SEC quarterback rankings entering the 2026 season

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In a conference where quarterback play defines championship runs, the SEC has no shortage of gunslingers aiming to lead their programs to new heights in 2026.

The excitement of college football's eventual return in August continues to rise as we inch closer to kickoff. This offseason in the league has been a thriller filled with drama and new storylines set to unfold this year, including who will stake their claim as the SEC's top quarterback

In 2025, four of the quarterbacks returning for their respective programs competed in the CFP. Trinidad Chambliss, Gunner Stockton, Marcel Reed and John Mateer know what it means to vie for the national title, but do they have what it takes to lead their teams to Las Vegas this year?

After the conclusion of spring football, here are the current SEC quarterback power rankings:

1. Trinidad Chambliss – Ole Miss

Since the Lane Kiffin saga and Trinidad Chambliss' battle against the NCAA, Ole Miss has faded into the background of conversations and quietly been included in multiple preseason top-10 projections. After what the college football landscape witnessed from the former Ferris State quarterback, it is evident that Chambliss has the potential to be a Heisman frontrunner in 2026.

After an injury sidelined Austin Simmons, who was first on the depth chart entering the season, Ole Miss called upon Chambliss to step into that role. He exceeded expectations, finishing the season ranked third in the country with 3,973 passing yards and No. 17 in QBR in 13 starts for the Rebels, including the program's first-ever playoff appearance. Chambliss will be working with a new offensive coordinator this season, but his prowess at the helm will continue with a plethora of talented targets in the Rebels' wide receiving corps and one of the most electric running backs in college football standing beside him in the backfield.

2. Arch Manning – Texas

It was a shaky start for Arch Manning in 2025, but the way he finished last season's efforts with the Longhorns could be a sign that the legacy gunslinger is entering an elite form heading into his junior campaign in Austin, Texas. Manning recorded 3,163 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, while also rushing for 399 yards and 10 scores on the ground.

Manning's consistency was a massive talking point throughout last season, after struggles against UTEP (44% completion and 87.50 QBR) and the Longhorns' loss in The Swamp to Florida (55.2% completion and two interceptions). The argument could be made that Manning is the most athletic quarterback of this year's class with the most upside. With the addition of a wide receiver like Cam Coleman for Manning to target, it should be a massive year for the Texas quarterback.

3. Gunner Stockton – Georgia

Gunner Stockton enters the year as one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the league. The Tiger, Georgia, native finished seventh in the Heisman Trophy voting and was named All-SEC Third Team, as he passed for 2,894 yards and 24 touchdowns, while throwing just five interceptions. He helped lead Georgia to an SEC Championship and an appearance in the CFP.

The Manning Award finalist has been one of the most overlooked players in the league this offseason. His quiet slip under the radar could spell big things for the Bulldogs in 2026, as he brings experience and an elite arm back to the gridiron for his senior year in Athens.

4. Marcel Reed – Texas A&M

Texas A&M lost a plethora of production to the NFL Draft, including wide receiver KC Concepcion, running back Le'Veon Moss, and much of the offensive line, but the Aggies retained a quarterback who has all the potential to be among the elite quarterbacks in the country this season. Marcel Reed's athleticism and ability to maneuver past defenders in the pocket to find targets downfield are exceptional qualities, which could lead to massive success for Mike Elko's offense.

However, Reed has struggled with consistency at times. The former four-star prospect threw for 3,169 yards (No. 5 in SEC) and 25 touchdowns, while rushing for 493 yards (No. 4 among all SEC quarterbacks) and six touchdowns. Reed led Texas A&M to its first appearance in the CFP in 2025, but the junior still has much room to grow if he wants to lead the Aggies back to glory and exceed expectations this year.

5. John Mateer – Oklahoma

Even while recovering from a hand injury that required surgery, John Mateer was among the upper echelon of quarterbacks in the conference in his first season with the Sooners. The Washington State transfer followed offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle to Norman, Oklahoma, where he instantly became a sensation at the helm through the first four weeks, with a ranked win over Michigan and a 24-17 victory over Auburn in the SEC opener.

Mateer missed the Sooners' non-conference contest against Kent State and returned to competition against Texas. He threw three interceptions against the Longhorns, resulting in a 23-6 loss. Mateer's performance demonstrated that the gunslinger still had an uphill battle to fully recover. His throwing motion and release were awkward due to the injury, but his gutsy outings led Oklahoma to the playoffs. He should return to full form in 2026, but the Sooners' rushing attack must improve to help Mateer.

6. Sam Leavitt – LSU

The SEC newcomer is aiming to be Kiffin's newest transfer prodegy and help provide stability, consistency and mobility to LSU's offense this season. Sam Leavitt is a heavily-touted transfer from Arizona State, who suffered some setbacks with the Sun Devils in 2025 due to a nagging ligament sprain in his foot.

Kiffin's history as a quarterback guru is well-documented, with signal-callers like Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, Mark Sanchez, Jalen Hurts, Matt Corral and Jaxon Dart all succeeding under his watchful eye. Leavitt recorded 1,628 passing yards and 10 touchdowns in just seven games. If he can stay healthy, the Tigers' offense has the potential to be explosive.

7. LaNorris Sellers – South Carolina

LaNorris Sellers entered 2025 as a potential Heisman Trophy contender, but a lackluster offensive line did not do him any favors in what was a disappointing sophomore campaign. The lone quarterback signed by Shane Beamer three years ago set the college football world on fire as a freshman in 2024 with his impeccable athleticism and potential to become an elite passer.

His speed and build are unlike most quarterbacks in the country, but Sellers lacked consistency and struggled with staying healthy for South Carolina last year. Improved replacements up front could help Sellers regain his footing and place him among the top quarterbacks in the SEC.

8. Byrum Brown – Auburn

The USF transfer followed Alex Golesh to the Plains to become the new quarterback at Auburn. Byrum Brown finished second in the American Conference with a 167.06 quarterback rating, fifth with 3,158 passing yards and third with 28 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,008 yards, which ranked fourth in the country among all quarterbacks.

Brown brings a dynamic set of abilities as one of the most elite dual-threat signal-callers in college football. The senior from Raleigh, North Carolina, owns 15 USF records and is considered one of the most decorated quarterbacks in program history. His adjustment to competing in the SEC should be an intriguing storyline entering the season, however.

9. Kamario Taylor – Mississippi State

Out of every starting quarterback in the SEC entering 2026, Kamario Taylor could be the most thrilling player to watch. His dual-threat ability gained national notoriety last season, in which he passed for 629 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for 458 yards and eight touchdowns. Taylor's lone start for MSU in 2025 was in the Egg Bowl, but now, he has firm control of the reins.

Entering his sophomore campaign, Taylor could get the Bulldogs back on track to being competitive in the SEC. The offensive line could cause some issues, but he isn't referred to by fans as "Super Mario" for no reason.

10. Austin Simmons – Missouri

After spending three seasons with Kiffin and the Rebels, Austin Simmons is aiming to make his presence felt under head coach Eli Drinkwitz in CoMo. In limited playing time as a redshirt freshman in 2024, Simmons passed for 282 yards and two touchdowns. The departure of Jaxon Dart to the NFL led to Simmons earning the starting quarterback role for Ole Miss in 2025.

The former consensus four-star quarterback completed 45-of-75 passes for 744 yards and four touchdowns in just eight appearances and two starts for the Rebels last season due to injury. With the league's top running back, Ahmad Hardy, joining him in the backfield at Mizzou, the Tigers' offense could be one of the most underrated units entering the year.

11. Aaron Philo – Florida

Aaron Philo spent last season backing up Haynes King at Georgia Tech, but he has emerged as the most likely candidate to take over the starting quarterback position in Gainesville, Florida. He was named the ACC Rookie of the Week in his sole start against Gardner-Webb, in which he threw for 373 yards and one touchdown.

Entering his first season as the head coach of the Gators, Jon Sumrall has a natural-born leader at the helm who has all the potential to make waves in the SEC, with one of the most talented wide receiving corps in the country to target in 2026.

12. Keelon Russell/Austin Mack – Alabama

The Crimson Tide is still undecided on who its starting quarterback will be this fall, but reports from spring football seem to lean toward Keelon Russell. After competing in two games as a backup for Alabama last season, Russell was able to redshirt. In limited action, he recorded 143 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his ability as a playmaker in Tuscaloosa.

Russell was a unanimous five-star and was selected as the national Gatorade Player of the Year in 2024. Unless the Crimson Tide decides to roll with Austin Mack, the former No. 2 overall recruit could be a star in the making for Alabama in 2026.

13. Jared Curtis – Vanderbilt

The Commodores' freshman gunslinger is one of the most highly-touted athletes from his class for good reason. Curtis chose Vanderbilt over Georgia during the recruiting process because he believes in what Clark Lea is building in Nashville, Tennessee.

He looked extremely impressive during the spring game, displaying his mobility and accuracy. The 2025 Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year was rated a five-star by 247Sports, On3 and ESPN. In 47 appearances in his high school career, Curtis threw for over 9,500 yards and rushed for over 2,100 yards.

14. George MacIntyre/Faizon Brandon/Ryan Staub – Tennessee

Like other SEC foes, it will be a battle for the starting role on Rocky Top before the Vols kick off their campaign against Furman on Sep. 5. George MacIntyre is garnering much hype for what he could bring to the table in Josh Heupel's explosive offense, but the job remains wide open for Faizon Brandon or Ryan Staub to take.

MacIntyre saw limited action as a freshman in 2025, throwing for 69 yards in two appearances. The four-star prospect from Nashville has promise, but can he engineer Tennessee's offense to an elite level in his sophomore season?

15. Kenny Minchey – Kentucky

The majority of Kentucky's roster has been turned over with newcomers everywhere, including at the helm. After former Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein took over for Mark Stoops as the head coach of the Wildcats, he brought in a dual-threat quarterback to take the reins in 2026.

Kenny Minchey transferred to Kentucky after three seasons at Notre Dame. While he has seen limited action in his collegiate career thus far, Minchey's mobility and athleticism could be a perfect fit for Stein's offense in Lexington.

16. KJ Jackson/AJ Hill – Arkansas

Another quarterback battle is heating up in Fayetteville, Arkansas, but most projections lean toward KJ Jackson starting. The former four-star appeared in five games in 2025, completing 33-of-54 passing attempts for 441 yards and three touchdowns, while also securing 51 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.

The Hogs had issues in the spring getting their gunslingers settled in. Arkansas' starting quarterback position is far from settled, but Jackson seems to be the frontrunner.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Who are the best quarterbacks in the SEC entering the 2026 season?

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