BOCA RATON — Regardless of where he's coaching, Florida Atlantic head coach Lane Kiffin seems destined to always have a quarterback battle.

Graduations, retirements and overall inefficiency at each of his last three stops — Southern California, Alabama and FAU — have provided Kiffin with quarterback competitions every year dating back to 2013.

"We'll make the best of it," Kiffin said this summer.

Indiana transfer Nick Tronti and junior college walk-on Justin Agner split first-team snaps this spring. Tronti, the 2016 recipient of Florida’s Mr. Football at Ponte Vedra High near Jacksonville, joined the Owls as a walk-on last summer.

Former Oklahoma enrollee and incumbent starter Chris Robison rejoined the team in June after an offseason suspension stemming from a student's allegation of sexual battery. University police investigated Robison in December before the woman said the encounter was consensual and she did not want to press charges.

The talented quarterback has a history of off-field issues. Robison was also suspended to begin FAU’s 2018 spring camp after missing a tutoring session. He was previously arrested on a public intoxication charge at the University of Oklahoma in April 2017 and was dismissed for violating team rules later that year.

Robison is the lone holdover from last year's quarterback battle. Former "Last Chance U" star De'Andre Johnson transferred to Texas Southern, an FCS program, and Rafe Peavey exhausted his final year of eligibility.

Although former Florida State quarterback Deondre Francois announced his intention of transferring to FAU in May, Kiffin confirmed at C-USA media days Thursday the ex-Seminole won't join the Owls.

Projected depth chart:

Chris Robison — R-So. (6-1, 200): This could be Robison’s final chance to make his case as FAU’s quarterback of the future. Robison was named Co-Conference USA Freshman of the Year after throwing for 2,540 yards, 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 12 games (11 starts) last season. He threw for a program-record 471 yards in a September win over Air Force.

Nick Tronti — R-So. (6-2, 215): The Indiana transfer enjoyed a strong spring camp and adjusted well to FAU’s offense. Tronti was viewed as the favorite to win the starting quarterback job when Robison’s future was uncertain. Robison’s return and Tronti’s skills as a dual-threat quarterback will make for an intriguing battle this summer.

Justin Agner — Jr. (6-2, 210): Although Agner played well in the spring, Robison’s reinstatement means the junior college transfer is possibly headed for reserve duty. Agner began his career at Kent State and threw for 222 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions at Fort Scott C.C. (Kan.) last season.

Cordel Littlejohn — R-Fr. (6-4, 200): Littlejohn is still considered a project and struggled with his accuracy in spring camp. He didn’t factor into the spring battle but could challenge for the third quarterback role with a sharp fall camp.

Trent Wessel — Sr. (6-2, 190): Wessel had a strong spring and has earned praise for his offensive mind. He could be headed for a coaching career when his playing days end.

The big question: Can Robison take the next step forward? Simply put, a healthy and mature Robison could allow FAU to challenge for a Conference USA title. Robison needs to make smarter decisions — too many of his turnovers last year were on bad reads and trying to keep the play alive — if he wants to lock down the starting job.

"I don't really look at him as a returning starter," Kiffin said Thursday at C-USA media days. "I look at it as an open competition because he did miss spring and these other guys did do a good job."

Name to know: Tronti. He’s had nearly a year in the offense and poses the biggest threat to Robison. Don’t underestimate Tronti because he’s not on scholarship — if he’s the better quarterback, he’ll be the one starting against Ohio State on Aug. 31.

Although freshman quarterback Javion Posey is on campus, he'll likely use this year to redshirt and learn the playbook.

The pressure is on: Robison, even more after his lengthy suspension. While Robison’s talent is unquestioned, his maturity and history of off-field issues only raise questions about his long-term future with the program. Kiffin took a chance on Robison for a reason and it's time for the third-year quarterback to show he belongs with the Owls.

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