Quarterback play can make or break a team in the SEC, and some of the league’s programs are in better shape than others heading into the new season.
On Tuesday night, On3 projected every starting quarterback ahead of Week 1 of the 2026 campaign. A few of these picks appear obvious, such as Arch Manning at Texas or Gunner Stockton at Georgia, but others are arguable or even bold on the part of On3.
Here’s a look at On3’s projected starters:
While this projection could be entirely correct, there are 4 teams and QB battles I’m circling heading into the new season, as follows:
- Alabama: Keelon Russell or Austin Mack
- Florida: Aaron Philo or Tramell Jones Jr.
- Tennessee: Faizon Brandon or George MacIntyre
- Vanderbilt: Blaze Berlowitz or Jared Curtis
Alabama‘s job feels like a true coin flip. Both Mack and Russell are mobile quarterbacks who had limited opportunities heading into this season. Mack has more experience with Kalen DeBoer while Russell appears to be the higher-ceiling option. If this writer was calling the shots, it’d be Russell — but Mack could definitely win the job come Week 1.
Philo and Brandon will both probably start in Week 1 as projected by On3. Philo joins the Gators alongside former GT offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, but I can’t help but think Jones is the better long-term prospect for the Gators. He proved to be a natural leader as a freshman in brief glimpses last season, and he’ll only get better with time. I’d count on Jones starting several games for Florida as the season wears on.
As for Brandon, the fact that George MacIntyre didn’t separate himself in the spring is telling. Notably, MacIntyre stands at 6-foot-6, 208 pounds — an improvement on his weight from the spring but still under the mark compared to Brandon at 6-foot-4, 225 pounds.
The placement I disagree with the most on this projection is Blaze Berlowitz starting the season over Jared Curtis, one of the highest-rated prospects in Vanderbilt football history. Curtis didn’t come to Nashville to sit on the bench, even if Berlowitz has more trust and familiarity within the system.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
