Cover 3 College Football Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode: Top QB Battles To Watch As 2025 Spring Practice Gets Underway
Date: March 24, 2025
Hosts: Chip Patterson, Tom Fornelli, Danny Kanell, Bud Elliott

Episode Overview

The Cover 3 crew dives deep into the most intriguing quarterback battles as spring practice for the 2025 college football season ramps up. Beyond listing competitions, they debate how the transfer portal, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), and modern coaching philosophies are changing the way programs handle the most important position on the field. The hosts go program by program—especially among the nation’s top contenders—but also highlight under-the-radar situations that could shape the season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Impact of NIL and the Transfer Portal on QB Battles

• Will QB battles become a novelty?
  • The transfer portal and NIL are making it more likely that high-profile transfer QBs, often the most highly paid, are installed as starters—with 'battles' serving more for PR and player motivation (10:21).
  • "I think in fact what he's referencing is, is it going to be the highest paid guy is going to be the starter? And I think he's on to something there." (Danny, 10:24)
• Coaches still hype up 'battles,' but true competition at top schools is rarer—especially when high-value transfers come in. The conversation is different for bluebloods (Ohio State, Michigan) than for programs like Purdue.
  • "If you're Purdue, you're probably still going to have real quarterback battles. But if you are Ohio State, probably not." (Tom, 14:47)

2. Big Ten Quarterback Battles

Ohio State

• Julian Sayin vs. Lincoln Kienholz vs. Tavien Sinclair
  • Consensus: Sayin, the highly touted young QB, is the heavy favorite ("it's his job to lose"). High-level reports from players and practice reinforce this.
    • "Since the moment Julian Sayin has stepped on campus after changing his mind, everything you’ve heard has been positive." (Danny, 16:44)
  • Kienholz’s transfer risk is discussed—the loser likely moves on.
• Discussion of Sayin's Style:
  • "Not a great athlete, I think he moves in the pocket. He is tiny though…so the balls got to get out quick." (Bud, 16:18)
  • "He must be great in practice, which is really good." (Danny, 16:44)
  • Considerations on Sinclair’s rawness and lack of 'spring ball' experience in Ohio (18:07).

Michigan

• Mikey Keene (veteran transfer) vs. Bryce Underwood (high-profile recruit)
  • It’s a “when, not if” scenario for Underwood. Keene likely starts the season due to experience, especially given Michigan's front-loaded schedule (Oklahoma early).
    • "My gut here is Sherrone Moore...will start Mikey Keene early in the year and Underwood will come in in packages." (Tom, 23:01)
    • "If you only see one for Michigan, I would bet it would be Bryce Underwood." (Danny, 24:25)
  • Underwood’s upside discussed in strong terms: "He’s probably the closest quarterback prospect we've seen to Cam [Newton], and he's not Cam. Okay. He's not that level, but, like, he is really damn good." (Bud, 26:30)
  • Expect both to play in September, with Underwood’s role increasing unless Keene excels.

Oregon

• Dante Moore vs. Austin Novosad
  • Genuine competition anticipated. Moore has the pedigree, but Novosad is reportedly highly regarded by coaches.
    • "I think this is going to be Dante Moore’s job." (Bud, 28:03)
    • "This one might be one of the more real battles...kind of is open." (Danny, 28:47)
  • The hosts riff on 'quarterback names,' poking fun at who has the 'face/haircut/name' of a winner (31:02).

3. Notre Dame Quarterback Battle

• CJ Carr vs. Steve Angeli vs. Kenny Minchey
  • Real battle. If Carr wins, optimism is warranted.
    • "If CJ Carr beats [Angeli] out, it's time to get really excited about CJ Carr." (Bud, 34:48)
  • Angeli gets more respect from the hosts than from some fans; seen as a solid 'floor' option.
    • "I am on the other side of the Steve Angeli haters ... this is a player who can still get Notre Dame to where Notre Dame wants to go." (Chip, 37:23)
  • Carr’s higher physical upside discussed—winning the job would mean he’s mentally ready, too.

4. SEC Quarterback Battles

Alabama

• Ty Simpson vs. Austin Mack vs. Keelon Russell
  • Three-way battle in the true sense, with Simpson facing questions after so many years as a 'contender' but rarely taking the top spot.
    • "Ty Simpson cannot be this much of a quarterback battle in this many spring practices and be bad, right?" (Chip, 41:46)
  • "I don't think it'll be Ty Simpson though... Austin Mack followed [the staff] from Washington. There's a reason he wanted him to come with. He clearly likes him." (Tom, 42:31)
  • Keelon Russell—true freshman—would need a strong camp but could force movement in the room if he impresses.
  • Alabama’s receiving corps (including portal additions) will ease the new QB’s transition.

Georgia

• Gunner Stockton vs. Ryan Puglisi (and Ryan Montgomery)
  • Stockton is the presumed starter—has program experience, played well in relief, and fits Kirby Smart’s 'veteran preference.'
    • "I would think Stockton... I do think he showed some pretty interesting flashes when called upon. I think he's got a very strong arm." (Tom, 51:05)
  • Puglisi has higher upside and could push Stockton, but is less likely to seize the job before fall.

5. Other Notable Battles

Colorado (Coach Prime Era)

• Kaidon Salter vs. Juju Lewis
  • Salter, the Liberty transfer, gets a fresh start after a turbulent 2024. Lewis, a highly rated freshman, offers a high floor but has size/physical questions.
    • "Juju is very much like a high floor quarterback. ... The ceiling is an open question because of the size and maybe some of the physical limitations." (Bud, 55:04)
  • The offense (run/pass balance, loss of top WRs) makes this battle extra unpredictable.

Other Programs—Quick Hits

• Auburn/Oklahoma: Jackson Arnold expected to start unless something goes off-script.
• Iowa: Mark Gronowski (transfer) likely to start, "it better be" him (Bud, 60:34).
• Mississippi State: Blake Shapen likely starter, but freshman Chris Parson could push for reps.
• Maryland: Justin Martin (UCLA transfer) and highly touted Malik Washington ("save Mike Locksley's job type of signing" Bud, 61:42).
• UNC: Max Johnson favored, no-name/no-number jerseys serve to keep battle open.
• USC: Jaden Maiava favored, but promising freshman Julian Lewis in the mix.
• Syracuse: Michael Johnson Jr. vs. Ricky Collins (LSU transfer) after massive roster turnover.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the effect of NIL:
  "I do think you’re going to see, unless it’s egregiously bad, the guy that makes the most money— the big portal signing— will get the first opportunity and probably multiple games." (Danny, 10:24)
• On the illusion of some battles:
  "Every coach loves to hype up a battle because...it makes your players rise to the occasion...But I think most of the times the coaches have a pretty good inclination who they're going to have." (Danny, 11:22)
• QB Names running gag:
  • "Austin Nova said not a good quarterback name when compared to Dante Moore. Quarterback name Austin is a fine name for a quarterback that can work. The Nova sad part just doesn't really sell me." (Tom & Chip, 30:44)
  • "I'm gonna have a T-shirt made up with a cannon on it that says Cannon Kannell." (Danny, 31:43)
• On Georgia’s Gunner Stockton:
  "I think it's probably his job Week one. Kind of like you got to screw it up, you know, in order for him not to be the starter." (Danny, 51:05)
• On Colorado’s battle:
  "Juju is very much like a high floor quarterback... I would be surprised if he sucks in college. I think the ceiling is an open question because of the size and maybe some of the physical limitations that he has." (Bud, 55:04)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• NIL/Transfer Portal & Modern QB Battles: 10:21–14:53
• Ohio State QB Situation: 14:53–19:40
• Michigan QB Situation: 21:12–27:22
• Oregon QB Battle: 28:03–31:49
• Notre Dame QB Battle: 33:53–39:55
• Alabama QB Battle: 41:11–47:14
• Georgia and Quick SEC hits: 48:07–53:40
• Colorado (Coach Prime) QB Battle: 54:12–58:52
• Around the country – Rapid-fire Other Battles: 59:22–65:49

Recap: Patterns & Takeaways

• At bluebloods, the portal/NIL newcomer almost always gets the nod unless there's a special in-house talent.
• At mid-tier and Group of Five programs, QB competitions remain authentic and vital.
• Longer-term program trends (injury risk, staff loyalty, practice vs. games) still matter.
• Names, rumors, and even player marketing/personality all find their way into the discourse.

Conclusion

The Cover 3 crew paints a nuanced portrait of spring QB competitions: many will be decided by the money and transfer movement, but several top contenders (especially at Oregon, Notre Dame, Alabama, and Georgia) have real decisions to make. The future of the sport is as much about roster management and culture as in-practice competition.

For die-hards, the message is clear: don't be fooled by every 'open' battle—look at the coaching staff's history, the transfer/NIL outlays, and what the remaining schedule will require out of the position.

Subscribe and tune in to the Cover 3 Podcast for more on spring practice battles, coaching news, and the latest in college football.