The SEC has long been known for its elite defenses, but the quarterback revolution in college football hasn’t spared the league. A look at The Athletics’ 2025 quarterback rankings confirms it: Five of the conference’s passers cracked the top 10 nationally, and several others landed not far behind. From seasoned veterans to highly touted prodigies, the conference now boasts elite arm talent, dual-threat playmakers, and future NFL hopefuls. The days of “just manage the game” SEC quarterbacking are over.
Here’s a comprehensive look at every projected starting QB in the conference heading into 2025, ranked and broken down with their trajectory, expectations, and a projection for the season ahead.
1. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Nussmeier waited three seasons behind Max Johnson and Jayden Daniels before finally getting his shot in 2024, and he made the most of it. The junior became the only returning FBS quarterback to eclipse 4,000 passing yards last season, finishing with 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while completing 64.2% of his passes.
His command of the pocket, precise deep-ball accuracy, and fearless approach against pressure made him a nightmare for defensive coordinators. He showcased poise and confidence on third downs and against the blitz, routinely navigating tight windows with veteran awareness. While he still has moments of recklessness, most observers believe his decision-making will only improve with another year of reps.
Related: LSU Football 2025 Position Previews: QB
An SEC assistant said, “Garrett Nussmeier’s a baller, dude.”
2025 Projection: Nussmeier enters the season as a legitimate Heisman contender and the best quarterback in the SEC. If LSU can protect him and develop some consistency at receiver, he could top 4,500 yards and 35+ touchdowns en route to an All-American season.
2. Arch Manning, Texas
Few names in college football generate more buzz than Arch Manning. The former No. 1 overall recruit carries immense expectations due to his last name, but he’s earned the hype heading into his first full season as Texas’s starting quarterback. Manning has all the physical tools — a rocket arm, size, and athleticism — and he showed flashes in limited action last season.
Still, some around the sport remain cautious. One Power 4 offensive coordinator noted, “I don’t know if I’d crown him yet… I didn’t watch his Louisiana-Monroe tape and thought, “That’s a first overall pick.” Most acknowledge that while he’s not a finished product, he’s on the right path.
With a deep receiving corps and elite offensive line in front of him, Manning will be positioned as the full-time starter for success in Year 1.
2025 Projection: Expect a breakout campaign with 3,800+ yards and 30+ touchdowns. If Manning cleans up turnovers and shows command early, Texas will be in the thick of the SEC title race.
“Arch Manning’s probably going to be great,” a Power 4 head coach said. “He should be great. He’s at Texas with a good coach and roster, and I think he’s good. All the fanfare is on potential, though.”
3. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
Sellers emerged as one of the most exciting players in the league in 2024. At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, he brings rare physicality and athleticism to the quarterback position — think Cam Newton-lite. What makes Sellers dangerous isn’t just his ability to break long runs; it’s how he absorbs contact like a tight end and keeps going.
As a passer, he’s still developing. His 2024 stat line — 2,534 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and seven interceptions — doesn’t jump off the page, but combined with his 674 rushing yards and seven rushing TDs, he’s a game-wrecker. South Carolina’s offense is tailored to maximize his strengths, and he reportedly turned down a massive NIL offer from another Power 4 school to stay with the Gamecocks.
2025 Projection: Sellers could surpass 3,000 total yards by midseason. If his passing takes a modest step forward, South Carolina becomes a sleeper CFP team.
4. DJ Lagway, Florida
Lagway didn’t just live up to the hype as a true freshman — he surpassed it. The former five-star recruit opened eyes in Gainesville with a record-setting 456-yard debut, finishing the season with 1,915 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. His bowl game MVP performance against Tulane cemented him as the face of the program moving forward.
Coaches rave about his elite arm talent, maturity, and ability to extend plays. “If I’m starting a team right now, I’m probably taking DJ Lagway as my quarterback,” one Power 4 offensive coordinator said.
He plays with the poise of a senior and has the physical tools of a Sunday starter. The Gators’ offense looks retooled with improved pass protection and a stronger receiving corps heading into 2025.
2025 Projection: Lagway could threaten 4,000 total yards and contend for All-SEC honors. He’s the biggest reason Florida might finally get on track under Billy Napier.
5. Marcel Reed, Texas A&M
Marcel Reed’s rise at Texas A&M wasn’t exactly scripted, but it might’ve saved the Aggies’ 2024 season. Originally a depth piece behind Conner Weigman, Reed took over late in the year and made the most of his opportunity, notably in a breakout performance against LSU, where he threw for 315 yards and four total touchdowns.
His dynamic speed makes him a threat on every play, especially in Collin Klein’s offense, which leans heavily on the quarterback run game. Reed needs to evolve as a consistent passer — especially when facing tight windows and complex coverages — but his arm strength and poise continue to improve.
The coaching staff showed major trust by opting not to bring in any serious quarterback competition via the portal.
2025 Projection: Reed has the tools to top 3,000 total yards and 30 touchdowns if he cuts down on mistakes. A full offseason as QB1 should accelerate his growth and give the Aggies real upside in SEC play.
6. John Mateer, Oklahoma
Mateer might be the most electric quarterback that casual SEC fans haven’t seen play. The Washington State transfer followed OC Ben Arbuckle to Oklahoma, where he’ll step into a high-tempo, QB-friendly scheme. In 2024, Mateer posted nearly 4,000 combined passing and rushing yards and 44 touchdowns, proving himself as one of the most versatile threats in the country.
His game draws Baker Mayfield comparisons — fearless, mobile, and creative — and he doesn’t hesitate to throw into tight windows or create off-script magic. Arbuckle’s arrival means system continuity, which should help him hit the ground running in Norman.
2025 Projection: With the supporting cast at Oklahoma, Mateer could become one of the SEC’s most dangerous playmakers. Expect 4,000+ total yards and Heisman sleeper buzz if Oklahoma exceeds expectations.
7. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
No SEC quarterback embodies grit quite like Diego Pavia. The former New Mexico State standout earned an extra year of eligibility and transferred to Vanderbilt, reuniting with OC Tim Beck. He’s not the biggest or flashiest passer, but arguably the toughest and most competitive.
Pavia’s dual-threat ability is no joke — he led all SEC QBs in rushing in 2024 with 801 yards — and he’ll once again be the engine of an offense that shocked Alabama last season. His sharp RPO execution, pocket awareness, and toughness make him a nightmare to defend.
Despite limited tools, coaches rave about his leadership and confidence. “He’s the epitome of what you want in an alpha,” one Group of 5 coach said.
2025 Projection: Pavia may not put up eye-popping passing numbers, but he could deliver 3,500+ total yards and keep Vanderbilt in the bowl hunt. Don’t be surprised if he’s the reason the Commodores pull off another SEC upset or two.
8. Ty Simpson, Alabama
After two years behind Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson enters 2025 with the inside track to start for Alabama. He emerged as the leader of the quarterback competition coming out of spring, edging out Austin Mack and five-star freshman Keelon Russell, at least for now.
Simpson’s strengths lie in his mobility and play-extension skills. He’s shown flashes of poise while throwing on the run and finding ways to escape pressure. However, questions remain about his ability to process quickly and execute consistently in a high-pressure SEC environment.
Despite the doubts, Alabama’s coaching staff appears comfortable rolling with his experience, especially with an improved offensive line and dynamic running back room to support him.
2025 Projection: Simpson won’t be asked to carry the Crimson Tide offense, but if he limits mistakes and makes timely plays, he can be the steady hand Alabama needs. Expect 2,700+ passing yards and around 20 touchdowns, with some growing pains early.
9. Jackson Arnold, Auburn
Jackson Arnold’s transfer to Auburn represents a much-needed reset. A lack of protection, inconsistent weapons, and an offensive scheme in flux marred his 2024 season at Oklahoma. That environment led to benchings and turnovers that masked his upside.
Still, coaches remain bullish on his natural arm talent and athleticism. Auburn gives Arnold a cleaner slate — and a potentially improved infrastructure under head coach Hugh Freeze — but he’ll need to make smarter decisions and respond better under duress.
If the Tigers stabilize their offensive line and keep Arnold upright, he can deliver at a high level.
2025 Projection: Arnold has the tools to surprise people in the SEC. A 3,000-yard, 25-touchdown season is realistic, but only if Auburn puts the right pieces around him: high ceiling, low floor.
10. Austin Simmons, Ole Miss
At just 19 years old, Austin Simmons is already a college graduate and one of the most intriguing young quarterbacks in the SEC. The lefty reclassified up two years and has only 32 career pass attempts. Still, he’s shown flashes of his potential, including a clutch touchdown drive against Georgia while filling in for an injured Jaxson Dart.
His quick release, confidence, and ability to read defenses have impressed coaches. One Group of 5 head coaches said, “He didn’t even blink and dropped five dimes like he was the starter the whole time.”
Lane Kiffin’s offense is historically QB-friendly, and Simmons’ natural gifts make him an ideal fit.
2025 Projection: There will be growing pains, but Simmons’ upside is sky-high. If he takes control early and continues to mature, a 3,200-yard, 30-touchdown campaign is in reach, especially with Ole Miss’ weapons returning.
11. Gunner Stockton, Georgia
With Carson Beck now a member of the Miami Hurricanes, Gunner Stockton will be the Georgia Bulldogs’ QB1. He gained valuable experience late in the 2024 season, throwing for 234 yards and a touchdown against a stingy Notre Dame defense in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal. Stockton’s toughness was displayed in last season’s SEC championship game versus Texas, where he absorbed a brutal hit in overtime but continued to lead Georgia to victory.
His skillset isn’t as polished as Beck’s, but he’s poised, mobile, and willing to make big throws down the field. Georgia has reloaded at wide receiver via the portal, bringing in Zachariah Branch and Noah Thomas to support him.
2025 Projection: With Georgia’s stout offensive line and defensive support, Stockton doesn’t need to be elite to succeed. Expect 2,800+ passing yards, 20+ touchdowns, and a few big performances in key SEC matchups, particularly if he develops chemistry early with his new receivers.
12. Taylen Green, Arkansas
The Boise State transfer had an up-and-down debut season in Fayetteville, but his athleticism gives Arkansas fans plenty of hope. Green racked up 602 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in 2024, flashing long-stride speed and smooth movement in and out of the pocket.
He has arm strength and touch as a passer, but his decision-making still needs work, especially under pressure. According to one SEC assistant, “He takes some awful sacks.” Year two under OC Bobby Petrino should help with his progression, particularly with more weapons available in the passing game.
2025 Projection: Green will continue to be a highlight-reel runner, but his season hinges on improving as a down-to-down passer. A 2,400-yard passing, 800-yard rushing season with 25+ total TDs is within reach — but turnovers could limit his efficiency.
13. Beau Pribula, Missouri
Pribula transfers in from Penn State after backing up Drew Allar. Though he didn’t start much, he impressed in limited action, particularly when stepping in during a second-half comeback at Wisconsin. He lacks a cannon arm but compensates with accuracy, command, and mobility, scoring four rushing touchdowns last season in a change-of-pace role.
Missouri was in the market for stability at quarterback following Brady Cook’s departure, and Pribula gives them a high-floor option who can execute Eli Drinkwitz’s system efficiently.
2025 Projection: Pribula won’t wow with big stats, but his efficiency and leadership could quietly lead Missouri to another solid season. Expect 2,500+ passing yards, 600 rushing yards, and a 65% completion rate with low turnovers.
14. Blake Shapen, Mississippi State
Once hailed for his breakout with Baylor in the 2021 Big 12 title game, Shapen’s career has been a rollercoaster. After transferring to Mississippi State in 2024, he flashed his arm strength and downfield touch in four strong starts before a shoulder injury ended his season prematurely.
Now healthy, Shapen returns as the expected starter under head coach Jeff Lebby, whose vertical passing system aligns well with Shapen’s deep-ball strengths. If he can stay on the field and limit his occasional accuracy lapses, the Bulldogs’ offense could take a major step forward.
2025 Projection: Shapen’s deep passing ability makes him a boom-or-bust candidate. With good health, he could post 3,000+ passing yards and 20+ touchdowns, but he’ll need to avoid turnovers and maintain consistency to keep the job all year.
15. Joey Aguilar, Tennessee
Aguilar’s SEC journey is one of the most unique. After transferring to UCLA from Appalachian State, he left Westwood when Nico Iamaleava arrived, landing at Tennessee with hopes of becoming the Vols’ next starter. He brings over two years of starting experience and a strong arm that fits Josh Heupel’s vertical attack.
At App State, Aguilar threw for over 3,100 yards in 2024 but also had issues with turnovers. Still, his confidence, mobility, and big-play potential make him a high-upside candidate in Knoxville — assuming he beats out Jake Merklinger and freshman George MacIntyre.
2025 Projection: If Aguilar wins the job outright, expect fireworks. A 3,000-yard, 25-touchdown campaign is possible in Tennessee’s QB-friendly system — but only if he limits interceptions and asserts himself in fall camp.
16. Zach Calzada, Kentucky
The well-traveled sixth-year senior returns to the SEC after leading FCS Incarnate Word to the playoffs and earning Southland Conference Player of the Year honors. Calzada is best known for his heroic 2021 performance in Texas A&M’s upset of Alabama, but shoulder surgery and inconsistent play at Auburn in 2022 derailed his Power 5 trajectory.
Now at Kentucky, Calzada brings a rocket arm and veteran savvy. His biggest challenge will be adjusting to the speed of the SEC after two years away and proving he can play efficiently within Liam Coen’s system.
2025 Projection: Calzada is a wild card. If the transition back to the SEC goes smoothly, he could flirt with 2,500 yards and double-digit touchdowns. However, inconsistency and decision-making concerns limit his ceiling as a long-term solution in Lexington.
