Will Levis Claims Top 32 Status While Battling for Titans Backup Role

Quarterback Will Levis returns to the Tennessee Titans after a season on injured reserve to compete for a roster spot behind starter Cam Ward.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis enters his fourth NFL season asserting that there are not 32 players at his position better than him. Levis last appeared on the field in 2024, recording 2,091 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Those statistics came during a season where the Titans finished with a 3-14 record, a result that allowed the franchise to select current starter and former No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward. After spending the entirety of last year on injured reserve, Levis spoke to reporters on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET to discuss his return to the active roster.

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Head coach Robert Saleh confirmed that the former Kentucky signal-caller will receive every opportunity to compete for the primary backup position. During team periods on Saturday, veteran Mitchell Trubisky received the majority of repetitions behind Ward. The Titans signed Trubisky to a two-year contract worth $10.5 million prior to the start of the season. Trubisky brings experience from offensive coordinator Brian Daboll’s system, having previously worked with him during their tenure with the Buffalo Bills. Despite the limited snaps in recent practices, the incumbent passer stated he is not worried about his opportunities and is focusing on being prepared for whenever his number is called.

Levis described his current mental state as being in a much healthier place than at any other point in his professional journey. This marks the first time since second grade that the athlete has been away from football for a full calendar year. He noted that the time off was necessary to calm his nervous system and move away from seeking the approval of others. Instead of suppressing his emotions, the fourth-year player now addresses them directly to handle the rigors of the league. He admitted that while he could have played better in previous seasons, he has not attempted a single pass in a live game since the 2024 campaign concluded.

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Coach Saleh noted that the quarterback is trending in the right direction by asking the correct questions during team meetings and competing intensely on the practice field. Levis acknowledged his role in helping other players who are currently fighting for roster positions, aiming to bring them along while simultaneously creating opportunities for himself. He expressed confidence in his ability to lead a franchise, citing the game film he has already produced as evidence of his talent. The quarterback emphasized that he is now focused on having fun and becoming the best version of himself as he transitions back into professional play following his stint on injured reserve.

The competition for the second spot on the depth chart remains a focal point of the Nashville training camp. Trubisky’s familiarity with the playbook provides a significant hurdle for the returning veteran, yet the coaching staff maintains that the evaluation process is ongoing. Levis mentioned that his physical health has reached a peak level, allowing him to execute throws that were difficult during his injury-plagued 2024 run. The organization is looking for stability at the position to support Ward, who was brought in to revitalize an offense that struggled significantly two years ago.

During the media session, Levis highlighted that his perspective on the sport shifted during his forced hiatus. He spent the 2025 season observing from the sidelines, which provided a unique vantage point on defensive schemes and play-calling nuances. This analytical approach is what Saleh referred to when discussing the player's intellectual growth. The Titans' front office remains committed to fostering a competitive environment where every snap during the preseason will carry weight in the final roster construction. With the first preseason game approaching, the distribution of reps between the three quarterbacks will be closely monitored by analysts and fans alike.