminoles have made him a priority. I still say they try and stay in it with Landon Duckworth until he chooses another school. O’Neal is 2nd on the list IMHO.

5) Julius Miles (Freeport HS) TE - 6-6, 210: Miles has continued to see his stock rise. He is a must get for the Seminoles and probably the closest of any prospect to pull the trigger. SIZE, SIZE, SIZE. FSU is trying to improve the size on offense and Miles fits the bill.

Stock Down

1) Calvin Russell (Miami Northwestern) WR - 6-5, 200: This one seems to have been trending away for a while. Have not heard of reports of Russell traveling to Tallahassee. This is never a good thing. Russell has not visited many if any places, which is not a bad thing. I just don't see him being in a Seminole uniform.

2) Lamar Brown (University Lab) OL - 6-4, 290: Brown has liked FSU but trying to pull a kid from Baton Rouge these days may be one of the hardest things to do in recruiting. I don't expect him to be in FSU's class.

3) Derrek Cooper (Chaminade Madonna) RB-6'1-210: Cooper has kept in contact with FSU. That being said this is a WHALE ... He is one of the most heavily recruited players in Florida. FSU needs to just stay in the game but the longer this goes the less likely the Seminoles win out.

4) Somourian Wingo (St Augustine) WR - 6-2, 180: Early on FSU looked like they would pull some interest. He faded on their board. Wingo is one of the best receivers in Florida. It is a pity as the Seminoles could use both his size and athletic ability at receiver.

5) Heze Kent (Brunswick HS) TE/OL - 6-5, 300: If this kid wants to play tight end he can go to another school. That may be a bit harsh but 6-5, 300-pound kids don't play tight end. He is an offensive lineman. Kent liked FSU but the lack of visits and interest from him recently is a concern.

Stock has stayed the same

1) Landon Duckworth - (Jackson, Alabama) QB - 6-3, 190: Still my No. 1 target. My No. 1 want is Henderson from Houston but that is not happening. Duckworth needs to be a priority until he signs on the dotted line. He fits the offense at FSU and is the best option.

2) Jae Lamar (Colquitt HS) RB - 6-0, 210: You want to have success running the ball keep recruiting players like Lamar. He is not far from Tallahassee and this kid may be another Nick Chubb. He is a very good back and could one day play on Sundays.

3) Brandon Bennett (American Heritage) WR - 6-0, 170: There may not be a player who has seen their stock rise more. Coach’s call and his name comes up a lot. Bennett is just getting started. He has track speed but can play football. When you run the way Bennett does there will be plenty of suitors. FSU is still in the game for Bennett.

4) Evan Jacobson (Waukee HS-Iowa) TE-6'7-220: Jacobson comes from Iowa. The fact that Iowa has not landed him is crazy. He visited last summer. He came back a few weeks ago. FSU may get another visit. Follow the visits as this kid has the chance to be a Seminole.

5) Johnnie Jones (Berkeley Prep HS) OT-6'6-300: FSU likes Jones. He plays a position of need. He comes from Berkeley Prep, which has not been kind to FSU. They have a shot but Jones will be a tough pull.

When it comes to the offensive line, Florida State has taken two drastically different approaches to the two portal windows this offseason.

In the winter portal window, FSU went out and added the experience it badly needed. The Seminoles brought in four Power-Four transfers who had a combined 105 starts and 127 games played to give an offensive line room that both struggled badly in 2024 and lost a great deal of experience off that unit a tremendous surge of leadership and experience.

That quartet of Gunnar Hansen, Micah Pettus, Luke Petitbon and Adrian Medley enrolled in January, giving them plenty of time to build chemistry with teammates, learn the offense and prepare for expected starting roles come fall.

While Hansen was limited to start spring, it sounds like the hit rate on FSU's portal linemen was high. Petitbon and Medley were each praised quite frequently during spring camp. Petitbon, in particular, was praised for the leadership role he immediately took on in a young FSU OL room after he was a captain last season at Wake Forest.

"We brought in four guys from the portal and I'll just say this, we hit on all four," FSU offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn said Thursday at the Seminole Booster tour stop in Atlanta. "All four have a good chance of playing at the next level, adding to the guys that we have. It's going to start with them."
In the post-spring portal window, FSU added two more transfer offensive linemen. However, these additions were more of the depth/future potential variety.

On back-to-back days last week, the Seminoles landed commitments from Rutgers transfer Ja'Elyne Matthews and Vanderbilt transfer Josh Raymond on Wednesday and Thursday.

Matthews was a four-star recruit in the 2025 class, signing with Rutgers in December and leaving the program after just months there. At 6-foot-7, 337 pounds, he has the look of a potential future starting tackle. But as a true freshman, that isn't likely (or something that should happen) this season.

Raymond was a three-star prospect in the 2024 class out of Orlando, signing with Vandy over Stanford, USF and others. While he didn't play at all last season, he did bulk up considerably from 263 pounds as a recruit to 298 pounds as a redshirt freshman this spring.

He now follows Hansen, his former teammate in Nashville, to Tallahassee and will serve as a depth piece with a chance to break into the FSU two-deep.

"I think it's a big part of the balance. I thought we did a great job of being able to get experienced players to join the room (in the winter). Guys that can come in and make a great impact and provide leadership, and a great understanding of what it looks like," FSU coach Mike Norvell told the Osceola at the Seminole Booster stop in Atlanta. "Being able to also bring in some of these transfers that have multiple years, really excited about what their growth potential is, and what they bring from the competitive balance to this season that's ahead."

These additions at least marginally make up for the losses of Jaylen Early and TJ Ferguson in the post-spring portal window.

Neither of those two were expected to start, but they were each likely to be early options off the bench in the event of an injury.

While Matthews may be unlikely to break into the two-deep as a true freshman, Raymond is certainly a candidate.

Both should also help make up for that fact that all four of the transfer OL FSU brought into the program in January are redshirt seniors and will be at FSU just one year.

I know there was an article a few months ago where Link basically said he didn’t know the time table, but that Leiter was into this throwing rehab. He said it was possible to have him back the “the very end”. If Leiter is going to enter the draft for next year, there would be no hesitation to use him even for a couple games at the end of the season (obviously assuming he is healthy and ready to go). I think it could even help him in the draft to get a bit of exposure, even if it’s just a couple games. Could we see him at all this year? Also, I think Charles was ready to return in the next little bit too? It sure would be amazing to be at closer to full strength at post season. Thoughts or info?

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Helton has an official visit set with the Seminoles for June 13th. While graded as an OT, Helton is considered one of the top center prospects in the cycle. Of note, Florida has been knocked out of contention and Georgia Tech has made up some ground as of late.

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Next in the series of updating the recruiting board with the new intel and visits that we've seen taken place over the last two months, we have the running backs. Florida State has one strong commitment in Amari Thomas and has been looking for a second running back. But with the commitment of transfer RB Gavin Sawchuk, does that change the plans? Here is the updated running back board:

Story Link: Updated Running Back Board

Link to other positions: HERE

I dont follow baseball that much outside of my son playing travel ball. A good friend of mine is close to Zack Malavasio. I went to watched him last week against west boca and he put two bombs over the fence. He holds the record of 16-17 home runs nationally. The kid is committed to ucf. I have no idea but wondered if fsu looked at him.

FSU sports information:

The top-seeded and No. 8 Florida State softball team (45-8) cruised past Georgia Tech 8-0 in six innings, on Thursday afternoon in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament.

FSU will move on to play the winner of Stanford and Duke at 10 a.m. on Friday on ACC Network. The game time was moved up three hours due to expected inclement weather in the area.

With the win, FSU advanced to its 18th-consecutive ACC Semifinal and improved to 38-6 all-time in the ACC Tournament under coach Lonni Alameda. FSU has also won 26 consecutive games against Georgia Tech (27-22).

Annabelle Widra got the start in the circle for the Seminoles and retired the Yellow Jackets in order in the top of the first.

The Noles threatened in the bottom of the first as three walks loaded the bases with one out, but FSU was unable to capitalize.

The Yellow Jackets threatened in the top of the second as Georgia Tech got runners on second and third with two outs, but Widra forced a pop up to end the inning.

Ashtyn Danley came on in the third and struck out the first two batters she saw and retired the Yellow Jackets in order. The bats came alive for FSU in the bottom of the third. Isa Torres drew a leadoff walk, and Jahni Kerr hit her ninth home run of the year to right center field to give FSU a 2-0 lead. Katie Dack immediately followed Kerr with her team-leading 14th home run of the season on the second pitch she saw to put the Noles up 3-0.

Georgia Tech got a leadoff double and used some small ball to put runners on second and third, but Danley forced a pop up to shallow right field for Krystina Hartley, who made a nice play to end the inning.

The offense got back to work in the bottom of the fifth. A single and an error put runners on the corner for Angelee Bueno with two outs and she delivered with a single up the middle to put the Seminoles up 4-0. Jaysoni Beachum walked to set up pinch hitter and true freshman Shelby McKenzie with the bases loaded. McKenzie delivered with a shallow ball to left that snuck by the diving left fielder to allow McKenzie to clear the bases with her first career triple to blow the game open.

Julia Apsel relieved Danley in the sixth, and she retired the side in order. Back-to-back singles from Torres and Kerr put runners on for the Noles in the sixth. Torres advanced to third on a flyout, and Michaela Edenfield drove in the winning run to give FSU the run-rule victory.

The pitching staff of Widra, Danley and Apsel was terrific as the three combined to allow just four hits while striking out four and surrendering just one walk.

Offensively, six different Seminoles recorded a hit with Kerr leading the way with a 3-for-4 outing.

FSU sports information:

The awards are continuing to stack up for freshman pitcher Jazzy Francik as she was named one of 10 finalists for the NFCA National Freshman of the Year award. Francik was the only ACC player to make the list and continues the Seminoles' streak as having a top 10 finalist for the award in four consecutive seasons.

Francik has been a breakout star for the Noles in the circle as she leads the team with a 1.64 ERA in 81.1 innings. Francik is 9-2 this season and has been outstanding as of late. In her last three starts, Francik has pitched 19 scoreless innings and struck out 21 batters while allowing just five hits. Francik threw the first no-hitter against a ranked opponent in program history last week against Virginia Tech. It was also the first no-hitter by a true freshman since Lacey Waldrop in 2012.

The list will be trimmed to three athletes on May 22.

From Yahoo's Ross Dellenger:

Notre Dame and Clemson have agreed to an annual, long-term football scheduling partnership, sources tell Yahoo Sports, as the Irish and Tigers work to increase the frequency of big-brand matchups.

The two schools struck a 12-year agreement to meet annually on the football field, a series that is set to begin in 2027. Notre Dame’s schedule — it plays five ACC games each season under an affiliation agreement — could get another boost. As Yahoo Sports reported earlier this spring, the Irish are expected to play Miami and Florida State more regularly as part of the ACC rotation.

The ND-Clemson series, while made independently between the two schools, will count toward Notre Dame’s five annual ACC games. However, it provides Clemson with a highly billed non-conference game that works independent of the ACC framework.

Clemson and Notre Dame were already scheduled to meet in 2027 (at Clemson), 2028 (at Notre Dame), 2031 (at Clemson), 2034 (at Notre Dame) and 2037 (at Clemson). The annual series will require a change to the ACC’s future rotational schedules involving the Irish.

and the Seminoles will get him back on campus for an OV

During the month of February, The Osceola went position by position and organized each position group with prospects that Florida State was actively recruiting or could circle back on in the spring. Now that spring camp is over, it's time to reorganize the boards with the new intel and visits that we've seen taken place over the last two months, starting with the quarterbacks. Here is how we currently see the board shaping up.

Story Link: Quarterbacks Board (Post Spring)

Link to other positions: Click Here

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A regular season filled with adversity but also consistency is complete. Let the postseason begin.

The Florida State softball team knew it would spend a considerable amount of time away from Tallahassee in 2025 with road trips scheduled to tournaments in Mexico and Clearwater as well as non-conference games in Oregon and an ACC series at California.

But the Seminoles (44-8, 18-3 ACC) navigated off-field news with coach Lonni Alameda’s breast cancer diagnosis and an on-campus shooting that forced the players to bunker down until they were given the all clear. While missing out on a final three-game homestand against Georgia Tech is insignificant in the big picture, it was a part of the challenges.

As Alameda described in an email to some boosters, one where she encouraged fans to attend a senior showcase last Wednesday, some FSU softball players lost graduation ceremonies due to COVID as well as their senior weekend of games.

FSU’s record is eye-catching and shows the team is comfortably in the mix for a top 8 national seed. But also how the Seminoles got here is impressive.

“The great thing is we’ve just been so consistent,” Alameda said on Tuesday. “I do think it comes from our leadership. We have nine seniors that have been great about pouring into the team and not about just the nine seniors and their senior year.”

The Seminoles took care of business on the field and completed the regular season with a series win at top-25 Virginia Tech last weekend. Included was Jazzy Francik’s no-hitter on Saturday, the first by an FSU true freshman since 2012.

“To win the series at Va. Tech, was huge for us,” Alameda said. “… Now it’s survive and advance mentality in a single-game elimination tournament. So we go to grit mode. Postseason brings strategy back into it.”

FSU will play the Georgia Tech-Cal winner on Thursday at 11 a.m. in the ACC Tournament, which is played at a rotation of the league’s schools annually and is at Chestnut Hill, Mass., this week. The tournament begins with four games on Wednesday, with top-seeded FSU, No. 2 seed Clemson, No. 3 seed Virginia Tech and No. 4 seed Duke earning byes into the 12-team tournament.

All of the ACC Tournament games will be broadcast on the ACC Network. Saturday’s title game will be 2:30 p.m. on ESPN.

While the Seminoles have likely built a resume that will have them home for a regional as well as a Super Regional, should they advance that far, a deep run this week in the league tournament should ensure the comforts of home.

“This time is always fun because you’re done with school,” Alameda said. “All you are is a professional softball player right now. It’s a really fun time of year.”

Kennedy Harp’s injury

FSU announced earlier this week that the team would not have outfielder Kennedy Harp for the rest of 2025. Harp was among the team leaders in batting average (.429), home runs (nine), RBI (49), runs scored (56).

“We all know coming into a year that injuries are a part of it,” Alameda said. “But I do think we do a good job of loving each other up. And Kennedy is the most amazing human. She did not let the team feel her pain at all. She was all about the team. She’s traveling with us. She has this bright soul on and off the field.

“We’re adjusting. We will adjust.”

Year-end awards coming Wednesday

Alameda was among the ACC coaches who took part in voting for the year-end awards, which will be announced on Wednesday. FSU’s coach said this was as deep a group of selections as she has had to make on her all-ACC ballot.

FSU should have a number of All-ACC selections, and it’s plausible shortstop Isa Torres (defensive player) and Jazzy Francik (freshman) could be up for awards.

“I think we have very deserving players,” Alameda said. “Isa has been up there as one of the best shortstops. But Isa isn’t hunting awards right now, she’s hunting being the best shortstops. To me they are a byproduct of your season. But really if you’re all about this team, the team wins. That has been our vision.”

On Wednesday's edition of the Osceola's Seminole Sidelines, Patrick Burnham, Nick Carlisle and Jerry Kutz analyze the big picture of FSU's transfer additions from the spring.

What should we make of FSU's running back room now that Oklahoma transfer Gavin Sawchuk is in the mix?

And FSU baseball begins its longest road trip, heading out to Cal for a three-game series that begins on Friday.

Thanks to Seminole Sidelines' sponsors: Alumni Hall and Mowrey Law Firm.

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Via the ACC:

The Atlantic Coast Conference has announced its men’s basketball teams will play an 18-game conference schedule beginning with the 2025-26 season. The ACC has conducted 20-game conference schedules since the 2019-20 season and last played 18-game league schedules from the 2012-13 through 2018-19 seasons.

The decision to return to an 18-game conference schedule comes after continued strategic assessment, during which the conference office collaborated with athletics directors, coaches, external consultants and television partners. This included working with multiple experts to conduct statistical analysis to examine the conference’s basketball product, metrics and scheduling.

The ACC has taken a clear and intentional approach to enhancing men’s basketball, applying a comprehensive, 360-degree focus to the sport. Beyond scheduling, the league continues to collaborate closely with its member institutions and has strengthened its marketing and branding efforts – including expanded coverage through ACC Network programming – to spotlight players, coaches, and programs. This past season, the implementation of success incentives began, which financially reward those that invest and achieve success in basketball while viewership incentives are scheduled to begin in 2025-26.

“As a league, we have been transparent about the importance of ACC Men’s Basketball and specifically our commitment to ensuring it is best positioned for the future,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. “Moving to an 18-game conference schedule is a direct result of our ongoing strategic review and analysis and provides our schools a better balance of non-conference and conference games, while also allowing them more autonomy in the scheduling process. This decision reflects our on-going prioritization to do what’s best for ACC Men’s Basketball, and we appreciate the thoughtfulness of our membership and the support from our television partners.”

The 18-game schedule features teams starting league play in late December and ending on the first Saturday of March. Each team will play one primary partner both home and away as well as one variable partner home and away. The variable partner will be determined each season. Teams will play one game, home or away, against 14 of the remaining 15 teams annually.

Primary Partners:
Boston College-Notre Dame
Clemson-Georgia Tech
California-Stanford
Duke-North Carolina
Florida State-Miami
Louisville-SMU
NC State-Wake Forest
Pitt-Syracuse
Virginia Tech-Virginia

The breakdown of 2025-26 opponents and conference schedules will be announced at a later date.

Following the regular season, the 2026 T. Rowe Price ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament will be held Tuesday through Saturday, March 10-14, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. The 73rd edition of the tournament will be played for the 15th time in Charlotte, including the fourth at Spectrum Center (2008, 2019, 2025). The bracket – inclusive of seeding, times and networks – will be announced on Saturday, March 7 following the conclusion of the regular season.

Of the league’s 19 NCAA Tournament bids in the last four seasons, five ACC teams have reached the Final Four, the most of any conference. ACC teams own a 38-19 (66.7% win percentage) in the NCAA Tournament in the last four seasons, the best of any major conference.

The ACC has captured three of the last 10 NCAA Championships (Duke 2015, North Carolina 2017 and Virginia 2019). Since 2015, the ACC leads all conferences in Men’s Final Four appearances (10) and NCAA Tournament wins (116). Six different ACC programs have reached the Final Four since 2015 (Duke, Miami, North Carolina, NC State, Virginia, Syracuse) – the most schools of any league in that span.

ACC Men's Basketball has won 15 NCAA national championships overall. Teams currently in the ACC have combined to win eight of the last 24 NCAA crowns and 19 overall. Since the tournament expanded in 1985, nearly half of the ACC teams that earned NCAA Tournament bids have reached the Sweet 16 (106 of 218).

FSU sports information:

Florida State All-Americans Lottie Woad and Mirabel Ting finished in tie for second place in the individual standings, and the No. 2 ranked and No. 1 seeded Florida State women’s golf team won the team title of the NCAA Lexington Regional Championship at the Keane Trace Golf Club. The Seminoles defeated Georgia Southern and Kansas State by five strokes each to win the third regional in school history following regional championships at Louisville in 2021 and in Tallahassee in 2022.

The Seminoles led the regional from start to finish as they won their single-season school-record seventh team championship of the season. Florida State has won team championships at the Landfall Tradition, Collegiate Invitational at the Guadalajara Country Club, Moon Invitational, Briar’s Creek Invitational, Florida State Match Up, ACC Championship, and now the NCAA Lexington Regional Championship. The Seminoles have won team championships in six of their seven events this spring and in seven of their last eight dating to their final event of the fall season.

Florida State will now play in the NCAA Championship Finals for the school-record ninth consecutive year. The Seminoles have qualified for each NCAA Championship Finals tournament since 2016 (there was no tournament played in 2020). The NCAA Championship Finals will be played in Carlsbad, Calif., at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa May 16-21

Florida State will be joined at the NCAA Finals by Georgia Southern, Kansas State, Southern California and Vanderbilt as the top five finishing teams from the Lexington Regional Championship.

Both Woad and Ting finished with 10 under par totals of 210 to finish in a tie for second place in the individual standings. Woad carded a 69 in the final round and Ting scored a 70 to close the tournament. Carla Bernat of Kansas State carded a 6 under par 66 in the final round to and finished with a 12 under par score of 204 to win the individual regional championship

The 10 under par and 206 scores for both Woad and Ting tied the school record for lowest individual score under par and lowest overall score in an NCAA regional championship in school history. Morgane Metraux and Amanda Doherty also totaled scores of 10 under par 206 in leading the Seminoles to the team championship at the NCAA regional championship in Tallahassee in 2018

“All of the girls played really good golf this week, and I'm so proud of all of them,” said Seminole head coach Amy Bond, the 2025 ACC Coach of the Year. “Advancing from the regional championship is one of the goals we set for ourselves when the season began. The girls took a lot of stress out of the week because they all played well.

“To make it to the national championship is what we’ve worked all spring to do. Now we have the opportunity to test ourselves against the best teams in the nation as one of the last 30 teams standing.”

Woad led the Seminoles in the final round with a 3 under par score of 69 for a three-round total of 10-under par 206. She totaled six birdies in the third round and finished the 54 hole tournament with 15 birdies – the second-highest total of birdies by any player in the field.

Woad has now finished in the top three in the individual standings of each of her 10 collegiate tournaments during her junior season. She is a total of 44 strokes under par for her junior season and has finished under par in seven consecutive collegiate events. Woad also finished in third place with a 9 under par score of 207 at the 2025 Augusta National Women’s Championship.

Woad, the 2024 ACC Golfer of the Year, is the No. 1 ranked player in the world according to the WAGR and the No. 2 ranked collegiate player by the NCAA.

Ting carded a 2 under par score of 70 in the final round and finished with a 10-under par score of 206. She totaled three birdies – including her third birdie on her final hole of the day – to finish under par for her eighth consecutive tournament. Ting has now finished under par in each of her eight collegiate events during her junior season.

Ting, the 2025 ACC Golfer of the Year, is the No. 1 ranked player in the NCAA and the No. 2 ranked amateur in the world by the World Amateur Golf Rankings.

Senior captain Kaylah Williams carded an even par 72 and finished in a tie for 18th place in the individual standings with an even par score of 216. She totaled five birdies and was never above par in the final round. Williams totaled 11 birdies in her three rounds of play as she finished in the top 20 of the individual standings for the fifth time in 10 events during her final season as a collegiate player.

Freshman Layla Pedrique, who played in the first postseason round of her Seminole career, carded a 76 – a score that counted towards the Seminoles’ third consecutive under par team total.

Florida State finished the championship at 15 under par and as the only team to play under par golf in each of the three rounds of the championship.

“I am happy for the girls who have worked hard to earn a trip to the national championships,” said Bond. “It’s a great feeling to be able to finish the season with an opportunity to play for a national championship.”

NCAA Lexington Regional Championship/May 5-7, 2025
Keane Trace Golf Club/Nicholasville, Ky./Par 72
1/12.-Florida State, 849
T2.-Mirabel Ting, 206
T2.-Lottie Woad, 206
T18.-Kaylah Williams, 216
T38.-Sophia Fullbrook, 222
S.-Layla Pedrique, 76
S.-Alexandra Gazzoli, 158

NCAA Lexington Regional Championship/May 5-7, 2025
Keane Trace Golf Club/Nicholasville, Ky./Par 72
1.-Florida State, 849
T2.-Georgia Southern, 854
T2.-Kansas State, 854
4.-Southern California, 857
5.-Vanderbilt, 866
6.-TCU, 867
7.-Louisville, 871
8.-Miami, 874
9.-Pepperdine, 878
10.-Western Kentucky, 884
10.-Morehead State, 888
12.-Fairleigh Dickinson, 916

Florida State football recognized 10 student-athletes with the 2025 Parrish Owens Heart of a Nole Award, head coach Mike Norvell announced Wednesday.

Quarterbacks Tommy Castellanos and Brock Glenn, along with running back Jaylin Lucas and offensive linemen Adrian Medley and Luke Petitbon, earned the award for offense. On defense, this year’s recipients are defensive back Earl Little Jr., linebackers Justin Cryer and Omar Graham Jr. and defensive linemen Darrell Jackson Jr. and James Williams.

“The offseason is a vital piece of our development as a team, both as individual growth and in leadership within our program,” Norvell said. “These 10 honorees have done an exceptional job of embracing the responsibility of leadership and demonstrating growth in all areas while being full participants in every practice this spring. I’m proud of the work Tommy, Brock, Jaylin, Adrian, Luke, Earl, Justin, Omar, Darrell and James have done and am happy to recognize them with this award named for Parrish Owens, who has made an incredible impact on our program and Florida State University.”

The Parrish Owens Heart of a Nole Award is presented in recognition of outstanding leadership and commitment to the Florida State University football program. The criteria includes showing leadership on and off the field, consistency throughout spring practices and high performance in the Unconquered Accountability Challenge, which provides points for every aspect of expectations on and off the field during the offseason program.

“I also want to recognize a number of players who began their journey in our program as walk-ons and have continued to develop through their dedication and hard work,” Norvell said. “Mason Arnold, Mac Chiumento, AJ Cottrill, Grant Fielder, Donny Hiebert, Willy Suarez and Christian White were full participants in every practice this spring and have emerged as people we can count on in all areas of our program.”

Florida State opens its 2025 season in the revamped Doak Campbell Stadium on August 30 against Alabama. Kickoff time and TV selection are still to be determined.

While no decision has yet been reached, the notes from the House v. NCAA settlement hearing on April 7 with US District Court Judge Claudia Wilkens are worth a deep read as there are a lot of issues discussed. There are ;lot’s more to be heard before a decision can be made.
USA Today writer Steve Berkowitz filed notes from the courtroom during the hearing. Here’s a link to my thoughts on the 10 key points that were discussed.

Florida State has added some firepower to it's running back room with the commitment and signing of Gavin Sawchuk, first announced by the university.

"I’m excited to welcome Gavin into the Nole Family,” Norvell said on Sawchuk. “He is an explosive back who has a chance to be a game-changer. He is the complete package out of the backfield. He has home-run ability, tremendous ball skills and is fantastic in pass protection. We’ve seen glimpses of that all coming together, as he was as good as any running back in the country during the back half of the 2023 season. Gavin has high character and a relentless work ethic that will allow him to be a positive addition to our program."

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Story Link: Gavin Sawchuk commits to Florida State

Florida State has added it's FCS opponent that they will be facing for the 2026 football season.

The Seminoles have added Central Arkansas according to FBSchedules.com, who obtained the football game contract via a state open records request earlier on Monday. The Bears are the alma mater of Florida State Head Coach Mike Norvell and it will be the first time that the two programs will have face each other.

The game will take place at Doak Campbell Stadium on September 26th, the week after the Seminoles season opener against Alabama in Bryant-Denny Stadium. In addition to the Crimson Tide, the Seminoles will also host Notre Dame and Florida as part of their out of conference schedule.

As for in-conference opponents, Florida State is set to face Clemson, Virginia, NC State, and SMU at home and go on the road to play Boston College, Louisville, Miami and Pitt.

Florida State has found some WR depth after seeing some departures this spring, adding UNC WR transfer Gavin Blackwell.

"I’m excited to welcome Gavin to the Nole Family,” FSU coach Mike Norvell said in a statement. “He brings experience and versatility and has played in big games. He can stretch the field vertically with speed and has also proven to be a good route runner with the ability to separate from defenders. Gavin was productive early in his career before having to deal with injuries and setbacks throughout his journey. He will bring a veteran presence to our talented wide receivers room."

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Story Link: Gavin Blackwell commits to Florida State

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Florida State's head softball coach Lonni Alameda was named the ACC Coach of the Year on Wednesday morning. Seven Seminoles also earned a spot on the All-ACC Teams. Jazzy Francik, Jahni Kerr and Isa Torres were all named to All-ACC First Team. Katie Dack, Ashtyn Danley and Michaela Edenfield were named to the All-ACC Second Team, and Kennedy Harp was named to the All-ACC Third Team.

Alameda picks up her seventh ACC Coach of the Year award after leading the Noles to another ACC Regular Season Championship while also battling breast cancer. FSU finished 18-3 in ACC play and did not drop a single series in conference play on its way to a 15th ACC Regular Season Championship. FSU outscored its opponents 172-72. Alameda was also instrumental in managing a pitching staff that ranks first in the ACC in ERA.

Francik was phenomenal for FSU in ACC play. Francik had a conference-low 1.40 ERA in 35 innings and a perfect 5-0 record. In her last two starts against ACC teams, Francik has thrown 12 scoreless innings and allowed just two hits including pitching a no-hitter at No. 15 Virginia Tech last week. Francik was also named to the ACC All-Freshman Team.

Kerr picked up her second First Team All-ACC honor of her career as the senior from Mableton, Georgia, started hot and never slowed down in ACC play. Kerr finished conference play with a .456 average, four home runs and 23 RBI. Kerr drove in a run in eight consecutive games from April 11-May 3. Her eight-game RBI streak is tied for the third-longest in school history.

Torres was Ms. Consistent at the top of FSU's lineup to earn first team honors. Torres hit .456 for FSU in ACC play with two home runs and 19 RBI. Torres struck out just once in 79 at bats in ACC play and was a perfect 4-for-4 on the base paths.

Dack was a breakout player for FSU this season as she earned her first All-ACC honors of her career. Dack led the team with five home runs in ACC play while driving in 23 runs. Dack .377 in conference play and slugged .672.

Danley took another step in the circle for the Noles this season to earn second team honors for the second consecutive season. Danley was a perfect 6-0 in ACC play with a 2.39 ERA in 41 innings. She also recorded two saves in ACC play.

Edenfield became a four-time All-ACC honoree on Wednesday as she picked up second team honors for the third time in her career. Edenfield hit .339 in ACC play with four home runs and 19 RBI. Edenfield has been terrific getting on base with a team-leading .519 on base percentage thanks to a team-high 18 walks in ACC play.

Harp was one of the biggest surprises for the Seminole lineup as she earned her first All-ACC honors. Harp hit .345 in 18 games with two home runs and 11 RBI to go along with six stolen bases.

The Seminoles will be back in action Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament against either Georgia Tech or Cal.

Player of the Year: Cori McMillan, VT, Sr., OF
Pitcher of the Year: Reese Basinger, Clemson, Sr., RHP
Defensive Player of the Year: Thessa Malau'ulu, Duke, Gr., UTL
Freshman of the Year: Macey Cintron, Clemson, Fr., RHP
Coach of the Year: Lonni Alameda, Florida State

All Freshman
Mia Phillips, California
Macey Cintron, Clemson
Marian Collins, Clemson
Jazzy Francik, Florida State
Alyssa Willer, Georgia Tech
Gracyn Tucker, Georgia Tech
Char Lorenz, Louisville
Caroline O’Brien, Notre Dame
Joie Economides, Stanford
Jordan Lynch, Virginia Tech

First Team
Jordan Stephens, Boston College
Lagi Quiroga, California
Maddie Moore, Clemson
Reese Basinger, Clemson
Alex Brown, Clemson
Macey Cintron, Clemson
Aminah Vega, Duke
Isa Torres, Florida State
Jahni Kerr, Florida State
Jazzy Francik, Florida State
Kat Rodriguez, North Carolina
River Mahler, Stanford
Eden Bigham, Virginia
Jade Hylton, Virginia
Cori McMillan, Virginia Tech
Michelle Chatfield, Virginia Tech

Second Team
Tianna Bell, California
Ana Gold, Duke
Dani Drogemuller, Duke
DAuna Jennings, Duke
Thessa Malauulu, Duke
Michaela Edenfield, Florida State
Katie Dack, Florida State
Ashtyn Danley, Florida State
Char Lorenz, Louisville
Kyra Chan, Stanford
Emily Jones, Stanford
Alyssa Houston, Stanford
Macee Eaton, Virginia
Kylie Aldridge, Virginia Tech

Third Team
Brooke McCubbin, Clemson
Jamison Brockenbrough, Clemson
Kennedy Harp, Florida State
Alyssa Willer, Georgia Tech
Taylor Ensley, NC State
Hannah Church, NC State
Carlie Myrtle, North Carolina
Addison Amaral, Notre Dame
Jade Berry, Stanford
Joie Economides, Stanford
Taryn Kern, Stanford
Jordan Lynch, Virginia Tech
Emma Lemley, Virginia Tech
Zoe Yaeger, Virginia Tech
Emma Mazzarone, Virginia Tech

FSU head coach Mike Norvell and his staff, so far, have signed seven players out of the spring portal. Here is a closer look at who the Seminoles are adding to their 2025 roster and how it impacts each of those position groups:

QB Jaylen King - East Tennessee State

The more I think about this take, the more I like it both in the short-term and the long-term. King has 17 starts over his two seasons at both Gardner-Webb and ETSU. He becomes the second-most experienced quarterback on FSU's roster the minute he steps on campus. King has three years left to play two, eligibility-wise. He has thrown for 2,759 yards over two seasons and run for another 823 yards. He is big and athletic. Norvell said he would like to redshirt him but that they will allow him to compete with the rest of the QBs in fall camp.

The short-term view: With Tommy Castellanos expected to be the starter, King could end up winning the backup role competing with Brock Glenn. And while everyone was impressed with Kevin Sperry this spring, it would be great if they could redshirt him this season. However, I believe whoever has the best fall camp outside of Castellanos will be the primary backup so there is a chance King doesn't redshirt. In this pivotal year for the program, if King is the best option behind Castellanos, you play him.

The long-term view: Castellanos stays healthy and turnover free, Glenn proves himself to be the best backup (or maybe even wins the job at some point for one of a couple of reasons), and you redshirt both King and Sperry, saving them to battle it out heading into the spring of 2026 with Glenn. I think it also allows FSU to be more patient in finding a QB for its 2026 recruiting class. They are less likely to feel they have to roll the dice on a QB with King added to the room. And I think a lot of who they end up signing at QB will have to do with the results on the field this season.

RB Gavin Sawchuk - Oklahoma

The RB room will be a little crowded in 2025 as Sawchuk joins a room that includes Roydell Williams, Kam Davis, Caziah Holmes, Sam Singletary and Jaylin Lucas. And let's face it, I am not sure FSU knows who their best running back is after last season. Williams and Lucas missed most of the 2024 season due to injury, so no one is sure exactly what they have in either of those two guys. The rest were left to try and find green grass behind a horrendous offensive line. At the end of the day this room is wide open until someone takes the starting role.

The short-term view: For Sawchuk it's simple. He was brought in to compete for a starting role. He is a proven back at the major college level, rushing for 977 yards on 176 carries in 23 games for the Sooners. He has 11 starts to his credit. Clearly, Norvell and the staff saw a need to add a proven player to this room. I think the other short-term potential of this move is that Lucas will see more time in the slot than at running back. And with where FSU's WR room sits right now having that flexibility isn't a bad thing. Lucas played more snaps from scrimmage at slot than he did at RB in the two games he played in last year.

The long-term view: Sawchuk starts for multiple seasons for FSU. If he turns out to be a true No. 1 back you probably have some attrition in this room after the 2025 season with one or more players jumping the portal. Also, with Sawchuk having two years of eligibility remaining, FSU might not feel the need to try and sign a second running back to its 2026 recruiting class or at the very least be pickier in doing so.

WR Gavin Blackwell - UNC

Heading into spring, I think FSU's coaches felt good about this room after the additions of Duce Robinson and Squirrel White. However, despite what the program might be spinning, they certainly didn't expect to enter the summer having lost Jalen Brown, Hykeem Williams and Jordan Scott in the portal. There is no doubt heading into spring practice they thought these three guys would be a part of the rotation at wide receiver in 2025. Those departures forced FSU to go into the portal at a position I don't think they otherwise would have if they had lost just one of the three aforementioned players.

The short-term view: With one season of eligibility remaining there is only a short-term view with his impact on this room. He played in 29 games over four seasons at UNC with eight starts. He caught a combined 31 passes for 448 yards and one touchdown. FSU rolled the dice on Blackwell after missing out on some of the more highly sought after wide receivers in the spring portal, which wasn't very deep to begin with. Blackwell adds a veteran presence to the room and some experience to a room that features more potential than production heading into the 2025 season. A new start may be just what Blackwell needed and FSU, at the very least, gets a player that can provide depth to the room.

OL Josh Raymond - Vanderbilt
OL Jaelyne Matthews - Rutgers

This is all about the long-term view for FSU. And I don't expect there to be a short-term payoff on the field. These two players were brought in to develop in 2025 and compete in 2026 and beyond.

The short-term view: FSU has seven OL who will exhaust their eligibility after this season, so FSU was going to bring in at least seven offensive linemen via high school recruiting or the winter portal for their 2026 recruiting class. The additions of Raymond and Matthews reduce that number by two moving forward. So the short-term impact of bringing in these two players will have a bigger impact on recruiting in this year than on the football field.

The long-term view: Raymond could end up anywhere on FSU's OL but he played OT for Vandy where he was a backup to new FSU OT Gunnar Hansen. Raymond has already been in a college program for a year so that's a plus for FSU, which will help him compete for a spot in the two-deep this fall but more importantly puts he and FSU in a good spot when you look ahead to 2026 and beyond. The thing I also like about Raymond is that there is some familiarity between he and FSU OL coach Herb Hand. Raymond was recruited but not offered by UCF while Hand was there. But that relationship and Hand knowing Raymond's potential makes this feel like a good take at face value. Raymond has four years to play four.

Matthews is a tackle all the way at 6-7 and this is a little bit more of a reach given that there wasn't a lot of history between Matthews and the FSU staff (and the fact that Matthews was only at Rutgers for the spring semester). I was a bit curious as to why it was such a short stay at Rutgers, so I asked someone familiar with their program and was told a couple of things. One was that Matthews played his senior season of high school at around 315 pounds but, by the time RU started spring ball, he was 340 pounds or more. However, they do believe that his upside is tremendous and when you watch his high school tape you see the size, athleticism and potential. He is raw but has some physical skills for his size you don't see every day. I have a lot of respect for Hand's ability to evaluate and develop so I am looking forward to seeing how Matthews works out in the long haul.