FSU sports information:

The Florida State women’s basketball team (13-4, 3-2 ACC) returns home to host Clemson (10-7, 3-2 ACC), on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center.

The Seminoles lead the all-time series against the Tigers 38-28, with FSU winning six out of the last seven meetings.

Ta’Niya Latson leads the nation in scoring with an average 26.8 points per game in addition to ranking fifth in total points (428), while Makayla Timpson ranks second in blocks (52) and blocks per game (3.06).

Timpson, who leads the ACC this season in double-doubles with nine, is one away from tying Natasha Howard’s career program record at 41.

Latson, Timpson and O’Mariah Gordon also lead the FSU offense that ranks first in the ACC and second in the nation at 92.8 points per game.

The game will air on the ACC Network Extra. The Seminoles Sport Network can be found on Seminoles.com and at 96.5 The Spear.

Last Time Out

The Seminoles fell to Cal (16-2, 4-1 ACC) on Sunday at the Haas Pavilion, 82-70.

Timpson led the team with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Amaya Bonner tallied a season high in points, scoring 14, with Latson following behind at 13 and Gordon at 12.

The Seminoles held the Bears to 33 percent shooting in the second half, outscoring them 24-10 in the fourth.

I saw on my news feed that Ty Haywood, a top 2025 OL recruit decommitted from Bama. I see where he had an offer and visited us. Wondering if anybody knows whether we have a snowball's chance in the hot place with this guy.

Jaydin Broadnax from West Boca Raton (Fla.) High released an early top-seven on Tuesday night. The four-star safety who is ranked as the 216th-best overall prospect in the class of 2026 has Florida State among those schools as well as Auburn, Florida, USF, Michigan, Syracuse and Louisville.

Broadnax has already taken multiple unofficial visits to FSU including this past November when he watched the Seminoles take on Clemson.

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For Carson Freakin' Beck............I do enjoy watching these idiots puff up their chest in the preseason only to fall on their faces by seasons end....silly Canes.

Four-star offensive tackle Ty Haywood has just decommitted from Alabama - although this has been expected as the staff at Alabama considered him decommitted as soon as he didn't sign in December. If you recall, Haywood took an official visit to Florida State in June but ultimately committed to Alabama.

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@BrainVision are you safe?

Mike Norvell talked at length tonight about his excitement about new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn and defensive coordinator Tony White.

He is high on what both of them will bring to FSU in helping restore an aggressive identity that was lost in 2024

FSU did not have the season it wanted in 2024. After coming off a great season in 2023, most felt the Seminoles would not only compete for the ACC title but win it. We sat here last year wondering what type of team, FSU would have going into spring football. Not only did FSU lose talent, they lose depth and experience. They also lost the most important component and that is leadership. FSU lacked leaders on and off the field. Once the season ended coaches were replaced, FSU signed a new high school class and now are putting the finishing touches of the portal class. Where does FSU stand at each position? Here are my thoughts about each position.


QB

Incoming: Kevin Sperry (Guyer HS-Texas) 6'1-200 (3) / Thomas Castellanos (Boston College) 5'9-195

Onboard: Brock Glenn (SO) 6'2-215, Trever Jackson - 6'3-190

Comments: I have stated in the past of being a fan of Castellanos coming out of high school. I believe Pat was also high on him. I liked him as an athlete and felt that he could be a good receiver or defensive back. He showed enough skills at quarterback on film to play there if he went to the right scheme. When he signed with UCF, I thought TC would be the perfect fit for Gus. So when he left, I was a bit surprised. With TC teaming up with Gus once again we will now get to see that experiment come together. Why I like the move is because TC wants to be at FSU. I am not really sure if DJ wanted to be here. TC fits what GUS wants to do. My big concern is whether or not TC can stay healthy. If that happens I am not worried about the results as I feel he will perform at a high level. I do like that Brock is staying. I am a fan of Brock and really don't think he has had a fair shot at FSU. He is the ultimate team player and feel you will see him in 2025 as TC will get banged up. (Grade B-)

RB

Incoming: Ousmane Kromah: Lee County-6'0-205 (4)

Onboard: Micahil Danzy (RFR) 6'0-185 / Kam Davis-(SO) 5'10-225, Jaylin Lucas (SR) 5'9-175, Samuel Singleton-(SO) 5'11-195

Comments: Landing Kromah was huge. I think he is going to end up the starter at some point of the season. He runs with both power and finesse. He runs with a nice blend of speed and quickness. He is FSU most talented back. Danzy gives FSU more top end speed. He can also line up at receiver. Davis showed his toughness last year. I feel he can be the David Montgomery of the backfield. Goal line, short yardage and run the clock out. Davis will be much better. People forget he played in a wildcat offense. The same issues Kam Akers had early on Kam Davis ran into the same problems. He needed to adjust to playing running back. Davis could lose some weight as I think it will help his overall game. Lucas displayed his speed and quickness before getting hurt. Singleton returned a kid for a touchdown. This is one of the better backfields in the ACC. Now they need to go out and shot it. (Grade A)

WR

Incoming: Jayvan Boggs: (Cocoa HS) 6'0-200, Tae'shuan Gelseny: (Riverside HS) 6'4-215, Jordan Scott: (Southwest Mississippi JC) 6'7-215, Teriq Mallory: (Chesire Academy) 6'5-200, Squirrel White: (University of Tennessee) 5'10-165, Duce Robinson: (USC) 6'6-220

Onboard: Jalen Brown (SO) 6'1-175, Camdon Frier-(RFR) 6'0-195, BJ Gibson (RFR) 6'0-195, Lawayne McCoy-(RFR) 6'1-175, Elijah Moore-(RFR) 6'4-205 and Hykeem Williams-(JR) 6'2-215

Comments: Outside of OL the WR position was a major disappointment. FSU brings in 6 new bodies at WR. They signed a big class last year. Between the 2024 recruiting class and what FSU brought in this off-season, I really like where this room is at. They could use a little more speed and they got some of that with White. FSU should be able to to pass the ball this year. Once again the big question mark is not what they brought in but can some of the guys already on the roster like Hykeem Williams, McCoy and Moore be developed. FSU needs the transfers to work out but also show the ability to develop some of the younger guys. If that happens it will be a major success. (Grade B+)

TE
Incoming: Chase Loftin: (Millard South-Nebraska) 6'6-215, Randy Pittman: (University of Central Florida) 6'2-230, Makeston Douglas: (Arizona State) 6'5-275

Onboard: Landen Thomas: (SO) 6'4-240, Amaree Williams: (SO) 6'4-220

Comments: Thomas and Williams looked good as freshman last year. There is talk of Williams possibly being moved to defensive end. I rather him stick it out at TE since he already learned that position and had success. Loftin is someone that I really liked on film. Pittman is someone I felt FSU should have taken out of high school. Douglas provides a blocking tight end. FSU can finally run MN full offense. 11, 12 AND 13 personal. He has been unable to do that until this upcoming season. (Grade A)

OL
Incoming: Mario Nash: (Kemper County, MS) 6'4-280 (4), Sean Poret: (Riverwood HS, GA) 6'5-270
Onboard: Luke Petlbon: (Wake Forest) 6'3-280, Micah Pettus: (Ole Miss) 6'7-350, Adrian Medley (UCF) 6'5-300, Gunnar Hansen (Vandy) 6'5-330. Jonathan Daniels (SO) 6'4-290, Jaylen Early (JR) 6'4-300, Bryson Estes (SR) 6'4-280, TJ Ferguson (SR) 6'4-330, Tye Hylton (SO) 6'5-290, Manasse Itete-(RFR) 6'5-300, Richie Leonard (SR) 6'3-330, Andre Otto (SO) 6'5-320, Jaob Rizy (SR) 6'5-310, Lucas Simmons (SO) 6'8-310, Jayden Todd (RFR) 6'6-325
Comments: I like what FSU did in the portal. They needed to get bigger on the OL (Check), they needed to get experience (Check), and they needed to get guys who played in the SEC (Check). They did what they needed to in the Portal. The big question is can some of the younger guys finally be developed? I think Herb Hand can get that job done. Do that and the 2026 class should be very good. FSU can't continue to rely on the portal to bail them out on the OL. You have to develop some guys eventually. Grade Portal -B+/ HS - D+


Final Thoughts: It will be interesting to see what happens at QB. Will Glenn stay another year? If he does then FSU won't need to hit the portal after spring to find another QB. If he does leave then FSU will need to hit the portal. I would only go after a RB in the portal if the kid was a difference maker or someone gets hurt. If not, I rather go with the guys you recruited. At receiver the only guy I would bring in would be Tru. If he wants in, you take him. I could see FSU taking the West Virginia kid from Tally. OL, I would still like to see them bring in another tackle. Overall the roster rebuild on the OL for 2025 is pretty much complete. FSU needs to get to 105 so expect some guys in high school to fill out the bottom of the roster. These would basically be undrafted FA after the draft each year.

Coach was in Brunswick, GA last night recruiting Heze Kent. He was there watching Heze’s basketball game. He was very friendly when my son and I introduced ourselves as Nole fans. He apologized for last season. He said “we will get this turned around very quickly”! He seems to be a very genuine person. Thanks for taking a few minutes to talk with my son and I last night coach! Go Noles!

the piece we need

The former UCF commit will be visiting on the January 25th weekend, he has confirmed with me.

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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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This kid is gonna be a problem! Big, strong and aggressive they are constantly double teaming him.

For those that don't remember Login to view embedded media - 4th and 14th against the Gators. DROB as he was known will always be remembered for that play. Dominic Robinson was that generations version of Travis Hunter. I remember DROB in the Cali vs. Florida game. He was intercepting the football. He was catching touchdowns in the all-star games. He was supposed to be the next Deion Sanders at FSU. I believe he was supposed to get Deion #2 for coming to FSU.

Duce Robinson is 6'6-220 pounds. He is a more talented version of Johnny Wilson IMHO. This past season he had 23 catches for 396 yards and 5 touchdowns. FSU has not had much luck with Legacy kids from DeCalon Brooks, Marvin Jones Jr, Boots. I do think Duce could break the curse for FSU.