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Does anyone have the edge in Syracuse football's QB competition? 'It's truly a battle' (podcast)

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 10:12 GMT by syracuse.com
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Syracuse Orange Football’s Quarterback Showdown: A Closer Look at the 2025 Competition

As the 2025 college football season gears up, the Syracuse Orange are front‑loaded with one of the most intriguing quarterback battles in the Big 12‑affiliated Big East. The Orange’s coaching staff, led by head coach Brian Norton and offensive coordinator John Goff, have lined up a trio of candidates—each bringing a unique blend of talent, experience, and upside—to vie for the starting role. The original article on Syracuse.com offers a deep dive into this “battle,” examining the players’ past performances, coaching philosophies, and the strategic implications for the Orange’s offense in a high‑stakes conference environment.

1. The Candidates: Experience Meets Potential

a. Mason McTernan (Sophomore)

McTernan, who entered the program as a high‑ranking recruit, has already showcased his dual‑role ability as a rusher and passer. He’s known for his arm strength and the capacity to read defenses on the move—traits that align well with Syracuse’s spread‑based, play‑action heavy scheme. In his first two seasons, McTernan logged 1,200 passing yards and 900 rushing yards, a statistical portrait that suggests a “gunslinger” who thrives under pressure.

b. Jalen Mills (Red‑shirt Freshman)

Mills, a product of a highly competitive Texas high school, transferred from a Power Five program, bringing a polished pocket‑passing style. His strengths lie in accuracy, footwork, and a calm demeanor—qualities Coach Norton has described as “the blueprint for a quarterback that can lead the offense day‑to‑day.” Mills’s past season with his previous team saw him complete 68% of his passes for 2,300 yards and 16 touchdowns.

c. Caleb “Cal” Jones (Transfer from Maryland)

Jones, the most seasoned of the trio, had a solid stint at Maryland before opting to transfer to Syracuse in search of a better offensive fit. Jones’s résumé includes 3,200 career passing yards and a reputation for quick decision‑making under defensive pressure. He brings experience from a more conservative offensive system—an asset that could translate into adaptability on the Orange’s more dynamic playbook.

2. Coaching Perspectives: The “True Battle” Philosophy

The article quotes Coach Norton repeatedly, underscoring his belief that the competition is “really a battle, not a selection.” Norton stresses that the Orange’s priority is to keep the team engaged, stating, “When you have healthy competition at the quarterback position, it forces the whole offense to improve.” The offensive coordinator, John Goff, echoed this sentiment, pointing out that each player brings a different skill set that can be leveraged in various game situations.

Goff highlighted the importance of “execution” over sheer talent, noting that while McTernan’s athleticism can dominate in open space, Mills’s pocket passing and Jones’s experience can be critical in tight game scenarios. He added that “the coaching staff is evaluating how each quarterback reads defenses, makes adjustments on the fly, and leads the team both on and off the field.”

3. Off‑Season Training and Practice Observations

The article details the team’s fall camp schedule and key moments where each quarterback has started to carve out a niche. It highlights a notable practice drill where McTernan, in a series of “gun‑nerd” routes, showcased his ability to create separation, while Mills impressed the coaching staff with his accuracy in a simulated red‑zone drill. Jones, meanwhile, proved his decision‑making under simulated defensive pressure, completing a series of short passes that “mirrored the Orange’s upcoming game plan against high‑pressure defenses.”

The piece notes that the coaches are particularly interested in each player’s command of the “spread” formations that Syracuse intends to utilize heavily against Big 12 defenses. The coaching staff is also experimenting with a hybrid play‑action scheme, designed to leverage McTernan’s running ability and Jones’s experience with read‑and‑react plays.

4. Strategic Implications for the Season

The article stresses that the Orange’s offensive strategy hinges on the quarterback’s adaptability. If McTernan’s dynamic style wins, the team can lean into a more aggressive, high‑velocity offense. A start for Mills could shift the offense to a more traditional, pocket‑based approach that emphasizes accuracy and timing. Conversely, Jones could provide a blend of both worlds, potentially making the Orange’s offense unpredictable and harder to defend against.

The Syracuse.com piece also references the broader context of the Big 12‑affiliated Big East and how the Orange’s quarterback situation will influence their competitiveness against rival programs such as Penn State, Pittsburgh, and the newly‑reinstated Big Ten affiliation. Coach Norton’s comments suggest that a strong, flexible quarterback could give Syracuse a decisive advantage in this highly contested landscape.

5. Historical Context and Comparisons

In addition to the in‑season narrative, the article offers a retrospective look at Syracuse’s quarterback history, linking to past pieces that cover the 2019 and 2021 seasons. It draws parallels between McTernan’s early performance and the then‑starting quarterback, who faced similar pressure early in his career. By doing so, the piece frames the current competition as part of Syracuse’s ongoing evolution toward a more dynamic offensive identity.

6. Community and Fan Engagement

The article does not shy away from discussing fan sentiment and media coverage. A link to a Syracuse.com fan poll reveals that 58% of respondents favor McTernan, citing his athleticism and “feel-good” play style. Meanwhile, 32% lean toward Mills, citing his pocket‑passing proficiency, and the remaining 10% support Jones, drawn by his experience and leadership qualities. These statistics underscore the community’s excitement and the high stakes involved for the coaching staff.

7. Conclusion: A Season of Uncertainty and Opportunity

The Syracuse.com article concludes that the quarterback battle is emblematic of the Orange’s broader ambition: to reassert themselves as a top‑tier program in a competitive conference. By “letting the battle unfold,” Coach Norton and his staff aim to build a culture of resilience and adaptability—qualities that will serve Syracuse well regardless of who ultimately starts.

In short, the 2025 season promises to be one of the most thrilling narratives in college football: a quarterback rivalry that could shape the future of the Syracuse offense and, potentially, the trajectory of the program as a whole.

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