Doesn't look like Ashton Daniels has a full leg up on the QB competition, here's why.
Florida State football fans wondering who's the true QB1 for 2026 will have to wait longer.
The spring practices haven't fully settled who the starting quarterback is. Even despite Ashton Daniels being rumored as the favorite and handling a lot of the first team reps.
Head coach Mike Norvell confirmed after the Seminoles' 10th spring practice that the QB spot is still up for grabs. Plus hinted this battle potentially will stretch into the month of August.
"We'll see as we go through spring practice.," Norvell said to reporters. "We'll have 15 practices. If we're ready to make a decision, we will. If it stretches into fall camp, we'll evaluate that as we get closer."
Here's the reason behind the curveball: Kevin Sperry is pushing for early playing time.
Sperry has been around FSU longer than the Auburn and Stanford transfer. Norvell mentioned how he and Daniels both pushed the ball effectively down the field and delivered explosive moments.
Norvell, though, said there's still things to iron out on the side of Daniels.
"Ashton has done a great job learning the offense, with some finer details still to improve," Norvell said.
As for Sperry, Norvell says "Kevin is continuing to grow in what he's being asked to do—driving the ball with more confidence."
Norvell also clarified that Sperry is in situations where he's working with members of the first team...sharing the load with Daniels.
"They're working with different units and personnel, so it's about who makes everyone better and puts us in position to score," Norvell said. "It's not about yards—it's about points. It's about who is owning the offense."
Norvell expected that the QB showdown would become a competitive one...and not one where Daniels was handed the starting job immediately.
"It's always competitive. I'm excited about the group and how they're working, challenging, and encouraging each other. That elevates the competition," he said.
Sperry is a 2025 QB signing out of the Lonestar State. He arrived via Denton Guyer High in Texas as a four-star addition per 247Sports composite. He also played at Carl Albert High in Oklahoma City, leading a perfect 14-0 record in 2023. Sperry tossed 31 touchdowns with just four interceptions that season.
He played at Rock Hill in Prosper, Tex., during his 2022 campaign. He completed 54.8% of his throws there with nine touchdowns and nine interceptions as a freshman on varsity.
Both are vying to take over the starter reins post Tommy Castellanos.
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