Quarterback competitions to watch in the SEC ahead of the 2026 season

It's now less than a month before the start of the 2026 college football season. However, not everyone, not even in the SEC, knows who their starting quarterback is going to be for the 2026 season.

There are still a handful of important quarterback battles going on around the SEC. That includes teams with completely new coaching staffs and teams that expect to be in the College Football Playoff picture. 

It's worth diving into the biggest of those competitions around the conference. In particular, as the season rapidly approaches. 

Alabama Crimson Tide

For the second season in a row, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has a quarterback battle on his hands. Last season, it ended up being Ty Simpson, an eventual first-round pick. Now, he'll have to choose between fourth-year QB Austin Mack and second-year QB Keelon Russell.

Mack has been with DeBoer since his days at Washington. In four games a season ago, Mack threw for 228 yards and 2 touchdowns. However, Russell was a five-star recruit and the No. 2 prospect in the Class of 2025, per 247 Sports. That's made it a battle between experience in DeBoer's system and upside.

Arkansas Razorbacks

It's a new era for the Arkansas Razorbacks, with Ryan Silverfield taking over as the head coach. There, KJ Jackson and AJ Hill are battling to be at the top of the depth chart.

Jackson, who is going into his third season at Arkansas, actually started the Missouri game in 2025. Meanwhile, Hill is in his second college season and comes as a transfer from Memphis, following Silverfield. Most expect Jackson to earn the job, but nothing is official yet.

Florida Gators

Under head coach Billy Napier and quarterback DJ Lagway, Florida fans were waiting for a breakout that never came. Now, they're both gone. Enter Jon Sumrall and enter a quarterback competition.

The battle is now between Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. Coming in as a transfer, Philo played for new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner for two seasons at Georgia Tech. While there, he acted as a backup to Haynes King. Meanwhile, Jones is in his second season in college, after coming to Florida as a three-star recruit in 2025, per 247 Sports. It's close, and for now, Florida coaches are insisting there's no timeline on a decision.

Tennessee Volunteers

Last year, Tennessee brought in veteran quarterback Joey Aguilar as a transfer. He went looking in the courts this offseason to sue for an extra year of eligibility, but lost. Now, head coach Josh Heupel needs a new quarterback again. 

The battle is between a pair of young quarterbacks, first-year player Faizon Brandon and second-year player George MacIntyre. Brandon was a five-star recruit in the Class of 2026, but obviously has no college experience. MacIntyre was a four-star in 2025, which still offers good potential, and has the added benefit of playing in two college games. Veteran Ryan Staub is also on campus, but likely not a part of a close quarterback battle.