Spring practice ends today. Fifteen sessions. Three scrimmages. Over 50 newcomers evaluated. And the picture that's emerged in Tallahassee is more encouraging than anyone outside the building wants to admit. This isn't the same program that sleepwalked through 2-10 a year ago. The talent is different. The depth is different. The culture -- by every account from coaches and players -- is fundamentally different. Norvell's message after the final scrimmage was telling: the evaluation is shifting from potential to production. That's the language of a staff that sees enough to work with. Here's our position-by-position report card coming out of spring 2026.
Quarterback: Incomplete, but not in a bad way. Neither Ashton Daniels nor Kevin Sperry separated in three scrimmages, and Norvell made it clear he won't name a starter until he's confident. That might frustrate fans who want certainty, but the reality is that both quarterbacks improved throughout the spring. Daniels has the dual-threat upside and the leadership presence Norvell values. Sperry has the system knowledge and has been "driving the ball with more confidence" each week. Having two capable options heading into summer is a strength, not a weakness. The decision will come when it comes -- and whoever wins will have weapons around him that FSU hasn't had in years.
Running backs: A+. This might be the best position group on the roster, and it's not close to a debate. Tre Wisner took Tallahassee by storm as a transfer from Texas. Ousmane Kromah -- 225 pounds with elite lateral agility -- drew "elite expectations" from Norvell after his incredible run in Scrimmage #1. Sam Singleton provides veteran depth. And Amari Thomas, a true freshman, broke off big runs in two of three scrimmages. The backfield is four deep with different body types and skill sets. That's a luxury this offense hasn't had in years.
Wide receivers and tight ends: B+. Duce Robinson is the star, but the real story of spring was the depth behind him. Norvell declared that true freshmen Devin Carter and Jasen Lopez "are going to play" -- a remarkable endorsement after just two weeks of practice. Jayvan Boggs stepped up when Robinson was limited and showed a real connection with Daniels. EJ White scored a touchdown and showed blocking ability in the final scrimmage. Landen Thomas and Desirrio Riles give the staff two legitimate tight end options. The concern: Noah Rogers is reportedly out for the start of the season with an injury, which thins the experienced depth. But the young talent is real.
Offensive line: B-. This group is still figuring itself out, and that's expected when you integrate five new transfers into a unit that needs to play as one. Andre Otto has been the steadying presence. Xavier Chaplin, Bradyn Joiner, Nate Pabst, and Chimdia Nwaiwu are all competing for starting spots. Norvell mentioned after the final scrimmage that he might "tweak a couple guys positionally" -- suggesting the staff still isn't settled on the best five. The talent is there. The cohesion needs summer and fall camp. This is the group most likely to improve between now and August 29.
Defensive line: A-. Tony White said it plainly: the front has been "disruptive." The Desir twins are hovering around 265-270 with obvious twitch and explosiveness. Kevin Wynn has trimmed down to become more explosive at nose. Jaemin Pinckney -- a true freshman -- had two tackles for loss in his first scrimmage and has gained over 20 pounds since arriving. Daniel Lyons anchors the interior. The ability to rotate seven or eight bodies with different body types is exactly what White's 3-3-5 needs, and it showed in all three scrimmages. Deamontae Diggs, who Norvell said "doesn't get enough credit," adds another dimension on the edge.
Linebackers: B+. Mikai Gbayor sat out the back half of spring, which opened reps for AJ Cochril, Kron May, and Noah LaVallee. All three flashed. Chris Jones has been an "absolute tackle machine." Omar Graham Jr. is, per Tony White, "playing the best ball he's ever played." Blake Nichelson was a scrimmage standout. The depth here is genuine -- when Gbayor returns healthy this summer, this could be the deepest linebacker room Norvell has had.
Secondary: A-. Tony White said it without hedging: the safety group "could be one of the better ones in the entire country." CJ Richard and Ashlynd Barker anchor a unit that created takeaways in all three scrimmages. Quindarrius Jones made a stunning interception while dropping into zone coverage -- the kind of versatility that makes White's defense special. Karson Hobbs (Notre Dame transfer) forced a safety and is pushing for a starting cornerback spot. Charles Lester III had two interceptions in the final scrimmage, including a pick-six. Jordan Crutchfield is emerging. The corner battle is healthy competition, not a gap to fill.
The big picture: FSU is leaving spring in a fundamentally better position than it entered. The defense has an identity and a coordinator who believes his unit is "three to five plays from being really damn good." The offense proved in the final scrimmage that it can put together 90-yard drives against that defense. The culture has been transformed -- players showing up at 5:30 AM voluntarily, no off-field problems, genuine buy-in. The transfer portal opens tomorrow, which will be the next chapter. But the foundation built over these 15 sessions looks a lot more solid than the 6.5-win projection suggests. We'll be watching closely.