All those drafted to the NFL didn't play....I see it now.

Story from Justin Hood and a few quotes from coach Brian Pensky:

After an afternoon of hyperbole and images of FSU fans with bags over their heads, Saturday came to a merciful end. As I lay in bed my wife noted my body was home but my head was still at Doak and then asked a humanizing question that became the subject of this column: What is going through Mike Norvell's mind tonight.
I called several former coaches in the morning to ask how they dealt with losses and while they each had similar processes, I found Mark Richt's comments particularily relevant. In this column, he takes us through his thoughts, emotions the other coaches shared with me as well. If you are ready to put the Memphis game to bed, you might enjoy what Richt has to share about how to motivate your team to keep fighting for improvement.

Solutions to move the 2024 team forward

Watching Altmeyer against Nebraska is making me jealous because of his scrambling ability. He can spin it too.

REBUILD

FSU sits at 75 scholarships if none of the underclassmen leave and there is no attrition. I really have not seen one player who is an underclassmen play who should declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. Payton, Jackson, Farmer and AZ Thomas are the guys with the best shot at leaving early. Anyone else that wants to leave early like MJJ can. Personally someone like MJJ can take a pay cut and try and win a starting job in 2025. I would not run anyone off. I know that is the thing for most but the biggest issue is no longer getting to 85 which FSU is ten under the limit. It is 105. FSU is going to have to keep everyone in the fold. I have added in all of FSU 2025 commitments. This means they lose no other players to decommitments. FSU will need to add 30 more players between the portal and HS recruiting this off season. That number could grow to another 10-15 players depending on who leaves, who gets Med DQ’d. I do think there are pieces there to work with. We will break down the roster and give you are opinion.

QB

• Brock Glenn (RS SO) 6’2 215
• Luke Kromenhokek (RS FR) 6’4-210
• Tramell Johnes (FR) 6’0-200
• Walk On-Trever Jackson (RFR) 6’3-190

Comments: FSU needs to find out what they have in Brock Glenn. He either is THE GUY in 2025 or FSU is down to two scholarship quarterbacks next year and that is not ideal. I would still bring in another arm out of the portal even if it is back up. FSU is going to have seriously consider some options out of the portal.

Prediction – Glenn transfers, FSU takes another QB from HS and one from the portal.

Portal Options:

Top Targets:

Avery Johnson Kansas State (43-67 64.2% -6 TD-1 INT)
DJ Lagway University of Florida (27-44 61.4% 4 TD-3INT)

Anthony Colandrea: (UVA) (Lakewood HS-St Pete) 6’0-190 (71-103 -69%-5 TD/4 Int.)
Rocco Becht: (Iowa State) (Wesley Chapel) 6’1-210 (43-61-70.5% 4 TD/1int)

Comments: Why AVERY??? Avery came to FSU Seminole Showcase heading into his senior season. He was a true option for FSU and they went after other quarterbacks instead. Avery will be this classes Cam Ward. He has to enter the portal but if/when that happens FSU has to be ready to offer the million dollar price tag it will cost. He will be a junior…Bring him in, let Luke sit one more season and let’s roll.

RB

• Jaylin Lucas (SR) 5’9-180
• Kam Davis (SO) 5’10-220
• Samuel Singleton (FR) 5’11-195
• Micahi Danzy (FR) 6’1-190
• Byron Louis (TFR) 6’0-200

Comments: FSU backfield heading into 2025 will be much stronger then 2024. Davis and Danzy will be a year older and more experienced. You have Lucas who will come back with experience. Byron Louis is the future. He is really good. FSU can still go out and get a seasoned back out of the portal. He must be a Benson or Damian Martinez type back.


Portal Options
CJ Donaldson (West Virginia) (Hialeah HS) 6’2-240 (45 Rushes-246 Yards-5.47 AVG-3 TD)
Fluff Bothwell (South Alabama) (Oneonta HS) 5’10 220 (23-243-10.57 AVG-4 TD)
Montrell Johnson (UF) (NEW ORLEANS) 5’11-215 (SOPH SEASON-152-817-5TD)

Comments: CJ is from Hialeah HS in Miami. He was a bit of an h-back/running back/tight end in high school. He is big and powerful. He would complement what FSU is trying to run on offense. He is a junior and may declare for the draft. He may decide to play somewhere his senior season. He would be ideal for FSU.

WR

• Hykeem Williams (JR) 6’2-220
• Destyn Hill (SO) 6’1-195
• Camdon Frier (RFR) 6’0-190
• BJ Gibson (RFR) 6’0-190
• Lawayne McCoy (RFR) 6’1-180
• Elijah Moore (RFR) 6’4-200
• CJ Wiley (TFR) 6’4-190
• Malik Clark (TFR) 6’3-220
• Daylon McCutcheon (TFR) 5’11-175

Portal Options:
Eugene Wilson (JR) 5’10-170 (UF-Gaither HS) (13-191-14.69 AVG-1TD)

Comments: The only way FSU should go after a portal receivers is if they are legit. Wilson has proven to be one of the better weapons on UF team. He had close to 800 yards last season. FSU needs some experience. Add Wilson and Gadsden and the new QB in 2025 puts FSU right back on the map.

TE

• Brian Courtney (SR) 6’3-240
• Jackson West (SR) 6’4-240
• Jerrale Powers (SO) 6’4-240
• Landen Thomas (RFR) 6’4-235
• Amare Williams (RFR) 6’4-220
• Chase Loftin (RFR) 6’6-320

Portal Options:
Oronde Gadsden II (Syracuse) (American Heritage) 6’5-240 (13-201-3 TD-15.5)
Arlis Boradingham (UF-Van Nuys-CA) 6’3-240 (Freshman Stats – 26-289 4 TD)
Randy Pittman (UCF-Mosley HS) 6’2-250) (6-95-Yards)

Comments: Gadsden father coached with Surtain. His son played for him at Heritage. Gadsden is a Tight End Version of Johnny Wilson. He would be someone I would really try and go after. You want to talk about changing your offense this kid would do it. He is a hybrid WR/TE. He would make an immediate impact on Day 1. Gadsden and Landen Thomas and the room went from dismal to potentially great.

OT

• Jaylen Early (JR) 6’4-300
• Lucas Simmons (SO) 6’8-310
• Jonathan Daniels (RFR) 6’4-290
• Manasse Itete (RFR) 6’5-300
• Jayden Todd (RFR) 6’6-325
• Solomon Thomas (TFR) 6’4-315

OG/C

• Julian Armella (JR) 6’6-325
• Bryson Estes (SR) 6’3-290
• TJ Ferguson (SR) 6’4-330
• Tye Hylton (RFR) 6’5-290
• Andre Otto (RFR) 6’5-320
• Peyton Joseph (RFR) 6’3-310

Portal Options
Rod Kearney (UF-Mandarin HS) (RFR) 6’4-310
Knijeah Harris (UF-IMG Academy HS) (SO) 6’3-320

Comments: FSU needed Perry. They need to circle back to him and offer more money. FSU will need to go to the portal. Harris starts for UF. He would give FSU a bigger, more athletic interior lineman. FSU is going to recruit the portal for Guards and Centers he would be a good one. I know Kearney spurned FSU the first time around….He would be a welcomed addition. FSU does need tackles…Gonna have to try and find one in the portal.

FSU sports information:

Junior All-American Luke Clanton shot a 2-under par 68 and is in a tie for third place in the individual standings, and the No. 2 ranked Seminoles are in a tie for fifth place in the team standings after the first round of the Fighting Illini Invitational at the Olympia Fields Country Club. Clanton, the Haskins Award nominee and No. 1 ranked amateur in the world, is playing in his first collegiate event of the season after an incredible summer during which he became the first player since Jack Nicklaus in 1961 to record three top-10 finishes in the same season as an amateur on the PGA Tour.

Arizona State, with three players in the top-12 of the individual standings, is the team leader after the first 18 holes of the event. The Sun Devils hold a five-stroke lead over a group of four teams (Georgia Tech, Florida, Illinois, and North Carolina) and a six stroke lead over the Seminoles. Benjamin Reuter of Georgia Tech and Jose Luis Ballester of Arizona State share the individual lead as both golfers carded 6 under par scores of 64 on the par 70 course at Olympia Fields.

“We came out ready to compete today and had very good energy,” said Seminole Head Coach Trey Jones. “I feel like each player is in a very good spot and needs to stay aggressive. It’s easy to let a tough course take some of your aggressiveness away, but we have a committed to aggressive swings. The aggressiveness comes with confidence, and I see that continuing to grow on this team.”

Clanton led the Seminoles through the first round with a 68 – the 10th time in his career that he carded first round score in the 60s. He has carded a first round score in the 60s in five of his last six collegiate events including a 65 in the first round of the NCAA Stanford Regional during the spring of 2024.

Clanton played well throughout the round and was three under par with three birdies and 13 more holes played at par on his first 16 holes. He began the round with five consecutive holes scored at par and was never above par at any time during the round. He then totaled three birdies on his next 10 holes to move to three under par.

Clanton, who begins his second round within four strokes of the lead, has finished in the top five of the individual standings of six consecutive collegiate events – the Seminole Intercollegiate (1st) the Valspar Collegiate Invitational (1st), the Lewis Chitengwa Memorial (1st), the ACC Championship (5th), the NCAA Stanford Regional (tied for 5th) and the NCAA Championship (tied for 2nd).

Redshirt freshman Carson Brewer, who was the Seminoles’ leading golfer in the season-opening Folds of Honor Collegiate, carded a 1 under par score of 69 and in a tie for 11th place in the individual standings. He began the first round with consecutive birdies to quickly move to two under par. Brewer totaled 17 holes scored at par or better with two birdies during the round. He closed the round with a clean card of rounds scored of par over this final 10 holes of the round.

Brewer has scored three consecutive rounds at under par (70 in the second and third rounds of the Folds of Honor and a 69 in the first round of the Fighting Illini) and is just four strokes over par for the first four rounds of his Florida State career.

Senior Michael Mays was the third of the Seminoles to card a score of par or better as he finished the first round with an even par score of 70. He led Florida State with five birdies in his first round, as he too, was never above par during the round. Mays was even par on his front nine with two bridies, and even par on his back with three birdies. He is in a tie for 22nd place in the individual standings.

Mays has now carded rounds of par or better in the three of his first four rounds of the fall season.

Graduate student Gray Albright and junior Jack Bigham both finished with scores of 73 – allowing all five Seminoles to finish with scores of 73 or better.

The Seminoles will play with Florida and North Carolina in Saturday’s second round.

Fighting Illini Invitational, Sept. 20-22, 2024

Olympia Fields Country Club/Olympia Fields, Ill./Par 70

T5/15. – Florida State, 281
T3.– Luke Clanton, 68
T11. – Carson Brewer, 69
T22. – Michael Mays, 70
T46. – Jack Bigham, 73
T46. – Gray Albright, 73

Fighting Illini Invitational, Sept. 20-22, 2024

Olympia Fields Country Club/Olympia Fields, Ill./Par 70

1. – Arizona State, 273
T2. – Georgia Tech, 279
T2. – Florida, 279
T2. – North Carolina, 279
T5. – Florida State, 280
T5. – Stanford, 280
T5. – Illinois, 280
8. – Texas, 281
9. – Northwestern, 283
10. – Oklahoma State, 284
11. – Texas A&M, 286
12. – Texas Tech, 287
13. – Alabama, 291
14. – Baylor, 295
15. – Michigan, 300

The 2024-25 ACC women’s and men’s basketball schedules will be unveiled during back-to-back one-hour Nothing But Net primetime specials on Tuesday on ACC Network. The specials will provide a first look at the ACC game dates, times and networks for the season, breaking down key rivalries and top matchups ahead of the ACC’s first season as an 18-team conference.

Prior to Tuesday’s Nothing But Net schedule release shows, ACC PM with host Mark Packer will exclusively reveal the first conference game for each team on Monday at 4 p.m. on ACC PM.

The FSU men's hoops non-conference schedule is here

I have 2 Champions Club tickets sec 224 row 3 and parking pass Lot 19 available. If interested please make a reasonable offer. Go Noles!

@QuaZ2002 How's it been hanging, brother??

I know they are 3-0 but how good is Cal? I know we are really bad, but is this a game we should win handily?

Defense: DE's are not containing QB/RB's and NO pressure on the QB's, LB's are slow and can't cover the RB's coming out of the backfield. Offense: WR's are NOT getting separation. QB is, well slow. Lucas is a blaze....FSU has always had breakaway speed but this team is average.

Please join us live on the Osceola YouTube Channel for Seminole Sidelines at 3pm today. Our guest will be Matt Moreno from GoldenBearReport.com who will give us some insight on what type of team Cal is rolling into Tallahassee with. Then JP Peterson will join me to talk all things FSU football related, including his reaction to my Takeaway Tuesday column. Here is the link:

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FSU didn't have a chance to set up Brock Glenn for success in 2023. This year is different and Glenn could provide a spark to a sputtering offense.

If FSU waits much longer, though, it'll again be throwing him into the deep end of the tough part of the Seminoles' 2024 schedule.

Florida State was back at work Wednesday morning, holding its final practice availability of the week before Saturday night's home matchup against ACC newcomer Cal.

FSU head coach Mike Norvell said afterwards that he thought the FSU defense had one of its better practices. It's become harder to ascertain how practice has translated over to games (spoiler: not very well) but I do agree with Norvell's assessment. The defense, especially the secondary, brought quite a high energy level to Wednesday morning's practice, talking quite a bit and hyping each up during plays. Redshirt freshman safety K.J. Kirkland said after practice that this was a player-led decision that they hoped would spark the team as a whole as it remains in pursuit of that elusive first win of the 2024 season.

This was most evident during 1-on-1s against the wide receivers in the middle of practice. The secondary played with quite a bit of swagger and was winning reps at an impressive rate. There were a few reps won by the passing game -- Brock Glenn had a great deep ball to Ja'Khi Douglas and Jackson West fooled Conrad Hussey with some impressive footwork for an open catch in the end zone. On the whole, though, the secondary won the day. It was a throwback of sorts to when the FSU secondary had a quite impressive stretch in the middle of preseason camp.

Hussey almost had an interception early in the practice, jumping a route over the middle of the field in 11-on-11 work. Sione Lolohea also had a "sack" of DJ Uiagalelei during this period. Fentrell Cypress made a great play on the goal line, knocking down a pass in the back of the end zone and drawing a big reaction from his defensive teammates. Azareye'h Thomas also made quite a few plays on the ball in 11-on-11 work Wednesday, denying a few coverages with active hands and tight coverage.

The first team period of Wednesday's practice saw the offense tasked with trying to get points in a one-minute drill situation. The offense marched across midfield with a pair of short catches by Kyle Morlock, a catch by Amaree Williams and a defensive holding penalty. However, the offense ran out of time and Ryan Fitzgerald was unable to hit a 61-yard field goal.

The offense's best period of work came on the goal line near the end of practice with touchdowns scored on at least three straight plays, maybe even a fourth if a low pass was caught (a bit unclear). DJ Uiagalelei found Landen Thomas for a touchdown and then Douglas -- who had an impactful day in all phases -- for another. In between those, Brock Glenn took off and scampered his way for a touchdown run. Glenn also had a touchdown pass to Elijah Moore during this period.

Shortly after that in red-zone work, Glenn had probably the best throw of the day, a back-shoulder pass to Kyle Morlock which he caught while on the move through tight coverage for a really impressive touchdown.

2025 RB target Ousmane Kromah will be back on campus this weekend to take in the Cal game. He has set a commitment date for September 28th.

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FSU Athletics Director Michael Alford is talking to ADs around the country to find out how they will budget for the Federal Court mandated revenue sharing with student-athletes that will add $22.5 million to his athletics budget.
University of Tennessee's AD Danny While announced a not-unexpected method, he's going to add a 10 percent tax to the price of his season ticket holders, plus a 4.5 percent increase, 14.5 per cent in all.

Tennessee sells 103,000 season tickets, with a 15,000-seat waiting list, so White estimates the tax will cover nearly $10 million of the $22.5 million in revenue-sharing for the 2025 football season.

How do you think a transparent "Talent Tax" would go over here at Florida State?

For reference, in Florida State's best years, the Seminoles have sold in the neighborhood of 42,000 season tickets, with another 18,000 allocated for students, and 7,500 for visiting fans or single game buyers.

Tennessee Talent Tax

DE

• Tomiwia Durojaiye (JR) 6’4-280
• Byron Turner (SR) 6’4-250
• Lamont Greene JR (RFR) 6’3-230
• Aron Hester (JR) 6’2-245
• DD Holmes (RFR) 6’6-255
• Jaden Jones (SR) 6’5-240
• Marvin Jones (SR) 6’5-255
• Patrick Payton (SR) 6’5-250

Portal Options
Nyjalik Kelly (Dillard HS-UCF) (8 Tackles – 1TFL-1 Sack) (UCF)
TJ Bush (Bishop Ireton-Virginia) 6'3-250 (3.5 Sacks-9 Tackles) (Liberty)
Kobe Stewart (Thompson HS-Alabama) 6'3-240 (2.5 Sacks)
Jayden Jones (Arkansas State) 6'5 260 (2 Sacks -2 TFL)

Comments: Kelly was once committed to FSU. He went to Miami and had some injury issues. He is now very productive at UCF. FSU should go after Kelly again. FSU did not want to pay for a player who had a history of injuries. Feel he is worth taking a flyer on. TJ Bush out of Liberty has 3.5 sacks this year. He gives you that strong side DE FSU needs. He is very productive.

DT

• Joshua Farmer (SR) 6’3-320
• Darrell Jackson (SR) 6’5 330
• Grady Kelly (SR) 6’2-295
• Daniel Lyons (JR) 6’4-300
• KJ Sampson (SO) 6’3-305
• D’Nas White (RFR) 6’4-335
• Jamorie Flagg (RFR) 6’3-315
• Kevin Wynn (TFR) 6’2-320

Comments: Losing Myron Charles is huge. I would go after Floyd Boucard. He was committed to Oklahoma. He has since opened up his recruitment. He was better than Charles at the UA Camp earlier this year. He never showed up at FSU this spring but now it is time to make him a priority. Also feel FSU needs to go all in on Jeremiah McCloud who is committed to UF. Jarquez Carter committed to Ohio State. I could see them pushing him out for better prospects at DT. FSU has options. FSU has decisions to make if they can't sign quality HS DT. Farmer and Jackson both have extra years. You got to bring them back. I feel if you can bring back Farmer, Jackson and have Sampson and Lyons one year older FSU rotation at DT would be very good next year. Wynn needs to stick in FSU class. We have to wait and see what the portal brings.

LB

• Justin Cryer (JR) 6’1-230
• Omar Graham (JR) 6’1-240
• Timir Hickman Collins (RFR) 6’0-220
• Shawn Murphy (JR) 6’2-230
• Blake Nichelson (JR) 6’3-225
• Jayden Parrish (RFR) 6’1-225
• Demarco Ward (SO) 6’1220
• Ethan Pritchard (TFR) 6’2-210
• Max Redmon (TFR) 6’1-190

Portal Options
Xavian Sorey (Graceville) 6'3-225 (10 Solo/13 Assisted-23 Total-Leads ARK) 3.0 TFL
Gabe Jacas-(Fort Pierce Central) 6'3-275 (1 Sack, 3 TFL, 12 Tackles) (Illinois)
TJ Capers - (Columbus HS) 6'2-220 (1 Int)
Stanquan Clark (Miami Killian) 11 Tackles (Louisville)

Comments

Could the linebacker position be better, SURE. That being said I like Cryer and feel he can be an all-conference type player next year. Nichelson is a prospect that is new to the position. You will see be in the right spot. He did fill the hole last week and get pushed back but that can be fixed with weight training and learning proper technique. His instincts show that the kid is in the right position. I still expect FSU to bring in some high school backers. Redmon will most likely move to linebacker once on campus. Ward/Nichelson, Parrish/.Cryer is a good start. One way to fix the position is go and get a legit backer out of the PORTAL. Start with Xavian Sorey. He is from Florida. 23 Tackles, 3 Tackle for loss. He is at Arkansas and their coach is going to get fired. RAID THE HOGS.

S

• Ashylind Parker (JR) 6’3-215
• Shyheim Brown (SR) 6’2-210
• Conrad Hussey (JR) 6’0-200
• Edwin Joseph (SO) 6’0-190
• KJ Kirkland (RSO) 6’1-210
• Earl Little (RJR) 6’1-190
• Quindarrius Jones (JR) 6’2-190
• Gregory Thomas (TFR) 6’2-190

Portal Options
Ladarius Tennison (Rockledge-UCF) (8 Tackles)
Jaheim Singletary (Riverside HS) (1 Interception - 6 Tackles)
TJ Metcalf (Pinson Alabama HS) 6'1-200 (Arkansas) (21 Tackles)
CJ Heard (Woodward Academy HS) 6'0-200 (FAU) 20 Tackles -2nd in Tackles at FAU
Phillip Dunnam (North Miami Beach HS) 6'1-190 (FAU) (2 Interceptions-9th in Tackles)

Comments: Phillip Dunnam should have been recruited out of NMB in HS. He played very well at Indiana. He has since transferred to FAU. He has 2 interceptions and in 9th in tackles on the team. He would fit in nicely at FSU. He is similar to Jammie Robinson. He would give FSU a calming presence in the secondary. Singletary was a big time recruit out of high school. He signed with Georgia and is now at Arkansas. He is one of Arkansas better defensive backs. Bring him home...Kid can play. CJ Ward was committed to FSU. He is someone that was pushed out of their class. Good kid who liked FSU. Well all he has done at FAU is be their second leading tackler (20). I am sure he would be an easy pull.

CB

• Cai Bates (RFR) 6’2-190
• Jamari Howard (RFR) 6’1-190
• Ricky Knight (RFR) 6’0-170
• Charles Lester (RFR) 6’1-190
• Jabril Rawls (RFR) 6’1-180
• AZ Thomas (SR) 6’2-190***

Portal Options:
Xavier Scott (Dwyer HS-University of Illinois) (JR) 3 Interceptions
Braeden Marshall (Lake Mary-UCF) (JR) 7 Tackles
Antoine Jackson (Dillard-UCF) (SO) (4 Tackles, 1 INT-2 PBU)

Comments: Xai as he is known was a prospect I was very high on coming out of Dwyer. He is another kid who got out of the state of Florida. If Xai does not leave to the NFL, FSU needs to hope the kid hits the portal and they can land him. He is a prospect has can move around in the secondary and give you some versatility.

K/P
Jake Weinberg (RFR) 5’10-190 (FR)

Comments: FSU is going to need a punter. I am sure they will bring in a punter this off-season.

1. Communications: that's on the Coaches; players don't play with intensity or miss assignments-replace them
2. LB's: Can't cover and late to covering WIDE OPEN RB'S AND TE'S.
3. GET 3 AND OUT! Time of Possession is one sided. Defense needs to quit getting beat on 3rd down!

FSU sports information:

The No. 18 Florida State Seminoles (7-2) will close out non-conference play this Saturday as they head to Tuscaloosa, Ala., to face Alabama (8-2) at Foster Auditorium. First serve is set for 3 p.m. and can be seen live on SECN+ with Noah Reed and Layne Stone on the call.

Noles Off to Hot Start

• FSU is off and running so far in 2024 as they look to defend its ACC Championship.
• A win on Saturday would mark FSU's best start through 10 matches since 2021 when they also were 8-2 through 10 matches.
• FSU started 4-0 for the first time since 2017 including a win over No. 25 Georgia for their first ranked non-conference win since 2021.
• FSU opened up the season at home for the first time since 2011 and went 3-0 against USF, UC Santa Barbara and No. 25 Georgia. Both Georgia and UC Santa Barbara qualified for the 2023 NCAA Tournament while USF finished 22-12 last season.

Not Slowing Down on Offense

• FSU has proven to be one of the top offenses in the ACC and the country so far this season.
• As a team, FSU ranks 23rd in the country with a .277 hitting percentage and also ranks 46th in the country with 13.55 kills per set.
• The Seminoles have been spreading the wealth as they have three players who have recorded 85 or more kills this season and four players who have recorded 60 or more kills this season.

Climbing the Ranks

• FSU was ranked No. 18 in this week's AVCA/TARAFLEX Coaches Poll. The Noles were ranked 17th two weeks ago which was the program's highest ranking since 2017.
• FSU opened the season ranked 20th in the preseason poll. It was the first time FSU was ranked to start the season since 2017.
• FSU picked up a ranked win against No. 25 Georgia. It was FSU's 41st ranked win in program history and was the first time FSU beat a ranked non conference opponent since defeating No. 14 Florida in 2021.

SHE'S BAAAACCCKKKKK

• The reigning 2023 ACC Co-Player of the Year Audrey Koenig is back for one last season with the Seminoles and will look to solidify herself as one of the top players in FSU history.
• Koenig was just the fourth Seminole to win the ACC Player of the Year award and was the first Nole to accomplish the feat since Payton Caffrey in 2018.
• Koenig is second on the team with 98 kills in eight matches and leads the team with 3.27 kills per set.
• Koenig has recorded 10 or more kills in her last six matches.
• Koenig also leads the team with 76 digs.
• Koenig also earned 2023 AVCA All-America Honorable Mention honors for the first time in her career.
• Koenig's 13 double-doubles last season were the 13th-most in FSU history.
• Koenig has recorded 1,055 kills during her career with the Garnet and Gold. Koenig became just the sixth player in FSU history to surpass 1,000 career kills in the rally scoring era. Her 1,055 kills is the fifth-best mark in school history. Koenig needs 12 kills to move into fourth. Koenig also ranks second all-time in the rally scoring era with 2,883 attacks.

Louis Coming Off Her Best Season as a Nole

• FSU senior and Tallahassee native Khori Louis put together her best season as a Seminole in 2023 as she earned First Team All-ACC honors and AVCA All-America Honorable Mention for the first time in her career.
• Louis hit a career-high .432 in 2023 which ranked fourth in the nation and was the fifth-best mark in school history and the best mark since Sareea Freeman in 2012.
• Louis has picked up right where she left off as she is hitting .481 with a team-leading 102 kills to go along with 40 blocks. Her .481 hitting percentage is first in the ACC and ninth in the entire country.
• Louis holds a career hitting percentage of .378 which is currently the best mark in FSU history. The previous record is .371 which is held by Brianna Barry.
• Louis was second on the team with 271 kills and 93 blocks in 2023.
• In her career, Louis has recorded 859 kills which is 10th in program history in the rally scoring era.
• Louis also ranks top 15 in program history in the rally scoring era in solo blocks, assisted blocks and total blocks.

Noles Make Transfer Splash with Taylor Head

• The Seminoles made one of the biggest transfer moves in college volleyball last season as they picked up transfer Taylor Head from Arkansas. Head will have one season with the Seminoles after three seasons with Arkansas.
• Head was one of the best hitters not only in the SEC but the entire country last season as she picked up AVCA Third Team All-America honors after recording 494 kills with a .231 hitting percentage for a Razorback team that qualified for the Elite Eight.
• Head leads the team with 76 digs and is third on the team with 86 kills.
• Head was one of the best all-around players in the country last season as she was third in the entire nation with 22 double-doubles.
• Head ranked in the top 10 in the SEC in total kills, kills per set, total attacks, attacks per set, double-doubles, points and total digs.
• Last season, Head would've led the ACC in total kills, points, double doubles and total attacks. Head also would've ranked in the top five in kills per set, attacks per set and points per set.
• Head spent her spring with the Florida State beach volleyball team where she finished the season with a 8-2 record.

Dupes is Back and Making an Impact

• After a knee injury kept her off the court in 2023, libero Emery Dupes is ready to become a force for the Seminoles' defense once again.
• Dupes has played in all 33 sets so far this season and has recorded 41 digs.
• Prior to injury, Dupes led the team with 287 digs in 2022 while playing in 94 sets.
• As a freshman, Dupes earned All-ACC honors and became the first freshman libero in FSU history to earn All-ACC honors.
• Broke the school freshman record with 3.88 digs per set and was also just the 12th player in FSU history to record over 400 digs.
• Dupes is currently averaging 3.18 digs per set in her career which ranks ninth all-time in FSU history.
• Dupes has also been terrific behind the service line recording 59 aces in three seasons. In 2021, Dupes recorded six service aces in a single match which is tied for the third-most ever by a Seminole in a single match.

Perry Becoming a Force in the Middle for the Noles

• After redshirting at Iowa State last season, Perry has become a force in the middle for the Seminoles.
• Perry is currently second on the team with 32 blocks and 1.03 blocks per set.
• Perry had seven total blocks against No. 25 Georgia which was just one block off her career high.
• Perry also has recorded 19 kills on 50 attempts.

Filimaua: A True Swiss Army Knife

• Kyleene Filimaua is a true do-it-all for Florida State volleyball.
• Returning to her main position as an outside hitter after playing libero last season, Filimaua has recorded 69 kills this season and has recorded four double-digit kill matches after recording just one double-digit kill match last year.
• To go along with her 69 kills this season, Filimaua has also recorded 67 digs, 18 assists, 12 aces and 10 blocks.

Phelan Becoming a Force on the Service Line and on Defense

• Kenna Phelan has shown off her nasty serve this season, and it became a game-changer for FSU.
• In 10 sets on opening weekend, Phelan recorded 10 aces from the service line. Her 10 aces were the eighth-most in the entire country on opening weekend.
• Phelan has recorded 15 service aces in nine matches so far this season.
• Phelan has also come on defensively as she has recorded 50 digs the last five matches.
• Phelan recorded 19 digs against Auburn and 15 digs against North Florida. It was the first time in her career that Phelan has had back-to-back matches with 10 or more digs.
• Phelan has also been great as a setter in FSU's 6-2 system as she has recorded 159 assists.

Henke Off to Strong Start for the Garnet and Gold

• After missing opening weekend, Iane Henke has come right in and been a very valuable asset for the Seminoles.
• In her debut, Henke tallied 10 kills and six blocks against Cal Poly.
• In total, Henke has had 32 kills, 22 digs, 19 blocks and five aces in six matches for the Noles.

Noles Going Through Gauntlet of a Schedule

• The Seminoles will get tested early and often in the 2024 season.
• In 10 non conference games, four of those games will come against teams that made the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
• Nine out of the 10 teams that FSU will play in the non conference had a winning record in 2023.
• FSU is still slated to play the No. 1, No. 2, No. 4, No. 13, and No. 22 teams in the country.
• FSU has already played No. 16 Florida and also played Georgia and Auburn who each received votes in this week's poll. FSU still has to play Miami twice who received votes in this week's poll as well.

Head and Koenig Named to AVCA National Player of the Year Watch List

• Taylor Head and Audrey Koenig were each named to the AVCA National Player of the Year Watch List on Wednesday morning.
• Head and Koenig were two of 36 players named to the inaugural list.
• The Seminoles were one of four ACC teams (FSU, Louisville, Pitt, Stanford) to have multiple players on the list.

FSU sports information:

Carson Brewer, a redshirt freshman at Florida State, has made a strong impression early in his collegiate golf career, earning recognition from both his father and the golf community.

Before golf became his passion, he was a versatile baseball player who excelled as a golden-glove shortstop and third baseman as well as on the mound as a fire balling pitcher.

Fortunately for the Florida State golf program, his baseball career ended because of recurring elbow issues.

Brewer's journey to golf then began in the sixth grade when his father, Clayton, suggested he try golf.

He did, and instantly found his passion.

"I went to the range with my father and ended up falling in love with golf," said Brewer.

His first trip to the range was his first exposure to the sport, which not only allowed him to develop his skills but deepened his bond with his father.

His father’s influence remains a key element to his success on the course.

"My dad had been playing for a while before I started and has always been a good player himself,” said Brewer. “It was fun to grow up and play a lot with him.”

Brewer’s dream foursome includes his dad, along with renowned golfers Scottie Scheffler and Tiger Woods.

While his dad’s influence played a crucial role in Brewer's golf journey, his mom has been equally supportive.

"My dad works a lot, so my mom has always been the one to take me to most of my junior tournaments,” said Brewer. “She’s also been there for practices and so many other aspects of my golf journey. I really wouldn’t have been able to accomplish what I have without both of them supporting me every step of the way."

As Brewer's love for the sport grew throughout middle and high school, so did his aspirations of pursuing a professional golf career.

"What I love most about golf is the constant grind — it pushes me to improve both physically and mentally,” said Brewer

The Brewer family decided that Florida State would provide the best environment for his growth and development as a golfer and a student-athlete.

"Being a student-athlete at Florida State has been great so far," said Brewer. "Even though it’s only been a year, I’ve learned a lot and developed my game in multiple areas. I chose to become a Seminole because I’m confident that the golf program and the university will prepare me for professional golf, which is my plan after graduation.”

Brewer did not play as a true freshman, opting to work on all phases of his game, while acclimating himself to balancing his academics with his demanding golf schedule.

“I learned to balance my academics and my golf responsibilities by setting a schedule where I felt I could be successful in both areas,” said Brewer.

Brewer’s choice to redshirt his true freshman season paid dividends quickly at the fall 2024 season-opening Folds of Honor Collegiate as he finished as Florida State’s leading golfer in the three-round tournament.

“Carson continued to work hard to fine tune his game during his redshirt year,” said senior Teammate Micheal Mays. “He remained positive when things weren’t going his way, and now he is starting to see results! He is always looking to learn.”

Brewer earned a spot in the Seminoles starting lineup for the Folds of Honor, and led the Seminoles with scores of 70 in the second and third rounds.

“Carson is extremely talented and has something to prove this season,” said Head Coach Trey Jones. “He learned a great deal last year from our older players. I always believe the biggest improvement is between a player's freshmen season and the next fall semester. I look for Carson to challenge our older guys and take advantage of his opportunities.”

In the second round, his bogey-free back nine featured three birdies, leading to a 3-under-par score of 70.

On day three of the championship, Brewer continued to excel with four birdies and 16 holes played at par or better. His front nine showcased his skill with three birdies and a 2-under-par score. Over the second and third rounds, he recorded a total of eight birdies and finished five strokes under par while finishing at 2 under over the final 36 holes.

Brewer tied for 19th place individually, contributing to Florida State’s sixth-place finish.

“My favorite moment from the folds of honor was probably playing on TV,” said Brewer. “It felt like a bigger moment to be a part of.”

As the season progresses, Brewer is focused on sharpening his game.

"I’m excited to keep improving while also learning that playing good golf isn’t life or death,” said Brewer. “It’s fun to play great courses and travel with my teammates."

Brewer's next challenge begins Friday at the 18th Annual Fighting Illini Invitational, hosted by Illinois at Olympia Fields, Illinois. The tournament is widely recognized for providing teams with an early-season test, drawing some of the top collegiate golfers each year.

This year, the Seminoles will compete in the tournament alongside teams from Illinois, North Carolina, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Alabama, Michigan, Stanford, Florida, Northwestern, Georgia Tech, and Baylor.

Live scoring will be on Golfstat.

Four-star safety Ladarian Clardy makes his commitment decision on Saturday at 2:30 EST. He will be choosing between 7 finalists, including Ole Miss, Florida State, Vanderbilt, UCF, LSU, Washington, and Mississippi State.

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Updates from Rivals' Adam Gorney on WR Vernell Brown (UF commit) and WR Malik Clark (FSU commit) as well as a few 2026 prospects:

Florida State fans, frustrated by an 0-3 start, are seeking a youth movement. The Seminoles have already put it on display on defense as seven players who saw significant playing time are in their second years on campus.

The most notable shift in playing time has been sophomore linebacker Justin Cryer, who did not play on defense in the opener but has since participated in 72 snaps in the last two games. Cryer is FSU’s top-rated defender by Pro Football Focus (75.9) and rates highest in coverage (74.6), just slightly better than cornerback Azareye’h Thomas.

“I do think Juice, in the last couple games when we’ve given him the opportunity, continues to gain confidence,” defensive coordinator Adam Fuller said. “That shows up in his execution."

Cryer now has 10 tackles along with an interception against Memphis, Florida State’s first takeaway of the 2024 season. He hasn’t started a game, but Cryer was in on roughly half of the snaps against Memphis (36 of 71).

Among the other second-year Seminoles who have played on defense, a mix of redshirt freshmen and true sophomores, are Blake Nichelson (started last two games), safety Conrad Hussey (also started vs. BC and Memphis) and safety K.J. Kirkland (made first start vs. Memphis). KJ Sampson has played 21 snaps at defensive tackle, and linebacker DeMarco Ward played 13 of his 14 snaps this season against Memphis. Defensive backs who have seen playing time include Quindarrius Jones, Edwin Joseph and Ja’Bril Rawls.

Doak Campbell Stadium Progress Report

Founders Suites: Sold out

Founders Loge Boxes: Sold out

Dunlap Champions Club



West Sideline Chairback Seats: All Legacy and Platinum Chiefs invited now.
FSU will continue to invite donors in priority order over the coming months.