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The SEC enters 2026 with plenty of quarterback talent. Several teams have legitimate College Football Playoff hopes. However, the quarterback landscape looks different from last season. Six SEC teams return their starting quarterbacks. Others brought in talented transfers or young prospects. The conference also features several quarterbacks with NFL potential. Therefore, ranking the position creates plenty of debate. These rankings focus on projected starters and expected production. They also consider experience, talent, upside, and team expectations. Here is my ranking of all 16 SEC quarterbacks entering 2026.
- Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
Chambliss enters the season as the SEC’s most accomplished quarterback. He started 29 games during his college career. He also brings tremendous experience to Ole Miss. His 2025 campaign helped establish him as a major national star. Chambliss led the SEC with 3,937 passing yards last season. He also brings impressive mobility and playmaking ability. Ole Miss enters 2026 with legitimate playoff expectations. Chambliss gives the Rebels one of the conference’s biggest advantages.
- Gunner Stockton, Georgia
Stockton finally gets a full season as Georgia’s starting quarterback. He showed plenty of promise during his previous opportunities. Georgia also enters 2026 as the SEC favorite. The conference media picked the Bulldogs to win the league. Stockton does not need spectacular numbers every week. Georgia’s defense and rushing attack should support him. Still, his experience and decision-making make him a strong No. 2.
- Arch Manning, Texas
Manning remains one of college football’s biggest names. He also enters 2026 with considerably more experience. Manning threw for 3,163 yards last season. He added 26 touchdowns against seven interceptions. His late-season improvement provides plenty of optimism. Manning threw 15 touchdowns during Texas’ final five regular-season games. Texas also faces Ohio State early this season. That matchup should provide an early test for Manning.
- John Mateer, Oklahoma
Mateer gives Oklahoma an experienced quarterback with proven production. He enters the season with 24 career starts. The former Washington State quarterback brings mobility and strong playmaking ability. Oklahoma also expects him to elevate its offense. The Sooners face a difficult SEC schedule. Mateer’s experience could become extremely valuable during those games.
- Sam Leavitt, LSU
Leavitt might become one of the SEC’s biggest risers. LSU landed him after his time at Arizona State. He previously showed outstanding dual-threat ability. Leavitt accounted for 29 offensive touchdowns in 2024. He also threw for 2,885 yards that season. LSU expects his athleticism to transform its offense. Lane Kiffin’s arrival adds another intriguing element. Kiffin has consistently developed productive quarterback-driven offenses.
- LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
Sellers remains one of the SEC’s most dangerous runners. He also brings two full seasons of starting experience. He has started all 24 games he has played at South Carolina. That experience gives the Gamecocks stability. Sellers can make explosive plays with his arm and legs. His continued development could push him higher.
- Marcel Reed, Texas A&M
Reed enters 2026 with 21 career starts. He also helped Texas A&M reach the College Football Playoff last season. That experience gives Reed an important advantage. Texas A&M also returns enough talent to remain dangerous. Reed must become more consistent as a passer. Still, his mobility creates major problems for opposing defenses.
- Keelon Russell, Alabama
Keelon Russell has emerged as a leading candidate for Alabama’s quarterback job. The sophomore continues competing with senior Austin Mack. However, recent reports suggest Russell could win the starting role. He brings impressive talent and plenty of athletic ability to Alabama’s offense. Russell played two games last season in limited action. He completed 11 of 15 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Moreover, his ability to create plays with his legs adds another dimension. Russell also starred at Duncanville High School in Texas.
He entered Alabama as a highly regarded five-star recruit. During spring practice, Russell impressed with his passing ability and playmaking. Still, Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer had not named a starter after Thursday’s scrimmage. The competition remains close between Russell and Mack. Nevertheless, Russell appears to have gained momentum heading into the final weeks. Alabama opens its season against East Carolina on September 5. If Russell wins the job, expectations will rise quickly around Tuscaloosa.
9. Austin Simmons, Missouri
Simmons brings an intriguing combination of talent and experience. He transferred to Missouri after beginning his career at Ole Miss. He has two career starts entering 2026. However, he has appeared in 17 games. Missouri needs Simmons to make a significant jump. His physical talent gives him plenty of room for growth.
- Byrum Brown, Auburn
Brown arrives at Auburn with considerable college experience. He previously started games at South Florida. His mobility gives Auburn another weapon in the running game. However, his transition into the SEC creates questions. Auburn also begins a new era under its coaching staff. Brown could climb these rankings quickly with strong early performances.
- Kenny Minchey, Kentucky
Minchey takes over Kentucky’s quarterback job in 2026. He has limited starting experience compared with several names above him. Still, Kentucky believes he can provide stability. His development will heavily influence the Wildcats’ offensive ceiling. The SEC schedule will provide plenty of challenges. Minchey must prove he can handle pressure against stronger defenses.
- Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State
Taylor enters his second season with Mississippi State. He has two career starts and 11 total appearances. That makes him one of the SEC’s least experienced starters. However, Mississippi State clearly sees potential in him. Taylor will need to grow quickly. The Bulldogs face a difficult path within the conference.
- Aaron Philo, Florida
Florida enters 2026 with a new quarterback and plenty of uncertainty. Philo emerged as the projected starter during the offseason. He has talent but lacks significant SEC starting experience. That makes him difficult to rank higher right now. Florida also needs improvement across the roster. Philo could exceed expectations if the offense develops quickly.
- George MacIntyre, Tennessee
Tennessee enters 2026 with a major quarterback transition. MacIntyre appears positioned to take over the starting job. The young quarterback has significant potential. However, experience remains his biggest question. Tennessee expects its system to help ease that transition. Still, SEC defenses will test him immediately.
- KJ Jackson, Arkansas
Jackson gives Arkansas an intriguing young option. He previously gained experience at another Power Four program. However, he still has plenty to prove. Arkansas also enters the season among the SEC’s biggest question marks. Jackson could move up this list with strong performances. For now, his lack of proven SEC production holds him back.
- Jared Curtis, Vanderbilt
Curtis represents one of the SEC’s most fascinating young quarterbacks. The five-star recruit brings enormous potential to Vanderbilt. However, potential differs from proven production. Curtis has not yet faced SEC competition as a college starter. That makes him the hardest quarterback to rank. His talent could eventually make him one of the conference’s best. For now, Vanderbilt must give him time to develop.
The SEC Has Plenty of Quarterback Talent
The SEC quarterback picture looks strong heading into 2026. Chambliss gives Ole Miss an experienced leader at the top. Meanwhile, Manning and Stockton bring enormous expectations to Texas and Georgia. Leavitt could also become one of the conference’s biggest stars. Several younger quarterbacks could change these rankings quickly. That includes Curtis, MacIntyre, Philo, and Taylor. The SEC also enters 2026 with nine teams ranked in the AP preseason Top 25. Five SEC teams sit inside the national top 10. Therefore, quarterback play will matter enormously this season. The conference has playoff contenders at several spots. It also has young quarterbacks waiting to make their names. That combination should make the 2026 SEC season fascinating. Most importantly, these rankings could look completely different by November.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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