The QB1 battle for the Tennessee Titans has officially kicked off, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most intriguing offseason storylines in the league. With the arrival of ex-Miami Cam Ward, the No. 1 pick in the mix, the pressure is mounting—not just for the rookie, but especially for third-year QB Will Levis. While Ward still has a lot to figure out before he’s ready to take an NFL snap, the dynamics inside that quarterback room have undeniably shifted. And make no mistake: the threat to Levis’ job is very real.

Cam Ward enters Tennessee with all eyes on him. Armed with raw talent, electric playmaking ability, and the high expectations that come with being a top draft pick. He’s learning an entirely new system from scratch, building chemistry with a fresh receiving corps, and adjusting to the speed of the pro game. It’s a steep climb. But according to Titans OL Peter Skoronski, all Ward has to do to win over the locker room is stay true to what got him here: “do what he’s always done.” That means showing up, putting in the work, and proving he’s not just another rookie project but a QB built for Sundays.

Still, head coach Brian Callahan is playing it close to the vest. When pressed about who might have an edge in the QB race, he made it clear the Titans aren’t fast-tracking anyone—not even Ward. “They’re all going to have opportunities to compete,” Callahan said, referencing Ward, Levis, and veterans Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle. “There’s three quarterback jobs on most teams. Sometimes four. We’re going to let them compete for all those.” In other words, the QB1 spot is up for grabs—but it’s performance, not pedigree, that will dictate reps.

That’s a stark contrast from how things went down last year. In 2024, Callahan quickly anointed Will Levis as the franchise starter and never wavered, even as Levis struggled through uneven performances and failed to generate momentum. But now, the leash is clearly shorter. “I think Will’s done a really good job of focusing on what he can improve at,” Callahan noted. It’s a diplomatic endorsement, but not exactly the ringing vote of confidence Levis was once accustomed to. And that’s what makes this competition different—it’s real this time, and Ward’s arrival has officially turned up the heat.

Tennessee isn’t rushing its young passers. Callahan emphasized that the offense will take “baby steps” with each quarterback through OTAs and minicamp. Slowly building toward a more defined depth chart by September. But make no mistake, Cam Ward doesn’t need to be perfect—just better. If he picks up the playbook quickly and flashes his trademark explosiveness in practice, the leash on Levis could disappear altogether. This isn’t just about developing a rookie.

Titans faithful already have their QB1 in mind

As soon as NFL insider Dov Kleiman stirred the pot on X, Titans fans wasted no time diving into the debate—and they came with takes as spicy as Nashville hot chicken. “He’s the number one pick. Short of an epic disaster, there is no competition,” one fan wrote. The league has a long, documented history of high picks getting the nod early. Unless Ward completely crashes and burns, it’s hard to imagine the Titans keeping him on the bench for long.

Another fan went straight to trade machine mode, saying, “Levis to the Saints for a 3rd.” While that’s speculative at best, it does hint at the potential consequences of Ward impressing early. If the Titans decide Ward is ready and Levis isn’t the answer, moving on from the Kentucky product could recoup value and clear the path.

Some fans were more blunt in their assessments. “There is no battle. Will Levis is terrible and has no right starting over Cam,” one wrote. That’s harsh but reflects the frustration many fans felt watching Levis underperform last season. Levis is facing the steepest uphill climb of his career.

And then there was the simplest take of all: “Will Levis stinks.” Sometimes, the internet doesn’t do nuance, and this comment proves it. Whether it’s fair or not, fans have largely made up their minds. “Everyone knows Cam is QB1 in Tenn,” another user chimed in, echoing the popular belief that Ward’s status as a No. 1 pick gives him the inside track.