Florida State names quarterback Alabama faced in 2025 as its starter ahead of rematch

Ashton Daniels has been named the starter for the Florida State Seminoles ahead of the 2026 football season.

Daniels started at quarterback for Auburn against Alabama in the Iron Bowl last season. He threw for 259 yards and rushed for 108 yards against the Tide when Alabama beat Auburn 27-20. He also had one passing touchdown.

Alabama’s defensive coordinator Kane Wommack praised Daniels for his ability to make plays with his arm and feet ahead of the Iron Bowl.

“I think Ashton has done a really nice job,” Wommack said. “I think they’ve come up with a game plan that he can operate very efficiently in. I thought he did a really good job against Vanderbilt, taking care of the football, putting the ball in the direction, working through his progressions properly, and then certainly he does things from the run game that cause challenges and issues for you.”

The Tide will take on Daniels and Florida State in Tuscaloosa on Sept. 19. It will be the Tide’s third game of the season.

Florida State beat Alabama 31-17 to open the 2025 season in Tallahassee. Kalen DeBoer and company were able to bounce back from the early-season loss and make it to the SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff. The Seminoles’ season eventually went downhill following the win as they ended the season 5-7.