I’ve already addressed this subject a few days ago, but it seems the point needs to be expounded upon because a former FSU player keeps advocating the opposite approach.
FSU football coaches must bring in a transfer quarterback for the 2026 season. If they do that, it must be someone who can help you win in 2026. However, former player Niles Lawrance-Stample believes Kevin Sperry should go into the 2026 season as the presumed starter while bringing in a transfer quarterback to compete for the job.
Next year RS Fr Kevin Sperry should be the frontrunner for QB1. Not just because portal QBs have proven to be risky, but because that’s how college football is supposed to work. Bring in good competition, sure, but paying top dollar for a “ready” QB seems redundant. pic.twitter.com/PKLkyLu9Mv
— Nole’n with Nile (@nolenwithnile) December 26, 2025
Yeah we do need to bring in a high upside project style QB to help Forsure but just can’t watch another “He’s the guy “ come in here again.
— Nole’n with Nile (@nolenwithnile) December 26, 2025
I mentioned FSU would only have two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster when I addressed the subject once Brock Glenn announced he would enter the transfer portal. There’s no way FSU can go into the 2026 season with a group of quarterbacks who have only thrown 17 college passes combined.
Are experienced transfer quarterbacks risky? They are far less risky than going with a Kevin Sperry and Jaden O’Neal, who have no experience and present no depth. Also, FSU has not been spending “top dollar” for transfer quarterbacks. They’ve been spending around one million, but the going rate for top quarterbacks has been $3-4 million or more.
He said, “It’s how college football is supposed to work.” It’s not 1995 anymore. Teams are taking transfer quarterbacks nearly every transfer portal cycle. FSU just hasn’t hit on their portal targets the past two years, but they also haven’t gotten one of the better options available.
There’s no sense in spending money to bring in a “high-upside project quarterback” to compete. What’s that going to say to Jaden O’Neal, who just signed? FSU can use that money for offensive linemen or other positions of need. FSU bringing in a transfer quarterback who can start would allow Sperry and O’Neal the opportunity to develop with practice reps without the added pressure of winning. They could put Sperry in games when FSU is winning big (or losing big) to see what he can do and gain experience.
It’s what could have happened if Luke Kromenhoek hadn’t transferred after last year. He could have been in a position to start in 2026, and now he’s back in the transfer portal. If Mike Norvell wants the best chance at winning games next year? He’ll get an experienced transfer quarterback (while addressing the offensive line again). He has seen Kevin Sperry all year at practice. If he thought Sperry gave him the best shot at winning, they wouldn’t be going to the transfer portal for an experienced guy.