FSU Football Kicks Off Spring Scrimmage With Key Roster Questions

New QB Ashton Daniels, offensive and defensive line battles, and emerging defensive stars take center stage

Mar. 27, 2026 at 10:03am

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Florida State football will hold its first spring scrimmage on Saturday as the team looks to rebound from a 5-7 season. All eyes will be on new quarterback Ashton Daniels and how he performs in coach Mike Norvell's offense. The Seminoles also have key position battles on both the offensive and defensive lines, as well as questions at the JACK linebacker spot following the departure of Earl Little Jr. The scrimmage will provide the first live look at several promising freshmen on the defensive side of the ball.

Why it matters

This scrimmage marks a critical evaluation period for the Seminoles as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign. The performance of Daniels and the development of the offensive and defensive lines will be crucial in determining the team's trajectory heading into the fall. Additionally, the emergence of young defensive talent could bolster a unit that showed improvement last season.

The details

All eyes will be on Daniels, the veteran quarterback who is now on his third college team, as he leads Norvell's offense for the first time in a live setting. The Seminoles are also breaking in a completely new starting offensive line, with key players to watch including left tackle Xavier Chaplin, guard Andre Otto, and the right-side duo of Nate Pabst and Chimida Nwaiwu. On defense, the focus starts with Mandrell and Darryll Desir up front, but questions remain about depth in the three-man front. The JACK linebacker position, previously held by Earl Little Jr., is also wide open, with Ashlynd Barker and Duke transfer Ma'Khi Jones competing for the role.

  • The scrimmage will take place on Saturday, March 27, 2026.

The players

Ashton Daniels

The veteran quarterback is now on his third college team and is expected to lead Florida State's offense this season.

Mike Norvell

The Florida State head coach is entering a critical evaluation period and will be taking over play-calling duties this season.

Earl Little Jr.

The former starting JACK linebacker for the Seminoles, whose departure has left a void in the defense that needs to be filled.

Xavier Chaplin

A key member of the Seminoles' rebuilt offensive line, expected to start at left tackle.

Ashlynd Barker

A defensive back who is a leading candidate to replace Earl Little Jr. at the JACK linebacker position.

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What they’re saying

“All eyes will be on Daniels as he leads Norvell's offense for the first time in a live setting. The veteran quarterback — now on his third team — is the most experienced player in the Seminoles' QB room and has drawn praise from Norvell for his command and leadership.”

— Peter Holland Jr., Reporter

“Ashlynd Barker may be the best fit. The 6‑foot‑2 defensive back was the team's second‑leading tackler last season with 48 stops and 3.5 sacks. His size, range and physicality make him a natural candidate.”

— Peter Holland Jr., Reporter

What’s next

The Seminoles will continue spring practice leading up to their annual spring game on April 12, 2026.

The takeaway

This scrimmage will provide crucial insight into the direction of the Florida State football program as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season. The performance of new quarterback Ashton Daniels and the development of the offensive and defensive lines will be key factors in determining the team's success in the upcoming year.