College Football QB Battles Still Undecided After 2023 Spring Practices

No roster decision in college football is more important than determining which quarterback will lead the offense.

For a handful of projected top contenders in 2023, the choice is simple. USC returns Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, while Michigan and Clemson are set to feature J.J. McCarthy and Cade Klubnik, respectively. We know they’ll be propelling a championship pursuit.

But where are the marquee undecided battles?

Alabama and Ohio State headlined two of the seven most impactful competitions that didn’t find an answer in the spring. These position battles will be the main headlines during both the summer and fall camp.

On paper, Alabama’s quarterback room is stacked. Returning backup Jalen Milroe was a top-100 prospect, Ty Simpson held a 5-star billing and 2023 signees Eli Holstein and Dylan Lonergan were 4-stars.

However, the Crimson Tide still have a QB dilemma.

After spring practice ended, Alabama reunited Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner with offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. Buchner opened three games when healthy in 2022 but left Notre Dame once it became clear Sam Hartman would be the starter in South Bend.

Milroe started one game in place of an injured Bryce Young last season. Simpson earned that coveted 5-star ranking before redshirting in his first year on campus. Buchner was another top-100 player in Milroe’s class.

On paper, the Tide are loaded with options. In reality, Bama has no clarity at quarterback heading into the summer.

The first season of Billy Napier’s tenure ended in serious disappointment. Florida trudged to 6-7 and closed the year on a three-game skid to Vanderbilt, Florida State and Oregon State.

Now, the Gators need to replace Anthony Richardson. Though he was inefficient, the recent first-round NFL draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts had dynamic mobility. Florida’s offense will look different in 2023 because Graham Mertz and Jack Miller III are more traditional passers.

Mertz, who transferred from Wisconsin, is likely the front-runner because of his experience. But the Gators’ challenge is to unleash the version of Mertz that basically disappeared after his incredible debut in 2020.

Miller is only a sophomore, so he’s aiming to take command of the UF offense for multiple seasons.

Who replaces two-time champion Stetson Bennett lV?

Georgia lost a bunch of talent to the NFL once again, but this competition will control the headlines in Athens. The pursuit of a third straight national title hinges on the answer.

As you’d expect, the Dawgs have a wealth of talent. Brock Vandagriff earned a 5-star label in 2021, heading to UGA between 2020 4-star Carson Beck and 2022 4-star Gunnar Stockton….