On The Bench: An FSU football podcast

Florida State landed a commitment from four-star signal caller Jaden O'Neal this weekend, giving the Seminoles a quarterback and potential front-facing member of the 2026 class. We break down the commitment of O'Neal and its potential impact to start this episode of OTB. Then we play some Payne or No Payne, sponsored by The Turner Group, go over trench recruiting, approach in the NIL Era, and finish with questions from subscribers about expectations for this class. You can subscribe to On The Bench, X's and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated! Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach Blostein led the way with a big ol' Crystal Ball prediction as Florida State wrapped up a major weekend of official visitors. Blostein explains why he put in a CB for five-star corner Chauncey Kennon, and what a win would mean for the Seminoles. We get into a few other predictions as well as CBs that we're considering making coming off this weekend in this episode of On The Bench. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Nee's triumphant return to OTB leads us to a bevy of his favorite topics. There's legitimate house keeping, a giant recap of the developments from FSU's OV weekend, the shakeout of QB recruiting, a hoops commit, baseball's end to the season, and more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Camp and OV season underway as Florida State lays the groundwork to create the foundation of its 2026 recruiting class under its revamped staff. Will the wholesale changes Mike Norvell made end up creating a noticeable difference on the recruiting trail? We weave in and out of the minutia and the big-picture topics of FSU recruiting in this episode to set the stage for what will be a telling month and change. Topics discussed: -What would be a successful summer for FSU? -Why do we write what we write when it can come off as overly critical? -Parting ways with Cam Brooks. -Why Keisean Henderson recruitment really matters -The case for creating a tier above blue-chip recruits To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's MAILBAG time! We answer your questions and deliver our thoughts on what has changed with Mike Norvell stepping into a CEO role, whether quarterback Thomas Castellanos is an effective pocket passer, five players who need to stay healthy for FSU in 2025, funniest memories at Noles247 plus much more. You can subscribe to On The Bench, X's and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated! Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida State's Portal efforts in the spring window seem to be coming to a close.  We take a look at the additions, the process that FSU had in recruiting several positions, and try to project how the newcomers could impact the 2025 roster in this episode. You can subscribe to On The Bench, X's and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated! Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida State is deep into the spring transfer window and we breakdown the Seminoles' two additions so far, share intel on their remaining needs and targets at those positions and also breakdown some of the departures and what that means for FSU's roster composition heading into the 2025 football season. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We dive into our thoughts on Florida State's departures to the transfer portal, their process in the portal thus far and share optimisim/concern as we project FSU's depth chart exiting spring football. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The spring transfer window opens up this week. How active will Florida State be and what positions will the Seminoles target? We preview the Portal - as well as retention strategy - while going over some of the last tidbits of spring camp, take listener questions, and try to rationalize Sonnone's reckless CB strategy. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FSU AD Michael Alford on construction progress, the salary-cap era, and more To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida State held their second scrimmage of the spring this past Saturday and for the first and only time this spring, media was on the sidelines (kind of) and allowed to watch. Zach Blostein hosts as he asks Brendan Sonnone and Dane Draper for their detailed thoughts after taking in FSU's scrimmage at FSU on Saturday. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We breakdown the intel we gathered from FSU's first spring scrimmage this past weekend while also delving into whether we are concerned or not with FSU's recruiting efforts thus far in the 2026 cycle. We close things out with some talk about FSU basketball and their efforts in the Transfer Portal as they look to build their team under new head coach Luke Loucks. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Skipping past Sonnone's recent press conference snafu, this episode of On The Bench goes over some of the scoop coming out of Florida State's spring practice. We also dive into a few things that have caught our attention on the recruiting trail – see something, say something – a look at the QB board as it's playing out, a legacy commit on Legacy Weekend, and more. You can subscribe to On The Bench, X's and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated! Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We spoke with head coach Mike Norvell and his entire coaching staff at Florida State yesterday and today, we're breaking down our thoughts from our conversations with the staff, FSU's change in media access and a number of other topics On The Bench. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida State basketball coach Luke Loucks is coming home. Can the life-long FSU fan and alum inject energy into his alma mater? Few know FSU hoops more than Chris Nee. He breaks down the hire in this episode. You can subscribe to On The Bench, X's and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated! Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida State and the ACC are settling their lawsuit. What are the settlement details? What is Florida State getting out of it? How long will they remain in the ACC? Which side 'won' this settlement? We discuss that and give our general thoughts on FSU's recruiting efforts early on in the 2026 recruiting cycle in today's episode of On The Bench To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida State is progressing quickly towards spring football. The gang at Noles247's On The Bench podcast opens up the MAILBAG to take questions on position battles, newcomers to watch, and more spring-related topics. Plus we veer off to take questions on the reasons for optimism/skepticism about the future of the program under Mike Norvell, and moves made by athletic director Michael Alford. Sonnone can't talk. Nee misgenders his new dog.  You can subscribe to On The Bench, X's and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated! Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida State brought in a new coordinator on each side of the ball and added more than 30 new players to the roster. But will this lead to a drastic turnaround in 2025? Now that the dust is mostly settled, we go over the 10 datapoints we outlined before the offseason started. How does the OTB team think Mike Norvell did in revamping the program based on the info we currently have? You can subscribe to On The Bench, X's and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated! Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida State coach Mike Norvell started up his spring booster tour over the weekend. Noles247 has been at both stops so far, so we begin today's episode by sharing some of Norvell's most noteworthy comments on body language, team-building philosophies, and some missteps from last season. We also take a look at some of the lack of aggressiveness in building out the front office and then stop to break down the list of top candidates for the hoops vacancy. You can subscribe to On The Bench, X's and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated! Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The ACC and ESPN are opting in to a built-in extension that'll carry into 2036. Along with these reports, there's talk about re-distributing payouts to programs based on brand value. What does that mean for Florida State and its lawsuit against the ACC? We let Chris cook on the ACC/ESPN news before getting into a fun breakdown of some of FSU's top late 2025 additions before playing Buy or Sonnone. You can subscribe to On The Bench, X's and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated! Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida State's quarterback board got a sizable shakeup on Sunday evening when Brady Smigiel decommitted from the Seminoles. What is FSU's plan? FSU was quick to offer three mobile four-star signal callers. You can subscribe to On The Bench, X's and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated! Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida State held its first Junior Day of the offseason. While some of us are struggling to care about recruiting this far out, our very own Zach Blostein is putting a level of energy into the early-recruiting process that trumps what he's ever done previously. Blostein cares. Why? For the first time in several years, there's a new group of recruiters to focus on and see how they perform. The episode focuses on the recruits to know, the takeaways from new staff members, Hand's hands, Nee's hands, pipe covering, and more.  You can subscribe to On The Bench, X's and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated! Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida State is just about done with its winter portal haul as it makes some final additions to the group over the next week. What do we think of FSU's efforts towards upgrading their roster heading into a pivotal 2025 football season for head coach Mike Norvell and his staff? Chris Nee and Zach Blostein break it all down on the latest episode of On The Bench. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you're listening to this entire episode on the eve of New Year's Eve or even New Year's Eve itself, you're as dedicated a Florida State fan as can be. If you listen to the full 1.5 hours of this, you're probably a sicko.  We get the Young Guns together as Clay Fink and Dane Draper join Brendan Sonnone in this in-depth episode of On The Bench. It's a wealth of information, in between ADHD-driven ramblings, of every transfer FSU has brought in so far this cycle. Detailed analysis on Duce Robinson, James, Williams, the offensive line quartet, and the rest of FSU's current Top 10 Portal Class carry the episode before we dive into the remaining positions of need and targets.  You can subscribe to On The Bench, X's and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated! Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FSU's 2025 offense is taking shape through their additions in the Transfer Portal as of late. On this episode of On The Bench, we touch on the Seminoles' latest adds in the portal including a huge win with USC wide receiver Duce Robinson committing to the 'Noles. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida State's pursuit of Duce Robinson, Portal Hits and Misses, and More. This episode of OTB features a look at FSU's Portal strategy as we examine what's worked and what hasn't for the Seminoles so far. You can subscribe to On The Bench, X's and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated! Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida State's Transfer Portal efforts are ramping up. With three portal commitments already in the fold, the Seminoles are looking to add much more to that this week and beyond. The 'Noles also have seemed to complete their on-field coaching staff this week -- so we delve into our thoughts on how it looks. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a busy time for Florida State football. Following a dissapointing 2024 season, there is a lot of change unfolding in Tallahassee. From a new-look coaching staff being nearly finalized, players heading into the Transfer Portal (QB Luke Kromenhoek being the most notable) and portal targets emerging -- there is plenty to talk about. We touch on all of that during today's episode of On The Bench: To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida State's offseason is in full swing with coaching changes taking place and the Transfer Portal set to begin on Monday. This episode of OTB focuses on the departure of linebackers coach Randy Shannon, and the legacy of Odell Haggins who is transitioning to an off-staff role. We then spend time recapping FSU's ESP haul, the recruitment of Ousmane Kromah, and remaining big fish. And the episode concludes with a Portal preview among Nebraska defenders, offensive line targets, and trying to project what happens at QB and WR. Plus Chris advocates for divorce in the name of NIL. You can subscribe to On The Bench, X's and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated! Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida State is in the midst of what looks like their best Signing Day finish in years. Flipping prospects like four-star running back Ousmane Kromah from Georgia, four-star defensive back Shamar Arnoux from Auburn, four-star wide receiver Jayvan Boggs and three-star offensive tackle Sean Poret made for an exciting days for the Seminoles. Maybe even more important, they held onto four-star defensive line pledge Kevin Wynn -- after strong pursuits from Georgia, South Carolina, Texas and USC. FSU also landed a new defensive line coach! We reacted to the craziness that has been Wednesday surrounding the Florida State Seminoles To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida State made aggressive plays to get what appear to be the two coordinators atop Mike Norvell's wish list in Gus Malzahn and Tony White. We go over the background of the two hires, some of their tendencies, and what we think of the fit here at Florida State in this episode of On The Bench. You can subscribe to On The Bench, X's and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated! Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join the boys as they sit down and give their thoughts following the Florida loss. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida State is coming off its second win of the season! We get to rejoice over the Seminoles finding their first victory since September while diving into some important topics like FSU's plan at quarterback for the Florida game and into next season as well as some intel on FSU's offensive coordinator search. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reacting to Florida State's victory over Charleston Southern. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FSU is about to embark on an offseason that will determine if Mike Norvell can turn this thing around. How will we know if the Seminoles were successful in taking steps to climb out of the gutter? aOTB sets a list of criteria for what we want to see this offseason, from coordinator qualifications to requisite skills for new coaches, Portal strategy, and more. You can subscribe to On The Bench, X's and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated! Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida State lost quarterback Tramell Jones, but seems like it will replace him with a higher-graded prep prospect in Carter Smith. That's the jumping off point for a larger discussion as the Seminoles entering an interesting month in which they'll have to evaluate how they try retain QBs Luke Kromenhoek and Brock Glenn while exploring the transfer market. Then we get into our thoughts on the Town Hall meeting for FSU's boosters. Is FSU well equipped to handle the next step of college football or is it proceeding forward with some naivety? You can subscribe to On The Bench, X's and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated! Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is Florida State looking for in its new offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator?  On The Bench gathers our thoughts after a chaotic day to go over the change on the Seminoles' coaching staff as FSU parted ways with coordinators Adam Fuller and Alex Atkins, as well as receivers coach Ron Dugans.  We lay out the parameters that we think Mike Norvell is setting for each position after he felt like change was necessary.   To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida State has finally made changes to its coaching staff. Head coach Mike Norvell announced on Sunday afternoon that he had fired three of his assistant coaches: offensive coordinator/OL coach Alex Atkins, defensive coordinator Adam Fuller and wide receivers coach Ron Dugans. Noles247's Chris Nee and Trey Rowland are On The Bench as they react to the major changes to Norvell's staff in Tallahassee. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida State travelled to South Bend and got embarrassed yet again. The X's and Noles boys are here to break it all down. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida State keeps playing games, and keeps regressing. The consistent backslide leads us to an obvious conclusion: Change, significant change, is necessary. And at this point, it's what we're expecting. On The Bench dives into the reasons why we're expecting sizable alterations to Mike Norvell's staff amid an unacceptable 2024 season. You can subscribe to On The Bench, X's and Noles, and Beyond The Bench on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. As always, five-star reviews and comments on Apple Podcasts are appreciated! Also, you can watch the show on YouTube now. We'll do live streams as well, and you can get notifications on when we're live by subscribing to our YouTube channel. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Giving our thoughts immediately following yet another loss for Mike Norvell and the Florida State Seminoles. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1-7 Florida State is looking for their second win of the 2024 football season this weekend when they host North Carolina. The Noles247 crew is more focused on addressing some of the issues in the program and the steps being made towards fixing those moving forward. In today's episode of On The Bench, we evaluate Mike Norvell's telling Monday press conference answers while also taking some listener questions. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices