Former Texas A&M QBs Secure Starting, Backup Roles in NCAA, NFL

Former Texas A&M quarterback Zach Calzada is set to start for the Kentucky Wildcats in their season opener, bringing considerable experience after a standout 2024 season at Incarnate Word, where he finished second in FCS with 35 passing touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Michigan Wolverines have named true freshman Bryce Underwood their starting quarterback for their opener against New Mexico, with redshirt freshman Jadyn Davis securing the backup role despite the presence of more experienced transfers Mikey Keene and Jake Garcia, both of whom have struggled with injuries or adaptation to the offense. At the professional level, former Texas A&M quarterback Kyle Allen has revived his NFL career with the Detroit Lions, impressing during the 2025 preseason and seemingly securing the backup quarterback position behind Jared Goff after a difficult start to the preseason. Allen's journey includes multiple team stints and a notable 2019 season with 3,322 passing yards, underscoring his resilience and arm talent that have kept him employed as a valuable NFL backup. These developments highlight the varied paths and challenges quarterbacks face at both collegiate and professional levels as they compete for starting and backup roles.