ELON — Replacing productive quarterbacks has become a familiar challenge for Elon football.
 
Four different starting quarterbacks have helped the program win at least six games and post a .500 or better Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) record during each of the past five seasons. The most recent was Landen Clark, who was named the 2025 CAA Co-Offensive Rookie of the Year before transferring to LSU. Clark's progression underscored Elon's ability to develop talent while creating another opening at the position, one the Phoenix hopes sophomore Brady Stober can step into this fall.
 
Stober transferred to Elon after spending his freshman season at Samford, where he appeared in 10 games and made five starts in 2025. The Hickory native completed over 62% of his passes for 1,240 yards and seven touchdowns while adding two scores on the ground.
 
Stober arrived at Elon in January, giving him the opportunity to learn the system of offensive coordinator and quarterback coach Doug Martin throughout spring practice.
 
"Having spring ball and winter term to get all the base stuff in is really big because we can just go when the first day of fall camp arrives," Stober said. "Coming in early and learning from Coach Martin and (Offensive Pass-Game Coordinator) Coach (Matt) Christian has been great. Being able to meet with them and learn all the terminology has made it easier to digest this new offense."
 
His best performance came against VMI, when he completed 34 of 43 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns. The effort earned Stober Stats Perform National Freshman of the Week and Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors.
 
Despite entering only his second collegiate season, Stober brings valuable game experience to the quarterback room. His accuracy, mobility and decision-making have helped ease his transition into Elon's offense.
 
"He's a quick study and has a great mind for the game," Martin said. "Brady wants to be coached and that is one of the things I love about him. He is always up here in meetings and watching extra film."
 
Stober will also have a number of weapons at his disposal. Elon returns five of its top six pass catchers and its leading rusher from last season and with more athletes who can make plays, Stober views his job as getting his teammates involved and allowing them to do what they do best.
 
"The best way this team can be successful is if I just get the ball to them and let them do their thing," Stober said. "I have so many targets that as long as I do my job we will be in a good spot because every single one of those guys can make a play."
 
"He's going to be steady and he's going to get them the ball," Martin said. "He's looking to throw and the ball's going to get distributed all around."  
 
Quarterback Personnel
TJ Crews IV | R-Jr. | Overland Park, Kan.
Elijah Guttman | R-Fr. | Cincinnati, Ohio
Tanner Payne | Fr. | Pine Knoll Shores, N.C.
Brady Stober | So. | Hickory, N.C.
 
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