The 2026 college football season is just around the corner, and Florida State's opponents are gearing up with their starting quarterbacks set. Here's a breakdown of the QB1 situations for each of FSU's 2026 opponents, offering a glimpse into the potential challenges and opportunities for the Seminoles.
New Mexico State: The Battle for the Starting Role
New Mexico State's quarterback situation is a fascinating one, with two experienced options vying for the starting spot. Trey Hedden, a Tampa, Fla. native, has the nod over redshirt junior Adam Damante. Hedden's experience at Furman, where he started eight games as a true freshman and played all 12 games last season, gives him an edge. His passing accuracy and ability to rush for touchdowns make him a dual-threat quarterback. Damante, who has experience at Northern Arizona and Arizona, provides a solid backup option with his passing and rushing capabilities.
SMU: A Familiar Face at the Helm
SMU's quarterback situation is a bit more settled, with Kevin Jennings as the clear starter. Jennings, a redshirt senior, has 39 career appearances and 26 starts under his belt. His passing accuracy and ability to rush for touchdowns make him a well-rounded quarterback. Jennings' experience and consistency will be a challenge for Florida State's defense.
Alabama: The Battle of the Quarterbacks
Alabama's quarterback situation is still up in the air, with a battle between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. Mack, a fourth-year signal-caller, served as the backup last season and showed promise with his passing accuracy and ability to rush for touchdowns. Russell, a former five-star recruit, made his mark with his passing accuracy and rushing capabilities. The Crimson Tide's decision on the starter will be a key factor in their success.
Central Arkansas: A Murky Situation
Central Arkansas' quarterback situation is the most uncertain of all FSU's opponents. With six quarterbacks on the roster, none have thrown a pass for the Bears. The group includes Walker White, a transfer from Baylor, and Donovyn Omolo, a transfer from University of Central Missouri. White's size and experience at Auburn give him an edge, while Omolo's passing accuracy and rushing capabilities make him a strong contender. The Bears' decision on the starter will be crucial for their performance.
Virginia: A Transfer's Strong Start
Virginia's starting quarterback is Beau Pribula, a transfer from Missouri. Pribula's experience at Penn State and Missouri, where he started all 10 games last season, gives him a strong foundation. His passing accuracy and ability to rush for touchdowns make him a dual-threat quarterback. Pribula's performance will be a key factor in Virginia's success.
Louisville: A Redshirt Junior's Strong Start
Louisville's starting quarterback is Lincoln Kienholz, a redshirt junior who transferred from Ohio State. Kienholz's experience at Ohio State, where he appeared in seven games last season, gives him a strong foundation. His passing accuracy and rushing capabilities make him a well-rounded quarterback. Kienholz's performance will be a challenge for Florida State's defense.
Miami: A Transfer's Strong Start
Miami's starting quarterback is Darian Mensah, a transfer from Duke. Mensah's experience at Duke, where he earned an ACC Championship, gives him a strong foundation. His passing accuracy and ability to rush for touchdowns make him a dual-threat quarterback. Mensah's performance will be a key factor in Miami's success.
Clemson: A Battle for the Starting Role
Clemson's starting quarterback is Christopher Vizzina, a redshirt junior who has appeared in 14 games with one start over the past three seasons. Vizzina's passing accuracy and rushing capabilities make him a well-rounded quarterback. However, freshman Tait Reynolds is providing competition for the role, adding an interesting dynamic to the situation.
Boston College: A Transfer's Strong Start
Boston College's starting quarterback is Mason McKenzie, a redshirt junior who transferred from Saginaw Valley State. McKenzie's passing accuracy and ability to rush for touchdowns make him a dual-threat quarterback. His experience at Saginaw Valley State and his strong performance last season give him an edge. McKenzie's performance will be a challenge for Florida State's defense.
Pitt: A Sophomore's Strong Start
Pitt's starting quarterback is Mason Heintschel, a sophomore who made 10 appearances with nine starts as a true freshman last season. Heintschel's passing accuracy and rushing capabilities make him a well-rounded quarterback. His experience and strong performance last season give him an edge. Heintschel's performance will be a challenge for Florida State's defense.
NC State: A Junior's Strong Start
NC State's starting quarterback is CJ Bailey, a junior who has earned a great deal of experience with the Wolfpack over the past two seasons. Bailey's passing accuracy and ability to rush for touchdowns make him a dual-threat quarterback. His experience and strong performance last season give him an edge. Bailey's performance will be a challenge for Florida State's defense.
Florida: A Battle for the Starting Role
Florida's starting quarterback is still up in the air, with a battle between Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. Philo, a transfer from Georgia Tech, has experience at GT and a strong foundation. Jones Jr., a second-year player for the Gators, has a strong passing accuracy and rushing capabilities. The Gators' decision on the starter will be a key factor in their success.
