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The idea of talented JUCO QB competing seems to be a smoke screen from Mike Norvell

Mike Norvell addresses the media about the quarterback situation in 2026.
ByTaylor Devers
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Nov 29, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell walks out of the tunnel before a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Nov 29, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell walks out of the tunnel before a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Florida State is entering the summer with a quarterback competition still in play. Head coach Mike Norvell mentioned after Wednesday's final spring practice that he hasn't announced a starter at quarterback yet.

This isn't surprising, as redshirt senior Ashton Daniels and redshirt freshman Kevin Sperry are competing for the job. Florida State has had its fair share of signal-callers, and none of them have been successful under Mike Norvell, other than Jordan Travis.

This isn't meant to be a shot at Coach Norvell because many coaches in college football have benefited from having above-average quarterbacks. They are crucial to a team's success. The Seminoles have tried their luck in the transfer portal and haven't been successful with options like McKenzie Milton, DJ Uiagalelei, Thomas Castellanos, and now Ashton Daniels.

At some point, the transfer portal method has to work, or at least develop a high school recruit/JUCO talent.

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Mike Norvell talks about Malachi Marshall during the press conference

Fans have discussions about the battle between Ashton Daniels and Kevin Sperry. Sperry was a former four-star prospect from the 2025 cycle and someone that individuals want to see under center.

Other fans want to see an underrated prospect step up to the plate in Malachi Marshall. The top JUCO quarterback signed with Florida State in the 2026 cycle, but he won't enroll on campus until the summer.

Head coach Mike Norvell addressed Marshall during the media session, highlighting his superb arm talent and his excitement to be at Florida State. The JUCO signal-caller has three years to play two years. The main issue is that he is enrolling in the summer.

Marshall, being the competitor that he is, wants to compete. Coach Norvell mentioned that he knows the quarterback lacks the reps from coming in during the summer, but he told him to do his best to compete for the job.

This thought makes people wonder if Norvell wants to wait until Malachi Marshall is on campus in the summer before announcing the starting quarterback. That seems like a smokescreen to keep everyone happy in the room. Veteran transfer Ashton Daniels should be the favorite to get the job.

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