(4/22/26): Starting QB named, portal drama, solid midweek win
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The Wake Up WarChant podcast for April 22, 2026, dives into Florida State football's latest developments, starting with the official announcement of Ashton Daniels as the starting quarterback—nearly a week after spring ball concluded. Hosts Aslan Hajivandi and Corey Clark analyze the timing of the announcement, suggesting it was a strategic move by head coach Mike Norvell to solidify trust, ownership, and accountability with Daniels, who they believe earned the role through superior performance during spring practices. They contrast this with Kevin Sperry’s development, acknowledging his growth but concluding he was not the clear-cut choice. The discussion also explores the potential impact of Daniels’ two standout games at Auburn in 2025, questioning what offensive changes enabled his breakout performance. The episode then shifts to basketball, where the news of freshman Thomas Bassong entering the transfer portal sparks concern over losing a key defensive piece and a potential shooter. The hosts debate whether this move is leverage or a genuine departure, and express worry about the team’s lack of perimeter shooting. The show wraps with a strong postgame recap of Florida State baseball’s 4-1 win over UNF, praising bullpen depth, Cole Stokes’ dominant inning, and the team’s ability to execute under pressure despite injuries to key players like Brayden Dowd and Stutzer. The hosts emphasize the importance of winning eight of the remaining 12 ACC series to remain in contention for a national seed.
Ashton Daniels was named starting QB after earning the role through spring performance, not a last-minute decision.
Mike Norvell’s early announcement signals trust and accountability, aiming to build team unity and focus.
Daniels’ breakout at Auburn suggests a schematic or cultural shift may be key to his success—something FSU could replicate.
Thomas Bassong’s portal entry is a major loss, especially for defense and team culture, and raises concerns about shooting depth.
Florida State baseball’s 4-1 win over UNF was a gritty, well-executed performance, highlighting bullpen strength and situational hitting.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Starting QB Announcement: Ashton Daniels Named Starter
“I think it's like a level of buy-in... I believe in you. I brought you here. I'm putting my money where my mouth is and making you my starting quarterback.”
Was the QB Competition Real? Daniels vs. Sperry
The hosts debate whether the quarterback competition was genuine or a formality. They argue that Daniels clearly outperformed Sperry during spring practices and that Norvell’s cautious language was a sign of confidence in Daniels.
The Auburn Breakout: What Changed for Ashton Daniels?
“What changed? Literally, because obviously if you just had the Arkansas and the Kentucky tape – There's no way Ashton Daniels is at Florida State.”
Thomas Bassong Enters the Portal: A Major Loss
“He's a guy that you'd like to have on it. He's a good player to have on a team like that. He's a guy that would have been here the year before, could carry over some of the culture...”
Baseball’s 4-1 Win Over UNF: A Grind-Out Victory
“Cole Stokes is the guy that you got to get right. And for him to have an inning where he struck out the side, that's really positive.”
“What changed? Literally, because obviously if you just had the Arkansas and the Kentucky tape – There's no way Ashton Daniels is at Florida State.”
“I believe in you. I brought you here. I'm putting my money where my mouth is and making you my starting quarterback.”
“You're not going to win 12 games. You're going to win 8 of 12. That gets you to 36, 37 wins going into the ACC tournament.”
Hosts
Florida State University
organization
Ashton Daniels
person
Kevin Sperry
person
Mike Norvell
person
Thomas Bassong
person
Link Jarrett
person
Cummins
brand
Cole Stokes
person
Nick O'Leary
person
Brayden Dowd
person
(4/1/26): The buy-in is better they say, Luke and the portal, solid mid week dub for baseball
Wake Up Warchant - Florida State football • 1h 4m • 4/1/2026
(4/2/26): QB comp dynamics, the upshot of Boggs, mailbag
Wake Up Warchant - Florida State football • 1h 23m • 4/2/2026
(4/6/26): Shaky QBs during scrimmage? Baseball notches big series win
Wake Up Warchant - Florida State football • 56m • 4/6/2026
(4/9/26): Who will go 1K, should you go to Bama game, plan for offensive scheme
Wake Up Warchant - Florida State football • 1h 17m • 4/9/2026
(4/10/26): Obfuscating the QB race, practice observations, brutal baseball loss
Wake Up Warchant - Florida State football • 44m • 4/10/2026
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