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SEC football programs assess starting quarterback performance after Week 1

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 4:55 PM

Last updated Sep 10, 2026

SEC football programs assess starting quarterback performance after Week 1

Summary

SEC programs evaluated quarterback play following the first week of the 2026 season as several teams debuted new starters. LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt finished with over 300 total yards and three touchdowns against Clemson, while Alabama redshirt freshman Keelon Russell accounted for 347 total yards in a win. Austin Simmons completed 17 of 19 passes for 252 yards and four scores for Missouri against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Conversely, Vanderbilt started Blaze Berlowitz, who threw for 149 yards, though he shared time with freshman Jared Curtis. Other debuts included Tennessee freshman Faizon Brandon and Florida's Aaron Philo, the latter of whom recorded three touchdowns. Teams are now adjusting their offensive expectations ahead of upcoming non-conference and league matchups.

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Status Watch

•Sam Leavitt recorded 300 total yards and three touchdowns for LSU against Clemson.
•Alabama starter Keelon Russell produced 256 passing yards and 91 rushing yards in a Week 1 win.
•Missouri quarterback Austin Simmons threw four touchdowns in his debut against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
•Vanderbilt utilized both Blaze Berlowitz and Jared Curtis at quarterback during its opening game.
•Florida quarterback Aaron Philo completed over 76 percent of his passes in a win against FAU.

Latest Updates

4:55 PMYahoo Sports — SEC quarterback rankings 2026: All 16 starters ranked after Week 1

What they're saying

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Sam Leavitt put his foot injury to rest in LSU's rout of Clemson. Where does he rank among SEC quarterbacks after Week 1? All 16 starters ranked.
— Yahoo Sports

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