Ashton Daniels is still getting settled in Tallahassee, but the Florida State quarterback is already making waves - not just for his transfer from Auburn, but for the growth he’s shown since his days at Stanford.
Daniels met with the media earlier this week for the first time since enrolling this spring, and one thing was clear: he’s putting in the work to evolve into the kind of quarterback Florida State needs in 2026 - one who protects the football and makes smart decisions under pressure.
Let’s rewind for a second. Back in 2024, Daniels was the starter at Stanford, and the turnover bug bit him hard.
He threw 12 interceptions in just 271 pass attempts - a number that raised eyebrows and questions about his decision-making and ball security. But fast forward to his limited reps last season at Auburn, and there was noticeable improvement: just two interceptions on 119 attempts.
And context matters - one was a Hail Mary, the other wasn’t on him.
That’s not just stat-padding. That’s growth.
When Daniels spoke about what changed, he pointed to two things: confidence and preparation. He emphasized the hours of film study he’s put in, learning not just what defenses are showing, but how to anticipate where the ball needs to go before the pressure gets there. More importantly, he talked about knowing when not to throw - when to take the sack, hit the checkdown, or just live to fight another down.
That’s the kind of maturity FSU desperately needs at the quarterback position. Last season, Thomas Castellanos showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with forcing throws into tight windows, often leading to costly turnovers. Daniels seems to have learned from those same kinds of mistakes - and that could make all the difference this fall.
There’s also something to be said about Daniels’ ability to throw over the middle of the field. That’s an area where Castellanos often hesitated or missed opportunities.
Daniels, by contrast, has shown a willingness - and the arm talent - to hit those intermediate routes in stride. That opens up a part of the playbook FSU couldn't fully tap into last year.
Now, let’s be clear: the quarterback competition isn’t over. Kevin Sperry is in the mix, and the staff will want to see how both players handle spring ball and fall camp. But if Daniels can continue to protect the football and make sound reads, he gives the Seminoles a real shot to put points on the board - consistently.
And if the defense takes a step forward too? This team could surprise some people.
It’s still early, but Daniels’ development is one of the more intriguing storylines heading into 2026. He’s not just trying to win the job - he’s trying to become the kind of quarterback who elevates the entire offense.