After an in-depth assessment during spring practices, Mike Norvell has identified Florida State’s starting quarterback for the 2026 season. As anticipated, the Seminoles will open the year with Auburn transfer Ashton Daniels leading the offense.
Daniels was considered the frontrunner for the job as soon as he transferred to Florida State, though Norvell insisted on an open competition before naming a starter. Following the spring game, Norvell confirmed Daniels as his QB1, according to ESPN’s Andrea Adelson.
“I’ve been really impressed with what he’s shown his ability to operate from the pocket and deliver the ball accurately,” Norvell told ESPN. “He’s made strides this spring on downfield throws, and in the scrimmage the other day, he hit a few deep balls right on the money. Those were big plays that fueled important drives.”
Daniels secured the role over Kevin Sperry, who served as Tommy Castellanos’s backup in 2025. Sperry, a former three-star recruit, had beaten out ex-starter Brock Glenn for the No. 2 spot behind Castellanos and will now back up Daniels in 2026.
In 2025, Daniels started three games for Auburn, throwing for 720 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions while completing 56% of his passes. Though he went 0-3 as a starter, Auburn’s offense showed its best form of the season in near-upsets of Vanderbilt and Alabama before he opted to sit out the remainder of the year to preserve a season of eligibility.
Prior to his lone season at Auburn, Daniels was a two-year starter at Stanford, where his efficiency varied. Over the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Cardinal, he totaled 3,947 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions.
