Several SEC Schools Name Starting QBs Ahead Of The Season

Three SEC programs have settled their quarterback competitions with the 2026 college football season quickly approaching.

Alabama will roll with sophomore Keelon Russell, who beat out Austin Mack for the starting job. The former five-star prospect appeared sparingly as a freshman last season, completing 12 of 18 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Russell will replace Ty Simpson, who was selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel announced Monday that true freshman Faizon Brandon earned the starting job over George MacIntyre and Ryan Staub. Brandon, a five-star prospect in the 2026 recruiting class, will become Tennessee's first true freshman quarterback to start a season opener since Brent Schaeffer in 2004.

Vanderbilt also made its decision Tuesday, naming veteran Blaze Berlowitz the starter for the Commodores' season opener against Austin Peay. Berlowitz won the competition over five-star true freshman Jared Curtis, one of the highest-rated recruits in Vanderbilt history.

With the season opener just days away, Alabama, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt now know who will be leading their offenses in Week 1.