Ranking all 16 SEC starting quarterback heading into 2026 season

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New Kentucky Wildcats coach Will Stein brought in Kenny Minchey to be his starting quarterback for the 2026 season. It was a terrific addition to the roster, and an early big recruiting win for a talented player with multiple teams interested. He's just one of the new starting QBs in the SEC this fall, though.

More than half of the 16 teams in the SEC will have a new starter under center for this year, including some of the top teams in the conference. However, that doesn't mean there won't be plenty of talent at the position.

It figures to be an exciting season, and the Kentucky Wildcats are looking to move up in the standings this year. Minchey will have to be a big part of that, and will have to play like one of the SEC's best passers. Can he be that? There are certainly people who think so, but there will be a learning curve. Here's a look at the ranking of all 16 of the expected starting quarterbacks as we enter the season.

16. Aaron Philo – Florida

Philo transfers to the Gators from Georgia Tech, and reunites with his offensive coordinator. However, he has played in just eight games, and has more interceptions (3) than touchdowns (2). He'll need to adjust to the SEC quickly.

15. George MacIntyre – Tennessee

MacIntyre is a former four-star recruit, so there's talent there. However, he has played very little with just nine career passing attempts so far. The Volunteers will still have to decide if he's the starter, as they have some other options as well.

14. Jared Curtis – Vanderbilt

Being the opening day starter is tough, but doing it as a true freshman is even tougher. Curtis, though, is the No. 2 ranked player in the 2026 recruiting class, so there's a chance he develops quickly.

13. Austin Simmons – Missouri

Simmons lost the starting job at Ole Miss last season due to injury, and landed with the Tigers. He has some starting experience, but his numbers haven't been great with six TDs and five interceptions thus far in his career.

12. KJ Jackson – Arkansas

Last season, Jackson, in limited action, threw for 441 yards and 3 touchdowns. He still comes into the season with little experience, though, and the Razorbacks will have a new coach to work with as well.

11. Keelon Russell – Alabama

The Crimson Tide also have a QB battle heading into the season, but Russell is the expected winner. He was the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2025 class, and has a ceiling as high as anybody in the country.

10. Kenny Minchey – Kentucky

Coach Will Stein is known for his ability to develop QBs, and Minchey will be his next project. He doesn't have a lot of playing experience, but his former coaches have raved about him, and he's poised for success.

9. Kamario Taylor – Mississippi State

As a freshman last season, Taylor threw for 629 yards, 5 TDs, and 1 interception with two starts. He also ran for over 400 yards and 8 scores. He could be one of the more exciting players in the SEC this year.

8. John Mateer – Oklahoma

Mateer made a lot of plays for the Sooners last season, but he certainly struggled at times too. He also suffered injuries on the way to 2,885 yards passing with 14 TDs and 11 interceptions. They'll need him to protect the ball better.

7. LaNorris Sellars – South Carolina

Two years ago, Sellars was one of the biggest stories in college football, but he took a step back last season. His runs were no longer effective, and his passing, while solid, wasn't able to elevate the team.

6. Marcel Reed – Texas A&M

The Aggies looked like national championship contenders for most of the season, but they, and Reed, faltered down the stretch. He threw for 25 touchdowns and ran for 6 more. However, he turned it over too much against good teams.

5. Gunner Stockton – Georgia

Stockton was one of the best game managers in the country last season, and made big plays in big moments. However, he's more physically limited as a passer. The Bulldogs build their offense around his strengths, maximizing his numbers.

4. Byrum Brown – Auburn

The Tigers brought in an experienced starter for the 2026 season, and he had terrific numbers last year. Playing for South Florida, he passed for 3,158 yards, 28 TDs, and 7 interceptions. He also ran for 1,000 yards and 14 scores.

3. Sam Leavitt – LSU

Leavitt's 2025 season ended early due to an injury, but he was a star in 2024. Now, he leaves Arizona State to join the Tigers. He has a strong arm, is a good athlete, and is as tough as nails.

2. Arch Manning – Texas

Manning had a tough start to the 2025 season, leading to a lot of discussion about how good he could be. However, he was very good down the stretch and showed what he could do. If he stays on that path, he'll be as good as anyone in the country in 2026.

1. Trinidad Chambliss – Ole Miss

Chambliss burst onto the scene as a senior last year. He took over due to an injury, and wound up throwing for 3,937 yards, 22 TDs and just 3 INTs. He also ran for 527 yards and 8 scores, and then was given an extra season, making him one of college football's biggest stars.

This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Ranking all 16 SEC starting quarterback heading into 2026 season

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