The quarterback position is probably the most pivotal and important position on any team. The SEC has several outstanding quarterback returnees and many newcomers. Here’s a ranking of the 2026 SEC quarterback positions.
1. Arch Manning, Texas
Manning enters 2026 as the SEC’s most recognizable player and a leading Heisman Trophy candidate. He finished 2025 playing his best football and now benefits from elite talent around him. His arm strength, mobility, football IQ, and pedigree make him the quarterback with the highest ceiling in the conference. If Texas wins the SEC, Manning will likely be at the center of it.
2. Gunner Stockton, Georgia
Stockton silenced many doubters during Georgia’s SEC championship run. He is not flashy, but he is efficient, tough, and experienced. Playing in Kirby Smart’s system gives him a major advantage, and his ability to make smart decisions keeps Georgia among the national title favorites. He enters the season with perhaps the strongest supporting cast in the SEC.
3. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
Chambliss was one of the most exciting players in college football last season. His ability to extend plays and create explosive gains makes him a nightmare for defenses. Some analysts rank him as the SEC’s top returning quarterback after his outstanding 2025 campaign. If Ole Miss remains in playoff contention, Chambliss will be the reason why.
4. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
No quarterback in the conference possesses a more intriguing combination of size, arm strength, and athletic ability. Sellers can dominate games with both his arm and legs. Consistency remains the biggest question, but his NFL potential is enormous. If South Carolina improves around him, he could climb much higher on this list.
5. John Mateer, Oklahoma
Mateer combines toughness, mobility, and a strong arm. He remains one of the league’s better dual-threat quarterbacks and has drawn attention from NFL scouts. Oklahoma expects him to provide leadership for a roster that believes it can challenge for the SEC title.
6. Sam Leavitt, LSU
The transfer quarterback arrives with major expectations. Leavitt has already proven he can win at a high level and possesses excellent leadership skills. LSU’s offensive talent gives him a chance to post huge numbers. The only reason he is not higher is that he must prove himself within the SEC.
7. Austin Simmons, Missouri
Simmons has waited for his opportunity and now inherits a program that has been consistently competitive. He possesses a strong arm and enough athletic ability to stress defenses. Missouri’s success will depend heavily on how quickly Simmons settles into the starting role.
8. Marcel Reed, Texas A&M
Reed has shown flashes of brilliance and remains one of the conference’s better athletes at quarterback. His ability to create outside the pocket is impressive. The next step is becoming a more consistent passer against top-level SEC defenses.
9. Jared Curtis, Vanderbilt
The former five-star recruit may be the most important player Vanderbilt has signed in years. Curtis possesses elite physical tools and tremendous upside. The challenge will be adjusting to SEC speed and pressure. His long-term future is extremely bright, but freshmen quarterbacks often experience growing pains.
10. Ty Simpson, Alabama
Few quarterbacks face more pressure than the Alabama starter. Simpson has talent, experience, and a strong supporting cast. However, he still must prove he can consistently lead the Crimson Tide offense against elite competition.
11. DJ Uiagalelei Jr. (Florida Transfer Projection)
Florida’s quarterback situation remains fluid. If the Gators settle on an experienced transfer, leadership and decision-making will be critical. Florida has enough talent around the position to surprise people if quarterback play stabilizes.
12. Jackson Arnold, Auburn Transfer Replacement
Auburn continues searching for long-term stability at quarterback. Whoever wins the job will have opportunities in Hugh Freeze’s offense, but consistency has been elusive. The Tigers need improved play at the position to challenge the upper tier of the SEC.
13. Luke Kromenhoek, Mississippi State
Kromenhoek possesses talent but remains somewhat unproven. Mississippi State’s rebuilding effort places significant responsibility on his shoulders. Development this season could determine the Bulldogs’ future trajectory.
14. Kentucky Starter
Kentucky enters 2026 with uncertainty at quarterback. The Wildcats have talent elsewhere, but the passing game remains a question mark. Until someone emerges, it is difficult to rank Kentucky higher.
15. Arkansas Starter
Arkansas lost veteran leadership and enters the season with significant questions at quarterback. The Razorbacks need someone to emerge quickly if they hope to compete for a bowl game.
16. Tennessee Starter
Tennessee’s quarterback room is talented but inexperienced. The Volunteers may eventually develop a star, but entering the season there are simply too many unknowns to place them higher.
Top SEC Freshmen Most Likely to Matter in 2026
Jared Curtis (Vanderbilt) – The highest-profile freshman quarterback in the SEC.
Keelon Russell (Alabama) – Elite talent who could eventually push for playing time.
Faizon Brandon (Tennessee) – One of the nation’s most celebrated quarterback recruits.
Tramell Jones Jr. (Florida) – Future star potential.
Matt Ponatoski (Kentucky) – Talented newcomer with long-term upside.
If you’re putting together a 2026 SEC Football Preview, I’d group the quarterbacks this way:
Championship Tier: Arch Manning, Gunner Stockton, Trinidad Chambliss
Playoff Contender Tier: LaNorris Sellers, John Mateer, Sam Leavitt
Dark Horse Tier: Austin Simmons, Marcel Reed, Jared Curtis
Question Mark Tier: Everyone else.
