Quarterback play could determine who survives the SEC in 2026, and there isn’t much separating several of the conference’s top contenders.
Our rankings start with Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss at No. 1, just ahead of Texas star Arch Manning. Chambliss gets the edge because of what he already proved during Ole Miss’ College Football Playoff run, while Manning enters another season carrying enormous expectations.
Georgia’s Gunner Stockton comes in third after proving he can win an SEC championship, followed by LSU transfer Sam Leavitt and Auburn’s Byrum Brown.
Here are our complete rankings:
- Trinidad Chambliss — Ole Miss
- Arch Manning — Texas
- Gunner Stockton — Georgia
- Sam Leavitt — LSU
- Byrum Brown — Auburn
- John Mateer — Oklahoma
- Marcel Reed — Texas A&M
- LaNorris Sellers — South Carolina
- Kenny Minchey — Kentucky
- Austin Mack — Alabama
- Kamario Taylor — Mississippi State
- Austin Simmons — Missouri
- Aaron Philo — Florida
- George MacIntyre — Tennessee
- KJ Jackson — Arkansas
- Jared Curtis — Vanderbilt
The biggest wildcard might be Austin Mack at Alabama. We have him only 10th entering the season, but playing quarterback at Alabama gives him an opportunity to climb this list quickly.
There will certainly be disagreements—and that’s the point. The SEC has proven stars, transfers and young quarterbacks everywhere.
But entering 2026, Chambliss has earned the No. 1 spot. Now he has to keep it.
