Ahh, the sights and sounds of spring football have arrived. In Tallahassee, beginning Monday, Florida State players will suit up for 15 practices to prepare for another season of Seminoles football. Coach Mike Norvell was given a vote of confidence by the FSU athletics administration for one more season, but he is squarely on the hot seat going into the 2026 season.

Two full seasons removed from an undefeated regular season in 2023, the Seminoles have suffered through 17 losses combined in 2024 and 2025.

The team took a hit when offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn announced he was retiring from college football on Feb. 2, leaving Norvell to pick up play-calling duties. The Seminoles took another blow when starting quarterback Tommy Castellanos ran out of eligibility.

Norvell, in his pre-spring press conference on Friday, talked about transfer QB Ashton Daniels, and much has been written about the former Auburn and Stanford product.

Norvell and his staff will also evaluate other new quarterbacks this spring to see who can lead Florida State to victory.

Sperry saw limited action in three games last season against East Texas A&M, Kent State and Stanford. Sperry completed 80 percent of his passes and threw two touchdown passes against East Texas A&M. He completed 80 percent once again in the game against Kent State. Sperry completed 4-of-7 passes for 69 yards and no touchdowns against the Cardinal.

As a high-school senior quarterback at Guyer High School in Denton, Texas, Sperry accounted for 3,679 total yards and 35 touchdowns in the highly competitive 6A classification of Texas high school football. Sperry’s development will be critical this season.

DeNobile may be the best of the quarterback trio, considering his talent, production and leadership capabilities. A transfer from Lafayette of the Patriot League with 36 starts to his credit, DeNobile led the Leopards to the FCS playoffs last season.

A two-time team captain for the Leopards, DeNobile passed for over 2,500 yards and 19 touchdowns against seven interceptions last season. He completed 70 percent or better on his passes in five games last season. DeNobile is third all-time at Lafayette in completion percentage at 65.2.

For his collegiate career, DeNobile has posted 6,956 passing yards (fifth all-time at Lafayette) and 53 touchdowns.

These 15 spring practices will be critical for the Seminoles success in the 2026 season. How will Malzahn’s retirement affect the offense? Will the explosive plays be limited by Norvell’s play-calling? We shall see.

Who will be the savior at quarterback? Make no mistake, Norvell and the Seminoles need to win more football games this season, to bring back the glory of Florida State football. If not, you will find Norvell riding side-saddle on a plastic horse aboard the coaching carousel.

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