It was media day in Tallahassee and a chance for Mike Norvell to speak to local reporters before spring practice begins Monday. And to no one's surprise, the first question was about the quarterback position and whether incoming transfer, Ashton Daniels, is already penciled in as the starter or will there be a competition.
While Norvell said that he has high expectations for Daniels and what he can do in the Seminoles' offense, he also gave the impression that he would at least let things play out for a few weeks between Daniels and redshirt freshman Kevin Sperry before tipping in his hand one way or the other.Â
Mike Norvell on a potential QB battle:
— Warchant.com (@Warchant) March 6, 2026
"Across our football team, the expectation is the best man will play."
But then went on to state that they have high expectations for Ashton Daniels.
"That position specifically is going to be a fun one to watch."
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"I think we have big expectations for Ashton....you bring a guy in that has experience and there are high expectations for what that needs to look like," Norvell said. "Kevin has been here for a year. I'm really proud of him and his growth, hs progress. But every day I want to see guys challenged to go be the best that they can be."
The expectation is that Daniels will be the opening-day starter, although there is some runway for Sperry to pull off a surprise. If Daniels ends up being the choice, it will be the third consecutive year that a transfer was QB1 to start the season. DJ Uiagalelei came from Oregon State to take over in 2024 and the results weren't pretty. Tommy Castellanos arrived from Boston College last season and after a hot start that included a win over Alabama, things fell apart and the Seminoles lost seven of their past nine.Â
Mike Norvell doesn't close the door on QB competition
Sperry appeared in three games last season, completing 12-of-17 passes for 194 yards and a couple of touchdowns. He beat out Brock Glenn for the backup spot as a true freshman and came in for an injured Castellanos against Stanford late in the season.Â
Norvell said Sperry is always prepared to play and takes pride in being part of the program. Part of Sperry's process is reaching out to former players to ask them about their experiences and what advice they can offer. Norvell adds that Sperry has some special traits.Â
"He has all the components that you want, and he is excited for the opportunity. He cares a lot about being a Florida State Seminole," Norvell said.