
In a pivotal move, the Tennessee Titans have announced that quarterback Will Levis will start in their regular-season finale against the Houston Texans on Sunday, January 5, 2025.
This decision comes after a season marked by fluctuations in the Titans’ quarterback lineup, with Levis and Mason Rudolph alternating under center.
Levis, a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, began his rookie season as the third-string quarterback behind Ryan Tannehill and Malik Willis. He made a memorable NFL debut in Week 8 of the 2023 season, throwing for 238 yards and four touchdowns in a victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
Despite this strong start, Levis’s tenure as the Titans’ starting quarterback has been inconsistent. In the 2024 season, he led the team to a 1-4 record in his first five games, completing 86 out of 125 passes for 699 yards, five touchdowns, and seven interceptions. His performance was marred by turnovers, including a notable interception against the Chicago Bears in the season opener.
Injuries further complicated Levis’s season. He sustained an AC joint injury during a Week 4 victory over the Miami Dolphins, which led to him missing several games. Upon his return, he showed flashes of improvement, including a 98-yard touchdown pass to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine in a Week 11 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, tying the franchise record for the longest passing touchdown.
However, subsequent performances were mixed, culminating in a Week 15 game against the Cincinnati Bengals where Levis threw three interceptions before being replaced by Rudolph in the third quarter.
Head coach Brian Callahan’s decision to start Levis in the season finale indicates the organization’s desire to give the young quarterback another opportunity to showcase his abilities. Callahan has stated that while Levis will start, Rudolph is also expected to see playing time, particularly if Levis struggles.
This strategy suggests that the Titans are still evaluating their quarterback options as they look ahead to the future.
The upcoming game against the Texans holds significance beyond individual performances. The Titans, currently holding a 6-10 record, are out of playoff contention, making this game an opportunity to assess talent and make decisions for the offseason. For Levis, it represents a chance to solidify his position as a potential franchise quarterback or, conversely, to raise further questions about his readiness for the role.
Fan sentiment has been divided regarding the quarterback situation. Some supporters advocate for giving Levis more playing time to fully assess his potential, while others believe that starting Rudolph could make the offense appear more competent in the short term.
Off the field, Levis has faced personal challenges, including a public breakup with his longtime girlfriend, Gia Duddy, which he described as the most challenging and transformative period of his life.
As the Titans prepare for their final game of the season, all eyes will be on Levis to see if he can rise to the occasion and make a compelling case for his future with the franchise. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for the team’s strategy in the upcoming NFL Draft and their plans for the quarterback position moving forward.