Kyle Allen vs. Kyler Murray vs. Jake Hubenak: Updates on Texas A&M QB Battle

The Texas A&M starting quarterback job is officially up for grabs between current No. 1 Kyle Allen, true freshman Kyler Murray and sophomore Jake Hubenak.

Continue for updates.

---

Aggies Starting QB to be Named Friday

Tuesday, Oct. 27

Head coach Kevin Sumlin spoke Tuesday about what the Aggies are seeking at the most important position and why Allen's leash was so long to begin with, per the Associated Press' Kristie Reiken:

"

Looking for consistency across the board at quarterback. Cutting down on turnovers. This week you'll be evaluated not only based on practice, percentage in drills and everything else, but also evaluated in your leadership skills, communication with teammates and the coaching staff and general overall play and demeanor.

[...]  (It's) hard to play that position looking over your shoulder all the time. A lot of other positions you can yank guys in and out. But without confidence it's hard to play quarterback. You kind of want a guy to play himself out of it, but it wasn't happening and we made the change.    

"

Allen had a stellar start to the 2015 campaign in guiding the Aggies to a 5-0 record. The gifted sophomore has since lost command of the offense. He threw three pick-sixes in an ugly 41-23 loss to Alabama and was just 12-of-34 passing for 88 yards and an interception in a 23-3 defeat to Ole Miss in his last outing.

Ever since Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel left for the NFL after the 2013 campaign, Texas A&M hasn't been able to find a sustainable successor. Kenny Hill got off to a hot start last season but eventually regressed, was benched in favor of Allen and is now awaiting a chance to play at TCU.

Now Allen may be on the wrong end of a similar development if Murray wrests the starting job away prior to this Saturday's SEC showdown with South Carolina.

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

Murray was a 5-star recruit and considered the No. 1 dual-threat QB in the class of 2015 by 247Sports. Although he couldn't beat out Allen in their initial competition, this may be the beginning of Murray's tenure running the show.

But Murray also reportedly directed an expletive-laden tirade at offensive coordinator Jake Spavital when he was pulled from the Alabama game for throwing an interception, per John P. Lopez of CBS Houston. The 18-year-old dressed for the Ole Miss contest but didn't play even when Allen was floundering.

Sumlin addressed the Murray incident Tuesday and expressed optimism about what Murray's done of late to redeem himself, per Reiken:

"

Kyler has done the things necessary that we've asked him to do based on what happened on the sideline. Hopefully that's been a learning experience for him. Since that time...he has come back has practiced and is doing the right things. That's why he was part of discussion (Monday) in this competition.

"

That unfortunate episode from Murray nevertheless leaves the door open for the dark horse in Hubenak, a junior college transfer, to possibly take over.

Among the trickiest aspects of this QB kerfuffle in College Station is how to fairly divide practice reps between three different players. Sumlin referred to how detrimental it can be at the position for players to be looking behind them, which can disrupt any hopes of establishing a rhythm and asserting oneself as the leader of an offense or team.

Allen and Murray were also highly recruited, so benching them this many times early in their careers may alienate them from the program and create further tension in the locker room.