Mike Norvell and Florida State make a decision on their starting QB

After a long waiting period and back-and-forth quarterback battle in Tallahassee, Mike Norvell and Florida State have decided on Ashton Daniels as the team's 2026-27 starter. Daniels comes in from the transfer portal after serving as the backup for most of last season at Auburn and three seasons at Stanford before that.

Daniels beat out redshirt freshman Kevin Sperry for the starting role. While it was presumed to be a competition, Daniels brings four years of experience to the table and also aligns with the dual-threat system that the Seminoles have been used to with Jordan Travis and Thomas Castellanos.

In four appearances last season at Auburn, including three starts, Daniels threw for 797 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also added 280 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.

Mike Norvell announces Ashton Daniels will be the starting quarterback for the Florida State Seminoles this season.#GoNoles #Noles

Although 0-3 as the starting QB last season, Auburn was within striking distance each time, with touchdown margin losses in all three games. Those included a 45-38 loss to #16 Vanderbilt and a 27-20 loss to #10 Alabama in the Iron Bowl.

The season ahead

The Seminoles have a chance to start off hot and build some in-game chemistry early on, with four of their first five games being played in Doak Campbell Stadium. Those include games against New Mexico State in Week 0 and Central Arkansas in Week 4.

They’ll be put to the test early with a Labor Day game against SMU in their first ACC game of the year, a team that had their way with them in 2024, winning 42-16, and again on the road in Week 3 against Alabama.

There could be some optimism when facing Alabama, given that they’ve struggled against mobile QBs as of late and Daniels’ near upset over them last season. Also, several starters on both sides of the ball were a part of last year's roster that upset them in Week 1.

Following Week 5 is where things could get tough. Florida State will be on the road for four of their last seven games, as well as three Friday night games. In recent history, the Noles have been bested when playing weekday games, with their last win on a Friday night dating back to 2022. They are 0-4 in weekday games since.

More: NFL Draft buzz surrounding Florida State

Their four post Week 5 road games come against Louisville, Miami, Boston College, and Pitt. They’ll play at home against Clemson, NC State, and Florida.

Now that the decision on their starting QB has been set, they can focus their attention on building chemistry ahead of their Week 0 tilt with New Mexico State.

More college football news: 

• Mike Norvell takes unconventional approach while still on the hot seat
• Jon Sumrall, Florida Gators heating up 2027 recruiting class
• College football legend Bobby Bowden receives ultimate honor five years after death
• Recapping Luke Loucks and Florida State basketball’s hot recruiting run
• What players are attending the 2026 NFL Draft?