FSU’s Quarterback Conundrum: What’s Next for the Seminoles in 2026?
As Florida State gears up for the 2026 season, the biggest question in Tallahassee isn’t about the defense or the offensive line-it’s about who’s going to be under center. And right now, that answer is anything but clear.
Head coach Mike Norvell recently noted that the Seminoles are moving forward at quarterback with Thomas Castellanos appealing the NCAA’s denial of an additional year of eligibility. But that’s far from a sure thing. If Castellanos doesn’t win that appeal, FSU will be staring down a depth chart with very little experience and even fewer proven answers.
Is Kevin Sperry Ready?
That brings us to redshirt freshman Kevin Sperry. Talented?
Absolutely. But ready to lead a Power Five program in year one on the field?
That’s a much tougher sell. Sperry hasn’t taken a meaningful snap yet, and throwing him into the fire without a veteran presence behind him would be a major gamble-especially for a team that still has postseason aspirations.
Even if Brock Glenn sticks around, the outlook doesn’t change much. Glenn hasn’t shown the kind of development that would inspire confidence heading into a new season. His lack of progression over the past few years has left the door wide open for someone else to step in.
The Transfer Portal Beckons-Again
That “someone else” may very well come from the transfer portal, which would make it three straight years of FSU dipping into the portal for a quarterback. The difference this time? They can’t afford to miss.
The previous two portal additions haven’t panned out. DJ Uiagalelei brought experience but lacked mobility and struggled with accuracy-issues that only worsened after another injury.
Castellanos, while electric as a runner, was similarly plagued by inconsistency throwing the ball and couldn’t stay healthy. The result?
An offense that sputtered at key moments and a team that likely left multiple wins on the table in 2025.
So, here we are again. The portal is heating up, and the list of experienced, high-upside quarterbacks grows by the day. With two weeks until the portal officially opens, FSU has time-but not much-to identify the right fit.
Two Big Questions
Now it comes down to two critical questions:
1.
**Can Florida State properly evaluate a quarterback who fits their system and can elevate the offense immediately? **
- **Will they be willing to spend the money to land that player?
**
Let’s be honest-FSU has taken the budget route the past two years. They’ve gone after veterans with name recognition but clear limitations.
That approach has cost them. Not just in wins, but in momentum.
Norvell’s scheme can work, but it needs the right trigger man to hum against top-tier competition.
A better quarterback in 2025 might have added three more wins to the Seminoles’ record. That’s how significant the position is-not just in theory, but in reality.
What Comes Next
The next quarterback Florida State brings in-if they go that route-will say a lot about where the program is headed. Are they looking to make a serious run in 2026? Or are they still trying to patch holes with short-term solutions?
The answer will come soon enough. But one thing’s clear: FSU can’t afford to get it wrong again.