The Florida State Seminoles’ starting quarterback competition went on a bit longer than expected, but a final decision came on Tuesday.
Florida State has named former Auburn signal-caller Ashton Daniels as the starter. Daniels beat out Kevin Sperry in the competition this spring.
QB1️⃣#NoleFamily pic.twitter.com/rpu1J5vExF
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) April 21, 2026
Florida State’s last two quarterbacks have not lived up to the hype, with DJ Uiagalelei and Tommy Castellanos both disappointing despite high expectations.
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell previously spoke highly of Daniels.
“I’ve really been pleased with what he’s shown, being able to live in the pocket and delivering the ball. I think he’s shown growth through the spring on the vertical shots,” Norvell said, via Andrea Adelson of ESPN.
Daniels, who spent the first three seasons at Stanford, transferred to Auburn but threw for just 797 yards with three touchdown passes and two interceptions.
Jackson Arnold began the season as Auburn’s starter before Daniels took over, and Deuce Knight also saw some playing time under center.
Daniels combined for 21 touchdowns with 20 interceptions in 2023 and 2024 at Stanford, and he now enters Florida State as the QB1, at least to begin the season.
Florida State begins the 2026 season with home games against New Mexico State and SMU before taking on Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
