"Ever since I've been here, there's always been a good relationship among the QBs, and I don't think it's going to change anytime soon," Pruneau added. "Me and Conner are friends, and I see us feeding off each other. I think ultimately it'll be beneficial to the team."

Harvard has three other quarterbacks on its active roster. Rising sophomore Tanner Wrisley played extensively during the spring game, and classmates Jimmy Meyer and Scott Hosch also received several snaps.

But Hempel and Pruneau stand out to Murphy as the top candidates for the starting job. Although Pruneau's injury has made evaluations difficult, the head coach lists Hempel at the top of the depth chart, crediting his performance in spring ball.

"It's an open competition, but having said that, somebody's one, somebody's two, and somebody's three," Murphy said. "And Conner, coming out of spring football, has earned number one. Michael has earned number two because that's where he was, but based upon limited reps, that's how it's going to start off."

Murphy says he hopes to have named a starting quarterback ten days before the first game of the year against San Diego.

But whoever takes the field for the first snap on September 21—regardless of whether it is Hempel or Pruneau—will be tasked with leading the Crimson on its quest for a fourth Ivy League title in seven years.

"Talentwise, I think we have everything it takes, but the key ingredient is everyone coming together as a team," Hempel said. "Leaders start to emerge, and the leadership and how we play together and the chemistry on the team are what's ultimately going to decide how successful we'll be in the upcoming season."

—Staff writer David Steinbach can be reached at dsteinbach@college.harvard.edu.