Despite fan skepticism, insiders view the dual-threat transfer as Mike Norvell’s ultimate X-factor, capable of weaponizing a rebuilt offense and shaking up the College Football Playoff race.
College football analysts seem to have more faith in new Florida State quarterback Ashton Daniels than the actual Seminoles fanbase.
While they hold their reservations on Daniels’ success in his final collegiate year this season, the “short-term success” buzz from insiders tells a completely different tale.
Brad Crawford of CBS Sports explained how Daniels could be the X-factor pulling the Seminoles out of their purgatory and could even dictate the College Football Playoff race.
"I think he's going to play a lot better than people think he will. He's really smart. He really has a workman's attitude to everything. He's not prima-donnish. Everything he's gone through in his career, you can tell it keeps him humble and keeps him focused on the right things. I think he can feel the confidence that people in the program have in him. And he's also got enough playmakers around him that I think his talent will show up,” an inside source told CBS Sports.
Why Ashton Daniels with FSU Can Absolutely Work
Daniels is a seriously underrated transfer who is in the best sweet spot he could ask to have a breakout year. Florida State head coach Mike Norvell is building the entire offensive line from ground zero this season. Zero returning starters and no Gus Malzahn.
Norvell had to build a completely different offensive play-calling strategy alongside the entire O-line. Historically speaking, Norvell has had success with quarterbacks who can create outside the structure of the offense, extend plays, and stress defenses with their legs, which is one reason Daniels' skill set appears to align naturally with what Norvell wants to do offensively.
Another reason for insiders buying into the Daniels hype is his experience in various systems. The QB appeared in 33 games during the two years he spent with Stanford and started 20 games there. His 669 yards set the Stanford single-season rushing record for a quarterback. He didn't run as much early at Auburn next year, but in his final 2025 start against Alabama in the Iron Bowl, he picked up 108 yards on the ground. Ge has also spent a significant portion of his career as an offensive patch rather than a long-term program centerpiece.
Or, to put it another way, an absolute threat Norvell can weaponize right away to bring some much-needed stability to his squad. With the entire offensive line undergoing a total overhaul, Daniels and his blockers enter camp on a completely level playing field when it comes to learning the playbook. It’s going to be an interesting regular season in Tallahassee.
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