College QB battles to keep an eye on in 2017

Sophomore Jalen Hurts was the presumptive 2017 starter after last season's success, but Tua Tagovailoa's upside could make things interesting. Tagovailoa was terrific in Alabama's spring game.

Baylor transfer Jarrett Stidham is the favorite to win the Tigers' quarterback job, though incumbent Sean White has more experience in the offense. Stidham has been mentioned as a possible Heisman candidate.

Baylor is going through a major transition under new head coach Matt Rhule. The quarterback competition is a three-horse race between returning starter Zach Smith, transfer Anu Solomon and freshman Charlie Brewer.

Replacing Deshaun Watson is no small task for the Tigers, who are still expected to compete for a national title. Clemson has three good choices in junior Kelly Bryant, redshirt freshman Zerrick Cooper and freshman Hunter Johnson.

Finding a quarterback has been a problem for the Gators over the last several years. Redshirt freshmen Feleipe Franks and Kyle Trask are just two of the long-term candidates, but Notre Dame transfer Malik Zaire should have the most polish. Former starter Luke Del Rio is also in the conversation.

With the departure of Greg Ward Jr., the Cougars still have a viable competition for new head coach Major Applewhite. Transfer Kyle Allen would seem like the front-runner vs. Kyle Postma.

Mark Stoops has a decision to make between Stephen Johnson and former starter Drew Barker. The Wildcats hope to make a bowl for the second straight year.

The LSU starting quarterback is mostly a complement to all-world running back Derrius Guice. Danny Etling will likely remain the starter after playing well last season, but young Myles Brennan could emerge.

The Terrapins still have a wide-open battle just a few weeks before the start of the season. Caleb Henderson, Tyrrell Pigrome (pictured), Max Bortenschlager and Kasim Hill are all competing for the job.

Replacing Brad Kaaya will be difficult for the Canes. Evan Shirreffs and Malik Rosier are the likely front-runners for a competition could go well into the regular season.

Wilton Speight fared relatively well as Michigan's starter last season, as the Wolverines fell just short in the Big Ten title, and is likely to retain the role. However, redshirt freshman Brandon Peters and fifth-year senior John O'Korn could push him.

New head coach P.J. Fleck has fans excited, but his biggest early decision will be choosing a starting quarterback. Conor Rhoda and Demry Croft are currently the front-runners.

Tanner Lee is likely to be Tommy Armstrong's replacement for the Huskers, but young Patrick O'Brien is waiting in the wings if Lee falters.

The Tar Heels have had excellent quarterback play recently, particularly from No. 2 overall draft choice Mitch Trubisky last season. LSU transfer Brandon Harris is the most high-profile candidate for the job this year, but Chazz Surratt also brings great potential upside. Nathan Elliott and Logan Byrd are also candidates.

Vying for the shot at replacing Nate Peterman will be USC transfer Max Browne and Ben DiNucci. Browne certainly seems like he has the momentum heading into the year.

Stanford is in transition after losing stars Christian McCaffrey and Solomon Thomas. Keller Chryst has experience, but he's fighting off junior Ryan Burns.

There are big shoes in fill for the Vols after Joshua Dobbs departed for the NFL. Jarrett Guarantano seems to have the momentum as of mid-August, but he hasn't been named the starter over Quinten Dormady just yet.

Shane Buechele is the overwhelming favorite to be new head coach Tom Herman's starter, but he's far from a sure thing. Sam Ehlinger, at just age 18, still has a shot.

Head coach Kevin Sumlin continues to search for a consistent starter since Johnny Manziel's departure. There are three candidates for the Aggies job this year, with Jake Hubenak the likely winner, but Nick Starkel and Kellen Mond are also in the running.

Redshirt freshman Josh Jackson looks like the guy as of mid-August, but the momentum could sway if he gets off to a slow start. Hendon Hooker and A.J. Bush are the alternatives.