Uncertainty Looms Over Florida State Offense After Spring Practice

Lack of clarity at quarterback and on the offensive line leaves Seminoles with more questions than answers heading into 2026 season.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:07pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football field, with players and equipment broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes in the colors of the Florida State Seminoles.Florida State's offense enters the 2026 season with more questions than answers, as the Seminoles search for stability and consistency under a new coordinator.Tallahassee Today

After a quiet offseason, Florida State head coach Mike Norvell has kept the details of his team's progress under wraps, refusing to name a starting quarterback or solidify the offensive line following spring practice. With the Seminoles' offense facing major question marks, including a new offensive coordinator and Norvell resuming play-calling duties, the program enters the summer with more uncertainty than answers.

Why it matters

Florida State's offense struggled at times in 2025, leading to the retirement of former coordinator Gus Malzahn. With a new play-caller and several key position battles unresolved, the Seminoles' ability to bounce back and compete in the ACC will hinge on how quickly they can find stability and clarity on that side of the ball.

The details

Norvell has been coy about the quarterback competition between transfer Ashton Daniels and redshirt freshman Kevin Sperry, praising both players' progress but declining to name a starter. The offensive line also remains unsettled, with Norvell saying the staff is still determining the best five linemen from a group that includes several new transfer additions.

  • Florida State concluded spring practice in late March 2026.
  • The Seminoles open the 2026 season in September.

The players

Mike Norvell

Florida State's head coach, who is entering his seventh season with the program.

Ashton Daniels

Transfer quarterback from Auburn who is competing for the starting job at Florida State.

Kevin Sperry

Redshirt freshman quarterback who is also in the mix to be the Seminoles' starting QB.

Tim Harris Jr.

Florida State's new offensive coordinator, taking over for the retired Gus Malzahn.

Herb Hand

Florida State's offensive line coach, tasked with rebuilding the unit after losing all five starters.

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What they’re saying

“Ashton Daniels — for all the things that you watch and see, getting a chance to coach somebody day to day, I've really been pleased with what he's shown in his pocket, being able to live in a pocket and deliver the ball. He's shown growth through the spring on the vertical shots — he hit a couple in the scrimmage the other day that were right where they needed to be. Huge plays that sparked big drives.”

— Mike Norvell, Head Coach

“Kevin Sperry has just gotten better throughout the spring. We've talked about consistency with him, and I think he's definitely growing up. His growth is something that encourages me.”

— Mike Norvell, Head Coach

What’s next

Florida State will continue to evaluate its quarterback and offensive line situations throughout the summer, with the goal of naming starters and solidifying the depth chart before the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

After two seasons of offensive upheaval, Florida State enters a critical year with more questions than answers on that side of the ball. Norvell's ability to quickly establish clarity and stability will be pivotal to the Seminoles' hopes of bouncing back and competing in the ACC.