Following a legend is a difficult task. No matter how much talent a player has, standing in the shoes of an illustrious predecessor can be a humbling task. For every Steve Young lurking behind a Joe Montana, there’s a Mac Jones following after Tom Brady.
In fact, college football writer Stewart Mandel recently pointed out on SEC team that he sees likely taking a step backward in 2026. It’s not because the team’s new QB lacks for talent– no, he’s an elite national recruit. But as a freshman, can he follow a Heisman Trophy runner-up? Can anyone?
Sure, Mandel argues, Vanderbilt pulled off a recruiting coup in keeping five-star QB Jared Curtis at home. Curtis had committed to Georgia early in the recruiting process, but the Commodores were able to flip his commitment late in the season leading up to Early Signing Day and signed their top-ranked prep QB ever. But all is not roses for the Commodores.
True Frosh Struggles for Even Talented QBs?
Mandel writes,