Three QB Battles to Watch Around the Country

This article covers three notable QB battles from around to country to monitor heading into Spring Ball.

Ole Miss

The QB room at Ole Miss has been a hot topic recently. Lane Kiffin and the Rebels have been busy in the transfer portal, adding former five-star LSU QB Walker Howard, as well as long-time Oklahoma State starter Spencer Sanders. In addition to that, they return last year’s starter, Jaxson Dart. Safe to say, the Rebels have an immense amount of depth at the position. However, only one QB can rise above the rest and be the full-time starter. As to who that will be, it’s anyone’s guess. Each QB has its own advantages. Dart was obviously the starter last year, so he already has a firm grasp of the playbook. On top of that, he has the locker room behind him. Sanders is extremely athletic, and he has the most experience of all of them. However, this also means he has the least amount of eligibility. Walker Howard arguably has the highest ceiling of them all, but he also lacks meaningful experience. There are pros and cons to each guy, so it’ll be interesting to see what Lane Kiffin values the most out of the position.

My Prediction: Jaxson Dart

Sep 24, 2022; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs the ball for a first down during the first half against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

Alabama

With Bryce Young declaring for the NFL, there is a gaping hole in the QB room. There are plenty of competitors, but ultimately only one signal caller can take the field for the Tide. Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, Eli Holstein, and Dylan Lonergan are all contending for that coveted spot. Milroe brings the most experience to the table, as well as some freakish athleticism. However, there are a few question marks around his passing ability. Simpson brings a ton of arm talent to the table but lacks experience. I don’t think that either of the true freshmen will contend for the job due to the nature of the position. It should be fun to watch this competition unfold during spring ball.

My prediction: Ty Simpson

Oct 15, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks to pass the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium.

Ohio State

With CJ Stroud leaving the Buckeyes for the NFL, Ohio State is looking for their next great QB under Ryan Day. They have plenty of talent on the bench, but once again, that talent lacks experience (a common theme so far, I know). The QBs in contention for the job are Kyle McCord, Devin Brown, and Tristan Gebbia. Out of the three QBs, Gebbia has the most experience, however, I don’t see him as much more than a depth player. This battle is mostly between McCord and Devin Brown. McCord was rated as a five-star player out of high school and has arguably the strongest arm on the team. Devin Brown is one year younger than McCord and is more of an athlete. I believe that McCord has the better arm, as well as a better chance of being named the starter come August.