Ashton Daniels credits new teammate for helping him make the decision to go to FSU

For whoever wins the job to become the starting quarterback for FSU in 2026, he better have a good rapport with top wide receiver Duce Robinson. And in that area, Ashton Daniels is already ahead of the game. 

Daniels met with local media Wednesday and talked about a number of things, including the anticipated quarterback competition this spring and his friendship with Robinson and how the first-team All-ACC performer helped him decide to transfer from Auburn and become a Seminole.

Daniels said that he has known the receiver for several years and was teammates at Stanford with one of Robinson's close friend, who was the initial connection between the two players.

"Obviously, being able to lean on that relationship, that friendship, has been a big thing for me with my transition here," Daniels said. "He's been a big help for me. He was also a big help for me in the recruiting process."

Ashton Daniels discusses friendship with Duce Robinson

Robinson decided to return to FSU and forgo the NFL Draft, giving the Seminoles two of their top three receivers returning to the 2026 roster (Micahi Danzy also returned, while Lawayne McCoy transferred to Louisville). He had 56 catches for 1,091 yards and six touchdowns, becoming FSU's first 1,000-yard receiver since Tamorrion Terry did it in 2019. 

Daniels believes Duce is a game-changing talent on offense and someone that needs to get the ball in his hands as often as possible.

"That's an NFL guy right there," Daniels said of Robinson. "I look at him every single day...the work that he puts in. That's a guy that really wants it. He's someone that I look up to. And I can say that for the rest of the wide receiver room. Those guys put in the work every single day. I'm excited to be able to share the field with them and get them the ball."