SEC’s QB controversies return with game week

By Chris Marler

It’s game week in the SEC, which means the return of one of college football’s most frustrating coaching traditions. 

The “ – OR – “ epidemic. 

Depth charts are being released ahead of season openers and massive week one games. That means endless ‘– OR –’ listings across the two- and three-deep, with coaches calling it a way to ‘keep competition alive after camp.’ For the most part, that caveat has been utilized for most positions except the starting quarterback. 

There are still some starting quarterback battles that continue to wage, like Missouri. And, there are several intriguing battles for backup spots all across the league. Here’s the latest update on quarterback battles across the SEC.

LSU 

Garrett Nussmeier is the clear starter. The main question in Baton Rouge is who will be the backup. 

Throughout Fall Camp it feels like Michael Van Buren and Colin Hurley have been pretty even with their play. That’s not necessarily a compliment, as both have had a lot of struggles. However, a lot of that is inexperience, a struggling offensive line and going up against one of the best defenses they’ll face all season. 

Van Buren is the obvious choice considering his starting experience at Mississippi State. Plus, the price tag for him this offseason gives zero reason to think he’ll be third string. 

Missouri

The only quarterback battle that is still going is in “the other Columbia.” 

This felt like it was clear cut this offseason. The Tigers reportedly paid Penn State transfer Beau Pribula around $1.5 million to come to Missouri. However, incumbent backup Sam Horn is entering year four of his collegiate career. The former four-star quarterback is a two sport player and was just drafted in the 17th round of the MLB Draft by the Dodgers. 

Horn and Pribula will reportedly both split reps in Thursday’s opener against Central Arkansas. How long the battle goes into the season is unknown. Missouri will welcome longtime rival Kansas to town in Week Two, so look for it to be settled sooner rather than later. 

Kentucky 

Zach Calzada was named the starter on Monday morning by Kentucky coach Mark Stoops. 

Calzada is in his seventh year of college, with this being his third stop in the SEC after previously playing at Texas A&M and Auburn. Calzada is best remembered for leading Texas A&M’s stunning upset of Alabama in 2021. However, his most recent stop was at Cam Ward’s former school, Incarnate Word where he started for two years. 

Calzada finished the 2024 season with over 4,100 yards of offense and 40 touchdowns, while leading the FCS in passing touchdowns. 

Alabama

Ty Simpson was named the starter early by Kalen DeBoer and his staff. 

The former five-star enters his fourth year at Alabama, aiming to follow Mac Jones’ 2020 path after Tua Tagovailoa. But Simpson isn’t the main storyline.

Similar to LSU, the more intriguing battle is who will be the backup. DeBoer brought former four-star Austin Mack with him from Washington when he arrived in Tuscaloosa. He has the strongest arm of any QB on campus. 

However, he is battling for second team reps with freshman Keelon Russell. Russell is the highest-ranked recruit in program history, and in today’s transfer portal era, it would be surprising to see him buried on the third team.

Tennessee

Former Appalachian State QB Joey Aguilar was named the starter last week after battling with second year QB Jake Merklinger during Fall Camp. 

Aguilar was expected to be the starter after reports indicated he received roughly $1.2 million in what amounted to a trade with UCLA for Nico Iamaleava. Aguilar never played a down for the Bruins, but did leave Pasadena for Knoxville after the Iamaleava drama unfolded during spring ball. 

Aguilar was a two year starter at Appalachian State, finishing with 56 career passing touchdowns and 6,760 passing yards.