FSU sports information:

Florida State junior guard Ta’Niya Latson was named the ACC Player of the Week on Monday by the league's Blue Ribbon Panel for the third time this season.

In Thursday’s 105-74 win at Virginia Tech, Latson led the Noles with a career-high 40 points, matching the program record set by Natasha Howard at Syracuse (February 13, 2014). Latson converted 18 shots, setting the school record for single-game field goals made.

Latson added five steals and five assists against the Hokies, becoming the eighth player since 2002 to record at least 40 points, five assists and five steals in a game.

The Seminoles returned home on Sunday, where Latson led with 25 points, seven assists and six steals in the 85-73 victory over Syracuse.

Latson leads the nation in scoring at 27.9 points per game and ranks second in total points (391) as the Seminoles hold the second-highest scoring average (94.9) in the country.

The Miami native has scored at least 20 points in 13 games this season and has 20 career games scoring at least 30 points.

It is the 17th ACC weekly honor of her career.

The Seminoles head west to face Stanford on Thursday and California on Sunday.

Recall seeing some questions on the board about who exactly was early enrolling from the high school ranks. I don't believe this was something that we were able to go in depth with previously around signing day.

Friday is move-in day and some early enrollees have been arriving today on campus. Here is a short list of who I've seen so far or know is expected from the high school ranks as well as who from the portal class is moving in.

DT Kevin Wynn
QB Kevin Sperry
TE Chase Loftin
DE Tyeland Coleman
WR Jayvan Boggs
WR Tae'Shaun Gelsey - he is supposed to arrive but have not seen him yet.
DE Desir twins - They are also supposed to arrive but haven't been seen yet.
WR Jordan Scott
DB Max Redmon
DE LaJesse Harrold
DB Shamar Arnoux


Transfer commits we've seen today:
QB Thomas Castellanos
C Luke Pettibon
OT Gunnar Henson
TE Randy Pittman
LB Stefon Thompson
WR Duce Robinson
DE James Williams

We'll update this list over the next few days if more kids arrive.

New FSU offensive line coach Herb Hand has hit the ground running to rebuild his unit after inheriting a bit of a mess.

He added four transfers who made a combined 83 starts in 2023/24 at P4 schools and retained almost all his inherited players to give him plenty of options heading into 2025.

The Seminoles have earned their third commitment of the day with the addition of WR Squirrel White. All three of the Seminoles portal commitments today had previously been teammates at the University of Tennessee.

Story Link: Tennessee WR Squirrel White commits to Florida State

When Miami coach Jim Larrañaga retired on Dec. 26, he mentioned the changing landscape of college basketball (annual free agency) as among the reasons. Eight players, who he said were all happy at Miami, entered the transfer portal after the team made the final four in the spring of 2023. “The opportunity to make money someplace else created a situation that you have to begin to ask yourself as a coach what is this all about,” Larrañaga said at his retirement press conference. “And the answer is it’s become professional.”

FSU coach Leonard Hamilton has been asked about Larrañaga's retirement twice, postgame on Saturday and on Monday morning during the weekly ACC coaches' Zoom. Given the six former FSU players who are suing Hamilton, and it's a suit he isn't commenting on currently, it's interesting to hear him reflect on Larrañaga's midseason decision.

From Saturday: "No, I was not surprised (by his retirement). I think that he showed a lot of courage and being true to himself. Unfortunately, a lot of coaches feel that way. But we’re all making adjustments. We’re all making adjustments. He did what he thought was best for the program, to his credit, for him personally. And you have to give a guy his props for making those decisions."

From Monday: "Jim has demonstrated that he's a class act. He's a guy who thinks things through. I'm sure the decision didn't come as a knee-jerk reaction to anything particular. I'm sure it came with a lot of thought over a longer period of time and for him to have the courage to stick with his convictions and what he believed is the best thing to do, not only for his team and for the university, players that have played for him before (and it) is to be tremendously respected. I talked to very few coaches who really don't feel some of the similar things that seems to have been on Jim’s mind. It's just where we are. I don't see anything coming in the future that will eliminate the reasons why he made the decision that he did, and I think I have a lot of respect for him for how he did it."

Miami assistant Bill Courtney has taken over as interim head coach. The Hurricanes (4-10) are 0-3 in ACC play going into Wednesday's game against FSU (10-4, 1-2 ACC) in Coral Gables.

Titans "secure" 1st overall pick have to think it is Ward or Sanders.

@NoleLizards who youtaking with 1st overall pick?

I would love to land him. Would he start from day 1?

FSU sports information:

The Florida State men’s tennis team kicked off the 2025 campaign with a dominant 6-1 victory at Hawaii, claiming all six singles matches in two sets. The Seminoles have won 24 consecutive season opening matches dating back to 2002.

After dropping the doubles point, the Seminoles took complete command of the match and didn’t drop a set in singles play for the first time since January 13, 2024 against Mercer. This marks two consecutive season opening matches with six two-set singles victories.

Azariah Rusher made his first career appearance on Court 5 and plowed through his match to earn the first team point of the season. Rusher won the five straight games to earn the first frame before finishing his day with six consecutive wins.

Alex Bulte began his senior season sweeping the first set of his match before pulling away and winning four straight games to claim the first lead of the season. Bulte made just his second appearance on Court 3. Fellow senior Joshua Dous-Karpenschif followed suit with a near identical match to Bulte, a first set sweep over his opponent before winning the second set 6-2.

Florida State’s two incoming transfers, Corey Craig and Erik Schiessl, each made their first appearances as Seminoles and capitalized with strong performances. Craig opened the first set with five straight wins before closing out the match with six consecutive wins in the final frame to clinch the match victory. Schiessl handled his business in the first set before fending off a late charge from his opponent to win in straight sets.

Jamie Connel made his debut appearance at Court 1 and was tasked with top-100 opponent Azuma Visaya. The battle swung back-and-forth before Connel sealed the first set with two consecutive games and won six of the last seven games to earn his first career victory on the main court.

FSU will return home and begin its nine-match homestand spanning to February 8. The Seminoles host Florida Gulf Coast and Alabama State on Saturday before facing Georgia Southern the following day at the Scott Speicher Memorial Tennis Center.

Florida State 6, Hawaii 1
Singles Competition:

1. #22 Jamie Connel (FSU) def. #77 Azuma Visaya (HAW) 7-5, 6-3
2. #9 Corey Craig (FSU) def. Karl Collins (HAW) 6-2, 6-1
3. Alex Bulte (FSU) def. Andy Hernandez (HAW) 6-0, 6-2
4. Erik Schiessl (FSU) def. Tian Hao Hou (HAW) 6-2, 6-4
5. Azariah Rusher (FSU) def. Sohta Urano (HAW) 6-2, 6-1
6. Joshua Dous-Karpenschif (FSU) def. Gervase Ngo (HAW) 6-0, 6-2

Doubles Competition:

1. Azuma Visaya/Tian Hao Hou (HAW) def. Alex Bulte/Erik Schiessl (FSU) 6-4
2. Karl Collins/Diego Dalisay (HAW) def. Jan Sebesta/Joshua Dous-Karpenschif (FSU) 6-1
3. Jamie Connel/Justin Lyons (FSU) def. Andy Hernandez/Sohta Urano (HAW) 6-0

Florida State (1-0) | Hawaii (0-1)
Order of Finish: Singles (5, 3, 6, 2, 4, 1) Doubles (3, 2, 1)

FSU sports information:

The Florida State women’s basketball team (13-2, 3-0 ACC) defeated Syracuse (6-8, 0-3 ACC) 85-73 on Sunday at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center.

The Seminoles had four players contributing double figures, led by Ta’Niya Latson who scored 25. Latson added seven assists and six steals.

Makayla Timpson secured her eighth double-double of the season and 39th of her career behind 17 points and 11 rebounds. Timpson added two blocks.

Mariana Valenzuela contributed a season-high 15 points and six rebounds, while O’Mariah Gordon scored 16 points, four assists and three steals.

After falling behind in the first quarter, the Seminoles took over the lead after a 12-0 stretch. FSU kept the lead and finished the first, 21-15.

Syracuse answered with a 9-0 run to take back the lead 26-25 in the second quarter before the media timeout. The Orange capitalized with the Noles in foul trouble and took the 35-32 advantage into the locker room.

Holding the Seminoles to 36 percent from the floor and Latson to 11 points in the first half, FSU answered with 28 points in the third quarter to take back the lead, 60-52.

Despite Syracuse fighting back to pull within five in late in the fourth, FSU added a 7-0 stretch to close out the game, 85-73.

FSU finished the game with 10 three-point shots made, nine scored in the second half. Gordon tied her career-high with four, while Valenzuela contributed three. Carla Viegas knocked down two in the third quarter and Latson contributed one.

Florida State will travel out west to take on Stanford on January 9 and California on January 11.

Any idea when Malea Williams # 22 will return for the lady Noles. I see she is out of her walking boot for 2 weeks

FSU sports information:

The Florida State women’s basketball team (12-2, 2-0 ACC) returns on Sunday to host Syracuse (6-7, 0-2 ACC) at 2 p.m. at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center.

The Seminoles have only faced the Orange in ACC play in the series history, owning a 7-6 advantage. FSU avenged a regular season loss in 2023-24, knocking Syracuse out of the ACC Tournament, 76-65.

Averaging 95.6 points per game, ranking second nationally, the Seminoles are led by Ta’Niya Latson, Makayla Timpson and O’Mariah Gordon, who all rank in the top five nationally in several categories.

Latson leads the nation in scoring (28.2 PPG) and ranks second in total points (366). Timpson is second in total points blocks (45) and third in blocks per game (3.21). Gordon ranks fifth in assist/turnover ratio (3.56).

The game will air on the ACC Network with Angel Gray and Aja Ellison on the call. The Seminole Sport Network can be found on Seminoles.com and 96.5 The Spear.
Last Time Out

Latson tied the Florida State record with 40 points Thursday night as the Seminoles beat Virginia Tech (9-4, 0-2) 105-74 at Cassell Coliseum. It was FSU’s fifth game scoring over 100 points this season.

Latson’s 40 points matched Natasha Howard’s school record, set February 13, 2014, at Syracuse. Latson previously scored 39 points vs. SMU and 38 points at Tennessee earlier this season.

Against the Hokies, Latson converted 18 of 28 shots, which was also the program record for single-game field goals made. FSU’s 105 points are the third-most in an ACC game in school history.

Florida State led for 39 minutes on Thursday, extending its lead to 38 points in the fourth quarter. Joining Latson in double figures was Gordon with 18 and Timpson with 16. Gordon added a career-high seven steals and FSU had 21 in the game, a season high.

Happy New Years to all...I need to ask Larry David how long after the New Year do you stop saying Happy New Year. FSU has put together a very good portal class. With the addition of Caleb LaValle, FSU is up to 12 new players. This does not include Darrell Jackson taking his name out of the NFL Draft and Omar Graham taking his name out of the portal.

What is different between this years and last? PRODUCTION

Luke Petlbon-OL-6'3-290 - He started 11 games during 2024, started 11 games in 2023. Played in 11 of the 14 games in 2021. He appeared in 6 games in 2020. He has a ton of starts and was very productive. He gives FSU an experienced lineman who has played games against other ACC teams.

Micah Pettus - OL-6'7-350 - Love the guy’s size. FSU needed size and that is exactly what Pettus gives them. He was a quality starter in the SEC. He should really help FSU in the run game.

Adrian Medley - OL-6'5-200 - Another multi-year starter. I like the experience. He played against some big dudes in the Big 12. The transition to the ACC should be smooth.

Gunnar Hansen - OL-6'5-330 - Another multiyear starter. One of the Vandy best OL. He gives you a quality lineman in the run game. Must improve in pass pro. He could play multiple positions at FSU.

I would still like to see FSU invest in a couple more quality offensive lineman. If they can find a couple of smaller school guys who can compete for starting jobs but at least can be productive if they are called upon that would be great. I don't believe FSU is done on the OL in the portal.

The other prospects Caleb Lavelle (UNC-LB), Duce Robinson 23 Receptions - 396 yards (17.2 AVG) 5 TD, Randy Pittman - 32 receptions 416 yards 2 TD, Deante McCray (99 Tackles, 3.5 Sacks). James Williams (14 Tackles, 5.5 Sacks, 5.5 TFL).

The players they are bringing in are productive.

Compare that to 2024

Shawn Murphy -DNP
Cam Riley -Auburn 24 tackles, 1 sack, 1 TFL
Omarion Cooper -DNP
Jacob Rizy - Played final few games.
Richie Leonard-Played at UF
Roydell Williams - Played at Bama but had around 1000 yards rushing in four seasons.

Earl Little (never played at Bama), Jalen Brown (did not play much at LSU), Marvin Jones (backup at UGA), Davonte Brown (benched at Miami and pushed out) Malik Benson (13 catches 162 yards 1 TD) - Most if not all the takes last year were either guys who were benched, did not play or never played at their prior schools. They were takes based on star ratings out of HS. Very little production before and once at FSU. This year the guys who have been takes are legit prospects.

Who is next.....

LB Elijah Herring - I really wish Chandler Martin was the LB that FSU could land. Herring gives you some size at LB. He is not small. He is a kid that can play in space. You like the fact that he can get out into the flats and cover backs and receivers. That is something FSU has had issues with. Herring is 4th in tackles (60), 2nd in TFL (7.5) and 3rd in sacks (3.5) you can bring him on the blitz. I feel confident in saying that Herring being a Nole is likely at this point.

DE Chris Murray - DE-Sam Houston State - Does a great job of using his hands. He gets inside tackles bodies. He has understands leverage. Not a super athlete kid but more of an effort type player. He is violent with his hands. That is important for defensive lineman. I feel he is a good fit for what FSU is going to do in a 3-3-5 defense. He can play with his hand in the ground. I also feel you can stand him up and let him rush the passer. He took a visit or is visiting FSU and they stand a very good shot at landing him. Production is key (35 tackles) which was 7th on his team. He led his team with 5.5 Sacks. He had 11.5 TFL.

Rashul Faison - Utah State -RB - 5'11-200 -I have watched Utah State film. Not sure what to think of Faison. He seems to have poor vision. He runs up on his lineman. He will run hard. He is a productive player but not sure I want him taking reps from some of the other backs. I think he is a kid that can help FSU but do have concerns with him taking reps from the younger backs. Think FSU has a shot but not ready to future cast him to the Seminoles.

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Traylon Ray -West Virginia - 28 receptions - 426 yards - Watching his highlights not sure if he is better then what FSU has. Good receiver. Runs decent routes. He has some speed but not a kid I would say is a burner. He has pretty good hands. Will go across the middle. I honestly feel that FSU has some quality young players and I am not sure I am willing to pass on them for Ray. I am skeptical of kids passing on FSU only to come back. He is a take but would not care if they do pass. Local kid who FSU may take. I have him on hold for right now.
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Squirrel White- Tennessee - 5'10-170 - 38 catches 381 yards - 2 TD- White has some juice. He is someone that can run the bubble screens for you. He is on the small side. Body catches which is always a concern. He is someone that can be productive at FSU. Once again FSU has guys that are young that can do what he does. For his size I would like to see more top end speed from him. FSU has a legit shot at him.

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Deamontae Diggs (Coast Carolina) DE-6'5-260 -Big kid who can play inside at tackle or move outside to defensive end. He is a guy who will set the edge for you on the outside. Gives you a pass rush from the outside but more of a guy who is going to help in the run game. Not sure if this kid starts but does provide some depth. Like to see FSU land some elite pass rushers. He is a take but would like to know how FSU will use him. Login to view embedded media
Marques Watson -Trent-Georgia Southern- 5'11-220 -If you are going to go down to the G5 level take Travion Barnes from FIU. This kid has a weird body. Not saying he is fat but he does not look like a P5 backer. Good against the run. He will come in and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. He is not super athletic. Not sure how he fits in FSU scheme. Think Graham has a chance to be a better player. Login to view embedded media -
Barnes committed to Baylor. I think he is a better player.

Jayson Jenkins - Tennessee - DT - 6'6 280 - He is someone FSU is recruiting. I would have to go back and look at some Tennessee games. He has size. He was scheduled for a visit. That looks shaky now. He is someone that at this time I don’t see ending up at FSU.

Tru Edwards- La Tech- WR-6'2-200- Love his size and after watching him against Army this is the kid you want in the class. He has the size and speed to be a difference maker. You add him to Duce Robinson and I don’t want to say this is Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson but it not that far off. He has very good body control. He catches the ball very well. He is someone that can go across the middle of the field. Edwards is my top remaining target on FSU portal board. They have a shot but FSU does need to get him on campus. at around the 7 minute mark - you don't see it early on but they replayed it and Edwards made a nice, subtle move to get open and it should have been a score. This one comes down to whether or not they can get a visit.

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Florida State has added its second former Tennessee Volunteer of the day, adding Memphis transfer Elijah Herring. He joins Caleb LaVallee and Stefon Thompson as transfers to join the Seminoles linebacker room.

Story Link: Elijah Herring commits to Florida State

Was it a coincidence that the two coordinators Mike Norvell hired both emphasized physicality in their opening remarks or wishful thinking on my part. We asked Norvell if physicality is a point of emphasis.
Physicality one point of emphasis

FSU 90 Syracuse 74 The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly


The Good

Clearly the two week lay off from competition was not a factor for the Seminoles as FSU improves to 10-4 overall, 1-2 ACC (1-2 looks far better than 0-3 which Syracuse now is). It was Leonard Hamilton's 193rd ACC victory moving him past Gary Williams and into 4th place all time. It was a game that featured back and forth lead changes (12) and ties (5) in the first half. It felt like as well as the Seminoles were playing in the first period, they should have been leading by more than the two point margin (36-34) the 'Noles held at intermission. But in the second period, FSU's defense executed much better while an aggressive offense still scored at a solid pace and drew numerous fouls putting the Orange in severe foul difficulty.

Coming into the game, FSU was 9-0 when holding the opponent to less than 70 points and 0-4 when the opponent scored more than 70. So congratulations to the 'Cuse (we think congrats are in order anyway) for breaking that streak. Also, Syracuse had not started the ACC 0-3 since 2015.

Stats in favor of FSU. Points in the paint (40), fast break points (13 for FSU compared to zero for Syracuse) reflecting the aggressive offense, 17 assists on 30 made baskets. On defense, 15 'Cuse turnovers that included 9 steals reflecting the defensive pressure by the 'Noles.

FSU shooting: 54% from the floor, 7-18 (39%) threes, 23-31 (74%) from the line. Reflecting (there was a lot of reflection tonight) the aggressiveness on offense, Syracuse was just 12-17 from the charity stripe. FSU managed to foul out two 'Cuse players and had two more with four fouls each.

Players of the game: An offense by committee with five FSU players in double digits. Dequan Davis with 18 points (an ACC high for the FR) that included 10-10 from the FT line. Jamir Watkins (16) who had a tough shooting night of 3-10 (clearly the game plan of teams is to stop the redshirt senior) but was 9-13 from the charity line to go along with 5 rebounds. Taylor Bol Bowen and Malique Ewin each with 14. Bol had a double double with his 10 rebounds. For Ewin, it was his 11th consecutive game scoring in double digits. He added 7 boards. Bostyn Holt scored 10 off the bench.

Plays of the game: Davis intercepting the cross court pass and going coast to coast for the lay up, 10-7. The 'Cuse defense for some inexplicable reason ignored Ewin along the baseline for the wide open dunk, 12-12. Bol Bowen with the spin move for the bank shot, 16-12. Ewin with the pin point bounce pass between two defenders to Watkins along the baseline. 18-12. Bol Bowen with the lob to Ewin and the lay up, 31-26. Ewin bodies up and spins off the defender for the lay up, 54-48. Alier Maluk pulling the ball right put of the hands of the 'Cuse player. Reflecting how the game was slipping away from Syracuse, HC Adrian Autry called a timeout at the 8:15 mark not even waiting for the official's timeout. The eight minute or so stretch the second unit was on the floor. They were doing so well, Hamilton just left them out there and keep playing. Chandler Jackson who had just received the pass at the FT line and could have taken the shot, saw a better shot and passed to Ewin cutting along the baseline to the rim. The slam dunk gave FSU a 79-67 a commanding lead with 3 minutes remaining.


The Bad

Bol Bowen called for a bogus charging call as he backed down the defender. A charge generally is when the defender is sent crashing to the floor. Come on ref!! This was not even close.

Watkins with a silly foul in SU's back court with just 1:21 to play and FSU up by 15.


The Ugly

Ewin with good defense preventing a Syracuse basket under the rim only to make a lengthy outlet pass right to Lucas Taylor. As you probably know, Taylor is not on FSU's roster.

Early on it looked like a long night was in store for FSU on the boards when on one possession, Syracuse had four offensive rebounds eventually making the basket to trail 18-16. The 'Cuse at that point led 10-5 on the boards with 8 on the offensive end. Fortunately FSU corrected that issue to win that battle 36-34 and allowed just two more ORb's by the 'Cuse.

Naheem McLeod. You likely recall his name when he was on the FSU roster. Now he is on the Syracuse roster. He has played in four games this season. Tonight was not one of those four.


Up Next

FSU travels to Coral Gables to take on the reeling Miami Hurricanes who are now 4-10 on the season after earlier today losing a four point lead to VT with seconds remaining (that is after blowing a 19 point lead against BC in their previous game). Another familiar name, Matthew Cleveland, launched a three quarters court pass in desperation to win the game, but was way wide of the basket. Wide right as a matter of fact. The game is Wednesday night with tip off at 7 PM and will be broadcast on the ACCN. FSU has won 12 of the last 13 games against the 'Canes.

Florida State has landed a nice young player at the linebacker position out of the portal in Caleb LaVallee. He recapped his visit with The Osceola late last night, and you can read that story here.

Story Link: Caleb LaVallee commits to Florida State

Herring still has a few more visits tentatively scheduled but Herring spoke a little bit with The Osceola on why Florida State may be a place that he spends his final year of eligibility at.

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Story Link: Elijah Herring recaps official visit

FSU (9-4, 0-2 ACC) returns to the court on Saturday after a long break for the holidays, playing host to Syracuse (6-7, 0-2). The game will tip off at 6 p.m. on the ACC Network. Captain obvious, but neither team can afford to start 0-3 in ACC play and have any postseason aspirations in March.

The Seminoles are projected to go 5-3 in January by KenPom, which has FSU defeating Syracuse by nine points. That would put FSU at 5-5 in the ACC going into what's a tougher February slate of games.

FSU's top two leading scorers – senior All-America candidate Jamir Watkins and junior Malique Ewin – both enter Saturday’s game against the Orange having scored in double figures in 10 straight games dating to Nov. 15 vs. Florida. Watkins averages 19.5 points and 4.6 rebounds, while Ewin averages 13.2 points and 7.3 rebounds.

Watkins has scored 20 or more points in four straight games (24 at NC State, 29 vs Tulane, 23 vs. Winthrop and 25 vs. Louisville). He has 1,290 career points and 147 career steals.

As has been the storyline, FSU needs more scoring from 3-10 on the roster. Daquan Davis has had some good games, including nine points vs. Louisville.

The Seminoles lead the ACC in steals (9.2) and blocks (5.2).

They are also shooting better from long range this season (33.6) compared to a year ago (31.7).

Leonard Hamilton did not speak with the media leading up to the game, which was intentional due to the lawsuit with six former players. I'll be curious to see if he addresses it postgame or declines questions.

Lets open up! I'm ready for these elite players to start signing on the dotted line and take us to the promise land!

After amassing over 1,600 receiving yards in three seasons at Tennessee, Squirrel White is looking for a bigger opportunity in his final year of eligibility. FSU made its case for that and showed White a like-home atmosphere during his visit this week.

White said he has plans to see UNC and Oregon before the visit period ends and he makes his decision.