As spring practices begin across the country, several major college football programs are still searching for answers at the sport’s most important position: quarterback. With the transfer portal, coaching changes, and roster turnover reshaping teams, many schools will spend the next few months determining who will lead their offenses in the 2026 college football season.
Across the Power 4 conferences, eight programs—including multiple SEC and ACC teams—enter the offseason with significant quarterback battles.
Alabama Faces a Critical Quarterback Decision
Alabama Crimson Tide football has one of the most important quarterback competitions in the country as head coach Kalen DeBoer looks to solidify the offense.
Two main contenders have emerged:
- Austin Mack – A former Washington Huskies football transfer who has spent several seasons waiting behind starters.
- Keelon Russell – A highly decorated Texas high school star.
Russell’s senior season statistics at Duncanville High School were impressive:
| Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Completion % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,177 | 55 | 4 | 70% |
Mack brings experience in DeBoer’s system, but Russell offers elite upside. The decision could shape Alabama’s competitiveness in the new NIL-driven era.
Tennessee Searching for Stability
Tennessee Volunteers football planned to rely on quarterback Joey Aguilar, but the NCAA ruled him ineligible for the 2026 season.
Now head coach Josh Heupel must choose among three inexperienced options:
- Ryan Staub (transfer from Colorado Buffaloes football)
- George MacIntyre (redshirt freshman)
- Faizon Brandon (true freshman)
With limited experience among the candidates, Tennessee’s success may depend heavily on coaching development and offensive line support.
Florida State Adjusting After Coaching Changes
Florida State Seminoles football faces uncertainty after offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn stepped away before spring practices.
Head coach Mike Norvell will now call plays while evaluating quarterback options that include:
- Ashton Daniels (transfer from Stanford Cardinal football)
- Kevin Sperry (redshirt freshman)
- Malachi Marshall (JUCO transfer)
Daniels is the most experienced option but has already played at multiple schools.
North Carolina Hoping for Offensive Improvement
North Carolina Tar Heels football enters 2026 with new offensive leadership after bringing in play-caller Bobby Petrino.
Potential quarterbacks include:
- Billy Edwards (transfer from Wisconsin Badgers football)
- Travis Burgess
- Au’Tori Newkirk
- Miles O’Neill (transfer from Texas A&M Aggies football)
However, an inexperienced offensive line could make life difficult for whichever quarterback wins the job.
Arkansas Begins a New Era
Arkansas Razorbacks football must replace former quarterback Taylen Green as new coach Ryan Silverfield begins his tenure.
The leading contenders include:
- KJ Jackson
- AJ Hill (transfer from Memphis Tigers football)
- Braeden Fuller (transfer from Angelo State)
The decision will determine how aggressively Arkansas moves into its new offensive identity.
Clemson Evaluating Its Future at Quarterback
Clemson Tigers football experienced disappointment during the 2025 season despite high expectations for quarterback Cade Klubnik.
Head coach Dabo Swinney is now evaluating several options, including:
- Christopher Vizzina
- Chris Denson
- Trent Pearman
Highly regarded recruits Brock Bradley and Tait Reynolds could also compete for playing time.
Nebraska Looking to Replace Dylan Raiola
Nebraska Cornhuskers football faces a major transition after quarterback Dylan Raiola moved to Oregon Ducks football.
Head coach Matt Rhule is considering several replacements:
- Anthony Colandrea (transfer from UNLV Rebels football)
- TJ Lateef
- Daniel Kaelin
Rhule will hope one of these players can continue building momentum for the program.
Cincinnati Searching for Brendan Sorsby’s Successor
Cincinnati Bearcats football must replace quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who transferred to Texas Tech Red Raiders football.
Two primary candidates will compete during spring practice:
- JC French IV (transfer from Georgia Southern Eagles football)
- Liam O’Brien (transfer from Penn Quakers football)
Both quarterbacks arrive from lower levels of competition and will need to prove they can succeed in the Big 12.
Major Quarterback Battles to Watch
| School | Key QB Candidates |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Austin Mack, Keelon Russell |
| Tennessee | Ryan Staub, George MacIntyre, Faizon Brandon |
| Florida State | Ashton Daniels, Kevin Sperry, Malachi Marshall |
| North Carolina | Billy Edwards, Miles O’Neill, Travis Burgess |
| Arkansas | KJ Jackson, AJ Hill |
| Clemson | Christopher Vizzina, Chris Denson |
| Nebraska | Anthony Colandrea, TJ Lateef |
| Cincinnati | JC French IV, Liam O’Brien |
Spring football will play a crucial role in shaping the 2026 college football season as several major programs search for stability at quarterback. From Alabama’s high-profile competition to rebuilding efforts at Nebraska and Cincinnati, these battles could determine conference standings and playoff contenders. As coaches evaluate talent and refine their offenses over the coming months, the race for starting quarterback positions remains one of the most compelling storylines heading into the fall.
