2026 SEC QB1 Rankings For Week 4: Mississippi State’s Kamario Taylor Continues to Rise in NEW Top 10

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Similar to the NFL, a talented quarterback can turn a college football program into a playoff contender. This year’s crop of college signal callers has many players who could hear their names called early in the 2027 NFL Draft. Interestingly enough, quite a few of them are leading offenses in the SEC in 2026.

But which quarterbacks are the best of the best in, arguably, the top conference in college football? We aim to answer that question with our updated rankings of the top 10 QB1s in the SEC heading into Week 4 of the regular season.

10. John Mateer, Oklahoma (LW: 7)

sec — Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) and coach Brent Venables talk after a play during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.

After transferring from Washington State following a breakout season in 2024, there were high hopes for what John Mateer could do at Oklahoma last year. Unfortunately, he suffered a broken hand in September. And although he eventually returned to the field, he wasn’t fully healthy all year.

Mateer is 100% in 2026 and has been solid over his first three starts. While he hasn’t dominated in the ways the Sooners need, he has done enough to guide them to a 2-1 record to begin the season. If Oklahoma can better exploit his running skills, his numbers will quickly improve in the weeks ahead.

9. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina (LW: UR)

NCAA Football: Mississippi State at South Carolina — Sep 19, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) scrambles against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

After a breakout year in 2024, many in college football were expecting big things from South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers last year. Unfortunately, the Gamecocks had a disastrous season, finishing 4-8. Unsurprisingly, Sellers struggled as well in his sophomore season.

This year is about redemption, and Sellers has played rock-solid football. The South Carolina QB has showcased his dual-threat talent, and when he had trouble moving the ball through the air, as he did in Week 2 versus the Towson Tigers, he had a big day on the ground, rushing for 119 yards. Sellers is a player that can give defensive coordinators sleepless nights.

8. Kenny Minchey, Kentucky (LW: 8)

NCAA Football: Alabama at Kentucky — Sep 12, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Kenny Minchey (3) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

After being unable to win the starting QB job at Notre Dame last year, Kenny Minchey chose to leave and join Kentucky in the transfer portal in the spring. Outside of a rough performance in Week 2, he has played well for the Wildcats.

In Week 3, he was very efficient as he hit on 14 of his 18 passes for 252 yards, 2 TDs, and posted an outstanding 232.0 passer rating in a huge upset win over Texas A&M. Minchey is an SEC QB that can’t be underestimated in 2026.

7. Keelon Russell, Alabama (LW: UR)

NCAA Football: Florida State at Alabama — Sep 19, 2026; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Keelon Russell (12) carries the ball during the second half against the Florida State Seminoles at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

In 2025, Keelon Russell sat behind Ty Simpson and learned as he waited for his opportunity to take over the Alabama offense. He is getting that opportunity this year and has looked good so far.

Over the first three weeks, he is showing consistent growth and was at his best in their victory over Florida State last weekend. Hitting on 76% of his passes for 320 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also ran for 56 more yards and another TD. The sophomore is third in the SEC in passing yards with 764.

6. Aaron Philo, Florida (LW: 6)

sec — Sep 19, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive back Kaleb Harris (8) tackled Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images

After two seasons at Georgia Tech, Aaron Philo made the move to Florida in the transfer portal in search of more opportunities and a bigger spotlight. After three starts for the Gators, Philo is showing the program landed a hidden gem in the Georgia native.

Philo is sixth in the SEC for passing yards (721) and has connected on 73.4% of his passes over his first three games. He has played a key role in Florida’s 3-0 start.

5. Arch Manning, Texas (LW: 2)

Sep 19, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) looks to pass the ball while defended by by UTSA Roadrunners defensive lineman Jeremiah Bailey (0) and linebacker Owen Pewee (2) during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

There are few players more hyped than Texas star Arch Manning. It’s what comes with being the most recruited high school player of the decade, and the nephew of NFL greats Peyton Manning and Eli Manning. While he showed flaws during his debut season, Manning also offered a taste of his immense potential as a dual-threat QB.

Although the Longhorns QB has had a standout performance that showcased the heights of his power, he has been rock-solid this season, posting 661 passing yards and 7 TDs. But leading a massive comeback win against No. 1 Ohio State in Week 2 is why he is worthy of a top-10 spot in our new SEC QB rankings.

4. Austin Simmons, Missouri (LW: 4)

sec — Sep 19, 2026; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Austin Simmons (13) throws a pass against the Troy Trojans during the first half of the game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

After losing his starting job to Trinidad Chambliss last year, former Ole Miss QB Austin Simmons took his talents to Missouri in 2026. After three starts for the Tigers, he is showing why he originally beat Chambliss out for the QB1 job last summer.

Simmons is third in touchdowns and fourth in passer rating in the SEC heading into Week 4. While he had a bit of an off day last week versus Troy, he is off to a very nice start for 3-0 Missouri.

3. Gunner Stockton, Georgia (LW: 1)

Sep 19, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) runs with the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Gunner Stockton had big shoes to fill in 2025 as Georgia’s replacement for Carson Beck. While the Bulldogs weren’t in title contention, he gave more than enough reason to believe the program had a strong option at QB heading into this season.

While his stats at first glance won’t blow your hair back, he has been extremely efficient when he has been on the field. He has connected on 84.4% of his 45 passes this season. Racking up 583 passing yards, 9 TDs to 0 INTs, and a fantastic 259.6 passer rating after three games. If not for three blowout wins, he would probably be among the SEC leaders in several categories.

2. Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State (LW: 3)

NCAA Football: Mississippi State at Minnesota — Sep 12, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) breaks the tackle attempt of Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back John Nestor (17) during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

After getting a taste of being a starter during his freshman season at Mississippi State, Karmario Taylor has shown over the first three weeks that he may be the SEC’s brightest hidden gem.

Heading into Week 4, Taylor is No. 1 in the SEC in TDs (11) and is second in passer rating (195.0) and passing yards (832). He even has 178 yards and a TD on the ground. The program that went 5-8 last year is off to a 3-0 start because of Taylor, as he has become an early contender for 2026 SEC Player of the Year.

1. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss (LW: 5)

sec — Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) looks to pass the ball during a college football game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.

Trinidad Chambliss was one of the best stories in college football last year. The junior college star lost the QB1 battle in camp to Austin Simmons, but after the first QB1 suffered a serious injury in Ole Miss’ Week 2 game against Kentucky Chambliss was given the starting job and never gave it back. Impressing all year and in the playoffs.

The Rebels QB1 has continued that outstanding play in 2026. Throwing for over 300 yards twice in his three games, with both coming in wins over ranked teams, including versus LSU last week. He continues to excel in high-pressure moments and is getting far more attention from NFL Draft evaluators.

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