Florida State football is navigating a challenging era under head coach Mike Norvell. With a 7-17 record over the past two seasons, the Seminoles are eager for a turnaround. It's surprising to see a program with such a storied history facing six losing seasons in the last eight years.
As we look ahead to the 2026 season, there's a cautious optimism among fans. While expectations aren't sky-high, the administration's decision to retain Coach Norvell signals a belief in his potential to steer the team back to success. Ultimately, it's the players who will determine the outcome on the field.
One of the key storylines for Florida State is the quarterback position. Ashton Daniels is emerging as a potential starter for 2026.
The Seminoles have been on a quest to solidify this role, exploring options in the transfer portal, including DJ Uiagalelei, Thomas Castellanos, and McKenzie Milton. Coach Norvell is now tasked with developing the talent at hand.
The Seminoles have struggled at quarterback since the departure of Jordan Travis, whose performances in 2021 through 2023 were standout moments. Those seasons showcased Coach Norvell's prowess as a playcaller.
However, the 2024 season saw the offense falter, contributing to a 2-10 record. Since then, the program has been striving to regain its footing.
Heading into the offseason, Florida State had limited options at quarterback, with redshirt freshman Kevin Sperry and true freshman Jaden O'Neal. To bolster the roster, the Seminoles added Ashton Daniels, Malachi Marshall, and Dean DeNobile via the transfer portal. Coach Norvell has hinted at favoring Daniels due to his veteran experience.
In a recent ranking by 247Sports' Georgia Tech writer Gavin Hart, Daniels was listed as the seventh-best quarterback in the ACC. His inclusion, alongside his experience from Stanford and Auburn, makes him a compelling candidate. While Kevin Sperry remains in the mix, many believe the transfer's experience gives him an edge in the competition.
As the Seminoles prepare for the upcoming season, the quarterback battle will be a key focus. The team's success hinges on finding the right leader under center, and fans are eager to see how this competition unfolds.