Tag: Seminoles

Friends and family celebrate after Booker High defensive end/wide receiver Chauncey Kennon announces he has selected Florida State University to commit to during a party Sunday afternoon, July 6, 2025 at the DeSoto Boys and Girls Club in Bradenton.

Florida State lands five-star CB Chauncey Kennon

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Chauncey Kennon, one of the top cornerbacks in the Class of 2026, committed to play for Florida State.

Kennon attends Booker High School in Sarasota, Fla., and grew up rooting for the Seminoles’ football program. He called Florida State his dream school.

“It was a place that truly felt like home to me,” Kennon told 247Sports in an interview. “There was nothing that went wrong. Everything was top-tier for me. My experience was A-1. So I feel like there was no debating where I was going to go. I knew the whole time.”

Kennon said he committed immediately after his official visit on June 13, but the announcement was made Sunday.

The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder is a five-star prospect ranked the No. 2 cornerback and No. 27 overall player in his high school class by 247Sports. The 247Sports composite has Kennon as a high four-star rated eighth at his position and 67th in the country.

Kennon had offers from Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Miami and other top programs.

–Field Level Media

Sep 6, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the ACC logo during the first half of the game between the Southern Methodist Mustangs and the Brigham Young Cougars at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

ACC, Florida State, Clemson to dismiss cases against each other

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After nearly two years of infighting, litigation involving Florida State, Clemson and the Atlantic Coast Conference is finally over.

The three sides filed to dismiss cases against one another on Tuesday, ending more than 17 months of legal battles in three different states.

The two schools and the conference approved the settlement’s terms in March, which clarified if and when Florida State and Clemson — or any other ACC member — could leave the conference.

Among the terms of the settlement, schools would keep their own TV rights as opposed to the league. On top of that, per a presentation to Clemson trustees in March, exit fees would drop annually from $165 million in fiscal year 2026 to around $75 million in 2030-31.

Florida State first sued the ACC in December 2023 (in Florida, of course) followed by Clemson (in South Carolina) as the two schools explored joining a different conference. There were growing concerns that league revenues were falling behind those of the SEC and Big Ten, not to mention the ACC falling behind competitively relative to other conferences.

The Charlotte-based ACC, in turn, filed lawsuits in North Carolina against Florida State and Clemson as it looked to enforce the “Grant of Rights” agreements and the league’s exit penalties.

The March settlement agreement also created a new avenue for the ACC to share revenue with its members as about 60 percent of conference payouts would be distributed based on TV viewership of football and men’s basketball.

“Today’s resolution begins the next chapter of this storied league and further solidifies the ACC as a premier conference,” ACC commissioner Jim Phillips said in a statement at the time. “As we look ahead to our collective long-term future, I want to express my deepest appreciation to the ACC Board of Directors for its ongoing leadership, patience and dedication throughout this process.

“The league has competed at the highest level for more than 70 years and this new structure demonstrates the ACC embracing innovation and further incentivizing our membership based on competition and viewership results. The settlements, coupled with the ACC’s continued partnership with ESPN, allow us to focus on our collective future — including Clemson and Florida State — united in an 18-member conference demonstrating the best in intercollegiate athletics.”

–Field Level Media

Newbury Park High junior quarterback Brady Smigiel fires a pass during a practice on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. After setting county single-season (52) and career TD passes (98) as a sophomore, Smigiel will lead a powerful Panthers offense in the newly formed Conejo Coast League.

Reports: Florida State loses commitment from 4-star QB Brady Smigiel

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Quarterback Brady Smigiel, a four-star quarterback in the Class of 2026, decommitted from Florida State on Sunday, according to multiple media reports.

A three-year starter at Newbury Park (Calif.) High School, Smigiel had verbally committed to the Seminoles in June 2024 over finalist Michigan and more than 30 other programs. Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly made an in-home visit on Saturday, and UCLA, South Carolina and Washington also have made recent visits.

Smigiel, listed at 6-foot-5 and 205 pounds, is ranked the No. 63 overall prospect in his class, No. 5 at his position and No. 10 in California, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

“He definitely is planning on taking some trips,” his father and coach, Joe Smigiel, told On3Sports before Sunday’s news. “After the amazing season he had … and (being) named Mr. California for all classes he has gotten a bunch of interest.”

As a junior, he threw for 3,521 yards, 49 touchdowns and three interceptions. He ran for 11 TDs and more than 400 yards. Smigiel has a total of 147 TD passes and more than 11,000 passing yards in three seasons.

Florida State went 2-10 last season under head coach Mike Norvell, who has a new offensive coordinator in former UCF head coach Gus Malzahn. The Seminoles moved quickly on Sunday, making an offer to four-star QB Bowe Bentley of Celina (Texas) High School.

Bentley, listed at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, guided Celina to an unbeaten record and the Texas 4A D-I state championship in 2024. The junior is ranked No. 292 in the class, No. 18 at QB and No. 39 in Texas in the 247Sports Composite.

–Field Level Media

Oct 5, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell looks on during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Coach Mike Norvell giving $4.5M to Florida State initiative

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Florida State coach Mike Norvell has restructured his contract to include a $4.5 million contribution to a new fundraising campaign for revenue sharing with student-athletes, the university announced on Monday.

The Vision of Excellence university initiative was designed to help with the student-athletes’ overall experience as well as coaching, facilities and fan engagement, the university said.

“I presented this to our administration in an effort to boost the support of our student-athletes while recognizing that the results and expectations need to be upheld to the highest level,” Norvell said in the statement.

“I wanted to be proactive in my financial assistance through this time of transition as we all push forward to get back to the standard of Florida State football. Great days are ahead, and I’m grateful to coach these players and lead this staff. We have been hard at work to uphold the tradition here at Florida State, and I believe this step will help accelerate the process to where I know we are going.”

Division I schools are permitted to share at least $20.5 million in revenue with their athletes starting on July 1 under a new House settlement agreement.

Norvell has coached the Seminoles since 2020 and is 33-27, including 2-10 this season after going 13-1 in 2023 with the team’s first Atlantic Coast Conference championship since 2014.

He received a multiyear contract extension after the 2022 season and an enhancement in January. Norvell, who is set to be paid $9.9 million in 2025, is under contract through 2031. He has an overall head coaching record of 71-43, including four seasons at Memphis (2016-19).

“He is a high-character person who took an honest assessment of what the program needed from its leader to move forward,” FSU director of athletics Michael Alford said in the statement. “I’m excited about the future of Florida State football. FSU will continue to be a leader in the new structure of collegiate athletics, and that includes how we provide for our student-athletes. It will take additional support. I’m not going to be shy about encouraging others to follow Coach Norvell’s actions and contribute however they can.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 4, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Florida State Seminoles helmet on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Florida State hires Tony White as defensive coordinator

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Florida State tabbed Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White to the same post on Thursday.

White, a two-time Broyles Award nominee for the nation’s top assistant coach, spent the past two seasons with the Cornhuskers.

The addition of White comes three days after the Seminoles hired former UCF head coach Gus Malzahn as their offensive coordinator.

White, 45, will replace Adam Fuller, who was fired as defensive coordinator by head coach Mike Norvell last month. Fuller was one of three assistant coaches dismissed in the aftermath of a 52-3 loss to Notre Dame, including offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Alex Atkins.

“I’m excited to bring Tony White into the Nole Family in such an important role on our staff,” Norvell said. “His aggressive, innovative defensive scheme provides opportunities for playmakers to shine and is extremely difficult on opposing offenses. Tony has a proven track record coordinating elite defenses against some of the best competition in the country, and I’m looking forward to his impact on our return to the Florida State standard.”

White also was the defensive coordinator/linebackers coach at Syracuse (2020-22) and the defensive passing game coordinator/cornerbacks coach at Arizona State (2019).

Florida State lost to rival Florida 31-11 on Saturday to complete a 2-10 season.

–Field Level Media

Nov 23, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell before the game against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Reports: FSU set to hire DC Tony White from Nebraska

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Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White is set to join Florida State in the same capacity, ESPN and Rivals reported Monday.

Cornhuskers defensive line coach Terrance Knighton will join White at FSU, according to the Rivals report.

White, who spent the past two seasons at Nebraska, will replace Adam Fuller, fired as DC by head coach Mike Norvell last month. Fuller was one of three assistant coaches fired in the aftermath of a 52-3 loss to Notre Dame, including offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Alex Atkins.

White, 45, was also the DC at Syracuse (2020-22) and Arizona State (2019).

It was reported over the weekend that Gus Malzahn resigned as head coach at UCF to become the new OC at FSU next season.

FSU lost to rival Florida 31-11 on Saturday to complete a 2-10 season.

–Field Level Media

Nov 23, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Charleston Southern Buccaneers quarterback Kaleb Jackson (15) is tackled by Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Byron Turner Jr. (54) during the first quarter at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Florida State pounds Charleston Southern for second victory of season

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True freshman Luke Kromenhoek threw three touchdown passes and Caziah Holmes ran for two more as host Florida State routed Charleston Southern 41-7 on Saturday afternoon in Tallahassee, Fla.

The Seminoles (2-9) convincingly snapped a six-game losing streak and ensured that the Buccaneers (1-11) would finish theirs on a 10-game skid.

Florida State has not had much to celebrate during one of its worst seasons in program history. But on Saturday, the Seminoles overcame a rough start and put together one of their more complete efforts of the season.

Florida State had not scored more than 21 points in a game prior to Saturday’s contest and its 175 rushing yards more than doubled its average (80.5 per game) this season. No single runner had over 40 yards, but seven rushers combined for that output on 34 attempts. The Seminoles entered the game ranked 130th out of 133 FBS teams in rushing offense.

Holmes, a senior, finished with three carries for 38 yards, including touchdown runs of 3 and 18 yards.

Kromenhoek gave Florida State a sliver of hope for its quarterback future as he completed 13 of 20 passes for 209 yards and no interceptions. He threw TD passes for Amaree Williams, Ja’Khi Douglas and Hykeem Williams.

The highlight was a 71-yard touchdown pass to Douglas on the first play from scrimmage of the second half to put the Seminoles ahead 24-0. Douglas finished with 82 yards receiving on three catches, and 10 different Florida State players caught passes for 240 total yards.

The Seminoles went 6 of 10 on third downs after averaging only a 25 percent conversion rate all season. Their defense held Charleston Southern to 275 total yards (57 rushing) and forced two turnovers.

Florida State was unable to hang on to the shutout, however, as Bucs quarterback Kaleb Jackson found Landon Sauers for a 7-yard touchdown pass with 57 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Jackson completed 22 of 32 passes for 218 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

The Bucs defense recorded three sacks led by Davion Williams, who had eight tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack.

The Seminoles will conclude their season next Saturday at home against rival Florida.

–Field Level Media

Oct 18, 2024; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils defensive end Wesley Williams (97) celebrates a down during the first half of the game against Florida State at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

Duke uses defense to notch first-ever win against Florida State

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Chandler Rivers’ interception return for a touchdown highlighted Duke’s strong defensive performance Friday night as the Blue Devils defeated Florida State for the first time, winning 23-16 at Durham, N.C.

Star Thomas ran for 88 yards and a touchdown and Todd Pelino kicked three field goals for Duke (6-1, 2-1 Atlantic Coast Conference), which had lost all 22 previous meetings with Florida State.

The Seminoles (1-6, 1-5) outgained the Blue Devils 291-180 in total yards but sputtered late as their miserable season continued. Florida State reached Duke territory on its last two possessions, which ended with a fumble and failed fourth-down play.

Samuel Singleton Jr. returned the second half kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown to pull the Seminoles within 17-13. Pelino made it 20-13 on his 44-yard field goal in the third quarter and added a 39-yarder to put the hosts up 23-16 with 8:58 remaining.

Florida State moved to the Blue Devils’ 37-yard line on its ensuing possession before Kam Davis fumbled. The Seminoles got the ball back at their own 41 with 2:41 left but eventually failed on fourth-and-24 from their own 48.

Quarterback Brock Glenn was benched after he committed turnovers on three straight Florida State snaps in the first half. He returned late in the third quarter, finishing 9-for-19 for 110 yards and two interceptions for the Seminoles. Backup Luke Kromenhoek was 3-for-7 for 19 yards.

Maalik Murphy was 12-for-24 for 70 yards for Duke.

The Blue Devils punted on their first four possessions before Rivers stepped in front of Florida State receiver Jalen Brown for an interception and raced 36 yards untouched to the end zone to put the hosts up 7-3.

Glenn fumbled on the next snap, with Duke taking over at the Seminoles’ 36. Thomas later scored from 2 yards out on a fourth-and-1 run.

Ozzie Nicholas’ interception led to Pelino’s 27-yard field goal with 10 minutes left in the first half. Ryan Fitzgerald’s 53-yarder with 1:46 remaining cut the deficit to 17-6.

Fitzgerald opened the scoring with a 23-yard field goal and pulled Florida State within 20-16 on a 38-yarder early in the fourth.

–Field Level Media

Dec 2, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Patrick Payton (11) defends Louisville Cardinals running back Jawhar Jordan (25) during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Florida State edges Cal in defensive struggle for first win of the season

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Patrick Payton had three sacks for the game and Marvin Jones Jr. had two on the host Florida State Seminoles’ final defensive series to help seal a 14-9 victory over California on Saturday night in Tallahassee, Fla.

Florida State (1-3) snapped a four-game losing streak and avoided what would have been its second 0-4 start since 2021 while handing the Bears (3-1) their first loss in what was the first ever meeting between the schools.

Cal starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza completed 22 of 36 passes for 303 yards to lead the Bears, who played their first ever game in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

But Mendoza was sacked six times with the last one by Edwin Joseph to force a game-clinching loss on downs with 54 seconds remaining.

Joseph, a redshirt freshman, also came up with the lone turnover forced by FSU when he recorded an interception.

The Bears will lament missed opportunities in the kicking game, which could have kept them unbeaten.

While kicker Ryan Coe connected from 25, 29 and 51 yards out, he also had a costly miss from 36 yards early in the third quarter and had a 38-yard attempt blocked with 6:07 left in the fourth.

Cal suffered an injury scare when offensive lineman Sioape Vatikani suffered an injury with 1:43 remaining in the third quarter. Vatikani remained on the ground for several minutes.

Moments after Vatikani was carted off the field, Coe booted his 51-yard field goal to put Cal ahead 9-7.

But Florida State, which entered the game ranked 124th of 133 FBS teams in scoring offense, found a way to score some points in the clutch.
Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei connected in stride with Ja’Khi Douglas for a 36-yard, go-ahead touchdown pass to put the Seminoles ahead with 11:08 remaining in the fourth.

Uiagalelei completed 16 of 27 passes for 177 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Another improvement for the Seminoles came in a running game which ranked 132nd in the nation entering the week. Lawrance Toafili ran for 80 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries as the Seminoles ran for a season-high 107 yards overall.

–Field Level Media

Sep 2, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Jaylin Lucas (13) is tackled by Boston College Eagles defensive back Carter Davis (28) during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Florida State RB/KR Jaylin Lucas out for season

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Florida State running back and kick returner Jaylin Lucas is out for the season, coach Mike Norvell announced on Monday.

Lucas sustained an undisclosed injury during the Seminoles’ 28-13 loss to Boston College on Sept. 2. Florida State had an open date this past weekend following a disastrous 0-2 start to the season.

Lucas accumulated 88 all-purpose yards in two games: 36 on two kickoff returns, 39 on three receptions and 13 on two rushing attempts.

He transferred to Tallahassee after two seasons at Indiana, where he racked up 546 rushing yards, 329 receiving yards and 1,163 kick-return yards in 23 games from 2022-23.

Lucas has a redshirt year available and will have two remaining seasons of eligibility, according to Norvell.

“I know he’s going to do a great job of continuing to help the guys on the field,” Norvell said.

–Field Level Media