The 2026 College Football Season is shaping up to have some of the best quarterback talent in memory. With Heisman Winner Alberto Mendoza from Indiana headlining this year’s NFL Draft Class, the vast majority of the talent we saw under center around College Football will be returning in 2026. This makes this upcoming season as intriguing as ever but for this breakdown we focus on who we think will be running the offenses in the SEC.
It just means more…
The Southeastern Conference has long been considered the gold standard in college football. While the Big Ten has made serious noise in recent years as they consist of the three most recent National Champions, the SEC remains loaded with elite coaching, top-tier talent, and championship expectations. With that in mind, here are the quarterback power rankings entering the 2026 season.
16. KJ Jackson, Arkansas
The redshirt sophomore steps into a challenging role replacing Taylen Green, and expectations are adjusted accordingly. Jackson showed flashes in limited action last season, throwing for 441 yards and three touchdowns while demonstrating the ability to extend plays. His size and athleticism allow him to make plays in and outside the pocket, giving Arkansas faithful some optimism. However, a limited supporting cast, a new coaching staff, and lack of experience running the offense keep him at the bottom of this list. If he develops quickly, he could outperform this ranking, but the situation around him makes that difficult early.
15. Jared Curtis, Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt is trending upwards under Clark Lee and much of that momentum now falls on five-star freshman Jared Curtis. After a late decision to flip his commitment from Georgia, Curtis brings elite dual-threat ability and his arrival marks a major moment for Vandy as the top recruit in program history. His off the charts high school production suggests he can make an immediate impact, as he can get it done both through the air and on the ground. However, as a true freshman in the SEC with a relatively limited supporting cast, growing pains are expected. The upside is undeniable, but the uncertainty surrounding Curtis keeps him at 15 to start the season.
14. George MacIntyre, Tennessee
MacIntyre is expected to take over a Tennessee offense that has more talent than many teams in the conference. At 6’6”, he has ideal size and has been praised for his leadership and composure in the pocket. He is the type of quarterback who can manage games effectively and limit mistakes, which fits well with Heupel and Tennessee’s system. That said, he has very limited in-game experience and faces pressure from both the fanbase and stout competition behind him. This might have the QB trying harder to limit mistakes than being confident in his ability to make plays down field. While Curtis at Vandy has more upside than MacIntire, the main separator is the superior supporting cast of the Vols giving MacIntire the leg up as the yet another new face on this list.
13. Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State
Taylor is one of the most physically impressive quarterbacks in the SEC and showed flashes of real
promise last season. His ability to run the football makes him a true dual-threat, and he has already
proven he can produce in multiple ways. In limited starts, he generated a combined 12 total passing and rushing touchdowns, showing his versatility and upside. While only appearing in 11 games in his young career, not only does he have arm talent but led the team in scores on the ground in 2025. His size and athleticism make him difficult to defend, especially in open space. If he improves as a passer and gains consistency, he could climb this list quickly.
12. Austin Simmons, Missouri
Simmons enters the season looking for a fresh start after transferring, and the talent is clearly there. The lefty has a strong arm and can make high-level throws, but inconsistency has been an issue throughout his early career. The hype around Simmons grew during his freshman year after stepping in for an injured Jaxon Dart, leading the Rebs to a victory over UGA in Athens but since then he has underachieved. Turnovers in particular have limited his effectiveness, especially in key moments. Missouri’s offensive structure and returning run game could help stabilize his play this year. If Simmons can put it all together, he has the tools to significantly outperform this ranking. With last year’s SEC leading rusher Ahmad Hardy returning, Mizzou could be a darkhorse team if Simmons can prove that his early career success wasn’t just a flash in the pan.
11. Aaron Philo, Florida
Philo steps into a favorable situation with familiarity in the offensive system and a staff that believes
in his abilities. Philo made the to join the Gators after new head coach Jon Sumrall hired his former offensive coordinator at Georgia Tech, Buster Faulkner. In his career, Philo has shown flashes of strong arm talent and the ability to extend plays when pressured. The all-time passing yards leader in Georgia high school football history has a firm understanding of the offense which should allow him to operate efficiently early in the season. While he has not been officially named the starter, all signs point to him leading the offense. If he wins the job and performs to expectations, Florida could have one of the more improved offenses in the country.
10. Kenny Minchey, Kentucky
The Notre Dame transfer enters the season as the expected starter but still remains largely unproven at the college level after losing last year’s competition to standout freshman CJ Carr. His limited experience is balanced by his potential and the opportunity presented by a new coaching staff. With former Oregon OC Will Stein replacing long time head coach Mark Stoops, Minchey will have the chance to develop quickly and take control of the offense. He possesses a solid arm and the ability to move, which gives Kentucky some flexibility. However, the rebuilding nature of the program puts added pressure on him to carry a very large role early.
9. Austin Mack / Keelon Russell, Alabama
Alabama’s quarterback situation remains uncertain, but the talent level is undeniable regardless of who starts. Mack offers size and a traditional pocket presence, while Russell brings dynamic playmaking ability and athleticism. Both quarterbacks have limited experience but are surrounded by elite talent on both sides of the ball. That environment alone raises their floor significantly. Whether it is Mack, Russell, or a combination of both, Alabama will remain a contender with either option under center.
8. Byrum Brown, Auburn
Brown arrives with his long time head coach at Auburn as a proven dual-threat quarterback with unbelievable production from his time at South Florida. As the holder of 15 different program records from his time at USF, Brown has the ability to impact every aspect of the game through the air and on the ground. This makes him one of if not the most dynamic player in the conference coming into this season. He has already demonstrated the ability to put up big numbers, but the transition to SEC competition will be a major adjustment. With no more Cam Coleman Auburn’s roster still has questions, which could seriously hinder his overall impact. Even so, his individual talent keeps him firmly inside the top 10.
7. John Mateer, Oklahoma
Mateer showed elite potential early last season before a thumb injury severely slowed his momentum. When healthy, he has the ability to make every throw and extend plays with his legs. His production early in the year showed what he is capable of when operating at full strength. Coming into the year healthy and with a solid group of weapons, he has a chance to return to that form. Consistency and decision-making will be key as he looks to take the next step.
6. Marcel Reed, Texas A&M
Reed is one of the most explosive quarterbacks in the SEC and can take over games when he is playing at a high level. His combination of arm strength and mobility makes him difficult to defend and put him in Heisman conversation at times last season. Reed has shown flashes of elite play, particularly when rolling outside the pocket to push the ball downfield. With that said, a new offensive coordinator creates some changes in offensive structure and there is some uncertainty with new personnel. If he finds consistency, Reed has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in the country again this season.
5. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
Sellers has all the physical tools of a modern quarterback and has already shown he can produce at a high level. His elite speed and ability to throw the deep ball makes him a constant threat, especially when paired with elite weapons like Nyck Harbor. While his production dipped last season, much of that can be attributed to team performance and expectations. He now enters the season with another year of experience and a chance to reset. If he returns to form, he could easily outperform this ranking.
4. Sam Leavitt, LSU
Leavitt enters LSU with significant expectations after a strong career at Arizona State. He has proven he can lead an offense and perform in big moments, which translates well to SEC competition. With Lane Kiffin running the offense, the system is built to maximize his strengths. He brings experience, production, and confidence into a new environment. If he adapts quickly, LSU could have one of the most dangerous offenses in the conference.
3. Arch Manning, Texas
Manning continues to develop into one of the most recognizable and talented quarterbacks in college football. With a full season of starting experience under his belt, he now has the confidence and understanding to elevate his game. He combines strong passing ability with unexpected mobility, making him more versatile than many expected. With the additions of several weapons such as top transfer WR Cam Coleman, he is surrounded by elite talent and in a position to succeed at a high level. This could finally be the year he fully lives up to the expectations.
2. Gunner Stockton, Georgia
Stockton embodies all of the qualities that Kirby Smart and the Dawgs look for in a quarterback: toughness, leadership, and consistency. He has experience in big moments and continues to improve each season. With a strong supporting cast and elite coaching, he is in one of the best situations in the country. His experience, decision-making, and willingness to lay it all on the line for his team seperates him from many others on this list. Georgia enters the season as a title contender largely because of the talent and leadership presence of this lifelong Bulldog.
1. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
Chambliss emerged as one of the most impactful players in college football last season and now enters 2026 as the top quarterback in the SEC. His journey to this point has been unconventional, but his production speaks for itself. He has the ability to make plays in critical moments and consistently elevates his team. His athleticism, experience, leadership, and competitiveness set him apart from the rest of the field. After being granted one more year to build on his success, he gives an otherwise depleted Ole Miss team a legitimate chance to compete with anyone.
Final Thoughts
The SEC once again features elite quarterback talent from top to bottom. With a mix of proven stars and rising players, the conference is as competitive as ever. These rankings will evolve throughout the season, but the importance of quarterback play remains constant. As always, the race for SEC dominance will be defined by the players under center
