College Football Preview 2026: ACC Part 2

Micah Ford, Stanford

Power Rankings

Teams 1-9 in Part 1

10. Virginia Tech Hokies

The James Franklin era begins in Blacksburg at a key moment for the program. Once a perennial power in the Big East and ACC, the Hokies have not reached the ten-win plateau in a decade, since Justin Fuente’s first season in charge. Franklin has immediately brought energy, and the hope is that he will eventually bring wins.

Coming with Franklin was quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, who started seven games down the stretch for Penn State during the lost 2025 campaign. Grunkemeyer showed real promise, hitting 69% of his passes and nearly leading the Nittany Lions to a shocking upset of eventual National Champion Indiana.

There’s a lot to be excited about surrounding Grunkemeyer at the skill positions. Marcellous Hawkins is back at running back after rushing for 749 yards a year ago, while Ayden Greene leads the receiver corps. Tight end will also be a strength, as Benji Gosnell has multiple years of experience as a starter, and Luke Reynolds also arrives from Penn State.

The defense will be the question mark. In a fascinating move, Franklin brought back Brent Pry as defensive coordinator – after he was fired as Virginia Tech’s head man just a few months prior. As strange of a situation as it is, you can understand Franklin bringing back one of his longtime assistants, a coach who was one of the best defensive minds in the game before his unsuccessful tenure as head coach.  

There are some solid pieces returning to this Hokie defense, and several former Penn Staters arrive. Between Aycen Stevens at defensive end and Kemari Copeland and Elhadj Fall, Virginia Tech will look to be more physical at the point of attack this fall. 

Forcing more turnovers will be a priority, particularly on the back-end. The Hokies were -8 in turnover margin last season, which had them ranked 115th in the country. Safeties Tyson Flowers and Quentin Reddish, who is healthy again, could help tilt them into the positive side of things in 2026.

Bottom Line: Between the arrival of Franklin and Grunkemeyer, early success on the recruiting trail, and a significant NIL investment, Virginia Tech has become somewhat of an offseason darling. With how wide open the ACC is, many are expecting the Hokies to compete right away under the new regime. Yet, I'm not quite sold on the Hokies for 2026, for several reasons. For one, this team went just 3-9 last season - there is a long way to go for them to become a contender once again. The schedule is also tricky, as the Hokies play arguably the top three teams in the league (Miami, SMU, Clemson) all on the road, plus Virginia, Georgia Tech, and Pittsburgh at home. And for all his success, Franklin has typically needed a couple years to really get things rolling at his previous stops. 2026 should be all about laying the foundation for brighter days ahead, with a bowl game being both a reasonable and attainable goal.

11. Duke Blue Devils

Sure, Miami may have been the National Runner-Up, but it was none other than the Duke Blue Devils who finished as ACC Champions in 2025. Manny Diaz has done a superb job over two seasons in Durham, winning nine games each year, and winning both the league title and a bowl game. 

There was real momentum for Duke heading into 2026, before Darian Mensah's decision to hit the transfer portal. Not only did the decision rob the Blue Devils of their starter, it was so late in the process, the staff had to scramble to find a suitable replacement. San Jose State transfer Walker Eget was the eventual answer.

Eget brings both experience to the table, and he threw for over 3,000 yards last season for the Spartans. However, he was limited by injury in the spring, injecting some further concern into the position. The expectation is that he'll be ready to go by the opener against Tulane, but redshirt freshman Dan Mahan is a name to watch as fall camp begins.

With Mensah gone, as well as top target Cooper Barkate, Duke is going to look to tailback Nate Sheppard to shoulder the offensive load. Sheppard went for 1,132 yards as a freshman last season, and punctuated it with a dominant showing in the Sun Bowl win. Another full offseason with the program, plus running behind a strong offensive line could earn him Doak Walker Award consideration.

Finding new weapons out wide will be a top priority for the Blue Devils. Tight end Jeremiah Hasley is a returnee who is going to play an outsized role, but it's likely transfers who will get the most attention. Jared Richardson, an FCS All-American at Penn, and Javen Nicholas from Charlotte are considered the top two options. Nicholas actually began his career as a preferred walk-on at LSU before showing out on a bad Charlotte team a year ago.

It was pretty surprising to see how much Duke struggled on defense last season. Diaz comes from a defensive background and made a name for himself as one of the most aggressive defensive minds in the game. That clearly didn't rub off on this 2025 team, as they surrendered 424.2 yards per game and were among the worst teams in the nation on pass defense.

There's reason to believe this group will take a step forward. The defensive line may actually be their greatest concern after significant turnover, but the back-seven shows real promise. At linebacker, Luke Mergott finished last season strong and seems to have a penchant for making plays, while Nick Morris is healthy again for his senior season.

The secondary simply can't be as bad in 2026 as it was last fall. Dashawn Stone is a great starting point as one of the best tackling defensive backs in the ACC, and there are familiar faces around him. Corners Kimari Robinson and Landan Callahan now have the experience they need to take a step forward.

Bottom Line: So much of Duke's success last season was built on their passing attack, so it can't be overstated how much of a loss Mensah and Barkate are. Sheppard does at least provide the offense the starting point they need, but there will be real pressure on Eget from Day One. Unfortunately, there's not a bunch of time for him to get his feet wet, as the Blue Devils open with Tulane and then go on the road to Illinois. Given the circumstances, a step back may be expected from Duke after the highs of 2025, but Diaz should still have this team battling hard into the postseason once more.

12. Florida State Seminoles

College Football Preview 2026: ACC Part 1

Malachi Toney, WR, Miami

Power Rankings

1. Miami Hurricanes 

Last winter was the breakthrough Miami fans have been long awaiting since the Hurricanes made the jump from the Big East to ACC. The 'Canes went 13-3 and went on an impressive College Football Playoff run, toppling Texas A&M, Ohio State and Ole Miss en route to a National Runner-Up finish. Despite the success, the Hurricanes still have their eyes set on a clear goal in 2026: their first ACC Title since joining the league two decades ago.

Most of the offensive names remain the same, with one notable exception. Carson Beck is now an Arizona Cardinal after an impressive one-year pit stop in Coral Gables. In response, Miami went out and stole Darian Mensah away from Duke, the reigning ACC Champ. Now on his third school in as many years, Mensah left many Blue Devil fans with a bad taste in their mouths - but he represents a potential upgrade for the Hurricanes. Mensah threw 34 touchdowns on a 67% completion rate last fall, while throwing far less interceptions than Beck. Not only that, his ability to improvise and extend plays with his legs could give this Miami offense a much different element than they had in 2025.

The offensive line does lose Top 10 NFL Draft selection Francis Mauigoa, but this unit is Mario Cristobal's specialty. He'll lean on returning starter Matthew McCoy heavily at one of the tackle spots, while Georgia transfer Jamal Meriweather could fill the other after appearing in 13 games a year ago. Five-star true freshman Jackson Cantwell also comes in with significant fanfare, and is likely to see immediate snaps.

As good as Mensah and this O-Line are projected to be, it's the skill position talent that has to have Miami fans drooling. Wide receiver Malachi Toney was one of the most electrifying players in all of the land in his first season of college ball and looks well on his way to superstardom. He'll be joined by one of Mensah's favorite targets, Cooper Barkate, who caught 72 passes for the Blue Devils in 2025. Tight end Elijah Lofton will also factor in, but I am curious if another pass-catcher will emerge with all the attention defenses will pay to Toney and Barkate.

In the backfield, Mark Fletcher Jr. should once again be the feature option after notching 1,192 yards an 12 touchdowns a season ago. CharMar Brown will reprise his role as the physical short-yardage option, giving this Miami team the punch in the backfield the 'Canes have too often been missing in recent years.

On defense, coordinator Corey Hetherman engineered an extremely impressive turnaround last fall, with a group that allowed under 15 points per game and just over 294 yards per contest. He'll have to make do without Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, two NFL Draft selections who accounted for 22 sacks last fall. 

Even without Bain and Mesidor, the front seven should be in good hands with Justin Scott and Ahmad Moten Sr. on the interior, plus Missouri transfer Damon Wilson II pegged as a likely breakout candidate. Senior linebacker Mohamed Toure is another bright spot, back for his eighth season of college football.

Don't be surprised if the secondary ends up as the best unit on the defense. O.J. Frederique Jr. is the established name at corner, but it's rising star Bryce Fitzgerald who could shine through after picking off six passes in just four starts in 2025.

Bottom Line: Was 2025 truly the long-awaited breakthrough? It certainly felt like it, but this Miami team is now under pressure not to only prove they are the ACC's top dog, but a program that can compete for National Titles year-in, year out. The 2026 edition may be Cristobal's most talented team yet, and the schedule is miraculously soft. It's ACC Title or bust, with the Hurricanes likely setting their eyes on far loftier sights come winter.

2. Clemson Tigers

NBA Mock Draft 2026: Edition 3 (Final Edition)

 

Cam Boozer, Duke

1. Washington Wizards

A.J. Dybantsa, F, BYU

There has been a surprising lack of drama surrounding Washington and the No. 1 overall pick, suggesting they are comfortable moving forward with A.J. Dybantsa. Dybantsa's athleticism and versatility suggest he'll make an immediate impact, but the Wizards are hopeful he can be the connective tissue that brings all their disparate pieces together into a winner. With him in the fold and fresh off a massive extension for Trae Young, this organization is likely thinking about the postseason in 2026-27.

2. Utah Jazz

Darryn Peterson, G/F, Kansas

Is the buzz around Cam Boozer potentially being the pick at No. 2 real or manufactured drama so late in the process? I have a hard time believing the Jazz stomach passing on a talent like Darryn Peterson, even if you believe Boozer fits their needs more directly. Peterson's complete skillset is among the most impressive I've seen coming out of the college ranks in years.

3. Memphis Grizzlies

Cam Boozer, F, Duke

If I'm the Grizzlies, I'm just fine sticking at pick three and taking whoever manages to drop from the trio of Dybantsa, Peterson, or Cam Boozer. My suspicion is it will be Boozer, which is quite the consolation prize for Memphis. He provides them an NBA legacy with potential to play the three or four at a high level in the pros. Most important, he provides direction for an organization that needs some after the Ja Morant era went sideways.

4. Chicago Bulls

Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina

There's no reason for Chicago to overthink this one at pick No. 4. They should be racing to get their selection in, locking in a chance to get a supremely talented Caleb Wilson. I'm not sure I can recall a draft with a talent like this available so late, and it seems like Wilson is just scratching the surface. I would not be shocked if he ends up being the best player in the class when this is all said and done.

5. Los Angeles Clippers

Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois

NBA Draft 2026: Top 30 Big Board

A.J. Dybantsa, BYU

 1. Darryn Peterson, G/F, Kansas

Strengths: 

• Elite three-level scoring ability from all areas on the court
• Ideal wing build for the modern NBA
• Not afraid of the moment - seemed to play his best basketball in the biggest moments and most important games for Kansas
• Underrated as a defender; averaged 1.4 steals per game with the Jayhawks

Weaknesses / Questions:

• Is he 100 percent after an injury-riddled season in Lawrence? Was that season an aberration or the ongoing norm?
• Real questions about his conditioning - even when he did play, he averaged under 30 minutes in his one season of college ball. Is he ready for longer, more physical games in the NBA with even less rest?
• Can he grow as a playmaker? He wasn't asked to pass or distribute the ball much at Kansas, but his assist numbers were still shockingly low for a lead guard

Bust Potential: Moderate

The Take: Darryn Peterson takes the cake as the best of the best in a loaded draft class. It's rare you see a player at his age, just 19 years old, who is this polished as an offensive player. He can get to the rim with his size, he's crafty in the mid-range, and he shot 38% from three in college. Add in the fact he gets to the foul line and shoots over 80% there, you can imagine Peterson coming into the NBA and immediately carrying the scoring load. It was a strange one-season pit stop at Kansas given how many games he sat out, and how many games he was played from early. It's fair if NBA teams have concerns about that, but this is the type of prospect you can't pass on. If he is healthy, I have little doubt he grows into a perennial All-Star, potential even a superstar, in the pros.

2. A.J. Dybantsa, F, BYU

Strengths:

• Jaw-dropping athleticism - almost sure to be an instant highlight reel regular
• Impacts the game in just about every way, as he can score, set up his teammates, and is a relentless rebounder
• Seems to still be growing into his frame at 6'10" and 215 pounds, with a seven-foot wingspan

Weaknesses / Questions:

• Can he grow as a shooter? He may not need to, but if he can bump up his 33% shooting from three, he becomes even more dangerous offensively
• Needs to grow as a decision-maker, after averaging three turnovers per game in college. With how much the ball was in his hands that was expected, but it must improve

Bust Potential: Low

The Take: In just about any other NBA Draft, sans the Victor Wembanyama and LeBron James years, A.J. Dybantsa would almost surely be the consensus No. 1 prospect. He lived up to the hype during his lone season at BYU, averaging 25.5 points per game on 51% shooting. His athleticism and finishing ability should make him an instant sensation in the pros, but he can impact the game in so many different ways. The scoring is one thing, but Dybantsa's rebounding, passing, and defensive ability are going to upgrade any roster he lands on - with the Wizards the overwhelming favorite. 

3. Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina

NBA Mock Draft 2026: Edition 2 (NBA Finals Edition)

Caleb Wilson, North Carolina

 1. Washington Wizards

A.J. Dybantsa, F, BYU

The Wizards are one of the most intriguing teams we've had draft No. 1 in some time. They've established a young core with real promise, and acquiring Trae Young and Anthony Davis over the last year seems to indicate they are making a run at the postseason. It also means this selection could certainly be trade bait, especially with the Jazz sitting at No. 2. However, if they stick firm here, it's hard to imagine them not taking a talent like A.J. Dybantsa, who could be the missing piece they need as the undeniable franchise centerpiece.

2. Utah Jazz

Darryn Peterson, G/F, Kansas

As strange of a lone season at Kansas as it was for Darryn Peterson, he's still one of the most impressive NBA Draft prospects we've seen in recent years. It's rare you see a player at his age who is so polished, has such a superb feel for the game, and can score anywhere on the court. Assuming Dybantsa does indeed come off the board first, Peterson would be quite the consolation prize for Utah.

3. Memphis Grizzlies

Cameron Boozer, F, Duke

In most drafts, Cam Boozer would be a consensus top overall pick with a bit of a throwback, back-to-the-basket game. Instead, he slots in as the likely third player off the board, a real testament to just how loaded this 2026 group is. For a Memphis organization aiming for some direction, Boozer gets them a building block in the low post who has all the looks of a steady, long-time pro.

4. Chicago Bulls

Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina

Spring Football 2026: Ten Players Ready for the Sophomore Leap

Gideon Davidson, Clemson

It's become one of my favorite annual spring traditions. Even with the chaos of the transfer portal and NIL, we still see every year second-year players rise from relative unknowns to stars in the college football universe. From Ollie Gordon to Rashod Bateman, to Demond Williams last season, this list has had a pretty good hit rate over the years. Now it's time to take a stab at this year's list, with these ten as the players I see most likely envision having a sophomore breakout. 

Lotzeir Brooks, WR, Alabama

(2025 Stats: 32 receptions, 441 yards, 2 TD)

Playing under Kalen DeBoer in his short FBS head coaching career has proven to be quite the benefit to young wide receivers. Rome Odunze, Ja'Lynn Polk and Jalen McMillan are all in the pros, Germie Bernard just got there, and Ryan Williams was one of the most memorable freshman phenom in recent memory. Next up in line could be Lotzier Brooks, who looked the part in his freshman season and seemed to get better each and every week. Brooks will be competing for targets with Williams (who now goes by Coleman-Williams), but the two are vastly different wide outs. Coleman-Williams is going to look for the deep shot and stretch defenses vertically, while Brooks is more of your gadget guy, using his 5'9" frame to slither into openings and make things happen. That ability to create underneath and his reliability makes Brooks a likely target to form a fast connection with whoever ends up winning the Alabama quarterback job, whether it's veteran Austin Mack or the rising youngster Keelon Russell. Expect more of what we saw in last season's College Football Playoff win over Oklahoma. Against one of the country's best defenses, Brooks caught five passes for 79 yards and two touchdowns, the type of breakout performance on the big stage that should set the stage for even greater things on the horizon.

Tanook Hines, WR, USC 

(2025 Stats: 34 receptions, 561 yards, 2 TD)

While all eyes were on the star sophomore duo of Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams entering 2025, it was USC's Makai Lemon who emerged as the nation's top receiver and the eventual Biletnikoff Award winner. Lemon was so impressive that the Philadelphia Eagles made him their first round pick and likely A.J. Brown replacement, meaning the Trojans are on the hunt for a new No. 1 target. Yet, it wasn't just Lemon who departed - Ja'Kobi Lane in own right was a third round pick by the Ravens after serving as Robin to Lemon's Batman in 2025. Needless to say, there's targets available in this USC offense, which sets up perfectly for sophomore Tanook Hines. Hines made his presence felt quickly for the Trojans as a big-play threat, averaging over 16.5 yards per catch. He was at his best down the stretch, going for 6-141 and a touchdown against an elite Oregon secondary and 6-163 in the Alamo Bowl defeat at the hands of TCU. It felt like just the beginning for Hines, and the setup for him heading into 2026 is perfect. We all know how much Lincoln Riley loves to chuck the ball around, and he has a veteran QB at the controls in Jayden Maiava. A player like Hines who formed quick chemistry with Maiava last season, could go from merely impressive freshman to a household name in the Big Ten in 2026. 

Devin Sanchez, CB, Ohio State

(2025 Stats: 15 tackles, 2 pass deflections, 1 fumble recovery)

The entire Ohio State defense was hit hard by the NFL Draft this offseason, with the likes of Arvell Reesee, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs all hearing their names called on Day One. The result leaves defensive coordinator Matt Patricia with some work to do, particularly among a secondary that also lost Davidson Igbinosun and Lorenzo Styles Jr. later on. The Buckeyes will fill multiple gaps with transfer portal additions, namely Duke's Terry Moore and Georgia's Dominick Kelly, but they're also counting on a huge step forward from rising sophomore Devin Sanchez. The former five-star prospect had flashes last fall, appearing in 13 games and making one start, but the expectation now is that he'll break into a starting role. Sanchez will benefit the most from the fact he may be facing the best wide receiver group in football already, including Jeremiah Smith in one-on-one situations. That was evident in Ohio State's spring game, when he matched up regularly against the Biletnikoff Award favorite and slowed him down. It's hard to glean too much from one spring scrimmage, but when you consider the opportunity in front of Sanchez, the potential he displayed last season, and the high billing coming out of high school, you're looking at a superb bet to have a huge sophomore season for one of the sport's National Title frontrunners.

Gideon Davidson, RB, Clemson

(2025 Stats: 60 carries, 260 yards, 11 receptions, 93 yards)

NBA Mock Draft 2026: Edition 1 (Lottery Edition)

Darryn Peterson, Kansas

 1. Washington Wizards

A.J. Dybantsa, F, BYU

The Wizards came away as victors of the lottery on Sunday, securing the top spot in one of the most anticipated drafts in some time. A.J. Dybantsa is widely viewed as the top prospect in the cycle and could be the missing piece on a young and athletic Washington roster. But, don't discount the Wizards exploring trade scenarios - Utah could very well be tempted to move up one selection given owner Ryan Smith's long history with Dybantsa.

2. Utah Jazz

Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas

Darryn Peterson is probably the best top-to-bottom prospect in this class, a polished three-level scorer with the potential to play and defend multiple positions in the pros. However, his strange lone season of college basketball does leave some with trepidations heading into the Draft. Peterson was incredibly impressive while he was on the court, but his odd health situation and seemingly lack of effort has to be on organization's minds at the top of the board. With all that being said, it's hard to imagine the Jazz going elsewhere given his talent and roster fit.

3. Memphis Grizzlies

Cam Boozer, F, Duke

The Grizzlies are firmly back in rebuilding mode after dealing away Jaren Jackson Jr. at the deadline and with Ja Morant's future up in the air. Cam Boozer would offer an ideal fit as they develop this young core, slotting in nicely next to Zach Edey in the frontcourt and with Cedric Coward on the wing. I have questions about whether Boozer's bullying game will translate to the NBA, but there's little question he's a Top 3 lock this cycle.

4. Chicago Bulls

Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina

NFL Mock Draft 2027: Edition 1 (Way-Too-Early Edition)

Arch Manning, Texas

1. Arizona Cardinals

Arch Manning, QB, Texas

Heading into 2026, it's a three-way battle for Arizona's starting quarterback job between Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, and third-rounder Carson Beck. Perhaps one of that trio emerges as an effective short-term starter, but the more likely situation is the Cardinals are drafting near the top of the board again next spring. Arch Manning had a tumultuous 2025 campaign, but did seem to find his rhythm late in the year, and will be the beneficiary of a much improved Texas receiver room. If he continues to develop, with his namesake, he is the favorite to be No. 1 off the board in 2027.

2. New York Jets

Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

It came as a major surprise that Dante Moore opted to stay in school for another season despite being projected as the No. 2 overall pick this past NFL Draft. Clearly, Moore feels like there is unfinished business at Oregon, and a stellar season could bump him to the No. 1 overall selection come next spring. The Jets are still very much in the quarterback market and land Moore with this pick in a move that came a year later than expected.

3. Miami Dolphins

Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

Miami spent big to bring in Malik Willis from Green Bay to be their new starting quarterback, but have arguably the worst receiver corps in the NFL. The Dolphins did invest a lot of draft capital into the position group this past spring, but it's a group that still desperately needs a headliner. Jeremiah Smith is a superstar who has put together two monster seasons in Columbus, and could be in store for an even greater junior campaign. He'll likely be one of the most hyped wide receiver prospects we've seen in some time coming out of school.

4. Cleveland Browns

C.J. Carr, QB, Notre Dame

NFL Mock Draft 2026: Edition 5 (Final Edition)

Caleb Downs, Ohio State

1. Las Vegas Raiders

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Very rarely is there such a thing as a foregone conclusion when it comes to the NFL Draft, but there is little question who will be first off the board come Thursday. Fernando Mendoza has been perched at this spot through the entirety of the pre-Draft process, and will now be tasked with returning the Raiders to glory in arguably the toughest division in football. 

Previous Selection: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Other Possibility: N/A

2. New York Jets

David Bailey, DE/LB, Texas Tech

The Draft really begins at pick No. 2, where it's up to a pair of pass rushers for the Jets: Ohio State's Arvell Reese, or Texas Tech's David Bailey. Reese has all the tools to be a dominant defender for years to come, but it does feel as though Bailey is the more polished, NFL-ready rusher at this point in his development. Given just how bad New York has been, adding a player that can make an immediate impact is a must.

Previous Selection: Arvell Reese, DE/LB, Ohio State

Other Possibility: Arvell Reese, DE/LB, Ohio State

3. Arizona Cardinals

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

Could trading down be in play for Arizona at this spot? It does feel like a real possibility, but taking the best offensive linemen in this Draft provides them an upgrade at one of their greatest needs. Francis Mauigoa projects as either a tackle or guard in the pros, and can be the long-term building block in front of whoever Arizona's long-term answer is at QB - likely a 2027 NFL Draft pick.

Previous Selection: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

Other Possibility: Arvell Reese, DE/LB, Ohio State

4. Tennessee Titans

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Spring Football 2026: Breaking Down the 10 Most Important Quarterback Competitions in College Football

Keelon Russell, Alabama

 

Alabama Crimson Tide

Competitors: Austin Mack (RJr.), Keelon Russell (RFr.)

For the second straight year, Kalen DeBoer has a quarterback competition on his hands in Tuscaloosa. With Ty Simpson off to the NFL, DeBoer will be forced to choose between redshirt junior Austin Mack and redshirt freshman Keelon Russell. Both represent their own pros and cons - Mack followed DeBoer from Washington and has a clear understanding of the system. He finally got his first taste of live game action last fall, appearing in four games and throwing the ball 32 times. At 6'6" with mobility, he looks the part, but his downfield throwing ability is a question mark. Meanwhile, Russell was the highly touted newcomer in the QB room last season but took a redshirt year after appearing in two games. Folks who have followed Russell's career have raved about his athletic traits, but he's seen action in FBS ball against just ULM and Eastern Illinois. The spring game this past weekend may have given us an interesting glimpse to how this competition is shaping up. Russell ended up seeing most of the snaps of the end of the scrimmage, and most felt he outplayed Mack. Now, how much stock can you really put in a spring game? Russell also saw most of the action at the end of the scrimmage when Alabama was primarily practicing red zone situations. However, it will make an impact, and should set up a very interesting fall camp. Mack is probably the "safe" option for DeBoer and this staff, but could we see them swing for the fences with a guy like Russell? While DeBoer is not on a hot seat necessarily, there is real job pressure heading into 2026 and it would not shock me if he guys with the true boom-or-bust option in the redshirt frosh.

Favorite: Russell

Arkansas Razorbacks

Competitors: K.J. Jackson (RSo.), A.J. Hill (RFr.), Braeden Fuller (RSr.)

It's a new day in Fayetteville as former Memphis head man Ryan Silverfield takes charge. And with it, will come a new quarterback, with Taylen Green moving on. It feels like a classic three-man race here, with the competitors becoming a common scenario in modern college football. There's the holdover from the old staff who has waited his turn (K.J. Jackson), the high-profile newcomer who followed the new staff from their previous spot (A.J. Hill) and the veteran from the lower level trying to prove his stuff (Braeden Fuller). Jackson has spent a pair of seasons on the roster already, playing in five games in 2025 and making the start in the season finale. He's had flashes but didn't light the world on fire against Missouri a season ago. Hill lacks experience, but was one of the highest-rated recruits in Memphis history when Silverfield brought him on. He played quite well in the two games he saw him in last season, albeit in small sample sizes. Fuller is a bit of a wild card after coming in from Angelo State, but everyone is looking for the next Trinidad Chambliss, and he's played in 28 games across his college career. I'd venture Hill has to be the favorite at this point in the process, although Jackson should be firmly in the mix. Silverfield and OC Tim Cramsey spent big to bring Hill on at Memphis and likely spent a pretty penny this past offseason to convince him to follow them to the SEC. Clearly they believe they can win with him under center, and he certainly has the upside to be a real difference-maker at the position.

Favorite: Hill

Clemson Tigers

Competitors: Christopher Vizzina (Jr.), Tait Reynolds (Fr.)