The SEC has a strong batch of quarterbacks in 2012 with names like Tyler Wilson, Aaron Murray, James Franklin, Tyler Bray and AJ McCarron showing up on preseason watch lists and in mock drafts.
While the likes of Arkansas, Georgia, Missouri, Tennessee and Alabama have their quarterback situations set, several teams have declared open competition to find a starter.
Here’s a look at five quarterback battles to keep an eye on:
1. Auburn -- Kiehl Frazier vs. Clint Moseley
Freshman Zeke Pike could be a wildcard here, but Frazier and Moseley are the two expected to contend to be the starter for Auburn’s opening game against Clemson. Frazier got limited experience as a freshman in some situational packages in 2011. Moseley took over as the team’s starter in Week 8 against LSU and had a 2-3 record as the Tigers’ starter. Moseley holds the experience edge, but Frazier is also a threat on the ground and may have more upside.
Prediction: Frazier
2. Florida --Jacoby Brissett vs. Jeff Driskel
Both are sophomores, both can tuck it away and run in situations and both had more downs than ups in their freshman campaigns. Brissett and Driskel combined to only complete 46.6-percent of their passes in 2011 for 354 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions. Coach Will Muschamp has been optimistic that the Gators can win with either, but one will need to really step up in fall camp.
Prediction: Driskel
3. Texas A&M -- Jameill Showers vs. Johnny Manziel vs. Matt Joeckel vs. Matt Davis
The Aggies may have the most uncertainty in the league at their quarterback position as they try to replace Ryan Tannehill. The only quarterback on the roster that has thrown a pass is Showers, who completed four of his five passes in 2011. He’ll go into fall camp as the favorite, but Manziel and Davis have a clean slate with new coach Kevin Sumlin, and both could push for playing time.
Prediction: Showers
4. Ole Miss -- Barry Brunetti vs. Bo Wallace
These two transfers will battle it out to become the first starting quarterback in the Hugh Freeze era at Ole Miss. Brunetti, a native of Memphis, Tenn., began his career at West Virginia before transferring closer to home. Wallace began at Arkansas State in 2010 (where Freeze was coaching), went to junior college for a season and is now back with Freeze at Ole Miss. Wallace didn’t see the field under Freeze in 2010, but he did learn some of his system. That could give him an advantage in this battle.
Prediction: Wallace
5. Kentucky -- Morgan Newton vs. Maxwell Smith
Both saw plenty of meaningful snaps in 2011, but neither showed enough to prove they will be the starter of the future. Newton missed some of 2011 and all of spring with shoulder surgery, leaving Smith as the starter in spring practice. Newton has more experience and more mobility, but the extra work in the spring may help Smith get the nod.
Prediction: Smith
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from SEC bloggers Larry Hartstein and Daniel Lewis, follow @CBSSportsSEC
