FSU redshirt freshman quarterback Kevin Sperry is reportedly battling transfer Ashton Daniels for the starting spot in 2026. Most folks assumed that the job would be Daniels by now, but it appears the two are neck and neck after the first half of spring camp.
One of the concerns with Sperry as the starting quarterback in 2026 would be his lack of experience and command in the huddle. He only appeared in four games last year, but benefited from learning a system similar to Mike Norvell’s. Â
However, Sperry apparently has the poise and command in the huddle like a wily veteran, according to transfer offensive lineman Nate Pabst:
FSU needs good quarterback play in 2026 to maximize its chances of winning. Can Sperry be the guy?
Pabst said, "He doesn't carry himself like a redshirt freshman, he carries himself like a vet dude, and I appreciate that."
Pabst does the veteran move of bringing the name of Ashton Daniels into the conversation towards the end, but it's promising that someone like Pabst can recognize that Sperry has the potential to lead the team.
That's what it will come down to at the end of the day. Which player do the players gravitate towards? That's usually the player that they feel will give them the best chance to win games based on what they did at practice each day. There's still a long way to go in spring camp with two more scrimmages. They also have summer and fall camp to continue to battle and it's likely a starter will emerge before that.
However, it's a compliment to Sperry that he only has four games under his belt and Daniels has over three years of starting experience for it to be close.