The early weeks of the 2026 college football calendar have been defined by a whirlwind of quarterback battles, as coaching staffs across the nation assess talent, scheme compatibility, and readiness before the first game.
At Alabama, the competition between Keelon Russell and Austin Mack has captured the most attention, with Russell installed as the early favorite but still required to demonstrate consistency in practice.
Arkansas presents its own intrigue, as KJ Jackson and Memphis transfer AJ Hill vie for the starting role, with Jackson holding a slight edge due to his prior experience under the program's system.
Arizona State’s quarterback room features Cutter Boley as the leading candidate to replace Sam Leavitt, while Mikey Keene and Jake Fette push for the position with strong performances in spring drills.
Key Competitions Shaping the Early Landscape
Florida’s situation sees Aaron Philo at the helm over redshirt freshman Tramell Jones, a decision reinforced by Philo’s standout showing during spring practice.
Tennessee’s battle between five‑star freshman Faizon Brandon and George Macintyre leans heavily toward Brandon, who is praised for his advanced maturity and arm talent despite his youth.
Vanderbilt’s options include top recruit Jared Curtis alongside veteran Blaze Berlowitz, with Curtis expected to start but not yet guaranteed the job.
Other programs are also sorting out their signal‑callers: Rutgers pits returnee AJ Surace against Boston College transfer Dylan Lonergan, Iowa evaluates former transfers Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski, Kansas considers junior Cole Ballard and sophomore Isaiah Marshall, and Duke leans on redshirt freshman Dan Mahan and San Jose State transfer Walker Eget, the latter bringing more career passing experience.
These quarterback races are more than roster decisions; they signal the offensive identities each team hopes to establish and could influence early‑season rankings and fan expectations as the 2026 campaign unfolds.