Will Levis: 'There Aren't 32 QBs Better Than Me' Amid Titans Backup Battle
ESPN · August 2, 2026
Key takeaways
- Will Levis said he doesn't think there are 32 quarterbacks in the NFL better than him, despite competing for Tennessee's backup job.
- The Titans handed the starting role to rookie Cam Ward this offseason, pushing Levis into a competition for QB2.
- Levis says he's embracing the challenge professionally while still believing in his own starting-caliber talent.
The Quote That's Getting Attention
Will Levis isn't hiding from a tough situation. The Titans handed the starting job to rookie Cam Ward this offseason, leaving Levis to fight for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart — a steep fall for a guy who was QB1 not long ago. But Levis made it clear he hasn't lost confidence in himself, telling reporters he doesn't believe there are 32 quarterbacks in the league better than he is.
It's a bold statement from a player currently competing just to be the backup. But it's also classic Levis: he's never been shy about believing in his own arm talent, even when results on the field haven't always matched the swagger.
Why He's In This Spot
Levis started plenty of games for Tennessee over the past two seasons, but the Titans clearly wanted a reset at the position. They used a top draft pick on Ward this spring and installed him as the starter without much of a public competition. That left Levis in a role he probably didn't expect to be in this early in his career — fighting to stay on the roster as a backup rather than handing off leadership of the offense.
Rather than sulk or request a trade, Levis is leaning into the challenge. He's said he's approaching the backup competition professionally, understanding that his job now is to push Ward, stay ready, and prove his worth however the team wants to use him.
What This Means For the Titans
Having a backup quarterback who genuinely believes he's a starter-caliber player isn't necessarily a bad thing for Tennessee. It gives them insurance in case Ward struggles or gets hurt as a rookie, and it keeps competitive pressure on the QB room throughout camp. The flip side: quotes like this can create headlines and questions about locker room dynamics if Levis doesn't get playing time or if Ward hits early rookie bumps.
For now, this is training camp bravado more than anything dramatic. Levis wants to be seen as a guy who's still a legitimate NFL starter somewhere, even if that somewhere isn't Nashville right now.
What's Next
Expect this storyline to simmer through preseason. If Ward looks shaky in exhibition action, calls for Levis to get a real look will grow louder. If Ward looks sharp, this becomes a quiet footnote — until Levis's next confident soundbite.
Why it matters
Quarterback competitions shape roster decisions, playing time, and trade buzz all season long. Levis's comments signal a storyline worth tracking as the Titans' QB room evolves under a rookie starter.
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