• Florida State Scheduling News + Freshman Making A Week 1 Impact | Florida State Seminoles LIVE 330
    Jun 18 2026
    Episode Notes: Florida State Scheduling News + Freshman Making A Week 1 Impact | Florida State Seminoles LIVE 330 Hosts: Gus Wilson & Cole Kruger Podcast: Florida State Seminoles Live (presented by FanDuel) / FSUVOCFB (Voice of College Football) Date/Context: Recent episode discussing 2026 FSU football updates (June 17, 2026). Overall Summary Gus Wilson and Cole Kruger discuss recent scheduling announcements for the 2026 season, fan reactions to the neutral-site Georgia game in Nashville (2028), assigned kickoff times, betting odds via FanDuel, and freshmen projected to make immediate impacts. The tone is optimistic about talent but mixed on scheduling logistics and fan travel. They highlight revenue potential, stadium appeal, and depth chart opportunities for young players amid injuries and competition. 1. Scheduling News & Neutral Site Game Georgia Series Update (2028): The canceled home-and-home series is replaced by a neutral-site game in Nashville, Tennessee (new stadium). Other considered sites: Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami, New Orleans, Orlando, Tampa. Reactions: Mixed. Nashville's city appeal (Broadway) and future Super Bowl hosting (2031) praised, but travel inconvenience for fans/students from FSU/Georgia noted. Stadium expected to be excellent. Not ideal vs. Orlando (Camping World Stadium criticized). Fans (especially FSU) upset on social media.Hosts prefer neutral-site openers but question canceling home-and-home for this. Potential as a season kickoff game. Key Quotes: Cole: "Nashville... is going to be beautiful when it's done... But for the average FSU and Georgia fans... it doesn't make a lot of sense."Both agree revenue is a plus; excitement may build closer to the game. 2. 2026 Kickoff Times Announced Aug 29 vs. New Mexico State: 7:00 PM, Doak Campbell Stadium, The CW.Sept 7 vs. SMU: 7:30 PM, Doak, ESPN (Labor Day).Sept 19 at Alabama: 3:30 PM, ABC (post-bye).Oct 9 at Louisville: 7:00 PM, ESPN (Friday).Nov 13 at Pitt: 7:00 PM, ESPN (Friday).Nov 27 vs. Florida: 3:30 PM, ABC (Friday). Unannounced Games: Central Arkansas (Sept 26), Virginia (Oct 3), at Miami (Oct 17), Clemson (Oct 31), NC State (Nov 21). Likely mix of noon/3:30/7:30 based on performance; Clemson/Miami expected primetime. Reactions: Friday games (Louisville/Pitt) and SMU logical for TV.UF rivalry on Friday 3:30 PM called "brutal" for travel/tailgating (post-Thanksgiving).Primetime opportunities good if team performs; noon possible for lower-profile games. 3. FanDuel Odds (Early Lines) vs. New Mexico State: FSU -29.5, O/U 52.5. Hosts see it as large but coverable at home; lean under or NMSU due to spread size. CW PTSD reference (Jordan Travis injury).vs. SMU: FSU +2.5 (SMU favored), O/U 54.5. Surprising closeness; expects movement toward SMU. High-scoring potential praised for both offenses. Gambling Note: Gamble responsibly/legally. 4. Freshmen Projected for Immediate 2026 Impact Focus on true freshmen with spring buzz, depth chart openings, and athleticism (many dual-sport/track/basketball backgrounds). Emphasis on special teams, rotations, and avoiding redshirts for top talents. Offensive Side Amari Thomas (RB, 5'11", from Mariana, FL): Speedy, shifty; limited RB touches behind transfers/returners but strong candidate for kick/punt returns and 3rd-down/hybrid role. Chose FSU over in-state rivals. Ranked ~#177 nationally.Devin Carter & Jasen Lopez (WRs): Standouts in spring (due to injuries); pushing for 3rd receiver role behind Deuce Robinson/Micah Danzy. Four-stars with big-school offers (Carter: Georgia/Bama/Clemson; Lopez: Miami/UF/OSU). Track/basketball athletes; expected playing time/rotations. Short but explosive.EJ White (WR, from Vero Beach, FL): Athletic (track hurdles/dashes/jumps); good spring but likely more redshirt candidate. Competes for 3rd WR spot. Chose FSU over Miami/UF/Bama. Additional: Malachi Marshall (QB, #1 jersey) hyped for arm talent; potential early reps/backup push over Sperry depending on Daniels' play. Summer clips promising. Defensive Side Franklin Whitley (DL, 6'6"-6'7", 265-276 lbs, from Greenville, SC): Four-star with tools for immediate rotation (Tony White praise). Basketball MVP background; effort/execution key. Depth chart room on DL.Jordan Crutchfield (DB, 6'3", 217 lbs, from Fort Pierce/Vero Beach area): Size upgrade for secondary; spring surge. Versatile in Tony White's 5-DB sets; potential early snaps if corners struggle (esp. vs. SMU speed). Chose FSU over rivals; track background. Themes: Spring reps from injuries helped; multi-sport athletes fit scheme. New Mexico State opener as key evaluation game for young talent. 5. Other Notes & All-ACC Mentions (Phil Steele) All-ACC Selections: Deuce Robinson (1st team WR), Chris Jones & Jabril Rawls (2nd team), Nate Papp (3rd team OL).Surprises: No Mandrell/Darryll Desir; questions on RBs (Kromah/Wisner) and interior line. Deuce praised as elite (potentially better peak than Keon Coleman). Closing Live Wednesdays 8 PM ET. Socials: @...
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    39 mins
  • Will Florida State Be BETTER or WORSE in 2026? | Florida State Seminoles LIVE 328
    Jun 4 2026

    Episode Notes: Will Florida State Be BETTER or WORSE in 2026?
    Florida State Seminoles LIVE #328
    Hosts: Gus Wilson & Cole Kruger
    **Platform: Florida State at the Voice of College Football (FSUVOCFB)

    Overview

    Gus Wilson and Cole Kruger break down Florida State's projected 2026 offense position-by-position compared to 2025, then analyze common opponents on the schedule to predict if the Seminoles will perform better or worse. The episode leans optimistic overall on the offense despite some challenges.

    Key Position Group Breakdowns

    Quarterback Room

    • Verdict: Better depth, toss-up on starter output.
    • Ashton Daniels (experienced, similar style to Tommy Castellanos), Kevin Sperry, and Malachi Marshall provide stronger depth than the 2025 group (Castellanos, Brock Glenn, Sperry).
    • Experience edge to Daniels, but turnover concerns remain similar.

    Running Back Room

    • Verdict: Biggest upgrade / Clearly better.
    • 2026 features a strong "Thunder & Lightning" duo in Quintravion Weisner (proven portal addition) and Usman Chroma (high-upside sophomore).
    • Depth includes Sam Singleton. Far superior speed and talent vs. 2025’s Roydell Williams, Gavin Sawchuck, and Jalen Lucas.

    Wide Receiver Room

    • Verdict: Slight step back in raw talent, but potentially better production.
    • Lost high-upside transfers (Lawayne McCoy, Hykeem Williams). Retained Javon Boggs, Deuce Robinson, and Micah Dancy.
    • Squirrel White’s minimal 2025 impact (only ~52 yards) means the room may not lose much production. Boggs & Dancy are maturing.

    Tight End Room

    • Verdict: Better depth and continuity.
    • De’Zario Riles expected to mirror Randy Pittman’s blocking-heavy role.
    • Stronger backups in Landon Thomas and Chase Lofton (high upside redshirt freshman). Amari Williams was mostly a defensive player.

    Offensive Line

    • Verdict: Leaning better (50/50 on exact performance).
    • Key additions/returns: Xavier Chaplin (blindside) and Andre Otto.
    • Deeper guard room and more competition. Hard to evaluate fully without camp/tape, but better anchors than 2025.
    Schedule Comparison (Common Opponents)

    Focus on whether FSU performs better or worse than in 2025:

    • Alabama (Road): Worse — Tough road opener after bye; hard to replicate 2025 home performance.
    • Virginia (Home): Better — Revenge game at Doak; Virginia expected to regress.
    • Miami (Road): Worse — Miami remains elite; 2025 loss was more lopsided than the score suggested.
    • Clemson (Home): Better — Halloween night game in Doak; both programs trending down but easier at home.
    • Pitt (Road): Worse — Pitt returns talent and is rising in the ACC; Friday night road game.
    • NC State (Home): Better — Very low bar from 2025’s poor performance.
    • Florida (Home?): Better — Rivalry game; hard to play worse than recent embarrassments.

    Overall Schedule Takeaway: Split decision on common opponents (~3 better, ~3 worse), but home/road dynamics and revenge factor heavily influence outcomes.

    Overall Verdict
    • Offense in 2026: Better on paper, especially at RB and depth across most groups.
    • Running game improvement is the biggest key to success.
    • Special teams (not deeply covered) also expected to improve.
    • Hosts are cautiously optimistic that FSU will be a more competitive and fun team to watch offensively.

    Next Episode: Defensive depth chart and "Better or Worse" analysis.

    Recommended Clips / Highlights:

    • Running back room discussion (biggest excitement)
    • Offensive line uncertainty
    • Schedule predictions (Alabama/Miami vs. Virginia/Clemson)

    This episode serves as a solid mid-offseason temperature check for Seminoles fans.


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    47 mins
  • A Postseason in Full Swing / Florida State Primetime LIVE 16
    May 27 2026

    Episode Notes: Florida State Primetime LIVE #16 – "A Postseason in Full Swing"

    Hosts: Jacob Smith & Gus Wilson Date: ~May 2026 (Tuesday episode) Platform: FSUVOCFB

    Quick Summary

    A balanced episode covering the end of FSU softball, the start of baseball regionals, early football recruiting updates, and some program culture/NIL talk. Optimistic tone on baseball chances, realistic concern on NIL retention, and light-hearted closer.

    Key Segments

    1. Softball Season Recap

    • Season ended with a loss to UCF in Regional Finals — described as a major letdown given high expectations.
    • FSU was viewed as one of the top teams in the country and a potential national title contender.
    • Transfer portal concerns: Issa Torres (potentially the highest-paid woman athlete in college sports if she enters) and Mimi Gonzalez announced intent to transfer.
    • Outlook: Expect to host regionals again next year; program remains prestigious.

    2. NIL & Booster Backing Discussion

    • Money is now the dominant factor across college sports.
    • FSU has lost developed talent in football, basketball, and softball due to the portal/NIL era.
    • Baseball & softball benefit from national prestige, so they don’t need to “overpay” as much as smaller programs, but strong booster support is still essential to retain stars.

    3. Baseball Regionals (Tallahassee Regional)

    • Seeding: FSU as #10 seed.
    • Opponents: Coastal Carolina, Northern Illinois, St. John’s.
    • Historical notes:
      • Best record vs. St. John’s (2-1 in 2016).
      • Strong all-time vs. Coastal Carolina (13-1).
      • Very limited history vs. Northern Illinois.
    • First game: FSU vs. St. John’s (Friday, 3 PM).
    • Format explained: Double-elimination regional (need 4 wins to advance).
    • Outlook: Favorable draw compared to some other regions. Northern Illinois & St. John’s are hot (14-6 in last 20), but FSU should be able to advance with strong pitching and timely offense.
    • Potential path: Winner of Tallahassee likely faces Alabama region winner in Super Regional; Georgia Tech projected as toughest likely Super Regional opponent.
    • Season goal: Making Super Regionals would be a success; Omaha run would be a big win given injuries and inconsistencies.

    4. Football Updates

    • Recruiting:
      • 2027 3-star QB Logan committed (lifelong FSU fan).
      • 2027 4-star DB Makai Williams (first commit in class) facing strong late pushes from Wisconsin and LSU.
    • National Championship Odds (FanDuel): FSU at +50,000 — similar to teams like Georgia Tech, Arizona, etc. Heavy skepticism in the market.
    • FSU-Georgia neutral site game (2027): Narrowed to Nashville or Orlando. Hosts lean Nashville for fan split/travel, but Orlando would be a quasi-home game and better for Florida recruiting.
    • Mike Norvell: 3-1 vs. SEC teams when not playing Florida. Discussion on not making him the “sole villain” for current struggles — broader issues at play.

    5. Light Segment – Basketball Banner

    • FSU’s infamous “#4 Final Ranking” banner was removed from the rafters.
    • Purchased by Barstool Sports (Big Cat / PFT) from Luke Laux — now generating publicity and potential content.
    Overall Tone & Takeaways
    • Positive: Baseball postseason excitement, recruiting wins, program prestige in baseball/softball.
    • Concerned but Hopeful: NIL/booster realities and football perception.
    • Strong chemistry between Jacob and Gus; good mix of analysis, history, and fan perspective.

    Best for: FSU fans wanting a comprehensive catch-up on spring sports + early football summer buzz.


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    32 mins
  • Predicting Florida State's 2026 - 2027 Offensive Depth Chart! / Florida State Seminoles LIVE 328
    May 21 2026
    Predicting Florida State's 2026-2027 Offensive Depth Chart Florida State Seminoles LIVE #327 Hosts: Gus Wilson & Cole Krueger Date in Transcript: ~May 20, 2026 (preseason discussion) Length: ~45 minutes Tone: Optimistic but realistic; focused on positives after recent negativity around the program. Emphasis on experience, competition, and building an identity. Overall Themes Norvell is coaching for his job → heavy reliance on veterans/experienced players, limited true freshmen early. Offense expected to be run-first (Norvell/Malzahn influence), with mobile QB, strong RB room, and play-action. Depth chart predictions are early (still May); lots of competition expected in camp. Excitement around skill positions; trenches and QB are key question marks. Quarterback Room (Starting QB Already Announced) Ashton Daniels (Transfer from Auburn/Stanford): Named starter post-spring. Experience vs. ACC/SEC competition. Mobile, arm talent, but turnover concerns. Short leash expected, especially early. Fits run-heavy scheme.Kevin Sperry (Redshirt Freshman): High-upside recruit. Good arm/speed but turnover issues in spring. Expected to see early reps (esp. vs. weaker teams). Could push for more if Daniels struggles.Malachi Marshall (JUCO #1 QB): Elite arm talent, arrives in summer. High upside; could rise quickly. Not on current depth chart yet. Key Takeaway: Daniels gets the nod for experience, but Sperry/Marshall provide competition. Run game will ease pressure on QB play. Daniels on a very short leash. Running Back Room (Major Strength) Top Two-Headed Monster: Usman Kroma (explosive, patient, downhill) + Quintravion Wisner (speedy, explosive, pass-catching, boundary runner from Texas). Depth: Sam Singleton (agility/burst, 3rd-down), Jamari Sands (transfer), Amari Thomas (true freshman, high potential but limited early carries). Coach: New RB coach Cam Martin (strong track record of 1,000-yard rushers). Takeaway: Thunder-and-lightning duo (Kroma/Wisner) should dominate snaps. Avoid 4-5 man rotation like last year. Mobile QB + RBs = big run-game potential. Expect heavy usage in Week 1. Wide Receiver Room (Exciting Talent) X: Deuce Robinson (True Senior) — Prototypical big slot/X (6'6"), 2025 1,000-yard leader, elite athlete/hands. Projected 1st-round NFL talent. Z: Micah Danzy (Redshirt Soph) — Speedster (track athlete), big-play threat, versatile (motion, backfield). High YPC. Slot/3rd: Javen Boggs (True Soph, former 4-star) — Talent + size; injury-limited last year but rising. True Freshmen to Watch: Devin Carter (speed, deep threat, Norvell high praise), Jason Lopez & EJ White (explosive, likely special teams/kick return initially). Takeaway: Stacked top-to-bottom. Robinson & Danzy take pressure off QB. Motion, play-action, and 12 personnel will feature heavily. Tight End Room Projected Starter: Desirio Riles (Transfer, East Carolina) — Athletic, physical blocker. Key Rotational: Landon Thomas (Redshirt Fresh, athletic, flashes last year), Chase Lofton (tall, injury history but upside). Philosophy: 12 personnel preferred for run game. Experience + blocking > pure pass-catching. Takeaway: Talented but fluid. Competition should elevate the group; prioritize in-line blocking for run-heavy identity. Offensive Line (Big, Bulky, Experience-Focused) LT: Xavier Chaplin (Transfer, Auburn) — Massive (6'8", 354 lbs), strong blind-side protector. LG: Andre Otto (Redshirt Junior, captain/leader, local guy). C: Chavez Thompson (Redshirt Freshman) — Familiarity from spring. RG/RT: Nate Pabst (Transfer, experienced), Chimdia Nwawu (Transfer), plus depth in Jaden Todd, Paul Bowling, Brayden Joyner. Takeaway: Huge bodies to dominate trenches. Goal = continuity in starting 5. Leadership from veterans (Otto, etc.). Critical for run success. Closing Notes & Predictions Stronger, more experienced offense than recent years. Identity: Run the ball, use RBs/QB mobility, feature big-play WRs in play-action. Week 1 (New Mexico State) = big rotation to evaluate depth. Optimism for skill positions; trenches and QB consistency will decide success. Next episode: Defensive depth chart + special teams. Hosts' Socials (from episode): Gus Wilson: @GusWilson (IG/X), Gus Wilson Talks Ball (TikTok) Cole Krueger: Links in description (not detailed in transcript) This episode serves as a solid, player-by-player preseason primer for FSU fans looking ahead to 2026. Great for understanding the projected starters, depth battles, and schematic direction. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    45 mins
  • Florida State Seminoles LIVE 327
    May 14 2026

    Episode Notes: Florida State Seminoles LIVE 327 Hosts: Mark Rogers (Voice of College Football) & Gus Wilson (FSUVOCFB co-host) Platform: FSUVOCFB / Voice of College Football Length: ~34 minutes Date: Aired Wednesday night May 13, 2026

    Key Topics & Highlights

    1. College Football Scheduling & Promotion

    • Strong advocacy for a centralized “Schedule Release Day” (e.g., May 1 or June 1) run by the conference/commissioner instead of schools.
    • Compares favorably to NFL schedule release (brilliant marketing despite being predictable).
    • Non-conference scheduling is currently chaotic and unfair; centralized system would create more buzz and equity.

    2. 2026 Kickoff Times Announced

    • Florida-FSU: Black Friday (day after Thanksgiving), 3:30 PM ET on ABC — traditional rivalry spotlight.
    • FSU vs SMU: Labor Day weekend, Sept 7, 7:30 PM ET on ESPN — primetime home opener at Doak Campbell.
    • Hosts praise early-season national TV spots as huge visibility opportunities when NFL hasn’t started.

    3. Player News

    • Squirrel White (former FSU/Tennessee WR) forced to retire from NFL due to medical reasons after just two weeks.
    • Recruiting: FSU is one of six finalists for 4-star OT Jatori Williams (6'5", 320 lbs, top-100 player, #7 interior OL in Alabama). Commitment date: May 22. Hosts note it would be a big win but a tough pull against Alabama/Georgia.

    4. Players to Watch in 2026 Defense (expected bright spot):

    • Desire twins (Mandrell & Daryl) — huge retention via new NIL deals; potential All-Americans, edge rushers to replace Daryl Jackson.
    • Charles Lester (CB) — hoping for breakout after off-field issues.
    • Nehemiah Chandler (portal CB).

    Offense:

    • Micah Danzy (WR) — elite athlete (track star), ready for bigger role.
    • Deuce Robinson (WR) — expected 1A/1B with Danzy.

    5. Win Total & Season Outlook

    • FanDuel win total: 6.5 (heavily juiced to the UNDER at -164).
    • Hosts lean 5-6 wins (possibly 7 max). Schedule viewed as very tough with almost no “gimme” games.
    • Early lines speculation: SMU game expected near toss-up or slight SMU favorite on road (home for FSU).

    6. Schedule Reality Check

    • No easy games; even Virginia, Boston College, Stanford, NC State are dangerous.
    • Tough stretch: Louisville-Miami-Clemson.
    • Optimistic fan takes (9-3, 10-2) contrasted with more realistic 4-8 / 5-7 projections in chat.

    7. Program Direction & NIL Spending

    • Discussion of top-10 highest-paid rosters; FSU must commit to elite-level spending to return to prominence.
    • Big Ten schools getting ~$95M payouts vs. ACC ~$40M range.
    • Need for a coach willing to aggressively spend and recruit at the highest level; “call everyone and make them say no.”

    Overall Tone Balanced but realistic. Excitement for individual talent and early national TV games, tempered by acknowledgment of a difficult rebuild year and schedule. Emphasis on long-term culture/spending changes needed beyond just this season.

    Signature Closing Routine reminder: FSU shows every Tuesday + Wednesday at 8 PM ET.

    Great episode for: Fans wanting early 2026 schedule intel, realistic win projections, and recruiting updates.


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    35 mins
  • Some Good News / Florida State Primetime LIVE 15
    May 13 2026

    Episode Notes: Florida State Primetime LIVE #15 Show: Voice of College Football (FSUVOCFB) Hosts: Jacob Smith & Gus Wilson Date: ~May 2025 (based on context: softball regional, end of baseball regular season) Length: ~40 minutes

    Overview

    Casual, optimistic fan-focused discussion on FSU’s spring/summer sports slate with some football offseason talk. Gus joins from Orlando while on vacation. Light-hearted tone with rivalry banter and realistic expectations.

    Key Segments & Highlights

    1. FSU Softball (Tallahassee Regional)

    • Hosting Jacksonville State, UCF, and Stetson.
    • Game 1: FSU vs. Stetson in ~3 days.
    • Bracket format discussion (top 2 advance?).
    • Strong confidence in FSU winning the regional (“great shot,” “pretty sure-handedly”).
    • UCF and Jacksonville State noted as potential threats, especially Jacksonville State’s recent play.

    2. FSU Baseball

    • Final regular season series: vs. Miami Hurricanes.
    • Miami player (Jake Ogden) quote: “I don’t know nothing about him” (Wes Mendez) → played up as rivalry trash talk; hosts laughed at the obvious fake ignorance.
    • Prediction: FSU wins the series (not necessarily a sweep); Miami described as “sneaky good.”
    • ACC Tournament outlook: Georgia Tech & UNC dominant, but FSU’s hot bats + pitching (Wes Mendez) could surprise.
    • NCAA Regional projections: FSU as a #1 seed (9th-best #1), likely hosting Tallahassee Regional. Possible tough opponents (Coastal Carolina mentioned).
    • Big What-If: Miles Bailey injury — hosts believe the team would have been a strong Super Regional/Omaha contender with him healthy.

    3. FSU Basketball

    • Positive news: Regular-season game vs. Florida A&M (Rattlers) in Tampa (date TBD).
    • First meeting since 1991 (infamous Charlie Ward brawl referenced).
    • Part of a Tampa doubleheader with Florida vs. Miami.
    • Excitement for new roster (transfers + freshmen), Luke Laux’s squad, and visibility from the in-state showcase.

    4. FSU Football Offseason

    • FSU-Georgia home-and-home canceled but neutral-site game still in works (possible sites: Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, Orlando, Tampa).
    • Hosts support the matchup for resume-building, national TV exposure, and recruiting attention.
    • Recruiting update: Jabari Watkins no longer visiting.
    • Norvell Discussion: Frank assessment of recent seasons. Emphasis on needing 9–10 wins in 2025 + strong recruiting class. Three straight losing seasons would likely end his tenure. Speculation on replacement process (call big names, etc.).

    5. EA Sports College Football Game / Fun Segment

    • FSU visited EA Sports facility.
    • Highest-rated player predictions: Deuce Robinson expected to lead (low 90s possible); defensive mentions include Rawls, Desir twins, Quintravion Wisner.
    • Hopes for improved NIL/transfer portal mechanics and dynasty mode.
    Closing
    • Hope Miami “learns who Wes Mendez is.”
    • Standard “Go Noles!” sign-off.
    Overall Tone

    Positive on softball/baseball outlook, measured realism on football rebuild, and excitement for basketball visibility. Typical passionate FSU fan podcast energy — fun rivalry jabs, injury what-ifs, and long-term program optimism.

    Great episode for fans wanting quick updates on all FSU sports.


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    40 mins
  • RECRUITING UPDATE / Florida State Seminoles LIVE 326
    May 7 2026
    RECRUITING UPDATE / Florida State Seminoles LIVE 326 Aired: May 6, 2026 (Wednesday night, ~8 PM Eastern) Hosts: Mark Rogers (Voice of College Football) & Gus Wilson (FSUVOCFB / recent FSU graduate) Length: ~37 minutes Platform: FSUVOCFB / Voice of College Football Episode Summary A candid, in-depth discussion on the current state of Florida State Seminoles football in the post-spring ball period. The conversation covers Mike Norvell’s tenure (make-or-break 2026 season), key transfer portal additions, quarterback battle, position group breakdowns (especially skill positions), recruiting/fan sentiment, historical context, and broader program challenges including NIL/revenue share realities and in-state recruiting struggles. Gus Wilson, who attended every game last season and has deep campus connections, provides insider perspective. Key Topics & Takeaways 1. Introduction & Gus Wilson Background (00:00–01:09) Gus is from Key West, FL; transferred from Auburn to FSU (last 3 years); just graduated with a degree in Media Communications.Emphasizes that talking FSU football in May shows true loyalty (and possibly insanity). 2. Mike Norvell’s Tenure & Program Trajectory (Main discussion throughout) Norvell’s early years were rough (blamed partly on Willie Taggart’s roster), followed by strong 10-3 and 13-1 seasons, then sharp decline post-playoff snub.Consensus: 2026 is make-or-break. Leash is shorter than ever. Campus sentiment is ~50/50 on Norvell.Salvageable if he shows improvement, especially in big games and play-calling (he’s calling plays this year).Win total thresholds debated: Record alone isn’t enough — context (competitive games vs. top opponents, late-season performance, recruiting) matters more.Fan vibe issues: Poor attendance late last season, frustration after 3-0 start collapsed. 3. Transfer Portal & Roster Outlook Biggest additions highlighted: Ashton Daniels (QB, from Auburn/Stanford): Dual-threat, good tape despite unimpressive box scores. Short leash expected vs. Kevin Sperry. Rushing upside with new RBs.Trey (Quintravion) Wisner (RB, from Texas): Major get; tough, skilled receiver out of backfield. Expected to form elite 1-2 punch with Usman Kroma.Nehemiah Chandler (DB): Instant impact expected in secondary. Portal class had initial hype (Wisner) but lacked star power compared to past classes (e.g., Keon Coleman, Jared Verse).Wide receiver room remains talented: Deuce Robinson (returned instead of entering draft), Micah Danzy, freshman Devin Carter (impressing in spring, competing for slot snaps). 4. Quarterback Situation Ashton Daniels vs. Kevin Sperry (Sperry has familiarity advantage).Malachi Marshall (top JUCO QB) — not on campus for spring but intriguing long-term option; smaller frame but strong stats; could factor in if needed later.Broader point: Quarterback acquisition/development via portal is now critical to a coach’s success. 5. Program Challenges & Big Picture Recruiting: Struggles keeping top in-state talent vs. Florida/Miami. Must improve to sustain success.Financial/NIL Context: FSU not as well-positioned as some peers despite brand. Compared to Clemson (similar recent dips but different expectations).ACC Outlook: FSU sits 11th in ACC Championship odds (behind Cal, etc.) per FanDuel — shocking given history.Atmosphere & expectations: Can’t afford “rebuilding” years. Fans passionate but frustrated; empty stadiums and booing are red flags.Historical greatness (Bowden/Fisher eras) creates high standards — recent sub-.500 performance unacceptable long-term. 6. Closing Thoughts Emphasis on on-field performance over pure win-loss record for Norvell’s job security.Optimism around certain skill players (Wisner, Daniels’ mobility, Deuce Robinson, Devin Carter) but realistic about challenges.Invitation for viewers to join future shows (Tuesdays at 8 PM for FSU-specific content). Notable Tone Balanced but urgent. Both hosts acknowledge talent pockets and Norvell’s prior success while stressing the need for visible improvement in 2026 to avoid a coaching change. Gus provides fresh, on-campus insight; Mark offers broader historical and national perspective. Recommended For: FSU fans wanting spring ball takeaways, portal analysis, and honest program evaluation ahead of the 2026 season. Great recruiting/update episode with strong guest chemistry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    37 mins
  • Is FSU on the rise? / Florida State Primetime LIVE 14
    May 6 2026

    Florida State Primetime LIVE #14 – "Is FSU on the Rise?"

    Hosts: Jacob Smith & Gus Wilson

    Date/Context: 5/5/2026 Recent episode covering FSU spring/summer sports outlook (baseball, softball, football, basketball). Both hosts recently graduated college.

    Overall Theme & Conclusion

    The episode explores whether Florida State athletics are rising or treading water. Strong consensus: FSU is on the rise, led by dominant non-revenue sports and a basketball turnaround under Luke Laux. Football lags but shows positive off-field signs, with optimism for a rebound. The hosts emphasize momentum across programs and urge fans to "look out for us this next year and the year after."

    Key Segments & Takeaways

    1. Baseball Outlook

    • Two series left: vs. Clemson, then Miami.
    • Recent form: Sweep of Pitt + midweek win over USF = strong momentum.
    • Strengths: Hot bats, solid pitching (John Abraham ~1.08 ERA, Wes Mendez ~2.25 ERA).
    • Challenges: Inconsistent season overall; impact of Miles Bailey’s early injury.
    • CWS Odds: +3500 (8th best per FanDuel) → realistic Omaha path if bats stay hot.
    • Draft Prospects: Miles Bailey (high pick despite injury), Chase Williams, Wes Mendez, Jamie Arnold comps. Power-hitting tradition (Cal Raleigh-style) highlighted.

    2. Softball Outlook

    • ACC Tournament: First-round vs. Notre Dame or Georgia Tech.
    • Team is “on fire” all year; recent ACC Pitcher/Player of the Week honors (Jazzy Franchich, Jay Soni Beachum).
    • Standout Players: Issa Torres (batting .547, near 1.7 OPS – “absurd” dominance).
    • Outlook: Strong shot at Women’s College World Series. Desired matchups: Duke (championship) or Stanford (rivalry test).
    • Hosts call it the most exciting program right now.

    3. Football Notes

    • APR Success: Highest-ever or near-top mark (well above FBS average) — “winning off the field.”
    • Recent grads and positive culture under Mike Norvell highlighted.
    • Transfer/Recruiting Buzz: Ashton Daniels, Malachi Marshall (weight/bulk questions), 2027 HS class (Makai Williams as potential star safety; Derwin James comps for Williams/Kennan).
    • Running back depth (Deuce Robinson, Desiré twins, Quintravious Wisner, Jabril Rawls) projected for future NFL talent.

    4. Men’s Basketball Turnaround (Luke Laux Era)

    • Massive recruiting jump: From ~144th to 12th nationally in one year.
    • Incoming talent: Sebastian Rancic (Kevin Durant comparisons), Shawn Abayev, others forming strong core.
    • LeJay Jones: Working out with Knicks; projected 2nd-round pick / strong role player (elite 3PT shooter, 6'7" wing).
    • Culture reset in NIL/portal era → March Madness expectations for 2025-26.

    5. Broader Athletic State

    • Non-football dominance: Baseball, softball, women’s soccer still elite.
    • Basketball: Hottest recent turnaround.
    • Football: Disappointing 2024, but academics, portal activity, and young talent signal rebound.
    • Hosts dismiss “treading water” narrative — football’s size amplifies negativity, but overall program momentum is clearly upward.
    Memorable Moments / Quotes
    • Abraham’s 1.08 ERA guessing game (Gus kept guessing lower).
    • “If the bats get hot… anyone can really win.”
    • Softball “different vibe” this year.
    • “Jumping 130+ spots in recruiting… and you’re going to tell me we’re not one of the hottest programs?”
    • Closing call: “Look out for Florida State sports… we’ll be back on top soon enough.”

    Episode Vibe: Optimistic, fan-focused, and conversational. Good mix of stats, analysis, and personal excitement from two recent grads now going full-time on the show.

    Recommended For: FSU fans wanting a comprehensive spring update and big-picture optimism heading into summer/fall. Go Noles!


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    33 mins