The SEC is stacked with quarterback talent for the 2025 season, featuring a mix of experienced returners and highly anticipated newcomers. Here’s a ranking of the SEC’s potential starting QBs:
Garrett Nussmeier (LSU): After a strong 2024 season where he threw for over 4,000 yards, Nussmeier returns as the most experienced and statistically proven quarterback in the SEC. With another year of development and LSU’s pass-heavy offense, he’s a strong contender for top passing honors and even Heisman consideration.
Arch Manning (Texas): The highly touted former No. 1 recruit is set to take the reins at Texas. While his SEC experience is limited, the talent is undeniable, and he’ll be leading a strong Longhorns program with high expectations. His dual-threat capabilities could make him a breakout star.
LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina): Sellers showed tremendous progression in the latter half of 2024, leading the Gamecocks to a 6-0 finish in his starts. He’s a true dual-threat with a strong arm and excellent running ability, making him a dangerous weapon and a potential top NFL draft pick.
DJ Lagway (Florida): Lagway impressed in limited action as a freshman and is poised for a breakout sophomore season. With elite pass-catchers and a potentially strong offensive line, he has the tools to put up big numbers in Billy Napier’s offense.
John Mateer (Oklahoma): A transfer from Washington State, Mateer brings significant production (over 3,000 passing yards in 2024) and a dual-threat skillset to Oklahoma. He’s expected to thrive in the Sooners’ new-look offense under Ben Arbuckle.
Austin Simmons (Ole Miss): Simmons saw limited reps last season but has generated significant buzz this offseason. Playing in Lane Kiffin’s offense, he’s expected to have plenty of opportunities to put up big numbers and could be a surprise standout.
Jackson Arnold (Auburn): Arnold showed flashes of his five-star potential at Oklahoma before transferring to Auburn. He’ll be looking to solidify his starting spot and lead the Tigers’ offense to greater heights.
Austin Mack (Alabama): While there’s a battle for the starting job at Alabama, Mack is seen by many as the best pure passer on the roster and has familiarity with Kalen DeBoer’s offense from his time at Washington. If he wins the job, he could put up big numbers.
Taylen Green (Arkansas): Green is a physically gifted quarterback with elite athleticism and three years of starting experience. Under Bobby Petrino, he has the potential to improve his consistency and be a difference-maker for the Razorbacks.
Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt): Pavia was instrumental in Vanderbilt’s surprising success last season, including an upset over Alabama. He’s a tough, winning quarterback who will be key to the Commodores’ continued improvement.
Marcel Reed (Texas A&M): Reed flashed athleticism and running ability when given opportunities last season. If he can improve his passing consistency, he could become a dangerous player in the SEC.
Gunner Stockton (Georgia): With Carson Beck departing, Stockton is in line to take over at Georgia. He has a solid body of work from his limited action and will be leading a talented team.
Beau Pribula (Missouri): Pribula has big shoes to fill after Brady Cook’s departure. The Penn State transfer offers a high upside as both a passer and runner, but will need to prove himself as a full-time starter.
Blake Shapen (Mississippi State): Shapen was off to a hot start last season before injury. If he can stay healthy and maintain that form, he could be a solid signal-caller for Mississippi State.
Joey Aguilar (Tennessee): A post-spring addition for the Vols, Aguilar will be stepping into a new system. His potential to throw interceptions is a concern, but he has significant passing yardage from his previous stop.
Zach Calzada (Kentucky): Kentucky’s starting quarterback for the 2025 season is expected to be Zach Calzada, a transfer from Incarnate Word. He will be a seventh-year senior with one year of eligibility remaining. Calzada is seen as a bridge quarterback to help develop freshman Cutter Boley.
This ranking is based on current projections and early offseason buzz. The landscape of SEC quarterbacks can change quickly, and strong performances (or struggles) in the early part of the season will undoubtedly reshape these rankings. Here is Saturday Down South’s rankings. Who knows if any of these QBs will become a SEC icon?
