Top Transfer Quarterback Nearly Chose Florida State Football

Would this have changed anything for the Florida State Seminoles?

Nov 1, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell looks on before the game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Following the 2025 season, the Florida State Seminoles cast a wide net to find their next starting quarterback, evaluating multiple players with complementary skill sets who were at different stages of their careers.

Among the options were Auburn's Ashton Daniels, Florida's DJ Lagway, and UNLV's Anthony Colandrea. The Seminoles hosted all three players for visits during the transfer portal window.

However, Lagway and Colandrea both departed from Tallahassee without committing to Florida State. A lot of that boiled down to financials, as the Seminoles didn't appear willing to meet the market price that Lagway and Colandrea were looking for.

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In the end, head coach Mike Norvell and his coaching staff tabbed Daniels to lead Florida State. The choice was a major question mark during the offseason but, to his credit, Daniels has done everything he can to win over the team since enrolling in January.

Would the outlook of the season be different if Florida State had landed one of the other quarterbacks on the board? Maybe, and Colandrea even recently admitted that he was close to pulling the trigger on the garnet and gold.

QB Transfer Anthony Colandrea Was Leaning Towards FSU

Nov 8, 2025; Fort Collins, Colorado, USA; UNLV Rebels quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) attempts a pass in the third quarter against the Colorado State Rams at Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Earlier this month, ESPN's Max Olson provided an inside look into the transfer portal frenzy.

Olson spoke to a handful of quarterbacks who found new homes earlier this year, including Colandrea.

In the interview, Colandrea revealed that he thought he was going to transfer to Florida State. The Seminoles were the first school to host him for a visit.

As previously mentioned, Colandrea left the Seminoles without a commitment, and made his way to Georgia Tech.

That led Florida State to pivot to Daniels. Norvell called Colandrea before the announcement went public.

"I was leaning that way," Colandrea said. "Honestly, I almost did go to Florida State."

With his options beginning to dwindle, Colandrea eventually transferred to Nebraska.

Instead of the ACC, the Sunshine State native will spend his final season competing in the Big Ten.

Meanwhile, Florida State is putting a lot of pressure on Daniels' shoulders to get the program out of the rut its found itself in since the College Football Playoff snub.

Colandrea might be more accomplished than Daniels, but financial constraints matter more now than ever before with the price of top players rising each season, and not every team possessing a limitless budget.

In his one year at UNLV, Colandrea completed 275/417 passes for 3,459 yards with 23 touchdowns to 9 interceptions. He added 127 carries for 649 yards and 10 more scores. Colandrea earned Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year honors for his breakout campaign.

Florida State opens its 2026 season against New Mexico State on Saturday, August 29.

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