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Ashton Daniels Named Florida State's Starting Quarterback
According to On3's Pete Nakos, former Stanford and Auburn quarterback Ashton Daniels has been named Florida State's starter entering 2026. Daniels is entering Year 5 of his collegiate career after spending three seasons with the Cardinal and one with the Tigers. Overall, he has tallied 4,783 passing yards, 1,397 rushing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, 11 rushing touchdowns, and 22 interceptions in 37 career games. Daniels is joined in the Seminole quarterback room by redshirt freshman Kevin Sperry and junior transfer Malachi Marshall. Daniels flashed upside in last year's Iron Bowl, as Auburn took Alabama to the wire in the final week of the regular season. FSU head coach Mike Norvell will need a heroic performance from Daniels this season if he wants to keep his job after going 7-17 over the last two campaigns.
Source: Pete Nakos - On3
Source: Pete Nakos - On3
Michigan Lands Commitment From Quarterback Kamden Lopati
Four-star quarterback in the Class of 2027 Kamden Lopati committed to Michigan on Tuesday, marking Kyle Whittingham's first quarterback commitment. Lopati is a Utah native, a state where Whittingham worked as the head coach of the Utes from 2004 to 2025. While questions have been raised about how long Whittingham could be at Michigan, picking up a big-time quarterback recruit could go a long way in showing future recruits that he is here for the long haul. As a junior in 2025, Lopati tallied 2,671 passing yards, 34 passing touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 13 games. The 6-3, 220-pound prospect is a top 10 signal caller in next year's class and could be in line to take over for Bryce Underwood in the future.
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN
Tramell Jones Jr. Outperforms Aaron Philo During Florida's Spring Scrimmage
Florida's quarterback battle between returner Tramell Jones Jr. and Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo is the top story of the Gators' offseason, and Saturday's spring game provided a first look at the competition. Jones had the better day of the two, completing 13 of his 17 passing attempts for 210 yards and two touchdowns, including a 75-yard passing touchdown to Micah Mays Jr. Philo tallied 19 completions on 25 attempts for 171 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Many assumed Philo would be the starter entering spring, given his relationship with offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, but Jones is a real threat to enter the 2026 campaign in the QB1 role. New head coach Jon Sumrall is unlikely to name a starter until at least August.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Keelon Russell Flashes in Alabama's Spring Game
Redshirt-freshman quarterback Keelon Russell had a fantastic outing during Alabama's A-Day scrimmage, tallying 21 completions, 240 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. He is battling Austin Mack for the QB1 job in Tuscaloosa, and although Mack was the first quarterback on the field on Saturday, the competition is viewed as wide open. Russell is a former five-star recruit in the Class of 2025, and the belief is that Alabama could opt to start him if the competition is close since he is the younger player. It's important not to read too far into spring scrimmages, but Russell looked the part. Head coach Kalen Deboer is not expected to name a starter for 2026 anytime soon.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Gunner Stockton Looking "Great" After Offseason Injury
Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton (undisclosed) suffered an injury early in the offseason, but head coach Kirby Smart said he is "great" in an update during spring practice. He's practicing," Smart said. "He had a little offseason injury in our workouts, but he's fine now. He's limited a little bit the first couple of days, but he's out there competing, doing a good job, focusing on things he needs to improve on, and competing with those other guys. I've been really pleased with Gunner." In his first full year as a starter for the Bulldogs, Stockton completed nearly 70% of his passes for 2,894 yards, 24 passing touchdowns, and five interceptions. He added 462 rushing yards and 10 scores in 14 games. Stockton and the Bulldogs had a great season that ended with an SEC Championship Game win, but a College Football Playoff win has been elusive over the last three seasons. A big part of getting Georgia back over the hump will be Stockton taking his game to the next level.
Source: On3.com
Source: On3.com
Sam Leavitt Showing "Encouraging Signs" at LSU Practice
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt (foot) is a limited participant during his first spring practice with the Tigers due to a Lisfranc injury suffered early in the 2025 campaign with Arizona State. However, ESPN's Greg McElroy said he is showing "encouraging signs" in his limited action. "Sounds like he's throwing sharp and some long-distance shots," McElroy said. "Footwork looked okay. ... It's encouraging." The 21-year-old's mobility is a significant aspect of his game, so his recovery will be key for the Tigers' chances to compete for an SEC and national title in 2026. Lane Kiffin's squad is one of the most expensive rosters in the country, so the program expects to compete right away. In Kiffin's offense, it would not be a surprise to see Leavitt contend for the Heisman Trophy if LSU wins enough games.
Source: On3.com
Source: On3.com
Notre Dame Ranks No. 1 in Returning Production for 2026
According to ESPN's Bill Connelly's research, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish rank No. 1 in the country in total returning production (72%). Marcus Freeman's squad returns 67% (19th) of its offensive production and 77% (2nd) of its defensive production. The departure of running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price leaves the biggest shoes to fill, but the Irish will have tons of experienced players back in the starting lineup in 2026. Notre Dame is viewed as one of the favorites to win the College Football Playoff National Championship after ripping off 10 straight wins to close the 2025 campaign. There were notably left out of the 2025-26 CFP despite being ranked ahead of Miami for many weeks leading up to the final rankings.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Alberto Mendoza Drawing Positive Reviews at Georgia Tech
After losing starting quarterback Haynes King and backup Aaron Philo after the 2025 season, Georgia Tech targeted and landed Indiana transfer Alberto Mendoza early in the offseason process. The brother of Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza attempted just 24 passes last season, completing 18 for 286 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. Despite his limited action, Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key was confident in his ability, and he hasn't disappointed thus far in Atlanta. "We found a guy that's literally the first in the building every day, will not be beat in the building," Key said. "Once we're done with football in the morning, he goes to class and gets straight A's. He's going to be the last one to leave. It's Saturday, it's Sunday. He's just coming in, 'Hey, can I come hang out? Sit with y'all and listen?' He is ball all day long." Mendoza will be tested early in his starting career in a matchup with Jim Knowles' defense and Tennessee in Week 2, but all reports have been positive out of the program so far.
Source: Pete Nakos - On3
Source: Pete Nakos - On3
Anthony Colandrea Impressing in Nebraska's Spring Practices
After the departure of two-year starter Dylan Raiola, former UNLV quarterback Anthony Colandrea is the favorite to handle QB1 duties for Nebraska in 2026. Notre Dame transfer Kenny Minchey initially committed to the Huskers before flipping to Kentucky, but Colandrea could end up being the better immediate option for Matt Rhule. According to On3's Pete Nakos, Colandrea has impressed in spring practice and is separating himself from TJ Lateef and Daniel Kaelin. Colandrea comes to Lincoln after two seasons at Virginia and one year with the Rebels. In 33 career games, he has completed 627 of his 983 passes for 7,542 yards, 49 touchdowns, and 29 interceptions. He added 1,151 rushing yards and 12 scores on the ground. He led UNLV to 10 wins and an appearance in the Mountain West Conference Championship Game in 2025. He'll look to lead the Huskers to their first season of at least eight wins since 2014.
Source: On3.com
Source: On3.com
CJ Carr Enters Sophomore Season as Heisman Favorite
Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr has the shortest odds to win the Heisman Trophy (+800) via FanDuel Sportsbook, and ESPN ranked Carr the No. 1 Power 4 quarterback entering 2026. This aligns with Notre Dame being one of the favorites to win the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship. After a shaky first game as a starter against Miami in Week 1, Carr was excellent in 2025. Overall, he tallied 2,741 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, and six interceptions en route to a 10-2 debut record. While the Irish will have to replace key offensive weapons, Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price, Eli Raridon, and Malachi Fields, the program has been among the best high school and transfer portal recruiters in the country. Notre Dame is expected to be one of the premier teams in college football next season after just missing the College Football Playoff last year, and if that plays out, Carr's chances to be in New York at the end of the regular season are high.
Source: FanDuel Sportsbook
Source: FanDuel Sportsbook
Aaron Philo Not a Lock to be Florida's Starting QB?
Georgia Tech transfer quarterback Aaron Philo followed his former offensive coordinator, Buster Faulkner, to Florida following two seasons together in Atlanta. While many view Philo as the favorite to win the Gators' starting quarterback job, it is an open competition, and redshirt freshman Tramell Jones Jr. is a threat to win the job. In eight game appearances with the Yellow Jackets, Philo completed 59 of his 102 passing attempts for 938 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. He tallied 95 yards and one touchdown on the ground. He primarily backed up Haynes King, but he showed a few flashes in limited action. Jones Jr., a former three-star recruit brought in by Billy Napier, appeared in two games for the Gators last year and completed 21 passes for 191 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Florida's offense has been a disaster for most of the last few years, but it remains loaded with talent. Whoever wins Florida's quarterback job will work with stud running back Jadan Baugh and a fantastic trio of wideouts in Eric Singleton Jr., Vernell Brown III, and Dallas Wilson. With Faulkner calling plays, the offensive turnaround in Gainesville could be a quick one.
Source: On3.com
Source: On3.com
George MacIntyre the Favorite to Win Tennessee Quarterback Battle?
After it was announced that Joey Aguilar would not be able to return as Tennessee's starting quarterback in 2026, attention turned to redshirt freshman George MacIntyre and true freshman Faizon Brandon as key players in the Volunteers' starting quarterback battle this Spring and Fall. Tennessee added Colorado quarterback Ryan Staub in the transfer portal, but it would be a surprise if he were named the starter over the two blue-chip recruits. MacIntyre, a four-star prospect in the Class of 2025, completed just seven passes for 69 yards in his first year in Knoxville, serving as the third-string quarterback. Brandon, a consensus five-star and top-three quarterback in the Class of 2026, is on campus and is set to compete right away when Tennessee begins spring practice on March 24. Neither player has meaningful college football experience, but MacIntyre likely has a leg up after a full year learning Josh Heupel's system, which has been known for taking some time to master. The Vols have consistently had one of the top offenses in the SEC under Heupel, but his 2026 starter figures to have the least experience of any of his quarterbacks on Rocky Top.
Source: Joey Petersen - Tennessee Football Talk
Source: Joey Petersen - Tennessee Football Talk
Keelon Russell, Austin Mack Battling for Alabama QB1 Duties
Alabama began spring practice on March 13, and the biggest story to watch is the starting quarterback battle between redshirt junior Austin Mack and redshirt freshman Keelon Russell. Whoever wins the job has big shoes to fill after Ty Simpson led the Crimson Tide to the SEC Championship Game and a College Football Playoff win behind 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He thrived for most of the season despite Alabama lacking a true rushing attack. Mack has more experience and has worked under Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb for longer, dating back to his time at Washington, but Russell is a former big-time recruit with elite athleticism. Mack might be the safer play, but Russell is viewed as having a higher ceiling. Alabama once again has one of the most talented rosters in college football, so DeBoer nailing the starting quarterback decision could be the difference between legitimately contending for a national championship or just being a fringe CFP contender.
Source: Nick Kelly - AL.com
Source: Nick Kelly - AL.com
Mark Stoops Joining Texas Coaching Staff
Former Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops is joining Steve Sarkisian's coaching staff at Texas, according to On3's Chris Low. He will work as a special assistant to Sarkisian in 2026. The 58-year-old was let go by the Wildcats after 13 seasons, in which he tallied a 72-80 record. Stoops led Kentucky to eight straight bowl berths before failing to qualify in each of the last two seasons. Stoops is well known for his work with defensive backs, which will likely be his area of focus while working with new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. While his time in Lexington came to a rough end, Stoops has had success on defense in the SEC, and he's a high-caliber coach for an assistant role.
Source: On3 on X
Source: On3 on X
Chandler Morris Suing NCAA for Seventh Year of Eligibility
Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris is seeking a seventh year of collegiate eligibility. The 25-year-old is suing the NCAA, arguing that he's only had the chance to play three meaningful seasons of college football. Morris started in just three games through his first three seasons at Oklahoma and TCU, and he participated in just 26 snaps with the Horned Frogs in 2022, as part of a medically prescribed mental health treatment plan, which was counted against him as a full season of eligibility. Morris, who threw for 3,000-plus yards in 2024 (North Texas) and 2025 (Virginia), is just the latest quarterback looking to find a loophole and another season of college football. If he can return to Virginia in 2026, he'll be viewed as one of the top quarterbacks in the ACC after leading the Cavaliers to an 11-3 record. This situation will likely take time to play out.
Source: Pete Nakos - On3
Source: Pete Nakos - On3
