The Seminoles pulled a big 180 Tuesday, choosing their starting quarterback before fall camp. How does Daniels fit in Tallahassee?
Florida State football clearly saw enough out of Ashton Daniels.
Hence Tuesday's big decision involving who the starting quarterback will be.
After originally believing this QB battle would stretch to the fall camp, FSU officially announced Daniels as the starter moving forward.
So what led into the decision? But more important, how does Daniels really fit in Tallahassee?
How Daniels Won Out
Noles247 Brendan Sonnone revealed how ball security during live practices played into this decision by head coach Mike Norvell and his staff. Plus how he beat out Kevin Sperry.
"In the end, Daniels did enough to push past the younger player as he committed fewer uncorked turnovers in scrimmage situations," Sonnone said.
But taking care of the football at a high rate wasn't the only determining factor for Daniels.
"He'll also fit into what should be a run-first strategy this season as a top strength for Daniels is his durability as a runner," Sonnone said.
Those words point to FSU being more run-heavy with Daniels behind center. Including where he can keep the ball himself.
Is Daniels the Right QB?
Fans still have their skepticism for Daniels.
He once threw 20 career interceptions at his previous stop of Stanford. Including tossing 12 interceptions compared to 10 touchdowns in 2024, his final season in Palo Alto.
He didn't throw much at Auburn in 2025. But when he did, he threw just three touchdowns but with two picks.
He has flashed throwing wise before, notably dropping this dime against Washington as Daniels had time to throw while rolling to his right. Granted, it helped his wide receiver was a future NFL talent named Elic Ayomanor.
Daniels delivered a similar strike when he transitioned to the Atlantic Coast Conference -- rolling right and delivering the strike.
Daniels, though, doesn't throw with great velocity. His passes tend to float in the air and clearly looks more comfortable going deep or running the ball.
Can Daniels Keep QB1 Role?
FSU still pulls a smart move in riding with the veteran in this room. Plus continues a current trend of starting transfer quarterbacks.
Daniels doesn't appear to be faster than Tommy Castellanos, who's strength was taking off and running. Castellanos moved at the speed of a slot wide receiver.
Daniels, though, has the build capable of absorbing punishment when he runs. He should have no trouble taking off and running to hand the Noles an extra rushing option.
But the former Auburn/Stanford QB must tweak his QB mechanics to stick around here. Plus prove to Norvell and company he's the right guy to lead FSU back into bowl contention.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected.