As teams like Alabama and Stanford have already announced their starting quarterbacks, there remain several significant quarterback competitions across the nation. With the Week 1 kick-off of the college football season only two weeks away, high-profile teams in both the SEC and Big Ten are still defining their leadership on the field. Notably, teams such as Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Tennessee, who were participants in last year’s College Football Playoff, are eager for their selected quarterback to replicate their previous successes in the upcoming 2025 season.
Among the most intriguing quarterback battles are those at Michigan and Colorado, where there is a possibility that two true freshmen could take the reins as QB1, provided they can outperform their veteran counterparts as fall camp enters its final phase. Recent updates from fall camp indicate that promising talents like Nico Iamaleava at UCLA are already being labeled as "special," while the wide receivers at Georgia are being touted as some of the best in a decade.
Here’s a detailed look at the current status of several prominent quarterback competitions across the country.
When Steve Angeli entered the transfer portal in mid-April, many believed that CJ Carr, a top-50 overall recruit from the Class of 2024, was destined to become the starting quarterback for Notre Dame. However, as fall camp progresses, the situation is far from decided. Reports suggest that redshirt sophomore Kenny Minchey is emerging as a serious contender for the position. Minchey, a four-star recruit from the Class of 2023 known for his dual-threat capabilities, has made a significant impact in practices. Fighting Irish coach Marcus Freeman is expected to finalize his decision on the starting quarterback following Notre Dame's upcoming scrimmage.
In Columbus, feedback from fall camp indicates that Julian Sayin, a five-star recruit from the Class of 2024, is trending toward securing the starting quarterback position for Ohio State. Sources have noted that Sayin has consistently outperformed junior Lincoln Kienholz during practice sessions. Both quarterbacks received first-team reps, but insiders believe that Coach Ryan Day will likely announce his choice after the Buckeyes' scrimmage this weekend. It would be surprising if Sayin is not selected as the starter.
For Michigan, even though head coach Sherrone Moore has stated that a starting quarterback will not be named publicly for another two weeks, five-star freshman Bryce Underwood is emerging as the favorite. While redshirt freshman Jadyn Davis has had opportunities to run with the first-team offense, the expectation is that Underwood, who is the top-ranked player in the Class of 2025, will take the helm when the Wolverines face New Mexico on August 30.
At Colorado, the upcoming scrimmage will play a crucial role in determining the starting quarterback between veteran Kaidon Salter and highly-touted true freshman Julian Lewis. Salter, a fifth-year senior with an impressive record of 77 career touchdowns, appears to be the frontrunner for the job. However, the Colorado coaching staff has high hopes for Lewis, viewing him as a potential future NFL talent, making this competition one to watch closely.
In Tennessee, the competition remains fierce between Joey Aguilar, a transfer from UCLA, and redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger. During the Vols' recent scrimmage, both quarterbacks split first-team reps. However, Aguilar seems to hold a slight edge in this contest. Previously the starter at Appalachian State, Aguilar threw for 6,760 yards and 56 touchdowns over the last two seasons, making him a formidable candidate as he transitions to the Tennessee program.
As the college football landscape continues to evolve, these quarterback competitions will be pivotal in shaping the upcoming season, highlighting the importance of effective leadership and talent on the field.
