FSU baseball (15-1) suffered its first loss of the 2025 season to the rival Florida Gators. It was the first real test for the Noles after playing a soft non-conference schedule. It showed as the FSU offense looked overmatched for much of the game, with their two runs coming via solo home runs.
FSU batters struck out 10 times and only had six hits and two walks. Florida scored four runs in the first five innings, and FSU batters seemed to play hero ball instead of having quality at-bats. What's worse is that FSU midweek starting pitcher Evan Chrest left the game after one inning with an apparent injury to his throwing arm.
It was a good wake-up call before entering ACC play this weekend against Boston College.
FSU softball improved its record to 22-5 with a doubleheader sweep over Portland State. FSU won the first game 11-0 and the second 18-5. Oregon native Makenna Reid returned home and won game one, allowing two hits, zero walks, and six strikeouts. It was good to see her have some success.
Mimi Gooden got the start in game two and had an immaculate inning in the second inning. Portland State fails to 4-18 on the season and continues the narrative of the FSU offense only showing up against inferior teams.
FSU basketball officially announced the hire of Luke Loucks to replace Leonard Hamilton. It's a five-year contract with an escalating salary laden with incentives:
2,000,000 for the first contract year (start date – Apri 30, 2026); $2,175,000 for the second contract year (May 1, 2026 - April 30, 2027); $2,350,000 for the third contract year (May 1, 2027 – April 30, 2028); $2,550,000 for the fourth contract year (May 1, 2028 – April 30, 2029);and $2,750,000 for the fifth contract year (May 1, 2029 – April 30, 2030).
• Coach shall earn a $50,000 retention bonus if employed on 6/30/27 and a $100,000 retention bonus if employed on 6/30/29.
• If the University terminates Coach's employment without cause, the University, in conjunction with the Florida State University Athletics Association, Inc., shall pay Coach 85% of the remaining annual compensation otherwise due to Coach (including any scheduled increases) for the remainder of the otherwise unexpired term of the formal employment contract.
• Such amount shall be paid in equal monthly installments through the otherwise unexpired Term.
• Mitigation and offset terms and conditions will be consistent with the University's employment contracts for other head coaches.
• If Coach terminates his employment with the University, Coach shall pay to the University, as liquidated damages, an amount equal to the following:
- Prior to 4/1/26: $2,500,000; or
- Prior to 4/1/27: $1,750,000; or
- Prior to 4/1/28: $1,000,000; or
- Prior to 4/1/29: $500,000; or
- On or after 4/1/29: $0
Such amount shall be payable in a lump sum within 90 days following termination.
• Incentives: Coach shall be eligible to earn the following cumulative (Unless otherwise noted) incentives each year. Such incentives shall be deemed earned upon achievement and be payable within 30 days of achievement.
- Wins ACC Regular Season (or Co-Champion) $100,000
- Wins ACC Tournament Championship $100,000
- NCAA Tournament Appearance (Not NIT) $150,000
- Back-to-Back NCAA Tournament Appearances $50,000
- NCAA Top 4 Seed $50,000
- Advances to NCAA Second Round $50,000 OR, Advances to Sweet 16 $175,000 OR, Advances to the Elite 8 $200,000
- Advances to the Final Four $275,000
- Advances to the Championship Game $150,000
- Wins NCAA Championship $500,000
- Finishes season ranked in Top 10 of Final USA Today poll $200,000 OR, ranked in Top 20 Final USA Today poll $50,000
- Named AP ACC Coach of the Year $100,000
- Named AP National Coach of the Year $150,000
- 20 Wins - Regular Season $50,000 OR, 21 Wins - Regular Season (12 ACC wins) $55,000 OR, 22 Wins - Regular Season (12 ACC wins) $60,000 OR, 23 Wins - Regular Season (12 ACC wins) $65,000 OR, 24 Wins - Regular Season (12 ACC wins) $70,000 OR, 25 Wins (or more) - Regular Season (12 ACC wins) $75,000
- GSR of 85% or higher $25,000
- APR of 960 or higher $15,000
HT: Noles247 on the contract details.
It's officially the Luck Loucks era with FSU basketball failing 66-62 to Syracuse in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.