How former 5-star QBs fared in key scrimmage battles for Alabama, Tennessee, Vanderbilt
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- Keelon Russell led "the majority of scoring drives" in Alabama's scrimmage against Austin Mack, though Kalen DeBoer said he doesn't "feel closer" to naming a starter.
- Faizon Brandon, a true freshman, produced all three explosive passing plays and the lone touchdown pass in Tennessee's scrimmage, outperforming redshirt freshman George MacIntyre, who threw the only interception.
- Jared Curtis, the No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 class who chose Vanderbilt over Georgia, had what Clark Lea called "his best day," though veteran Blaze Berlowitz remains "more advanced in knowing the offense."
- All three SEC coaches declined to name a Week 1 starter after the scrimmages, with Josh Heupel wanting to "go watch the tape" and Lea saying "I'm not ready to do that."
- The QB battles feature elite recruits: Russell was the No. 2 player in the 2025 signing class, Brandon is the No. 2 QB in the 2026 cycle, and Curtis was the No. 1 QB in the 2026 class.
Why it matters: Elite five-star freshmen gained ground against veteran upperclassmen at all three SEC programs, though none of the coaches committed to a starter after the scrimmages. With Week 1 looming, the decisions will determine whether Alabama, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt open the season with experienced veterans or higher-ceiling newcomers under center.
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