Nick Marshall departs for Auburn after a thrilling two-season run on the Plains highlighted by an SEC championship and BCS National Championship Game appearance.

Now, it appears rising junior Jeremy Johnson will take over for Marshall, though the quarterback competition could be declared open this spring.

Let’s take a look at the quarterback situation in 2015 for the Tigers.

2014 quarterback: Nick Marshall, 2532 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, 61 percent completion percentage

2015 favorite: Jeremy Johnson, rising junior; 28-of-37, 436 yards, three touchdowns

Others involved: Sean White, rising junior; Jason Smith, JUCO transfer; Tucker Tuberville, rising junior; Ben Durand, rising senior; Tyler Queen, incoming freshman

Level of concern (1-10): 4 — The job is all but a lock to be Johnson’s as head coach Gus Malzahn and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee look to the spring. The only viable contenders to the spot are JUCO transfer, and former Mississippi Gulf Coast quarterback, Jason Smith who is similar in stature and style to Marshall and rising sophomore Sean White who was the top quarterback in the 2014 class and MVP of the Elite 11 camp. Johnson has shown his ability as a passer and is in position to flourish.

When it will be decided: Spring practice. The competition is not expected to drag out to fall camp, and if Johnson has a good showing and takes command of the offense this spring, he should be named the starter as the Tigers look to the 2015 season.

Biggest ally: Duke Williams. The junior surprised many by announcing he’ll return to the Tigers for his senior season. Williams led Auburn in receiving this season and is poised for a monster 2015 teaming up with Johnson who is a better passer than Marshall. The passing game figures to be more prevalent for the Tigers in 2015. For the first time under Malzahn — both as a coordinator and head coach — Auburn will have questions at running back entering the season.