FSU shared an updated roster today before preseason camp begins next week. Quite a few Seminoles have added or dropped significant weight since spring camp ended.

The latest on some major names especially in 2026:

Even though he was a late addition to FSU's class and the 2024 class as a whole as a four-star defensive end, Amaree Williams will begin his FSU career as a tight end.

He sees it as a quicker path onto the field while he bulks up to play defensive end in the future.

Has anyone in Tier 2 of priority been contacted about seats in the Champions Club post remodel? Thanks!

The following article is important because it could answer the question of whether a collegiate athlete is an employee . Most NCAA and collegiate administrators I speak to adamantly oppose the notion of recognizing athletes as employees but lost their bid to have this case dropped. One interesting paragraph in the full story is the court's refusal to accept the term "student-athlete" used by both the plaintiff and defendant. The court claimed that term is an "NCAA marketing initiative".



USA Today, Steve Berkowitz
A federal appeals court on Thursday refused to rule out the possibility of college athletes being considered employees of their schools under minimum-wage law, as the NCAA had requested, but a three-judge panel sent the case back to a lower court for further consideration of the issue.

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ACC Kickoff begins tomorrow in Charlotte and marks the unofficial start of football season. FSU will be up on Day 1 and there will be plenty to monitor regarding the Seminoles and their tenuous relationship with the conference.

Much like The Osceola’s Bob Ferrante attends the Florida State vs Atlantic Coast Conference hearings in the Leon County Court House, and posts notes on a thread detailing both the ACC and FSU’s arguments, Larry Williams, Senior Writer for Clemson’s Tigers Illustrated, attends the ACC vs Clemson hearings at the Pickens County Court House and posts updates as well. Much like they did in Florida, the ACC argued that South Carolina does not have specific personal jurisdiction over the ACC because the ACC does not have sufficient minimum contacts with South Carolina.

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The Osceola takes a look at the battle for the starting roles at both offensive guard positions heading into preseason camp which starts on July 24.

Think about the traits of college football playoff teams through the years and you’ll see most have an experienced quarterback, efficient ground game, veteran offensive line, an aggressive defense that makes stops and a consistent kicking game.

Florida State has 10 departures for the NFL but the roster is still loaded with transfer and high school talent. The Seminoles have been a hot pick to make the expanded 12-team playoff field in 2024, with The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman perhaps the most bullish at No. 3.

If you’ve been reading the Osceola’s preseason preview series, let’s start with a thank you as we try to get you through a shorter but hot summer as FSU football opens preseason camp on Wednesday

Let’s take a look at why FSU is a good pick to make the playoff and one potential stumbling block.

Have two for sale. Not looking to profit.

Rivals analyst John Garcia makes predictions on state prospects like Byron Louis, Ladarian Clardy, Vernell Brown, Bryce Fitzgerald:

It's 90+ degrees near Washington D.C. with a brutal sun. It almost feels like Florida.

How about your town?

FSU sports information:

Florida State soccer player Jordyn Bugg has signed a professional contract through 2026 with three-time NWSL Shield winners Seattle Reign FC. She is the ninth Seminole to be signed by a professional team in the past year.

“Huge congratulations to Jordyn and her family,” head coach Brian Pensky said. “She is a unique talent with her poise and comfort on the ball. There’s no doubt she will have an amazing career and we look forward to cheering her on.”

Bugg signed for Florida State in April 2024 as the third-highest ranked defender in the 2024 class. She has represented the United States Women’s Youth National Team at nearly level from U-13 to U-20 and has been participating in several U-20 training camps with the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup beginning on August 31.

The defender played her club career for San Diego Surf Soccer Club and recently won the 2024 ECNL Girls Southwest Championship, conceding the second fewest goals in the league and held the highest goal differential.

Bugg trained with Seattle Reign FC prior and will be eligible to participate in the 2024 NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup beginning July 19.

RIP both of you.

Florida State has had success developing versatile defensive backs throughout the Mike Norvell Era, cross-training at corner, safety and nickel and turning them into NFL draft picks. Since 2021, FSU has had five defensive backs drafted (Hamsah Nasirildeen, Asante Samuel Jr., Jammie Robinson, Jarrian Jones and Renardo Green).

The Seminoles coaches have accumulated a wealth of talent, sliding players around to improve awareness of the defensive scheme but also find where they fit best. FSU allowed 179.7 passing yards per game (11th in the FBS) in 2023, and it was in large part due to a fierce pass rush but also the secondary’s coverage and ability to knock away passes.

While FSU will miss drafted corners like Jones and Green, as well as Akeem Dent, there is a healthy mix of veterans with experience as well as blue-chip recruits like Charles Lester who are itching to get their opportunities.

Azareye’h Thomas had 10 pass breakups, among the top 5 in the ACC, despite not starting until the bowl game. His ascension has been steady and impressive. Thomas is a confident corner but far from a headliner in a room that includes a two-time All-ACC selection (Fentrell Cypress), a capable eraser (Shyheim Brown), a takeaway machine (Conrad Hussey) and a nickel with SEC experience (Earl Little Jr.).

Let's take a look at the defensive backs:

Story from Sam Spiegelman of Rivals:

Malik Clark, the No. 49-ranked WR in the country out of Rock Hill (S.C.) High School, is down to three finalists and has a date in mind to reveal his college commitment in one week's time.

Clark will choose from South Carolina, North Carolina and Florida State next Thursday (July 25) from his high school auditorium. The broadcast will begin for 12 p.m. ET at Rock Hill High.

Rivals will livestream the announcement on Instagram.

With a Week 0 game vs. Georgia Tech in Ireland looming, Florida State will be among the first teams to begin its preseason football camp this year.

The Seminoles will begin preseason camp the morning of Wednesday, July 24 -- two days after their day at ACC Kickoff in Charlotte -- for their first of 20 fall camp practices before game week. While the tight schedule this year is preventing FSU from hosting its customary media luncheon before camp begins, there will be plenty of opportunities for us to talk to coaches throughout the preseason.

Here's the full schedule for FSU's preseason and the first two weeks of the season, along with when you can expect to hear from all of the coaches on the staff. All practices will be held in the morning unless otherwise specified.

Wednesday, July 24

Mike Norvell and student-athlete availability

Thursday, July 25

Mike Norvell and student-athlete availability

Friday, July 26

Odell Haggins and student-athlete availability

Sunday, July 28

Mike Norvell and student-athlete availability

Monday, July 29

David Johnson and student-athlete availability

Tuesday, July 30

Mike Norvell and student-athlete availability

Thursday, August 1

Mike Norvell and student-athlete availability

Friday, August 2

Randy Shannon and student-athlete availability

Saturday, August 3

First preseason scrimmage will be held at night. It will be closed to the media, but we will talk to Mike Norvell and Adam Fuller afterwards.

Monday, August 5

Mike Norvell, Alex Atkins and student-athlete availability

Tuesday, August 6

Chris Thomsen and student-athlete availability

Wednesday, August 7 (at UNF in Jacksonville)

Mike Norvell and student-athlete availability

Thursday, August 8 (at UNF in Jacksonville)

Mike Norvell, Ron Dugans and student-athlete availability

Saturday, August 10

Second preseason scrimmage. Closed to the media, but Mike Norvell and Alex Atkins will talk afterwards.

Monday, August 12

Mike Norvell, Adam Fuller and student-athlete availability

Tuesday, August 13

Patrick Surtain Sr., Tony Tokarz and student-athlete availability

Wednesday, August 14

John Papuchis and student-athlete availability

Thursday, August 15

Mike Norvell and student-athlete availability

Friday, August 16

Practice closed/No availability

Saturday, August 17

Practice closed/No availability

Sunday, August 18

12:30 p.m. – Mike Norvell GT week press conference

Monday, August 19

Alex Atkins, Adam Fuller, John Papuchis and student-athlete availability

Tuesday, August 20

Practice closed/No availability

Wednesday, August 21

Mike Norvell and student-athlete availability

Thursday, August 22 (in Dublin, Ireland)

Practice closed/No availability

Friday, August 23 (in Dublin, Ireland)

Practice closed/No availability

Saturday, August 24 (in Dublin, Ireland)

5 p.m. IST/Noon ET – vs. Georgia Tech (ESPN)

Post-game – Mike Norvell and student-athlete availability

Tuesday, August 27

Practice closed/No availability

Wednesday, August 28

11:30 a.m. – Mike Norvell and coordinators BC week press conference

Thursday, August 29

Mike Norvell and student-athlete availability

Friday, August 30

Mike Norvell and student-athlete availability

Saturday, August 31

Practice closed/No availability

Sunday, September 1

Practice closed/No availability

Monday, September 2

7:30 p.m. – vs. Boston College (ESPN)

Post-game – Mike Norvell and student-athlete availability

Attorney General Ashley Moody News Release
ACC to Provide Secretive Media Rights Contracts at Center of FSU Lawsuit Following Action from Attorney General Moody

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Floridians will finally get to see what the Atlantic Coast Conference is hiding in its effort to keep Florida State University from leaving the conference.

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After originally picking NC State over FSU, Auburn LB transfer Cam Riley changed his mind because of his belief that FSU can maximize his final year of eligibility. He's excited to provide experience and leadership in the middle of Adam Fuller's defense.

The family and I are headed to the game in Dublin and are looking for four tickets. We have tried the recommended direct website for hospitality packages and nothing looks to be available. Was hoping someone has four tickets up for sale? Thx!

Do you work out? I am 58 and have worked out fairly regularly most my life. Weights mostly and some streaks where I jog. My employer has a program it is offering and I have been selected through an application process to participate in. I have yo-yo’d my entire life. This 12 week program combines a dietician, strength and conditioning coach and meditation app all based on individual goals. I am one week in and have dropped five pounds. I am re-invigorated and loving life. I can picture this as a real game changer for me. Does anyone’s employer offer such a thing? Do you work out on your own? If so, doing what?

We have a few new filings. Both are important.

First, the ACC filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari in Florida (at the First District Court of Appeal). This is a discretionary appeal, like FSU has filed in NC along with its direct appeal. I was surprised to see this at first, then remembered that Judge Cooper had heard issues other than jurisdiction at the first hearing and reduced his decision to DENY the overall stay/transfer to NC to writing a month ago. Then he had another hearing where he found FSU had not properly pled jurisdiction and had FSU amend its Complaint. It did that a week or so ago. We now expect a motions to dismiss and more attacks on jurisdiction, but are in a weird spot. Judge Cooper even stayed the case pending his jurisdiction rulings, so this is happening at an odd time. I am not even sure the initial order means anything given the decision about jurisdiction. However, if it is a valid order, the ACC only had 30 days to file a cert petition or they would not be able to appeal this practically. I suspect they felt they had to file this in an abundance of caution. If the initial order sticks, this was timed right and they don't give up the appeal. If it does not stick, they can file the same doc later on the right order and nothing is lost.

The merits of the appeal are the same argued below, with some attacks on how Judge Cooper analyzed the issue. This is the first filed issue, votes, venue factors, and all that. Much attention will be paid to the timing of filing issue by the public, but that is not the whole issue. Two things to keep in mind. One is that no Florida court has ever held the anticipatory suit exception applies in Florida, and the other is that even if FSU gets credit for first filing, that is but one of many factors to consider. This gets ignored in almost every story about this because those factors are boring and the filing timing is juicy. I still believe personally that the cases should all be in NC and in one case, unless there really is no jurisdiction over FSU (which I think there is, but there is a more recent USSC decision that makes this less clear; and jurisdiction is not part of this appeal), but think the appeal issue is around 50/50.

Overall, it should be clear why they are doing this. The main issue now for all parties is to get the best venue they can get. It does not answer the whole case, but everyone wants whatever little help being at home gives them. Judge Cooper had denied the overall motion to stay (remember, we will see many different motions to stay), so if the ACC did not appeal that they would be conceding Florida as a venue and at best be in a rush to judgment with NC.

If the First DCA reverses Judge Cooper and says the Florida case should be stayed pending the NC case, it would be considered a HUGE loss by FSU and the public. I don't think it's nearly that bad, but it's not at all what you want if you are FSU.

Second, the ACC filed a Motion to Stay the case pending this appeal, and asking for an expedited ruling. They want this decided before 6/18 so the hearing that day does not happen. It makes sense in that if the appellate court finds the case should be on hold/deferred to NC, then it makes no sense to be doing work on the case now. Granting or denying these are usually discretionary, but if Judge Cooper denies that, I think they can immediately ask the First DCA to stay the case.

FSU's center has started 41 college games and has been active in various community service projects in Tallahassee:

Here are the video interviews from the final batch of FSU newcomers today in Cam Riley, Amaree Williams, D'Nas White, DD Holmes and Jake Weinberg.