QB Uncertainty Clouds Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, and LSU Entering 2026 Season

Quarterback battles remain unresolved at Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, and LSU as fall camp rolls through mid-August, leaving each program without a clear answer at the sport's most important position heading into the 2026 season.

At Alabama, coach Kalen DeBoer has declined to pursue a veteran solution through the transfer portal following Ty Simpson's departure, instead keeping faith in an internal competition between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. ESPN's Heather Dinich, speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, said the unsettled situation contributed to her belief that the Crimson Tide's No. 13 preseason AP ranking may be inflated. Analyst Josh Pate pushed back on any suggestion that Russell has pulled away, saying he could vow the competition remains tight entering the later stages of camp.

He likes both of those quarterbacks. That's why he didn't go into the portal. He's gonna find one. But until you see it, and until you see it under the lights, 13's high, I think, for Bama.

— ESPN's Heather Dinich, on The Pat McAfee Show

Tennessee's situation drew even sharper criticism from Dinich, who questioned why the Volunteers appear in the Preseason AP Top 25 at No. 20 at all. Josh Heupel's program is working through a competition between true freshman Faizon Brandon and redshirt freshman George MacIntyre, who appeared in two games last season and completed 7-of-9 passes for 69 yards. Pate said he is heavily leaning toward Brandon eventually winning the job, noting the offense has appeared more rhythmic during his reps, but no decision has been announced.

I can't believe Tennessee is even ranked. Why is Tennessee ranked, let alone No. 20? I mean, they better find a quarterback and find some answers fast there.

— ESPN's Heather Dinich, on The Pat McAfee Show

Florida is in a similar position, with Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. continuing their competition for the starting role ahead of the Gators' Sept. 5 season opener. Florida Athletics confirmed the battle is ongoing with no resolution announced as of Monday. At LSU, coach Lane Kiffin addressed reporters following the Tigers' first fall camp scrimmage, which included evaluation of quarterback Sam Leavitt's mobility, though the depth chart at that position also remains unsettled.

Across the four programs, the common thread is time running short. With season openers weeks away, each coaching staff faces mounting pressure to identify a starter, install a full game plan around that player, and build the kind of rhythm that typically takes a full camp to develop. For programs with preseason rankings on the line — and in some cases, skeptics already questioning whether those rankings are deserved — the urgency is only growing.