Florida State’s quarterback room has been a hot topic this offseason - and for good reason. After a season filled with questions under center and a thin depth chart heading into the transfer portal window, the Seminoles needed to make moves. They had just two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster, and while there’s excitement around young talent like Kevin Sperry, the staff knew they couldn’t go into 2026 relying solely on potential.
So, Florida State hit the portal hard. They brought in three transfer quarterbacks for visits: UNLV’s Anthony Colandrea, Florida’s DJ Lagway, and Auburn’s Ashton Daniels.
It was Daniels who ultimately got the nod, a decision that sparked mixed reactions from the fan base. Some were hoping for a splashier name, others saw the value in Daniels’ experience and dual-threat ability.
Either way, it was clear Florida State wasn’t done building out the room.
Shortly after, the Seminoles added another name: Dean DeNobile, a senior from Lafayette. Like Daniels, DeNobile brings experience and leadership - two qualities that are crucial when you’re trying to bridge the gap to the future. With Daniels and DeNobile now in the fold, the Seminoles have some veteran stability to support the development of Sperry and fellow young quarterback Jaden O’Neal.
But there’s a wrinkle: O’Neal is reportedly dealing with an injury that could keep him sidelined for a while. That’s left Florida State still looking for another arm to round out the depth chart - and their eyes are on one of the top JUCO prospects in the country.
Enter Malachi Marshall.
The Iowa Western Community College quarterback is currently ranked as the No. 1 JUCO QB in the 247Sports Composite rankings, and his production backs it up.
According to MaxPreps, Marshall threw for 2,750 yards, 33 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions - numbers that jump off the page regardless of level. He’s got a quick release, solid arm strength, and the kind of poise you want in a signal-caller who’s been through the fire.
Despite Florida State already adding Daniels and DeNobile, Marshall made the trip to Tallahassee for an official visit - a sign that there’s mutual interest here. The Seminoles aren’t just looking for bodies; they’re looking for competition, leadership, and long-term upside. Marshall checks a lot of those boxes.
And he wasn’t the only quarterback on campus this weekend.
Four-star 2027 prospect Wonderful “Champ” Monds IV also made the trip for Florida State’s Junior Day. The Seminoles are clearly playing the long game here, trying to lock in future talent while also stabilizing the present. Having Monds on campus alongside Marshall gave the staff a chance to showcase what Florida State’s quarterback future could look like - and it didn’t hurt that a program legend happened to be in town.
Former Seminole and Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston was on campus with his younger brother Jonah, who’s set to enroll this summer. For prospects like Marshall and Monds, seeing Winston back in Tallahassee - a living reminder of what success at Florida State can look like - is a powerful recruiting tool. It’s one thing to talk about tradition; it’s another to see it up close.
So where does that leave Florida State?
They’ve gone from a dangerously thin quarterback room to one that’s starting to take shape. Daniels and DeNobile provide experience.
Sperry is the future. O’Neal, when healthy, adds another developmental piece.
And if they can land Marshall, the Seminoles will have not only depth but legitimate competition across the board - something every good program needs.
There’s still work to be done, but Florida State is making smart, calculated moves to solidify the most important position on the field. And if this weekend was any indication, they’re not just building for 2026 - they’re laying the foundation for years to come.