Baylor's spring football drills are over yet Seth Russell hasn't been named the starter at quarterback for the Bears.

But all signs point to the junior leading Baylor's offense when the season begins Sept. 4 against SMU, John Werner of the Waco Tribune reports. Sophomore Chris Johnson and early enrollee Jarrett Stidham have been battling alongside Russell to replace Bryce Petty, but Russell has looked ready to take over this spring.

"He's shown the ability to help our football team to win with his feet, his arm and his intelligence, and that's what we're looking for," Briles said. "He's going to be given the opportunity to make plays and we'll see from there."

Briles said he sees no reason to hurry to name a starter, noting there are 29 practices remaining before the season opener. It's a little surprising for Briles not to go ahead and tab Russell as his starter, but it doesn't seem doing so would change much heading into the summer. His role as a leader on the offense appears pretty set in stone either way, so Briles' mindset is understandable.