Will Levis Approaches Offseason Like a Starter

When Brian Callahan became the Titans’ head coach last year, he took on the challenge of developing Will Levis. The team believed Callahan’s experience with quarterbacks would help Levis grow. But the 2024 season didn’t go as planned. Levis finished with a 2-10 record as the starter, throwing for 2,091 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Veteran Mason Rudolph didn’t do much better, and Tennessee ended the season 3-14 — the worst record in the league.

A Competition with the Top Pick

Now, Levis is in a quarterback battle with No. 1 overall pick Cameron Ward. So far in OTAs and mandatory minicamp, Ward has gotten more reps during team drills. Even though he’s behind in the competition, Levis continues to show up with a strong work ethic.

“Will’s been great with how he’s handled this kind of new situation,” said offensive coordinator Nick Holz. “Attitude wise, he’s a good dude and a good teammate. I give him a lot of credit for that because when you draft another quarterback with the No.1 pick, it’s not an easy situation.”

Levis didn’t hide how tough it’s been. “I think anyone who’s ever been in my situation can agree that it sucks,” he added. “I’m trying to do everything I can to not let it affect me and just be the same dude every day in the building and being here for the guys. I’m just trying to get better every day.”

Flashes of Improvement

Levis has made the most of his limited reps this offseason. One of his best throws came during the final day of minicamp — a 35-yard touchdown pass to Bryce Oliver after Levis changed the play at the line of scrimmage.

“I feel great. I’ve made a lot of progress,” Levis said. “I came out here wanting to do the right things every day.”

It’s a step forward from last season, where his decision-making often led to turnovers. He threw a pick-six against the Bears in Week 1 and had a costly fumble trying to pitch the ball while going down against the Jets. Levis spent the offseason reflecting on what went wrong.

“One thing I’ve learned the hard way is there’s no way to play your best ball if there are other things you let affect your mental,” he said. “The mindspace I was in those 20 weeks was not me.”

Offseason Work Pays Off

After the season ended, Callahan met with Levis and gave him honest feedback. Levis then went to California to train with quarterback coach Jordan Palmer, focusing mostly on footwork and movement in the pocket.

“It’s more about his lower body than anything else,” Callahan said.

Levis said the work has helped. He feels more confident in his timing, accuracy, and ball placement — and he’s finally playing in the same system for two years in a row. Since 2020, Levis has had to learn a new offense every season, going back to his time at Penn State.

Mistakes Still Happen, but Mindset Remains Strong

Even with improvements, Levis wasn’t perfect this spring. He threw an interception and fumbled a snap during OTAs. As training camp approaches in July, Levis appears to be second in the depth chart behind Ward but ahead of Kyle Allen and Tim Boyle.

Still, Levis isn’t changing how he prepares.

“I don’t plan on shifting my mindset at all, regardless of what the situation is,” Levis said. “I’m just going to be ready to play quarterback whenever my name’s called.”