The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is witnessing significant quarterback battles as teams gear up for the upcoming season. Notably, the Tennessee Volunteers are looking to fill the gap left by former star Nico Iamaleava, while the Florida Gators and Mississippi State Bulldogs aim to build on their recent performances.
Tennessee Seeks New Leadership After Iamaleava’s Departure
Tennessee has entered a critical phase as it searches for a replacement for Nico Iamaleava, who was a key player last season. Iamaleava, a former five-star recruit, started all 13 games for the Volunteers, leading them to the College Football Playoff before transferring to UCLA. His exit has left a noticeable void, prompting head coach Josh Heupel to confirm that three quarterbacks are competing for the starting role.
Among the candidates is Joey Aguilar, who transferred from Appalachian State. Aguilar had a strong 2024 season, throwing for 3,002 yards and 23 touchdowns, although he also had 14 interceptions. He initially moved to UCLA but re-entered the transfer portal following Iamaleava’s departure and ultimately joined Tennessee. Heupel emphasized the importance of competition in training camp, stating, “Somebody is going to earn the opportunity to be our starting quarterback through that process.”
Joining Aguilar in the competition are Jake Merklinger, who redshirted last season, and true freshman George MacIntyre. The upcoming training camp will be crucial for determining who will lead the Volunteers into the 2025 season.
Florida Gators Lean on DJ Lagway and Veteran Center
In Florida, the Gators are optimistic as they prepare for the fourth season under coach Billy Napier. Quarterback DJ Lagway, who took over midway through the 2024 season, ended with a 6-1 record as a starter. This impressive performance tied him with Chris Leak for the most wins by a true freshman quarterback in program history.
The Gators are also bolstered by the presence of center Jake Slaughter, the only player to have appeared in every game during Napier’s tenure. Slaughter, who has played in 38 consecutive games with 21 starts, was the only 2024 AP All-America selection present at SEC media days. Napier praised Slaughter’s leadership, saying, “He was voted team captain by his teammates last year, and he very much lives it out.”
Lagway and Slaughter played pivotal roles in Florida’s late-season resurgence last year, which included a four-game winning streak against ranked opponents. Slaughter noted Lagway’s infectious enthusiasm on game day, highlighting his ability to motivate the team.
Mississippi State Looks for Improvement with a Healthy Shapen
The Mississippi State Bulldogs are also aiming for a turnaround after a challenging 2024 season that saw them finish without a conference win. Quarterback Blake Shapen, who suffered a shoulder injury early last season, is back in action and ready to lead the team. Shapen, who transferred from Baylor, expressed his eagerness to return, stating, “I am 100% healthy… I feel better than ever.”
During his limited play in 2024, Shapen threw for eight touchdowns against just one interception. His performance in the previous season creates optimism that, combined with another year in offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby’s system, he can help the Bulldogs improve in 2025. Lebby emphasized the team’s determination to change their trajectory, stating, “Our guys are incredibly intent on getting better and changing the outcome this fall.”
As the SEC prepares for the upcoming season, the focus remains on these quarterback battles, with each team seeking to solidify its leadership and enhance its chances for success. The outcomes of these competitions will be pivotal as the conference strives for both individual and team achievements in the coming months.