Ashton Daniels is on the move again - and this time, it might be more of a homecoming than a fresh start.
The redshirt senior quarterback has officially entered the transfer portal after a brief stint at Auburn, and all signs point to a potential reunion with a familiar face: Tavita Pritchard, now the head coach at Stanford.
For those who’ve followed Daniels’ journey, this isn’t just another transfer headline. It’s a full-circle moment that could reshape Stanford’s quarterback room heading into the offseason.
Let’s rewind for a second. Daniels began his college career at Stanford, where Pritchard - then the offensive coordinator - played a key role in his recruitment.
While Daniels didn’t become the starter immediately, his early development came under Pritchard’s watch. But by the time Daniels finally took over the offense, the coaching landscape in Palo Alto had shifted dramatically.
Pritchard had moved on to the NFL as the quarterbacks coach for the Washington Commanders, and longtime head coach David Shaw had stepped down, leading to the arrival of Troy Taylor.
That transition wasn’t easy. Daniels had to adapt to a new system, new expectations, and a new coaching staff - all while stepping into the spotlight as the starting quarterback. It was a lot to take on, and while there were flashes of promise, the instability made it tough for him to find consistent footing.
Fast forward to now: Pritchard is back at Stanford, this time as the head coach. And with the Cardinal in need of a quarterback, the dots start connecting pretty quickly.
Daniels knows the program. He knows the system.
And he knows the coach who believed in him from the start.
From a football standpoint, it makes sense. Daniels brings experience, leadership, and familiarity with Pritchard’s offensive philosophy - all things Stanford could use as they navigate the post-Taylor era. For Daniels, it’s a chance to reset in a system that suits him, with a coach who understands how to get the best out of his game.
His departure from Auburn also comes at a moment of transition there. With Hugh Freeze out and the program recalibrating, Daniels’ role was never fully solidified. His exit feels less like a surprise and more like a strategic move - one that may have been in the cards the moment Pritchard returned to The Farm.
Nothing’s official yet, but the pieces are lining up. If Daniels does return to Stanford, it won’t just be a transfer. It’ll be a reunion - and potentially, a second act worth watching.