Vikings make major starting QB announcement on Kyle Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy battle originally appeared on The Sporting News. The Minnesota Vikings have been undergoing a quarterback battle this offseason, with Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarrthy competing for the QB1 job. After McCarthy disappointed last year, there was a real chance he would lose the starting job. McCarthy didn't win the quarterback competition, as Murray is now being named as the starter for the Vikings in an expected move from the Vikings ahead of the 2026 season. Vikings announce Kyler Murray as starting QB for 2026 season"ESPN sources: the Vikings have named Kyler Murray their starting QB," Schefter reported Tuesday.