The planets are aligning for Mike Norvell to potentially make a program-altering mistake with his Florida State Seminoles roster. After attempting to bring quarterback Thomas Castellanos back to the team before he was denied another year of eligibility, every 2022 recruit just got eligibility restored if they so pursue it.
Does that mean FSU will revisit its starting QB from the 2025 season, who had 15 touchdown passes and nine interceptions and was seen as a receiver by the NFL in the draft process, at the expense of Auburn Tigers transfer Ashton Daniels?
It's possible after this ruling. It'd be the biggest mistake Norvell could make in every conceivable sense.
Ashton Daniels earned the job and doesn't need additional competition
Daniels earned the Noles' QB1 job fair and square. To get last year's leader back would muddy the waters in a way that'd be unprecedented.
Fall camp has already started. You can't throw a wrench into the plan now.
Castellanos has been angling for a return since December, though. Considering where Norvell was then, you have to think he'll at least consider bringing Castellanos back. Perhaps he's been planning for it.
After all, Daniels is coming from being the backup and accepting the role with grace. Daniels was always planned to be Jackson Arnold's backup on the Plains, but he played his way into being ready if Arnold slipped up. Tiger fans know well that Arnold certainly did slip up.
Daniels went 0-3 as the starter at AU, but he did come in and defeat the Arkansas Razorbacks in relief duty on the road. He proved he was ready for the starting role. The idea that Daniels could have it ripped away is a sad thought. Especially if it's for Castellanos.
Thomas Castellanos may not return to FSU if he gets eligibility
There's a possibility Castellanos doesn't return to Tallahassee at all.
Per On3's Pete Nakos, "Hernandez said Castellanos, who went undrafted in April’s NFL draft, is open to a return to college football as a quarterback or athlete. He’s started to receive preliminary interest from a range of schools."
Let's not forget that FSU paid top dollar for Daniels. It'd be a waste of their investment to put Daniels back on the bench. Especially for a player who hasn't been in the system all year. Remember, Gus Malzahn is gone. Norvell has the clipboard again.
The safe money is on Norvell forgoing a Castellanos return and the man who beat the Alabama Crimson Tide last August 31-17 at Doak Campbell Stadium returning in a smaller spotlight. Castellanos' NFL QB dreams are dashed, but Daniels could still make a late-career case.
There's just no sense in Norvell making a dramatic U-turn like this now. It's not like he's coaching with much job security. Norvell very well could be the first head coach fired during the upcoming coaching carousel.
Daniels could probably let out a sigh of relief before getting to work and restoring a Noles brand that needs a revival ASAP.
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