Quarterback competitions at East Carolina have been numerous over the years, but the best man hasn’t always won, at least initially.

That’s something to consider at Mitch Griffis from Texas Tech and Emory Williams from Miami of Florida vie for starting snaps for the Pirates in 2026.

Coach Blake Harrell and new offensive coordinator Jordan Davis generally spoke in a collective sense of the duo during spring practice crediting their work ethic, effort, experience, improvement, intelligence and increasing comfort with operations.

They do have different skill sets. Griffis, at six feet, is more of a runner. Williams, at 6-5, essentially is a pocket passer.

Coaches believe that continued competition makes those involved get better and reduces complacency.

Shining moments

Griffis and Williams have had productive efforts in wins as starters at Power Four programs.

Wiliams started for Miami against Clemson in a 2023 home game the Hurricanes won, 28-20, in two overtimes. He completed 24 of 33 for 153 yards with a touchdown.

His scoring pass to Colbie Young gave the Canes a 17-14 lead with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter.

Griffis began his college career at Wake Forest and directed the Deacons to a 36-20 win over visiting Vanderbilt in 2023 as he completed 17 of 26 for 196 yards with two TDs and no picks.

Career numbers

Griffis has played in 30 games for the Red Raiders and Wake with 10 starts for the Deacs. He has completed 183 passes out of 299 attempts for 2,314 yards with 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

He has 137 carries, including sacks, for 263 yards with three scores.

Williams saw action in 12 games for the Canes with two starts. He completed 73 of 116 for 813 yards with four TDs and two picks. His 11 rushes netted two yards.

Russell leads Tide

ECU opens the season at Alabama on Sept. 5, and the Crimson Tide reportedly has a quarterback competition as well.

Keelon Russell had four touchdown passes in the spring game on April 11 and is more mobile than Austin Mack, who threw for one score. Mack was limited to a degree by a recent injury.

Ongoing situation

Regardless of who comes out to direct the first series in Tuscaloosa, the quarterback competition will be ongoing.

There are numerous examples in program history where the starter has been replaced during the season.

Most recently Katin Houser took over for Jake Garcia in 2024.

Shane Carden emerged in 2012 after Rio Johnson won the job in preseason camp. Gardner Minshew replaced Duke transfer Thomas Sirk in 2017.

Mason Garcia started at eventual national champion Michigan in the 2023 opener, but Alex Flinn eventually became QB1.

Value of stability

There is value in a returning quarterback with starting experience. The Pirates’ best seasons have been accomplished under those circumstances.

Jeff Blake was a returning starter when ECU went 11-1 in 1991.

David Garrard was back when the 1999 team was 9-3.

Patrick Pinkney had started previously when the Pirates won Conference USA championships in 2008 and 2009.

Holton Ahlers capped his career as a 4-year starter in 2022 with a Birmingham Bowl win.

Houser started eight of nine wins in 2025 after taking the job at midseason in 2024.

Griffis is in his sixth and final year of eligibility. Williams is a redshirt junior.

Keeping a quarterback has become more difficult with the current degree of roster movement.

Expanded playoff?

The American Football Coaches Association voted last week to recommend expansion of the College Football Playoff from 12 to 24 teams.

The coaches are in favor of eliminating conference championship games.

There is also a 16-team model which is favored by the Southeastern Conference.

ECU athletic director Jon Gilbert is on record as favoring an expanded CFP.