Lively QB1 Competition Is Underway at San Jose State

© Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports

In a new era with a new coach in Ken Niumatalolo, much is unknown about San Jose State University’s next football season. The Spartans are beginning this season with a new coach and a new system and will be deciding on a new quarterback. Who is going to be the team's signal caller in 2024?

As the Spartans prepare for the upcoming season, they must replace their standout quarterback of the last two years, Chevan Cordeiro. Selecting the next starting quarterback will be a critical step for the team. Niumatalolo's philosophy regarding building and shaping the team's roster is simple: "Everything starts with the quarterback."

Moving On From Chevan Cordeiro

Cordeiro was the Spartans' QB in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Before playing for San Jose State, Cordeiro played at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. In his collegiate career, he played six seasons in the Mountain West Conference.

Cordeiro is the MWC's all-time leader in touchdown passes (104). In 2023, he received First-Team All-MWC honors. That type of production will be hard to replicate.

Cordeiro signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent but was recently released by the team.

Who Is QB1 of San Jose State?

Before coach Brent Brennan left San Jose State for Arizona, Brock Purdy's brother, Chubba Purdy, announced he was transferring to San Jose State. Then, after Brennan's departure, Purdy announced his transfer to Nevada.

Heading into the summer under the stewardship of Niumatalolo, the Spartans have four QBs on their roster, each of whom has a chance to win the starting QB job. They have two transfers: redshirt junior Jay Butterfield and redshirt sophomore Emmett Brown. Butterfield transferred from Oregon, and Brown came from Washington State. The other two QBs have been with the team: redshirt sophomore Tyler Voss and redshirt junior Walker Eget.

After spring practice, Niumatalolo said that Eget and Brown were the leaders for the starting job, but did not make a final decision. During the Spartans' spring game, Eget took the majority of the snaps, providing insight into how the competition was going. However, in the post-game presser, Niumatalolo said Eget and Brown were “neck and neck.” Neither QB shined too brightly in the spring game, as the Spartans' defense dominated.

In high school in Southern California, Eget passed for 3,250 yards and 40 touchdowns. His playing time has been limited thus far in his college career.

Brown was a three-star recruit, who received an offer from the Spartans coming out of high school. He attended Washington State as a preferred walk-on before transferring to SJSU.

Spartans fans do not currently know who their QB1 will be this season. It is possible this QB battle will not be resolved until right before the season commences. The QB competition is a positive for SJSU. Both of the leading contenders—Eget and Brown—have strengths. Both have become vocal leaders on the team.