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.

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."

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.

• 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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