The SEC's 2026 quarterback class is shaping up to be a fascinating one, with a mix of returning starters, hopeful do-overs, and promising young players getting their first opportunities. Here's a ranking of the SEC's quarterbacks based on their 2025 performances and what we know heading into the summer months.
Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss: Chambliss is one of the best quarterbacks in the country. He rarely makes mistakes, can use his legs when needed, and has the ability to take over games in clutch spots. His performance last season, when he threw downfield and showed an ability to take over games in clutch spots, cements his status as a top-tier quarterback.
Arch Manning, Texas: Manning wasn't great early in the season, but he came into his own late. After barely being used early in October, Texas let Manning use his legs to burn Texas A&M and Michigan. His ability to torch defenses late in the season, especially against Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas, makes him a strong contender for the top spot.
Sam Leavitt, LSU: Leavitt had a poor 2025 season, but that can be explained by a foot injury that required season-ending surgery in October and the loss of dynamic tailback Cam Skattebo to the NFL. Leavitt was no longer an unknown to Big 12 defenses, and while it's tough to upgrade from a Kenny Dillingham offense, Lane Kiffin's offenses historically work out well for quarterbacks.
Gunner Stockton, Georgia: Stockton has done well at what he's been asked to do, with nearly 40% of his pass attempts thrown at or behind the line of scrimmage last season. His ability to operate the way Georgia wants without Zach Branch is impressive.
Marcel Reed, Texas A&M: Reed made strides from 2024 to 2025, upping his completion percentage and per-play efficiency. He still produced on the ground and found a way to generate splash plays. When the sun was out, Reed was awesome, but he was still prone to mistakes, and when they came, they usually snowballed.
Byrum Brown, Auburn: Brown had great numbers last year for South Florida, throwing for almost 3,200 yards and 28 touchdowns. He completed 66.3% of his throws and cut his interceptions from 11 in 2023 to 7. He also added 1,008 yards and 14 scores on the ground. Though he changed zip codes, Brown has a ton of familiarity with coach Alex Golesh and the offense Auburn will be running.
Austin Mack/Keelon Russell, Alabama: Mack has been with Kalen DeBoer for 4 years and should be plenty prepared to run the offense. With a 6-foot-6 frame and pro arm, he might be quite good. Russell is a former 5-star recruit who looked elite coming out of high school. Alabama doesn't have a bad option in its quarterback competition.
LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina: South Carolina was supposed to make a Playoff push last season, but the offense collapsed, and Sellers ran for his life every weekend. Some of the issues weren't Sellers' fault, but the quarterback built like a fullback didn't help matters. He took too many unnecessary sacks, threw too many picks, and missed too many throws he shouldn't have.
John Mateer, Oklahoma: Mateer started hot in his first season with Oklahoma, but broke his hand and wasn't the same player once he returned. Critical mistakes as a passer nearly cost Oklahoma at home against LSU and then did cost Oklahoma at home in the first round of the CFP against Alabama. Lots to clean up.
Aaron Philo, Florida: Philo backed up Haynes King for 2 seasons at Georgia Tech, then followed his offensive coordinator to Florida. He stepped in for King in a 2024 win over NC State to throw for 265 yards and run for a touchdown. He started a game against Gardner-Webb last season where he threw for 373 yards and a score. Philo flashed in spots.
Kenny Minchey, Kentucky: Minchey spent 3 seasons at Notre Dame. In his first 2 years, he threw 3 total passes. In Year 3, he got an opportunity to compete with CJ Carr and Steve Angeli for the starting job. Minchey ultimately lost the battle to Carr and once again played a limited role. Will Stein has produced some outstanding quarterbacks, and I like the partnership here, even if Minchey doesn't have Oregon-level talent at the skill positions.
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State: Taylor did exactly what you'd expect an athletic, young quarterback to do when given a late-season opportunity to run the show. He tried to make it a show. Taylor, a 6-foot-4 freshman, averaged 13.1 air yards per pass attempt and gained more than 8 per throw. He didn’t put the ball in harm’s way and surprised the Ole Miss defense with his legs in the Egg Bowl. Ball placement was shaky.
George MacIntyre, Tennessee: A former 4-star quarterback who has a year’s head start on Faizon Brandon in the Josh Heupel playbook, MacIntyre seems like the safer option, if there is such a thing in this quarterback battle. Both players are inexperienced, both have high upside, and both will make mistakes.
Austin Simmons, Mizzou: The potential is still there for Simmons, but there are red flags. Simmons was a risk-taker who got repeatedly burned before the floor fell out from under him. As a first-time starter, he was still figuring out what he could and couldn’t get away with. Then he got injured and spent the rest of the season on the bench.
KJ Jackson/AJ Hill, Arkansas: Hill followed new coach Ryan Silverfield from Memphis after a redshirt season last fall. Jackson backed up Taylen Green at Arkansas and then stepped in for games against Texas and Missouri. Arkansas lost both of those games, but Jackson showed some promise during them.
Jared Curtis, Vanderbilt: Curtis, a longtime Georgia commit, will have to find his way and Vanderbilt will have to be patient with him. Curtis has all the tools to be successful, but he is a complete unknown who is bound to make rookie mistakes.
