SEC programs delay quarterback decisions as 2026 season approaches

The race for starting quarterback roles at three major SEC institutions has intensified following recent practice sessions, with head coaches refusing to declare a winner as the 2026 regular season draws near. The University of Alabama, University of Tennessee, and Vanderbilt University are all navigating tight competitions involving highly ranked recruits, creating a landscape of uncertainty for the upcoming campaign.

At Alabama, five-star recruit Keelon Russell is competing against redshirt junior Austin Mack. Reports indicate that Russell led the majority of scoring drives and produced several notable plays, despite a slow start to the scrimmage. Russell, who was the No. 2 player in the 2025 signing class, offers elite mobility that could provide an additional weapon for the offence. However, head coach Kalen DeBoer stated he does not feel closer to naming a starter, emphasising that both players improved as the session progressed and that early execution issues were shared rather than individual failures.

In Tennessee, the competition pits five-star true freshman Faizon Brandon against redshirt freshman George MacIntyre. Brandon reportedly performed better in recent drills, being responsible for all three explosive plays and throwing the only touchdown pass, while MacIntyre threw an interception. MacIntyre holds an advantage in understanding the offensive system due to a full year in the programme, but Brandon brings significant star potential as the No. 2 quarterback in the 2026 recruiting cycle. Head coach Josh Heupel noted that both players have taken good care of the football and shown growth, but he intends to review game tape before making a decision.

Vanderbilt’s situation remains equally complex, with five-star recruit Jared Curtis battling veteran Blaze Berlowitz. Curtis, the No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 class, displayed creativity and what head coach Clark Lea described as his best day regarding consistency. Conversely, Berlowitz possesses superior knowledge of the offensive playbook. Lea highlighted the contrasting strengths of the two signal callers, noting he wants Berlowitz to be more explosive while urging Curtis to slow the game down.

Despite the performances of these top-tier prospects, all three head coaches have declined to name a starting quarterback. DeBoer, Heupel, and Lea emphasised the need for further evaluation and the importance of starting faster in future game-like practices. The pressure is now on these young players to resolve their internal competitions before the regular season begins, leaving their respective fanbases without a clear leader at the most pivotal position on the field.