College QB battles shape early season

Week 1 of the 2025 season is two weeks away and several programs still have unsettled QB battles.

Notre Dame fuels surprise in college quarterback battles ahead of top competitions

Notre Dame’s quarterback race remains unsettled as the season nears. Redshirt sophomore Kenny Minchey has emerged as a serious challenger after CJ Carr’s status shifted with Steve Angeli entering the transfer portal. The coaching staff, led by Marcus Freeman, is expected to decide on a starter following this weekend’s scrimmage.

Across the country, Ohio State appears to be leaning toward Julian Sayin, with reports noting he has outpaced Lincoln Kienholz in fall camp and worked with the first team. Michigan has Bryce Underwood as the frontrunner, with Jadyn Davis also getting first‑team reps but not yet threatening to overtake the five‑star freshman. Colorado’s battle features Kaidon Salter and highly regarded true freshman Julian Lewis, with Salter holding the edge though Lewis continues to attract attention. Tennessee’s competition between Joey Aguilar and Jake Merklinger shows Aguilar with a slight early advantage after the recent scrimmage, while George MacIntyre has drawn some chatter but remains a longshot.

The spread of quarterback battles this season reflects a broader shift in college football, where true freshmen andTransfer Portal moves push coaching staffs to make rapid, sometimes high‑stakes decisions. Fall camp intel is feeding the narrative as much as on‑field performance, and that dynamic shapes recruiting optics and fan expectations for 2025. The emphasis on depth at key programs also highlights how teams manage risk when a single position can alter a season’s trajectory.

Beyond the Xs and Os, these battles probe a broader trend: younger players are increasingly trusted to start early, and programs are judged on how quickly they convert potential into execution. As Week 1 approaches, the teams that balance readiness with development will set the tone for a season where the margin between success and disappointment is razor thin.

Highlights

The quarterback storylines this fall will set a tone for how teams manage talent into a crowded schedule.