Quarterback play was a massive question mark for several SEC teams entering the 2025 college football season. A year later, the outlook in the conference has changed significantly. Sure, there are question marks and mystery signal-callers, but the top of the SEC features a pair of quarterbacks — Texas’ Arch Manning and Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss — expected to factor prominently into the Heisman race. Additionally, the second tier of the conference is loaded, led by Georgia’s Gunner Stockton, LSU’s Sam Leavitt, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed, Oklahoma’s John Mateer, and Alabama’s Keelon Russell leading the way.
Ranking the quarterbacks by conference or nationally is no easy task. To help compile the rankings, some projection was involved for 2026. This was not a ranking of quarterbacks based only on accomplishments so far or pro potential. All factors — pure talent, supporting cast, having a clear hold on the No. 1 position, previous production, ’26 projection, and scheme changes (just to name a few) — were considered to rank the quarterbacks in the SEC.
SEC Preview:Predictions | Coach Ranks | 138 Team Rankings | Bowl Projections
All-America | SEC All-Conference Team | Ranking SEC’s Toughest Schedules
New coach Ryan Silverfield has plenty of question marks to address this offseason, but one of those was answered in late August with Jackson winning the quarterback battle over Memphis transfer AJ Hill. Jackson — a former four-star recruit in the 2024 signing class — played in five games (with one start) last season and threw for 441 yards and three scores and ran for 52 yards and two touchdowns. The Alabama native flashed potential in limited snaps last year but has to adapt to a new play-caller (Tim Cramsey). Filling the void under center left by Taylen Green won’t be easy. But Jackson has some intriguing upside for Silverfield as he looks to get this program back on track.
Diego Pavia leaves big shoes to fill in Nashville, but Curtis — a five-star quarterback recruit in the 2026 signing class — is primed to be the next star for coach Clark Lea. The true freshman is battling Blaze Berlowitz for the starting job, but even if there are growing pains, Curtis is simply too talented to keep on the bench. Expectations are high for Curtis, and coordinator Tim Beck is one of the best in the SEC to mold an offense that fits his skill set. However, it may take the true freshman a little time to find his footing at the FBS level.
New coach Will Stein tutored some of college football’s top quarterbacks (Bo Nix, Dillon Gabriel and Dante Moore at Oregon), and optimism is high for similar development from Minchey in 2026. The Notre Dame transfer is largely unproven with just 10 appearances. However, in addition to pushing CJ Carr for the starting job in South Bend prior to 2025, Minchey has played well in limited time. He’s completed 23 of 29 throws for 212 yards and added 96 yards and two scores on the ground. Will that strong-but-limited sample size translate into a full season of snaps?
Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. were in a close competition this fall for the top spot on the depth chart for first-year coach Jon Sumrall. However, Philo was named the starter late in fall practice. The Georgia native’s connections to new Florida coordinator Buster Faulkner from the last two years at Georgia Tech certainly helped to give him the inside track to win the job. Philo impressed in limited snaps with the Yellow Jackets, throwing for 938 yards and two scores and rushing for 95 yards over eight appearances. With one of the SEC’s top receiving corps at his disposal, along with preseason All-American Jadan Baugh, Philo (or Jones Jr.) will have plenty of help in the supporting cast.
Brandon and George MacIntyre were locked into a tight battle for the No. 1 spot on the depth chart this fall. However, as the Volunteers shifted into preparation for Week 1, Brandon — a five-star prospect in the 2026 signing class — was named the starter. As with any true freshman, growing pains or ups and downs are anticipated. However, coach Josh Heupel is one of the best offensive minds in the SEC and will adapt and build an offense to help the young quarterback thrive. Tennessee also returns one of the top supporting casts in the SEC, as Heupel’s team has one of the best offensive lines, receiving corps and running backs (DeSean Bishop) in the conference.
Missouri returns one of the nation’s top backfields with Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts leading the way, and coach Eli Drinkwitz has also assembled a standout offensive line behind preseason All-American Cayden Green. Can the passing game take a major step forward with Simmons under new coordinator Chip Lindsey? That’s the biggest preseason question mark for the Tigers. Simmons transferred to Missouri after three seasons at Ole Miss. During that stint, Simmons appeared in 17 games and started twice in ‘25 before suffering an injury that opened the door for Trinidad Chambliss to take over the job. Simmons completed 64 of 107 passes for 1,026 yards and six touchdowns against five picks and rushed for 85 yards and a score during his Ole Miss career. The Florida native’s talent isn’t in question. Can he reach his potential in ‘26?
Taylor ranks among college football’s top breakout quarterbacks in 2026. The former four-star prospect in the ‘25 class played in 11 games last year (with two starts) and flashed big-time potential. Taylor connected on 43 of 77 throws for 629 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for 458 yards and eight scores in those snaps. Coach Jeff Lebby is one of the top offensive minds in the SEC, and the Mississippi State offensive scheme is a great fit for Taylor’s big arm and athleticism.
Brown should be one of the top impact transfer quarterbacks this season. He followed coach Alex Golesh from South Florida to the Plains, and that familiarity should help Auburn’s offense show rapid improvement after averaging only 18.5 points in SEC play last year. Brown was a dynamic playmaker for the Bulls in ‘25, throwing for 3,158 yards and 28 scores and rushing for 1,008 yards and 14 touchdowns. The North Carolina native also led the nation by averaging 347.2 total yards per game. Brown may not replicate that production against tougher defenses in the SEC, but he’s still among college football’s top playmakers.
Mateer was an early Heisman frontrunner after recording 344 total yards and three touchdowns in a 24-13 victory over Michigan on Sept. 6 last year. However, a thumb injury against Auburn in the SEC opener two weeks later hindered Mateer the rest of the season and dampened a promising debut in Norman. The Washington State transfer ended ‘25 with 2,885 passing yards and 14 touchdowns and added 431 yards and eight scores on the ground. A return to full strength will aid Mateer’s development this season, along with an improved supporting cast in the second year with the Sooners. The Texas native needs to be more consistent as a passer, but his all-around playmaking ability will shine this fall.
Reed had a disappointing end to the 2025 season with four combined interceptions in back-to-back losses against Texas and Miami. However, the Tennessee native still turned in a strong campaign with 3,169 passing yards and 25 touchdowns and 493 yards and six scores on the ground. Reed’s 8.7 yards per attempt also ranked third among SEC quarterbacks (conference-only games). Per Hudl IQ, 20.1% of Reed’s completions resulted in gains of 15-plus yards. The fourth-year signal-caller is working behind a revamped offensive line and new play-caller in Holmon Wiggins. However, Reed will be throwing to one of the SEC’s top receiving corps. Can Wiggins help Reed take the next step in ‘26?
The Crimson Tide held one of college football’s highest-profile battles this offseason, with Russell beating out Austin Mack for the No. 1 spot. Russell is limited on experience (just 37 career snaps), but the former five-star prospect isn’t short on talent. The Texas native flashed big-time potential in two games in 2025, completing 11 of 15 throws for 143 yards and two scores. Russell will make some mistakes as a first-time starter, but the upside is enormous for coach Kalen DeBoer. The second-year player’s ability to connect on big plays and use his legs to escape the pocket are two factors that worked in favor of edging Mack in the battle to start. He’s primed for a breakout year.
After a breakout 2024 season that saw Sellers throw for 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns and rush for 674 yards and seven scores, the South Carolina native seemed poised for a run at All-America honors. Instead of progressing, the ‘25 campaign — for a variety of reasons — was a step back for Sellers. South Carolina’s offensive scheme and supporting cast all created problems last year. As a result, Sellers’ numbers took a dip, as he threw for 2,437 yards and 13 touchdowns and ran for 270 yards and five scores. An offensive reset behind new play-caller Kendal Briles should help Sellers get back on track this fall. The fourth-year signal-caller has enormous physical talent and upside. How far will he rebound in ‘26?
Leavitt is one of college football’s top transfer quarterbacks and a key cog in LSU’s hopes of a playoff run in 2026. After starting his career at Michigan State, Leavitt transferred to Arizona State prior to ‘24 and emerged as one of the Big 12’s top signal-callers. Over 13 games that year, Leavitt threw for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns and ran for 443 yards and five scores en route to leading the Sun Devils to a Big 12 title and playoff appearance. However, a foot injury limited Leavitt to only seven games last season, as he managed fewer than 2,000 total yards and just 15 scores. All signs point to a full recovery for Leavitt in time for ‘26. With a strong combination of arm talent and mobility, the Oregon native should be a great fit in coach Lane Kiffin’s offense.
Stockton turned in a solid debut season as Georgia’s starter in 2025, throwing for 2,894 yards and 24 scores and rushing for 462 yards and 10 touchdowns. Efficiency was a strong suit of Stockton’s game, as he tossed only five picks and completed nearly 70% (69.7) of his throws. Additionally, Stockton thrived in the fourth quarter, boasting a 189.2 quarterback rating in those moments last year. Connecting on more big plays (just four completions of 40-plus yards in ‘25) is a must if Stockton is to raise his game to another level in ‘26.
From Ferris State to a spot among college football’s top quarterbacks. That was Chambliss’ story in ‘25. After transferring to Ole Miss from the Division II ranks, Chambliss took over the starting quarterback job in Oxford after an injury to Austin Simmons and proceeded to throw for 3,937 yards and 22 touchdowns. The Michigan native tossed only three picks over 445 attempts and added 527 yards and eight scores on the ground. Per Hudl IQ, Chambliss had a success rate of 54.1% last year. Chambliss won’t sneak up on defenses this year, and there’s plenty of change in Oxford under new coach Pete Golding, including John David Baker taking over the play-calling duties. However, Chambliss shows no signs of slowing down in ‘26.
Manning faced enormous expectations entering his first full year as the team’s starter last season. The weight of those expectations, along with a shaky offensive line, seemingly hindered Manning early in the ‘25 campaign. However, the New Orleans native got better with each snap and finished the year playing his best ball, including 376 total yards and four touchdowns in a bowl victory over Michigan. Manning ended the season with 3,163 passing yards and 26 touchdowns to seven picks and 399 yards and 10 scores on the ground. He also ranked second among SEC signal-callers with six completions (in conference-only games) of 50-plus yards. The fourth-year player needs to be more consistent overall, but his finish to the ‘25 campaign showcased marked improvement from the uneven start. If Manning builds on that finish and continues to progress overall, he will have a strong case to be college football’s No. 1 quarterback.
