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Football Three FSU position groups we feel better about coming out of spring camp

Spring camp is always a time of change and growth around a college football program.

But that was certainly taken to the extreme this spring at Florida State.

With over 30 new players on the roster, six new coaches on the staff and new schemes to learn on both sides of the ball, it was a time of sweeping transformation and great learning for the Seminoles ahead of the 2025 season.

While the media access policy to practice changed, leaving us with far less access to practice, there was still plenty to learn from the one scrimmage we watched, what the coaches said and what we heard in conversations with people.

There's still plenty of uncertain things surrounding the program exiting spring. But there are also quite a few facets of the team to feel better about based on what we saw and heard over the last six weeks.

Here's a look at three FSU position groups we feel better about coming out of spring.

Tight Ends
FSU's tight end room certainly had a lot to prove this spring after a severely underwhelming 2024 season.

The four most-veteran tight ends from last year's team are all gone after combining for 152 yards and no touchdowns. The two most consistent tight ends on last year's team were true freshmen in Landen Thomas and Amaree Williams, the latter of whom was working on the defensive line this spring.

To build out the depth of that room, FSU brought in two transfers in former commit/UCF transfer Randy Pittman and former Seminole/Arizona State transfer Markeston Douglas. The Seminoles also managed to hold onto their high-school tight end commit, Chase Loftin, over heavy interest from midwestern schools closer to his Nebraska roots.

Pittman, who was productive in two seasons at UCF, has carried that over to FSU, making plays in the passing game during the scrimmage we watched and throughout spring while also impressing as a blocker.

Loftin was one of the surprises of spring for how much praise was heaped onto him by Mike Norvell. As the No. 14 tight end in the 2025 class according to Rivals and with plenty of more experienced players ahead of him, he didn't seem like a candidate for an immediate role. But by the midway point of spring, the FSU head coach was saying Loftin would have a real chance to get on the field as a true freshman.

That emergence of Loftin may have played a role in Douglas re-entering the portal on Saturday after spending spring back at FSU. The room being a bit deeper than he expected it to be and playing time being harder to come by is a leading theory as his second departure from FSU.

The loss of Douglas leaves FSU with a non-traditional tight end room in terms of size. If the right player presents himself in the final portal window, FSU could stand to add a block-first tight end who can comfortably hold down an in-line role.

However, the emergences of Pittman and Loftin in addition to what should be some progress made from Thomas coming off a promising true freshman season means the tight end room has a chance to be a real strength for the Seminoles in 2024 even with Douglas' departure.

Linebackers

Linebacker is another position group that was a question mark of sorts entering the offseason.

The position group contributed to the defense's problems at times in 2024 with missed tackles, improper run fits and coverage struggles. Veteran DJ Lundy was out of eligibility. It was unclear if the likes of Justin Cryer, Omar Graham Jr. and Blake Nichelson were ready to step into larger roles.

Oh, and there was also going to be a pretty serious shift in responsibilities for the players in the move to Tony White's 3-3-5 base defense.

However, White said during the spring that he considered the linebacker room he inherited most fit for the shift to his defense of any of the position groups on FSU's defense. He then added three linebacker transfers to build out the depth of the unit for new position coach John Papuchis, who moved from defensive ends to linebackers this offseason.

Memphis transfer Elijah Herring made a highlight-reel play in each of FSU's two scrimmages. Stefon Thompson was praised for how invaluable his experience in White's defense at Nebraska and Syracuse was for the rest of the players learning the scheme.

Unfortunately, UNC transfer Caleb LaVallee missed much of spring with an injury. However, a few returning players like Cryer and Graham made up for that absence by having impactful performances in the scrimmage we watched.

All across the linebacker room, it seems the transition to White's scheme has been a success. Is there a world where more-defined roles in the three-linebacker defense help that position group grow more confident? It's a distinct possibility coming out of spring.

Defensive Line

Another place where FSU made some sweeping transformations this offseason was on the defensive line. FSU lost three starters there -- two to the portal and one to the NFL Draft -- and needed quite a bit of help.

Enter four players from the transfer portal who the Seminoles added in January in James Williams (Nebraska), Deante McCray (Western Kentucky), Deamontae Diggs (Coastal Carolina) and Jayson Jenkins (Tennessee) to replenish that depth and provide some much-needed experience at the FBS level.

Jenkins suffered an injury before spring that kept him sidelined for all of camp, although he says he expects to be back in time for preseason. The other three, however, were near the top of the list of most-praised players by Norvell this spring.

Williams, who brings familiarity in White's defense from his time with the Cornhuskers, was tasked with becoming a leader as well as an every-down player this spring. By all accounts, he's risen to those challenges in a big way.

McCray, who played in a 3-3-5 defense at WKU, had a few sacks in the scrimmage we watched and looks the part of a well-rounded defensive lineman who understands the defense and can make plays as a pass-rusher as well as a run-stopper.

While Diggs was a somewhat unproven commodity as an FCS transfer who had spent just one season at the FBS level before coming to Tallahassee, he was also praised this spring for the strides he was making.

Add that trio onto the return of Darrell Jackson and a few emergences from the likes of KJ Sampson and Daniel Lyons (before he got hurt) and you see that position group rounding into form well as summer nears and the 2025 season creeps ever closer.

Baseball Live Updates: No. 4 FSU at No. 19 Louisville (Sunday, 3 p.m. on ACC Network)

For the fourth time this season, the Florida State baseball team plays in a weekend series rubber match on Sunday.

After winning 10-2 on Friday and losing 9-4 on Saturday, the No. 4 Seminoles (31-8, 12-5 in ACC) and No. 19 Louisville Cardinals (29-13, 11-9) play the deciding game of the three-game series Sunday at 3 p.m. (ACC Network) at Jim Patterson Field in Louisville.

FSU will turn to sophomore LHP Wes Mendes (5-1, 3.83 ERA over 44.2 innings) in the rubber match. The Ole Miss transfer bounced back from a few wild starts last time out at Virginia Tech, allowing one run on six hits over 5.2 innings.

Louisville is starting junior RHP Tucker Biven (2-0, 5.52 ERA over 14.2 innings) in his first start since his freshman season in 2023. His season-high in pitches thrown is 42 so it's shaping up to be a likely bullpen game for the Cardinals with the series on the line.

FSU lineup

1rf9 Gage HarrelsonL.371
2ss1 Alex LodiseR.436
3cf18 Max WilliamsL.322
41b12 Myles BaileyL.311
52b3 Drew FaurotB.299
63b4 Cal FisherR.304
7lf5 Chase WilliamsB.391
8dh20 Jaxson WestL.276
9c25 Hunter CarnsR.283

Louisville lineup

1ss0 Alex AliceaB.304
2cf53 Lucas MooreL.376
3lf32 Zion RoseR.327
43b20 Jake MunroeR.377
5dh42 Eddie King Jr.R.340
61b13 Tague DavisL.291
7rf16 Michael LippeR.290
8c17 Collin MowryR.111
92b5 Kamau NeighborsB.247

First pitch is set for just after 3 p.m. and I'll have updates here if you're unable to watch on ACC Network.

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Football Comparing Top 100 prospect entering the portal to US divorce rate

Editor's note: I'm trying something new with this story. I am posting the whole story here on the message board as I think it will make it easeier for more people to comment. Let me know your thoughts.

The Athletic recently compiled statistics on the shocking number of Top 100 football players who are transferring after their first two years of college.

How bad is it?

Of the top 100 prospects in the class of 2022, 39 transferred at last once within their first two years of college. To put that 39 percent attrition rate into perspective:

41 percent of first marriages result in divorce;

60 percent of second marriages end in divorce;

Third marriages? They haven't bee the charm either, as 73 percent filed for divorce.

Next time a kid enters the portal and you wonder what ever became of the concept of "commitment", consider this: Of all the people who pledged their marital commitment to each other in America, 51 percent wound up in the portal.

Here's a few portal details:

The Athletic reports that eight of the Top 100 players in the 2024 cycle switched schools in the winter portal, less than one year into their commitment, and another three put their names into the portal after spring practice.

By this point last spring, 16 of the top 100 recruits in the 2023 cycle had changed schools and another 22 have since entered their names. This includes FSU wide receiver Jalen Brown, who was granted a divorce from LSU, then dismissed from the Seminoles for a felony substance possession, and is now looking to commit for a third time.

In the class of 2022, 39 of the top 100 prospects have transferred at last once within their first two years of college.

So how does FSU compare to those national statistics, and to its rivals?

FSU signed only 10 Top 100 prospects in the 2022 to 2025 classes -- an issue for another column -- with four (40 percent) entering the transfer portal, while six have either completed their career or are still on the roster.

FSU's 2025 home opener will be against the University of Alabama, which has signed a total of 39 Top 100 prospects in those classes. Of the 39, 18 have entered the portal (46.15 percent).

The Seminoles' top in-state rivals have fared better than either Alabama or Florida State. Florida has lost four of its 15 Top 100 prospects (26.67 percent), while Miami has seen three of its 16 (18.75 percent) Top 100 signees enter the portal.

When it comes to retention, Clemson is doing it very well with only one of their 15 top 100 signees (6.67 percent) entering the portal.

Here's a look at what became of the 10 Top 100 players signed by Florida State since 2022.

2022 — Offensive lineman Julian Armella was No. 66. He transferred to UCLA. Defensive back Sam McCall (No. 68) transferred to Texas A&M and is now at Georgia State. Defensive back AZ Thomas (No. 69) was drafted in the 3rd round with the 73rd pick by the New York Jets.

2023 — Five-star wide receiver Hykeem Williams (No. 26) had 258 career yards and two touchdowns at FSU before entering the portal following a hamstring-limited 2024 season.

2024 Defensive backs Charles Lester (No. 47) and Cai Bates (No. 79), tight end Landen Thomas (No. 98) and receiver Elijah Moore (No. 100) are still on the team. Thomas started in the last seven games as a true freshman and had 14 receptions for 172 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Luke Kromenhoek (No. 96) transferred to Mississippi State after playing in six games with two starts. He completed 44 of 84 passes for 502 yards and three touchdowns, adding 113 rushing yards on 63 carries.

2025 — Wide receiver Jayvan Boggs was No. 74 and impressed in spring as an early enrolee.

Why are players enterting the portal?

The Athletic asked NIL agents and coaches why these elite players are leaving, and like marriage the answer isn’t always just about money.

“You can’t blame the players for wanting more money if there’s options to do so. Coaches do the same thing,” an NIL agent who represents several elite former recruits said this week. “But I really haven’t had many situations where the players I’ve represented are just asking for more money. It’s more about their fit, how quickly they can get on the field to get to the NFL.”

A former Power 4 staffer said: “When an elite kid leaves, it’s usually because they just don’t fit in the program or don’t play early. Most P4 coaches have around the same salary cap to keep the guys starting happy. Guys who aren’t playing, who feel like they should, hit the portal and see if they can go somewhere else for the same money and start.

Fit equals compatibility

The word “fit” is a new buzz word you hear athletic directors and coaches use in much the same way we used to use the word “compatible” to describe the blushing bride and groom on their wedding day. Or later, to explain why said couple was parting paths. They were “incompatible” or suffered “irreconcilable differences.”

According to experts from the CDC, the No. 1 reason given for divorce in America is incompatibility. Over 65 percent claimed it as the biggest reason.

Infidelity is the second biggest reason in marriage, or what we call tampering in athletics, where one school is tempting a player to step out on their commitment.

Unrealistic expectations for marriage was No. 5 on the list of reasons, and I’ll bet it would be ranked even higher among collegiate athletes. Forty percent of divorced couples – especially those 18 to 22 -- claimed “their understanding of marriage was unreasonably rosy, and they couldn’t fully envision the twists and turns awaiting them.”

When you see the age group 18 to 22 having the most problem envisioning the twists and turns of marriage, how clearly do you think that age group can envision the twists and turns of college athletics?

The recruiting process is a seductive courtship, with coaches and players evaluating each other while imagining how they could fit together for each other’s mutual benefit. Even if the courtship is long — and recruiting cycles today are longer than in previous decades — the English language is incapable of painting a clear enough picture of the challenge ahead.

No matter how careful the coach is in his evaluation of a prospect, or in his choice of words to use with that prospect or his guardians, too often they are insufficient. No matter how certain the parties are about being a perfect fit, those binds will be tested by the rigors of college athletics and academics. As your parents and the clergy advise you prior to entering into the vows of matrimony, you don’t really know someone (or yourself) until the honeymoon is over and you have to go back to work, live together, and face those life adversities that will test whether you are truly a fit for each other.

Constant quarrels, financial troubles, addiction, domestic violence, as well as health and weight gain are other leading causes of divorce in America, and at times are the reasons coaches and players part paths, too.

Football. Competition. The scoreboard. Each have knocked strong men to their knees. Each is unforgiving and why it should not come as a surprise that the rate of divorce between coaches and players trends only slightly lower than that of husbands and wives.

Baseball Live Updates: No. 4 FSU at No. 19 Louisville (Game 1, Friday at 6 p.m.)

After an unexpected weekend off, the Florida State baseball team begins its stretch run of the regular season this weekend at Louisville.

The No. 4 Seminoles (30-7, 11-4 in ACC) and No. 19 Cardinals (28-12, 10-8) kick off a three-game series at Jim Patterson Stadium Friday at 6 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.

FSU enters on a five-game winning streak while the Cardinals are coming off a road series loss at Clemson last weekend. However, U of L is 22-3 in home games this season and has not yet lost more than one home game in the same week this season. Louisville ranks third in the ACC in batting average (.319) and second in stolen bases (85) but is 12th out of 16 teams in fielding percentage (.970), 11th in ERA (5.46) and dead last in walks issued (224, 61 more than FSU).

FSU will maintain its traditional starting rotation coming out of the off week. Junior LHP Jamie Arnold (4-1, 2.40 ERA) will start the series opener for the Seminoles. Louisville has only announced its Friday starter in freshman LHP Ethan Eberle (3-1, 4.56 ERA over 23.2 innings) with both Saturday and Sunday still slated as TBD. Louisville's previous Friday starter, Patrick Forbes, did not start last week at Clemson and his status remains up in the air for this weekend.

With Max Williams out because of his one-game suspension for being ejected from Tuesday's game, FSU is shuffling up its lineup. Chase Williams is starting in centerfield and hitting leadoff while Gage Harrelson moves down from the leadoff spot to Williams' spot in the three-hole.

FSU lineup

1cf5 Chase WilliamsB.459
2ss1 Alex LodiseR.429
3rf9 Gage HarrelsonL.368
41b12 Myles BaileyL.323
52b3 Drew FaurotB.296
63b4 Cal FisherR.298
7c25 Hunter CarnsR.301
8dh20 Jaxson WestL.278
9lf23 Brody DeLamielleureR.227

Louisville lineup

1ss0 Alex AliceaB.320
2cf53 Lucas MooreL.363
3lf32 Zion RoseR.335
4rf2 Garret PikeL.320
53b20 Jake MunroeR.374
6dh42 Eddie King Jr.R.344
71b13 Tague DavisL.307
8c14 George BakerL.135
92b5 Kamau NeighborsB.243

There were some weather concerns for Friday in Louisville. FSU softball's game at Louisville, originally slated for 6 p.m., has been moved back to an 8 p.m. start. However, things remain on target for a 6 p.m. start on the baseball side at the moment. I'll keep you all updated on the weather situation and provide game updates once things get started in the below thread.

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Football Spring Portal Tracker-Portal Prospects FSU has or could have interest in adding to the 2025 roster

With the portal opening today and with Mike Norvell saying in his Tuesday presser that they are open to adding players to the roster for next season via the portal here are some guys who have either entered the portal or intend to enter the portal in the next ten days that FSU could or should have an interest in my opinion.

Committed
Cornerback Jeremiah Wilson - Houston
Quarterback Jaylen King - Eastern Tennessee State

Interested from or offered by Florida State:
Safety John Slaughter- Tennessee
WR Treyshun Hurry- San Jose State (has been officially offered by FSU)
WR Keelan Marion- BYU (has been officially offered by FSU)
WR Xavier Loyd-Illinois State (signed with Missouri)
OL Jamarion Kennedy-La Tech (signed with Wake Forest)
S Zaquan Patterson-Miami (been in contact)
DB Jeremiah Wilson - Houston (has been in contact)

Visiting (known or reported visit dates):
Josh Raymond - Vanderbilt
WR Tony Johnson
ETSU QB Jaylen King
Monmouth EDGE Miles Mitchell



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Atkinson looked like an All-American vs. FSU this past season. He had three sacks in a half against the Noles. I think he is a guy that FSU should at least feel out to gauge if he has any interest. He played over 600 snaps for the Tar Heels last season and is a guy that would definitely upgrade the Seminoles rotation on the defensive line. I know a lot has been made about the Desir twins this spring, but they are true freshmen, and I wonder how much of their success this spring has been because most of FSU's starting OL has been getting many reps this spring.

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Pena was second team All-ACC this past season and FSU has roster spot open with Jordan Scott leaving. Pena has 84 catches this past season for 941 yards and can also return kicks. FSU has some young wide receivers with potential, but I don't think they are very deep, and he would automatically be the most productive WR on the team based on his 2024 season.

Draft Day- Updated after Draft Completed.

Growing up NFL Draft Day was my Super Bowl. The entire reason for being in the business is I used to write Draft Books and sell them at the local magazine store. WQAM used to also have a draft party at Shula's steakhouse and use them on their show. Being a cowboy fan the Draft is what made our dynasty in the 90's. Jimmy Johnson came in and traded Herschel Walker to the Vikings. In return Dallas got multiple 1st round picks. It was a great day. The event like everything else has become very commercial and the first round is only shown now on Day 1. I will still watch tonight to see where the Florida players will go.

Top players from Florida

1-RJ Harvey -RB-UCF (Orlando Edgewater)
2-Brashard Smith -RB-SMU (Miami Palmetto)
3-Raheim Sanders-RB-South Carolina (Rockledge)
4-Jayden Higgins-WR-Iowa State (Westminster Christian)
5-Patrick Bryant-WR-Illinois (Atlantic Coast)
6-Xavier Restrepo-WR-Miami (Deerfield Beach)
7-Arian Smith -WR-Georgia (Lakeland)
8-Jacorey Brooks-WR Louisville (Booker T. Washington/IMG)
9-Jimmy Horn -WR -Colorado -(Colorado)
10-Jacolby George-WR-Miami (Plantation)
11-Lajohntay Wester - WR-Colorado (Palmetto HS)
12-Mason Taylor-TE-LSU (Saint Thomas)
13-Orande Gadsden TE-Syracuse (American Heritage Plantation)
14-Rivaldo Fairweather-TE-Auburn/FIU (Boyd Anderson)
15-Anthony Belton-OT-NC State (FSU High School)
16-Tyler Booker-OG-Alabama (IMG Academy)

17-Jalen Rivers-OG-Miami (Sandalwood)
18-Willie Lampkin-OG-North Carolina (Lakeland)
19-Marcus Tate-OG-Clemson (University School-Davie)
20-Joshua Farmer-DT-FSU (East Gadsden)
21-Tim Smith-DT-Alabama (Sebastian River HS)
22-Jordan Phillips-DT-Maryland (Ocoee)
23-Warren Brinson-DT-Georgia (IMG Academy)
24-Danny Stutsman-LB-Oklahoma (Foundation Academy)
25-Shemar Stewart-DE-Texas A&M-(Monsignor Pace)
26-Ashton Gilotte-DE-Louisville (Boca Raton)

27-Elijah Roberts-DE-SMU (Columbus)
28-AZ Thomas-CB-FSU (Niceville)
29-Tommi Hill-DB-Nebraska (Orlando Edgewater)
30-Jason Marshall-DB-UF (Miami Palmetto)
31-Mac McWilliams-DB-UCF (Pensacola Pine Forest)

There are probably more but right now that is the list of prospects who played HS football in Florida.

Mock Draft

1-Tennessee - Cam Ward-QB

2-Cleveland - Travis Hunter -Ath.

3-NY Giants - Abdul Carter -DE

4-New England-Will Campbell -OT

5-Jacksonville-Jalon Walker -DE (They always screw this thing up)

6-Dallas Cowboys (Trade with Raiders) Ashton Jeanty - RB (Should we believe Jerry that he makes a deal-Dallas needs a RB)

7-NY Jets-Tyler Warren-TE- (It was Kyle Brady Penn State TE they took over Warren Sapp which was legendary at Draft.)

8-Carolina Panthers -Tetairoa McMillan -WR Panthers need to help their young QB out.

9-New Orleands -Mykel Williams -DE

10-Chicago Bears - Mason Graham - DT

11-San Fransico-Will Johnson - CB

12-Las Vegas -Nick Emmanwori-S -Raiders always go off the grid. This kid has first round talent. A little high.

13-Miami Dolphins-Armand Membou-OT -Dolphins tackle retired - Tua needs to stay upright. If they dont draft a tackle-Grier needs to be fired after the pick.

14-Indy-Jahdade Barron-CB - When there is a run at a position this is what happens. Barron will end up the guy.

15-Atlanta-James Pearce- DE

16-Arizona-Emeka Egbuka -WR

17-Cincinnati-Greg Zabel - OG - Bengals need OL, DE and secondary help.

18-Seattle-Matthew Golden - WR- Lost DK. Need to replace him.

19-Tampa Bay -Donovan Ezeiruaku - DE- I would not be surprised to see them trade this pick.

20-Denver Broncos - Colston Loveland - TE- How to help a young QB out - Peyton likes TE.

21-Pittsburgh Steelers-Shadeur Sanders-QB

22-Los Angeles-Matthew Golden - WR

23-Green Bay -Maxwell Hariston - CB- Their tradition of not drafting a WR in first round continues.

24-Minnesota-Kenneth Grant- DT

25-Houston -Kelvin Banks -OT

26-LA Rams-Trey'Veyon Henderson-RB - Rams need some juice in the backfield. They have drafted receivers well after round 1.

27-Ravens-Malaki Starks- S- Ravens always draft well. Starks maybe the best S in draft.

28-Detroit - Trade to NY Giants - Jaxson Dart - QB- Detroit can fill its needs in round 2 and 3 and pick up some extra picks. Giants get their QB.

29-Washington-Shemar Stewart - DE

30-Buffalo - Jihaad Campbell - LB- Have no idea what the Bills will do.

31-KC -Josh Simmons - OT - KC had a guard playing tackle. They need to keep Patrick healthy. SImmons is a top 10-15 pick if not injured.

32-Philadelphia -RB Omarion Hampton - The rich get richer. They like to run the ball. Hampton should go higher but I still feel like most teams don't vaule backs that much.....


FSU Players
AZ Thomas-2nd -3rd
Joshua Farmer- 5th-6th
Lawrance Toafili - FA (Niners / KC/ Miami) will pick him up after the draft. Each of those teams like versatile type players.
Fentrell Cypress - FA

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Football Recruiting FSU 2026 OL target commits to Vanderbilt

2026 OL prospect George Haseotes who recently scheduled an official visit to FSU committed to Vanderbilt this morning. It remains to be seen whether or not he will follow through with his OV which has been set for June 6 with FSU. He also has offers from ND, GT and others. Haseotes had taken multiple unofficial visits to FSU since January.

My read on this is that the kid was ready to commit somewhere but FSU wasn't ready to commit to him.

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FSU women's tennis begins play in ACC championship

FSU sports information:

The No. 64 Florida State women’s tennis team will begin postseason play on Wednesday at 10 a.m. against No. 62 Louisville in the second round of the ACC Women’s Tennis Championship at Cary Tennis Park in Cary, N.C.

The Seminoles enter the tournament as the No. 13 seed, and Wednesday's winner will advance to play No. 5 California on Thursday. Florida State will look to avenge a 4-3 home loss it suffered to the Cardinals earlier this season.

FSU has won at least one match in the ACC Tournament each of the last three years. The Seminoles reached the semifinals in 2024 after a 4-1 victory over Miami in the quarterfinal round.

Eva Shaw and Maria Juliana Parra Romero finished the regular season last weekend, defeating the No. 15-ranked pair from Duke 6-2 to earn their second top-25 victory of the season. The duo finished the regular season with a 13-4 record and looks to keep their momentum heading into postseason play.

Freshman Mary Boyce Deatherage finished the regular season with the most singles victories for the Noles, winning 15 matches this season, including an 11-match winning streak.

Millie Bissett was victorious last season in the quarterfinal over Miami, earning a straight-sets 6-3, 6-3 victory. Laura Putz and Kristyna Lavickova will also add a veteran presence for the Seminoles after competing in both singles and doubles competition in the quarterfinal and semifinal of last year’s tournament.

Live stats and video throughout the tournament will be available on Seminoles.com.
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Tennis FSU men to play at South Carolina in NCAA Tournament

FSU sports information:

The No. 19 Florida State men’s tennis team has been selected to the NCAA Division I Men’s Tennis Championship for the 26th time in the program's history. The Seminoles will travel to Columbia, S.C., for the first and second rounds of the tournament.

FSU will play in the Columbia Regional with No. 13 South Carolina, Samford, and VCU beginning on Friday, May 2. Florida State will meet Southern Conference champion Samford in the first round, while South Carolina will square off against Atlantic 10 champion VCU. The winners of the Friday matches will meet on Saturday to advance to the Third Round.

Florida State finished the regular season with an 18-8 record, marking four straight seasons with 15+ wins. The Seminoles accumulated nine wins in the expanded conference schedule and achieved a perfect 7-0 record at home in ACC play. FSU defeated Louisville 4-3 in the second round of the ACC Championship before falling 4-3 to eventual champion, No. 5 Stanford.

Head coach Dwayne Hultquist has led the Seminoles to their 21st appearance in the tournament in the past 22 completed seasons. Last season, FSU reached the Third Round after a first round sweep over North Florida and 4-1 win at home against UCF. The Seminoles have reached the second round in six consecutive seasons and advanced to the third round of play in two of the last three seasons.

Live video and stats from the championship will be available on Seminoles.com.

Seminole Sidelines: Jaylen King's arrival, discussing upcoming visitors, Seminoles in NFL draft

On Monday's edition of the Osceola's Seminole Sidelines, Patrick Burnham, Nick Carlisle and Bob Ferrante discuss a busy few days in the transfer portal — the arrival of cornerback Jeremiah Wilson as well as quarterback Jaylen King — coupled with some departures like tight end Markeston Douglas.

What does it all mean for the respective position groups as FSU pushes forward toward 2025? How does the coaching staff continue to evaluate the groups.

We also discuss AZ Thomas' selection by the NY Jets and Josh Farmer's selection by the New England Patriots. Which free agent pickups have the chance to find success in the NFL? We weigh in on the signees.

And what should we make of the FSU baseball series loss at Louisville as well as the regional hosting outlook for the Seminoles.

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

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