Predicting the Winners of College Football's Top Quarterback Battles for 2026

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Predicting the Winners of College Football's Top Quarterback Battles for 2026

Spring practice for the 2026 college football season is in full swing across the nation. This set of workouts is the first step for all 138 teams in settling depth chart battles or addressing roster concerns, with quarterback competitions topping the biggest priority or area of intrigue for many programs. Included in that mix are a handful of blue blood programs or recent playoff contenders in Alabama, Tennessee, Clemson, and Florida. 

Can Nebraska take the next step in ‘26 under coach Matt Rhule? The Cornhuskers suffered a setback under center when Dylan Raiola transferred to Oregon, but UNLV transfer Anthony Colandrea was an intriguing addition to push TJ Lateef. New Virginia Tech coach James Franklin has a pair of transfers vying to start, including his former quarterback at Penn State in Ethan Grunkemeyer. How effective new starters are at Nebraska and Virginia Tech will significantly shape out the upcoming season plays out for both teams.

Athlon Sports analyzes the top quarterback battles and predicts which signal-caller will win the job for ‘26:

Pre-Spring 2026 Rankings: Top 25 | ACC | Big 12 | Big Ten | SEC

Predicting the Winners of College Football’s Top QB Battles for 2026

Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell (12) drops back to pass.© Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

Alabama

The Candidates: Austin Mack (Junior) and Keelon Russell (Redshirt Freshman)

Ty Simpson leaves big shoes to fill in Tuscaloosa, but coach Kalen DeBoer and coordinator Ryan Grubb have a strong track record of developing quarterbacks. Additionally, with Mack and Russell bringing high-level upside to the offense, the passing game may not miss a beat in ’26.

The spring competition between Mack and Russell is arguably college football’s most intriguing quarterback battle. Mack worked as the No. 2 signal-caller behind Simpson last year, completing 24 of 32 passes for 228 yards and two scores in four appearances. Russell played in two contests, connecting on 11 of 15 throws for 143 yards and two touchdowns.

While Simpson will be missed, both Mack (No. 73 overall prospect by 247Sports in ‘24) and Russell – a former five-star recruit and the No. 2 overall prospect by 247Sports in the ‘25 signing class – bring a ton of potential to the position. After starting his career at Washington and spending the last two years in Tuscaloosa, Mack has an edge in experience in Grubb and DeBoer’s offense. However, the guess here is Russell’s high upside and talent eventually overtakes Mack for the No. 1 spot.
Predicted Winner: Russell

Clemson

The Candidates: Christopher Vizzina (Junior) vs. Chris Denson (Redshirt Freshman) vs. Tait Reynolds (True Freshman)

If Clemson is going to get back on track after a disappointing 7-6 ‘25 season, solving the quarterback position is priority No. 1. Not only are the Tigers looking to replace Cade Klubnik, but the offense is undergoing staff changes and scheme tweaks. Chad Morris returns to work as offensive coordinator, and former Clemson standout Tajh Boyd was brought in to coach quarterbacks.

Three candidates are listed as the main contenders, but it would be a major surprise if Vizzina does not exit the spring atop the depth chart. The Alabama native ranked as a four-star prospect in the ‘23 signing class and spent the last three seasons working as a backup. However, with Klubnik out due to injury, Vizzina started against SMU in ‘25 and threw for 317 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-24 loss.

Denson played in two contests last year in a redshirt season, but his mobility (108 rushing yards on just seven carries) and overall development will be intriguing to watch this spring. Reynolds and fellow true freshman Brock Bradley are a step behind in this competition.

Despite the overall inexperience in this room, Clemson didn’t take a transfer at quarterback this offseason. That means coach Dabo Swinney and Morris are banking on Vizzina’s development and growth in his first spring as the starter. 
Predicted Winner: Vizzina

Florida

The Candidates: Aaron Philo (Sophomore) and Tramell Jones (Redshirt freshman) 

This spring represents a fresh start for Florida’s offense. The Gators finished last in the SEC in scoring by averaging only 17.6 points in conference action last season under former coach Billy Napier. Former quarterback DJ Lagway had plenty of promise, but he opted to transfer to Baylor after two up-and-down seasons in Gainesville. Just three starters are back for new coach Jon Sumrall and coordinator Buster Faulkner, but the offense’s skill talent with running back Jadan Baugh and receivers Eric Singleton, Dallas Wilson, and Vernell Brown III isn’t in question. Will Philo or Jones claim a clear hold on the starting job? Or will this battle continue into the fall?

Under Faulkner’s watch, Georgia Tech’s offense ranked first in the ACC in yards per play (6.98) and tied for fourth in scoring (32.2 points a game). Faulkner’s creative attack should help the Gators maximize talent more than Napier’s stale offense accomplished over the last couple of years. 

Philo shined in limited snaps under Faulkner at Georgia Tech. In ‘24, he threw for 265 yards in a last-minute win over NC State and finished with 938 yards and added two passing scores over eight career appearances. Jones – a four-star prospect in the ‘25 signing class – also showed promise in limited work. The Florida native played in two contests last season while taking a redshirt year, completing 21 of 35 throws for 191 yards and two scores.

Philo’s experience in the offense could be the deciding factor in a tight battle. Expect this one to go down to the wire deep in fall practice.
Predicted Winner: Philo 

Nebraska

The Candidates: Anthony Colandrea vs. TJ Lateef vs. Daniel Kaelin

Three names are mentioned above as candidates, but Colandrea has an inside track on the starting job. After Dylan Raiola’s decision to transfer to Oregon, the Cornhuskers appeared to land former Notre Dame signal-caller Kenny Minchey. But he flipped a commitment to Kentucky, bringing Colandrea to Lincoln.

Over 33 games in stops at Virginia and UNLV, Colandrea showcased big-time playmaking ability with over 8,000 yards of total offense and 61 overall scores. However, interceptions were a problem at times, as Colandrea tossed 29 during those stints with the Cavaliers and Rebels. 

Lateef was pressed into action as a true freshman last season after Raiola suffered a season-ending injury in early November. The moment wasn’t too big for Lateef, as he threw for 904 yards and five scores and added 120 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. That experience should help Lateef push Colandrea in this battle this spring. Kaelin started his career at Nebraska in ‘24 but transferred to Virginia last year. A strong spring would also push him into the mix for the No. 1 spot.

Nebraska is in win-now mode under coach Matt Rhule. Colandrea should be the best option in terms of experience and playmaking ability for Rhule and play-caller Dana Holgorsen.
Predicted Winner: Colandrea 

Tennessee

The Candidates: George MacIntyre (Redshirt Freshman), Faizon Brandon (True Freshman), and Ryan Staub (Junior) 

After striking out on some of the top targets in the transfer portal, and a judge denying an injunction for an extra year for ‘25 starter Joey Aguilar, Tennessee’s quarterback room is essentially starting from scratch. While inexperience is the main storyline this spring, MacIntyre and Brandon are talented and now at the controls of coach Josh Heupel’s high-powered offense. 

MacIntyre opened spring as a slight favorite to win the job after working as Tennessee’s No. 3 signal-caller last season. Playing time was limited in that role, as he saw snaps in two contests and connected on seven of nine throws for 69 yards. Brandon – a five-star prospect in the ‘26 signing class – enrolled in time to compete in spring practice and has already made a quick impression. Colorado transfer Ryan Staub joined the team this offseason from the portal but is considered a longshot to win this job. 

With a solid ground game in place behind DeSean Bishop, talented and proven weapons at receiver, and an experienced offensive line, the winner of this battle has plenty of help in the supporting cast. The upside for both MacIntyre and Brandon is obvious. Both quarterbacks could see time early in the ‘26 season.
Predicted Winner: MacIntyre

Virginia

The Candidates: Beau Pribula (Senior) vs. Eli Holstein (Senior)

The Cavaliers are coming off their best season under coach Tony Elliott (11-3) but return only eight starters in ‘26. This spring is all about finding replacements on both sides of the ball to keep momentum going in Charlottesville. Quarterback is the position under the biggest spotlight, as ‘25 starter Chandler Morris is out of eligibility after a standout campaign with the Cavaliers.

Elliott dipped into the portal for two options to restock a room that was thin on experience. Pribula (Penn State and Missouri) and Holstein (Pitt) both worked as starters at their previous stops and should be a good fit for Elliott’s offense. 

Despite missing two games due to injury, Pribula threw for 1,941 yards and 11 touchdowns and added 297 yards and six scores on the ground with the Tigers last fall. The Pennsylvania native was utilized as more of a change-of-pace option during his previous stint at Penn State but displayed solid accuracy (67.4 percent completion rate) over 270 pass attempts with the Tigers. After a promising end to the ‘24 campaign, Holstein opened ‘25 as the starter for Pitt. However, he was benched early in the season and finished with just over 1,000 passing yards (1,081) and 12 touchdown tosses. 

Both Holstein and Pribula are capable fits for Elliott’s offense. But the guess here is Pribula wins the No. 1 spot on the depth chart. 
Predicted Winner: Pribula

Virginia Tech

The Candidates: Ethan Grunkemeyer (Sophomore) vs. Bryce Baker (Redshirt Freshman)

Optimism is high in Blacksburg for a quick turnaround in ‘26 under new coach James Franklin. Helping Franklin’s transition to the ACC are a handful of former Nittany Lions, including Grunkemeyer after a promising stint in Happy Valley.

After starter Drew Allar suffered a season-ending injury, Grunkemeyer stepped into the starting lineup for the final seven contests. The Ohio native threw for 1,339 yards and eight touchdowns to four picks in 11 overall appearances last fall and showcased improvement down the stretch. Grunkemeyer completed 11 of 12 throws for 181 yards and a score in a 37-10 blowout of Nebraska and finished ‘25 by torching Clemson for 260 yards and two touchdowns in a Pinstripe Bowl victory. 

Although Grunkemeyer’s experience with Franklin gives him an inside track to the starting job, Baker has a chance to make an impression this offseason. The North Carolina native ranked as a four-star prospect in the ‘25 signing class but did not record a snap for the Tar Heels last fall.

Can Baker push Grunkemeyer? Or will the Penn State transfer pick up where he left off in the bowl and pull away in spring practice?
Predicted Winner: Grunkemeyer

Other Top QB Battles to Watch

Arkansas: KJ Jackson vs. AJ Hill vs. Hank Hendrix
Jackson flashed potential in limited time last season, while Hill followed new coach Ryan Silverfield from Memphis to Arkansas. Keeping Jackson out of the transfer portal was a key early win for Silverfield.
Predicted Winner: Jackson

Cincinnati: JC French IV vs. Semaj Jones vs. Liam O’Brien
Brendan Sorsby is a big loss, but French IV likely holds an edge in this three-man battle after throwing for 5,882 yards in 36 games at Georgia Southern.
Predicted Winner: French IV

Duke: Walker Eget vs. Dan Mahan vs. Ari Patu
Darian Mensah’s late transfer to Miami was a massive setback for Duke. Eget’s experience (27 career appearances and 5,563 passing yards) likely wins out over Mahan’s upside.
Predicted Winner: Eget

East Carolina: Emory Williams vs. Mitch Griffis
Can new coordinator Jordan Davis and either Williams or Griffis keep the Pirates’ high-powered offense on track? Williams threw for 813 yards over 12 appearances at Miami from 2023-26.
Predicted Winner: Williams

Iowa: Hank Brown vs. Jeremy Hecklinski
Brown (Auburn) and Hecklinski (Wake Forest) joined the team prior to ’25 via the transfer portal. The Hawkeyes should lean heavily on their ground game until Hecklinski is settled into the No. 1 role.
Predicted Winner: Hecklinski

Memphis: Air Noland vs. Marcus Stokes
New coach Charles Huff hit the portal for a pair of options to battle for the starting job this spring. Stokes was a former four-star recruit and put up massive numbers (3,297 yards and 40 overall touchdowns) at West Florida last season.
Predicted Winner: Stokes

North Carolina: Billy Edwards Jr. vs. Taron Dickens vs. Miles O’Neill
Coach Bill Belichick reset the quarterback room in Chapel Hill with three transfers added this offseason. With Bobby Petrino now calling the plays, expect an improved North Carolina attack in ‘26. Edwards Jr. was limited at Wisconsin due to injury last year but is a good fit for Petrino’s scheme.
Predicted Winner: Edwards Jr.

South Florida: Michael Van Buren vs. Luke Kromenhoek vs. KJ Cooper
The Bulls should maintain their high-scoring ways under new coach Brian Hartline. Van Buren has flashed intriguing ability during stints at Mississippi State and LSU.
Predicted Winner: Van Buren

Tulane: Kadin Semonza vs. Zeon Chriss-Gremillion
New coach Will Hall has two experienced options to replace Jake Retzlaff this spring. Semonza previously started at Ball State before spending ‘25 at Tulane. Chriss-Gremillion played in 29 games at Houston from 2022-25. This battle could go deep into fall practice.
Predicted Winner: Chriss-Gremillion

West Virginia: Michael Hawkins vs. Scotty Fox
Hawkins transferred from Oklahoma to Morgantown this offseason and should be an excellent fit for coach Rich Rodriguez’s offense.
Predicted Winner: Hawkins

Related: College Football Top 25 Pre-Spring Rankings for 2026

Related: College Football’s Pre-Spring Rankings: Top 10 Coaches on the Hot Seat for 2026

Related: College Football Transfer Portal FAQ: The Process, Explained

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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