Ranking SEC quarterbacks before the season starts is a lot like trying to predict which race car will win before the engines ever crank. You can study the horsepower, examine the projected offense around them, and look at how their teams performed the year before, but until the lights come on and the pressure hits, you never fully know who is built to handle the moment. In a conference where every throw is scrutinized and even the smallest mistake can swing a season, quarterback play often determines who ends up in Atlanta and who gets left behind.Â
As April is now in full force and spring practice nearing its end for all SEC programs, 13 of the 16 teams heading into the summer already have their QB1 entrenched on their depth charts, except the Alabama Crimson Tide, Tennessee Volunteers, and Florida Gators. Some teams enter 2026 with proven stars already in place, while others are still searching for the right answer under center. Either way, every signal caller on this list will carry enormous expectations, because in the SEC, few positions shape the course of a season more than the one taking the snap.Â
With that in mind, here is my early look at how all 16 SEC quarterbacks stack up heading into the 2026 season.
2026 SEC Preseason Quarterback Rankings:
1.) Texas Longhorns — Arch Manning
Arch Manning enters 2026 as the favorite to be the SEC’s top quarterback after a solid first year as a starter. In 2025, he threw for 2,942 yards with 24 passing touchdowns and seven interceptions while also adding eight rushing touchdowns. His dual-threat ability, arm talent, and growth late in the season are why many expect him to take a major leap in 2026.
2.) Ole Miss Rebels — Trinidad Chambliss
Trinidad Chambliss put together one of the best statistical seasons in the SEC in 2025. He threw for 3,937 yards, 22 touchdowns, and only three interceptions while completing 66.1 percent of his passes. Chambliss also became one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the conference with a 155.4 passer rating and helped lead Ole Miss to a 13-win season.
3.) LSU Tigers — Sam Leavitt
Sam Leavitt emerged as one of the breakout quarterbacks in college football last season. His poise, mobility, and ability to create explosive plays made him one of the most productive young passers in the country and a major reason why Arizona State exceeded expectations in 2025.
4.) Georgia Bulldogs — Gunner Stockton
Gunner Stockton steps into the spotlight in Athens with the expectation of keeping Georgia among the SEC elite. While he has not yet put up major career numbers, Stockton has shown flashes in limited action and now inherits one of the conference’s most talented supporting casts.
5.) Texas A&M Aggies — Marcel Reed
Marcel Reed heads into 2026 after showing promise during his first extended opportunity as a starter. Reed’s mobility and ability to improvise helped energize Texas A&M’s offense, and another offseason of development could help him take the next step as a passer.
6.) Alabama Crimson Tide — Austin Mack/Keelon Russell
Keelon Russell and Austin Mack are still battling for Alabama’s starting job. Russell is one of the most talented young quarterbacks in the country, while Mack has earned praise this spring for his accuracy and command of the offense. Whoever wins the job will inherit enormous expectations in Tuscaloosa.
7.) Oklahoma Sooners — John Mateer
John Mateer is expected to bring more athleticism and playmaking ability to Oklahoma’s offense. His ability to extend plays outside the pocket could help the Sooners become more dynamic in 2026.
8.) South Carolina Gamecocks — LaNorris Sellers
LaNorris Sellers is one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in the SEC. His combination of size, arm strength, and rushing ability gives him one of the highest ceilings in the conference entering the season.
9.) Missouri Tigers — Austin Simmons
Austin Simmons has generated plenty of buzz because of his upside as a passer. He showed flashes in limited action and now has the chance to become the next productive quarterback in Missouri’s offense.
10.) Auburn Tigers — Byrum Brown
Byrum Brown brings plenty of experience and athleticism to Auburn. Brown has already proven he can make plays with both his arm and legs, and his mobility should make him one of the more dangerous quarterbacks in the conference heading into 2026.
11.) Tennessee Volunteers — George MacIntyre/Fazion Brandon
George MacIntyre or Faizon Brandon could end up leading Tennessee in 2026. Both are talented young quarterbacks, but with limited experience, the Volunteers may face growing pains while trying to replace their previous starter.
12.) Florida Gators — Aaron Philo/Tramell Jones Jr.
Aaron Philo or Tramell Jones Jr. are still fighting for Florida’s starting role. Both players have talent, but the Gators remain one of the few SEC programs without a clear answer at quarterback heading into the summer.
13.) Mississippi State Bulldogs — Kamario Taylor
Kamario Taylor enters 2026 with a chance to provide stability for Mississippi State. While he may not have the same level of hype as some other SEC quarterbacks, his development will be important for the Bulldogs’ offense.
14.) Kentucky Wildcats — Kenny Minchey
Kenny Minchey is expected to take over Kentucky’s offense after spending time developing behind the scenes. His arm talent gives him upside, but consistency will be key if he wants to help Kentucky compete in the SEC.
15.) Arkansas Razorbacks — KJ Jackson
KJ Jackson is one of the younger quarterbacks on this list, but he has plenty of raw talent. Arkansas will likely lean on his athleticism while he continues to develop as a passer.
16.) Vanderbilt Commodores — Jared Curtis
Jared Curtis rounds out the list as one of the SEC’s most intriguing young quarterbacks. Curtis has plenty of long-term potential, but stepping into SEC competition right away could make for a difficult first season.
