Ranking SEC quarterbacks: From proven playmakers to promising projects

With 91 days left until the Southeastern Conference kicks off the 2025 season, there are various quarterbacks eager to make a statement for their respective programs.

The SEC sent four total gunslingers to the NFL in this year's draft class, including the likes of first-rounder Jaxson Dart ( New York Giants ) and third-round pick Jalen Milroe ( Seattle Seahawks ).

Now, the conference is filled with graduate standouts, youngsters ready to prove they belong and transfers looking to find their footing against tough conference competition.

Here are the top SEC quarterbacks heading into this year's campaign:

1. Garrett Nussmeier , LSU

5th-Year Senior Resume:31 GP (14 starts), 5,772 YDS, 62.6 COMP%, 40 TD, 19 INT

Supporting Cast:At first glance, the loss of tackle Will Campbell and the overall youth of LSU's offensive line could seem troublesome to most. The Tigers make up for that with additions at wide receiver and running back. Nussmeier has three seniors starting at wideout, including Kentucky transfer Barion Brown , who recorded 3,273 all-purpose yards in Lexington.

2025 Schedule:at Clemson (8/30), Louisiana Tech (9/6), Florida (9/13), Southeastern Louisiana (9/20), at Ole Miss (9/27), South Carolina (10/11), at Vanderbilt (10/18), Texas A&M (10/25), at Alabama (11/8), Arkansas (11/15), Western Kentucky (11/22), at Oklahoma (11/29)

Intangibles:If there is one adjective that could perfectly depict the Lake Charles, Louisiana, native, it would be tough. Nussmeier is as gritty as quarterbacks come and can sling the football with the best the country has to offer. His 4,052 passing yards ranked second in the conference last season, while also averaging 311.7 yards per game. If Nussmeier can limit the interceptions, there is no limit to his abilities at the helm.

2. Arch Manning , Texas

Sophomore Resume:12 GP, 969 PASS YDS, 53.9 COMP%, 9 TD, 2 INT, 115 RUSH YDS, 4 TD

Supporting Cast:With the loss of Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden , the wideout position for Manning's first year as the starter for the Longhorns is undoubtedly a major question mark heading into this season. Ryan Wingo makes up for that loss by providing the gunslinger with a go-to target, while running back Quintrevion Wisner joins Manning in the backfield. Wisner finished last year's campaign as the team's leading rusher, replacing Jaydon Blue.

2025 Schedule:at Ohio State (8/30, San Jose State (9/6), UTEP (9/13), Sam Houston State (9/20), at Florida (10/4), Oklahoma (10/11), at Kentucky (10/18), at Mississippi State (10/25), Vanderbilt (11/1), at Georgia (11/15), Arkansas (11/22), Texas A&M (11/28)

Intangibles:Manning has all the physical attributes to be a big-time SEC signal-caller. His ability to run, combined with an innate IQ and good pocket presence, will help him develop more quickly than most. However, his lack of experience will play a huge factor, especially starting the season on the road at Ohio State. With reconstruction on the offensive line, Manning will need to find ways to escape the pocket and find targets on the move.

3. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

Sophomore Resume:15 GP (12 starts), 2,620 PASS YDS, 66.0 COMP%, 20 TD, 7 INT, 725 RUSH YDS, 8 TD

Supporting Cast: One of the sleeper teams in the conference this year resides in Columbia, South Carolina. The Gamecocks bring back a slew of offensive talent, including electric running backs with years of experience in the form of Rahsul Faison and Oscar Adaway III. Top 50-ranked wideout Nyck Harbor returns for his junior year and is joined by Mazeo Bennett Jr., who started all 13 games for the Gamecocks last year as a freshman.

2025 Schedule:Virginia Tech (8/31), South Carolina State (9/6), Vanderbilt (9/13), at Missouri (9/20), Kentucky (9/27), at LSU (10/11), Oklahoma (10/18), Alabama (10/25), at Ole Miss (11/1), at Texas A&M (11/15), Coastal Carolina (11/22), Clemson (11/29)

Intangibles:Sellers could be the most exhilarating quarterback to watch this season on this list. His dual-threat ability will provide South Carolina fans with a sight to see in Williams-Brice Stadium. The Gamecocks' veteran offensive line will also give Sellers time to maneuver around the pocket and find his targets. Sellers is facing a daunting schedule in 2025, which could provide a few bumps in the road along the way.

4. DJ Lagway, Florida

Sophomore Resume:12 GP (six starts), 1,915 PASS YDS, 59.9 COMP%, 12 TD, 9 INT, 101 RUSH YDS

Supporting Cast:An experienced offensive line will provide Lagway with protection up front this season. Running backs Jadan Baugh and Ja'Kobi Jackson could both be excellent targets for the star-studded quarterback. At the same time, wideouts Eugene Wilson III, J. Michael Sturdivant and Khaleil Jackson can create plays with their speed and athleticism. Lagway has an incredible cast of electric stars surrounding him this season.

2025 Schedule:South Florida (9/6), at LSU (9/13), at Miami (9/20), Texas (10/4), at Texas A&M (10/11), Mississippi State (10/18), at Georgia (11/1), Kentucky (11/8), at Ole Miss (11/15), Tennessee (11/22), Florida State (11/29)

Intangibles:If you were to put Cam Newton in a lab and attempt to make a prototype, Lagway would likely be your result. His athleticism, agility and accuracy provide Florida with one of the most diverse and gifted quarterbacks in the last decade. The problem at hand is Lagway's health, however. Keeping that shoulder healthy and avoiding hiccups will be key for the sophomore gunslinger.

5. John Mateer, Oklahoma

Redshirt Junior Resume:24 GP (12 starts), 3,406 PASS YDS, 64.6 COMP%, 32 TD, 8 INT, 977 RUSH YDS, 18 TD

Supporting Cast:The Oklahoma Sooners worked the transfer portal about as well as any team in the conference during the offseason. One addition is former California running back Jaydn Ott , who led the Pac-12 Conference in rushing yards in 2023. The Sooners also have an impressive wide receiving corps that features Purdue transfer Deion Burks in the slot and a prolific red zone threat in junior Jayden Gibson.

2025 Schedule:Illinois State (8/30), Michigan (9/6), at Temple (9/13), Auburn (9/20), Kent State (10/4), Texas (10/11), at South Carolina (10/18), Ole Miss (10/25), at Tennessee (11/1), at Alabama (11/15), Missouri (11/22), LSU (12/29)

Intangibles: The Sooners struck gold with landing Mateer in the offseason. He has all the tools to be one of the best players at the position in the country this season, if he can battle through a difficult conference schedule. Mateer's dual-threat ability should play in favor of head coach Brent Venables, as he can find ways to create plays with his arm and his feet. Should he navigate SEC play well, look out for the Sooners this season.

6. Marcel Reed, Texas A&M

Sophomore Resume:14 GP (eight starts), 2,238 PASS YDS, 60.9 COMP%, 16 TD, 7 INT, 592 RUSH YDS, 8 TD

Supporting Cast:Arguably, one of the best running back rooms in the country stands by Reed's side this season in Bryan-College Station, Texas. Le'Veon Moss, Rueben Owens II and Amari Daniels are all features of the Texas A&M offense that will pay dividends for Reed this season. With Kevin "KC" Concepcion transferring in from NC State and Mario Craver from Mississippi State, this could be a breakout season for the sophomore from Nashville, Tennessee .

2025 Schedule:UTSA (8/30, Utah State (9/6), at Notre Dame (9/13), Auburn (9/27), Mississippi State (10/4), Florida (10/11), at Arkansas (10/18), at LSU (10/25), at Missouri (11/8), South Carolina (11/15), Samford (11/22), at Texas (11/28)

Intangibles:Amongst a stacked class of dual-threat quarterbacks in the conference this season, Reed has what it takes to be the best. His 1,864 passing yards in 11 games and 12.2 yards per carry last season were just a glimpse into the potential he has at the helm for the Aggies. Staying present and in the moment will be key for Reed with just a year of SEC experience under his belt.

7. Austin Simmons, Ole Miss

Sophomore Resume:9 GP, 282 PASS YDS, 59.4 COMP%, 2 TD

Supporting Cast:Just when concerns start arising around the Ole Miss program losing depth, head coach Lane Kiffin finds a way to work the transfer portal and bring in star talent to surround his quarterback. The Ole Miss running back room features Logan Diggs (LSU transfer) and Henry Parrish Jr., both of whom could be big-time players in the backfield. Don't sleep on wideout Harrison Wallace III from Penn State, either.

2025 Schedule:Georgia State (8/30), at Kentucky (9/6), Arkansas (9/13), Tulane (9/20), LSU (9/27), Washington State (10/11), at Georgia (10/18), at Oklahoma (10/25), South Carolina (11/1), Citadel (11/8), Florida (11/15), at Mississippi State (11/28)

Intangibles:Simmons displayed what he can bring to the table in the Rebels' upset victory over Georgia last season. When Jaxson Dart was injured and had to leave the game, Simmons stepped up and drove Ole Miss down the field, looking like a fifth-year starter in the process. However, his lack of experience starting with a full conference schedule is the obstacle in his way to moving up this list.

8. Gunner Stockton, Georgia

Redshirt Junior Resume:8 GP, 588 PASS YDS, 66.8 COMP%, 3 TD, 2 INT

Supporting Cast:If one thing is for certain, it is that Stockton has no shortage of wide receiver talent to throw to this year in Athens, Georgia. The additions of Zachariah Branch from USC and Noah Thomas from Texas A&M provide an electric spark for UGA's wide receiving corps this season. A solid veteran group on the offensive line should be an advantage for Stockton this season.

2025 Schedule:Marshall (8/30), Austin Peay (9/6), at Tennessee (9/13), Alabama (9/27), Kentucky (10/4), at Auburn (10/11), Ole Miss (10/18), Florida (11/1), at Mississippi State (11/8), Texas (11/15), Charlotte (11/22), at Georgia Tech (11/28)

Intangibles:Stockton stepped up big in Georgia's Sugar Bowl appearance against Notre Dame. With Carson Beck sidelined due to injury, he was put on the field by head coach Kirby Smart with all of the lights shining the brightest and displayed his potential. Like Simmons, Stockton has yet to play a full SEC schedule, which could be a detriment. However, Smart knows how to develop quarterbacks well. Don't be surprised if he is the next star in the making.

9. Jackson Arnold , Auburn

Junior Resume:17 GP (10 starts), 1,984 PASS YDS, 63.2 COMP%, 16 TD, 6 INT, 560 RUSH YDS, 4 TD

Supporting Cast:Another program that is stacked at the wide receiver position is the Auburn Tigers . Cam Coleman is back for another year on the Plains after recording 720 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Tigers fans are extremely optimistic about the Georgia Tech transfer Eric Singleton Jr., who brings an electrifying speed and a knack for making incredible plays. Needless to say, Arnold has plenty of targets in 2025.

2025 Schedule:at Baylor (8/29), Ball State (9/6), South Alabama (9/13), at Oklahoma (9/20), at Texas A&M (9/27), Georgia (10/11), Missouri (10/18), at Arkansas (10/25), Kentucky (11/1), at Vanderbilt (11/8), Mercer (11/22), Alabama (11/29)

Intangibles:Head coach Hugh Freeze finally has his quarterback. The Oklahoma transfer has a cannon for an arm and can hurt you with his feet if he chooses. With talent surrounding the junior signal-caller, Arnold could be a sleeper in the group of players at the position this season. If Freeze's system fits Arnold like expected, the Tigers could have a match made in heaven.

10. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt

Graduate Resume:35 GP (23 starts), 6,716 PASS YDS, 58.4 COMP%, 59 TD, 19 INT, 2,236 RUSH YDS, 59 TD

Supporting Cast:While the Commodores are youthful at the running back position, they do return a slew of veteran wideouts with years of experience under their belt. Junior Sherrill and graduate wideout Richie Hoskins, along with former tight end turned wide receiver Eli Stowers , give Pavia experienced targets to throw to this season. Beyond that, Pavia will again have to make up for any potential detriments at other positions.

2025 Schedule:Charleston Southern (8/30), at Virginia Tech (9/6), at South Carolina (9/13), Georgia State (9/20), Utah State (9/27), at Alabama (10/4), LSU (10/18), Missouri (10/25), at Texas (11/1), Auburn (11/8), Kentucky (11/22), at Tennessee (11/29)

Intangibles:If you want to watch a gritty, hard-nosed and determined quarterback this season, make sure to tune in when Vanderbilt begins this year's campaign on August 30. Pavia brings a toughness and a never-quit attitude that makes him so fun to watch. His arm talent and ability to create plays on the run led the Commodores to the program's first bowl game since 2018. Time will tell if Pavia can repeat that success again this year.

11. Taylen Green , Arkansas

Redshirt Senior Resume:43 GP (23 starts), 6,948 PASS YDS, 59.8 COMP%, 40 TD, 24 INT, 1,628 RUSH YDS, 27 TD

Supporting Cast:Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino has a plethora of new faces implemented into the Hogs' offense this season. The Razorbacks have been hit hard with the transfer bug, but have brought in new talent to attempt to replenish positions that have seen tremendous loss. UAB transfer wideout Kam Shanks could be a difference maker at wideout, as he will undoubtedly be one of Green's top targets.

2025 Schedule:Alabama A&M (8/30), Arkansas State (9/6), at Ole Miss (9/13), at Memphis (9/20), Notre Dame (9/27), at Tennessee (10/11), Texas A&M (10/18), Auburn (10/25), Mississippi State (11/1), at LSU (11/15), at Texas (11/22), Missouri (11/29)

Intangibles:Green has been in the game for a long time now and has experience leading the Hogs. Since the departure of KJ Jefferson in 2023, Green has been the guy at the helm. The Razorbacks are going to need Green to be more consistent and find ways to create explosive plays, especially with the lack of experience in other positions. Green can be dynamic, but consistency will be the key to success this year for the redshirt senior.

12. Ty Simpson , Alabama

Redshirt Junior Resume:16 GP, 381 PASS YDS, 58.0 COMP%, 130 RUSH YDS, 3 TD

Supporting Cast:The opportunities to make big plays and rack up statistics and victories always arise when a program has a player like Ryan Williams. Top that off with a couple of impressive transfers like Miami (FL) wide receiver Isaiah Horton, and the Tide are primed to be rolling in 2025. Simpson has no shortage of talent on the offensive side of the ball, besides some holes in the offensive line that could cause some issues.

2025 Schedule:at Florida State (8/30), ULM (9/6), Wisconsin (9/13), at Georgia (9/27), Vanderbilt (10/4), at Missouri (10/11), Tennessee (10/18), at South Carolina (10/25), LSU (11/8), Oklahoma (11/15), Eastern Illinois (11/22), at Auburn (11/29)

Intangibles:From what we have been able to witness so far, Simpson can find ways to make plays work with his feet. Through limited playing time, Simpson displayed that he has a strong arm. However, his accuracy could be an issue for the Crimson Tide this season. Having guys like Williams on this year's roster will help tremendously, even with questions on the offensive line.

13. Joey Aguilar, Tennessee

Graduate Resume:30 GP (24 starts), 6,760 PASS YDS, 60.1 COMP%, 56 TD, 24 INT, 456 RUSH YDS, 5 TD

Supporting Cast:This is one of the youngest offenses in the conference this season. Tennessee's wide receiving corps does feature some experience in the form of transfer Chris Brazzell Jr. from Tulane, who brings size and an ability to make unbelievable catches when necessary. The remaining members of the offense are promising, especially at wide receiver, and head coach Josh Heupel will be able to develop them well.

2025 Schedule:Syracuse (8/30), ETSU (9/6), Georgia (9/13), UAB (9/20), at Mississippi State (9/27), Arkansas (10/11), at Alabama (10/18), at Kentucky (10/25), Oklahoma (11/1), New Mexico State (11/15), at Florida (11/22), Vanderbilt (11/29)

Intangibles:During his time at Appalachian State, Aguilar produced for the Mountaineers. He can sling the ball and is fairly accurate. Under Heupel's system, this could be another perfect match for the Vols this season. The one uncertainty is the new faces at every position for the offense, which could be a huge obstacle with early conference games starting on September 13 against UGA.

14. Beau Pribula, Missouri

Graduate Resume:24 GP, 424 PASS YDS, 66.1 COMP%, 9 TD, 1 INT, 571 RUSH YDS, 10 TD

Supporting Cast:The loss of Luther Burden III can not be understated. However, head coach Eli Drinkwitz worked the transfer portal and found some new talented wideouts to fill in positions. Kevin Coleman Jr. from Mississippi State and the return of junior wide receiver Marquis Johnson will provide electric targets for Pribula this season. Two graduates on the offensive line are not something to look past, either.

2025 Schedule:Central Arkansas (8/28), Kansas (9/6), Louisiana (9/13), South Carolina (9/20), UMass (9/27), Alabama (10/11), at Auburn (10/18), at Vanderbilt (10/25), Texas A&M (11/8), Mississippi State (11/15), at Oklahoma (11/22), at Arkansas (11/29)

Intangibles:It is hard to judge what Pribula can do on the gridiron with such limited experience. He's appeared in 24 total games in his career, with no starts during his time at Penn State. With the departure of Brady Cook , the Tigers are depending on Pribula to lead them to another 10-win season. With a manageable schedule that includes six straight home games to open the year, it will be interesting to see what Pribula can do at the helm.

15. Blake Shapen, Mississippi State

Graduate Resume:37 GP (27 starts), 6,548 PASS YDS, 63.7 COMP%, 44 TD, 14 INT, 220 RUSH YDS, 8 TD

Supporting Cast:One of the quietest, yet impressive, transfer portal hauls happened in Starkville, Mississippi, during the offseason. Wideout Brenen Thompson (Oklahoma), Markus Allen (Eastern Michigan), Anthony Evans III (Georgia) and Jordan Mosely could help MSU's offense tremendously this season. Head coach Jeff Lebby also stacked the offensive line with multiple transfer linemen with years of experience.

2025 Schedule:at Southern Miss (8/30), Arizona State (9/6), Alcorn State (9/13), Northern Illinois (9/20), Tennessee (9/27), at Texas A&M (10/4), at Florida (10/18), Texas (10/25), at Arkansas (11/1), Georgia (11/8), at Missouri (11/15), Ole Miss (11/28)

Intangibles:Shapen was injured and out for the season during MSU's loss against Florida last season, which limited what we were able to see from the Baylor transfer. With some extremely talented wideouts on the roster, Shapen is primed to get the train back on track for the Bulldogs. However, Shapen must focus on staying healthy if he wants to achieve the unthinkable in Starkville.

16. Zach Calzada, Kentucky

Graduate Resume:38 GP (32 starts), 8,660 PASS YDS, 65.5 COMP%, 73 TD, 28 INT, 380 RUSH YDS, 11 TD

Supporting Cast:There has been a complete overhaul in Lexington. The Wildcats have hauled in a variety of transfer targets for Zach Calzada's first year playing for Big Blue Nation. Alabama transfer Kendrick Law and Clemson transfer Troy Stellato bring speed, agility and vertical ability to Kentucky's wide receiving corps. It also helps to have a 6-foot-8, 321-pounder in Shiyazh Pete guarding his blind side.

2025 Schedule:Toledo (8/30), Ole Miss (9/6), Eastern Michigan (9/13), at South Carolina (9/27), at Georgia (10/4), Texas (10/18), Tennessee (10/25), at Auburn (11/1), Florida (11/8), Tennessee Tech (11/15), at Vanderbilt (11/22), at Louisville (11/29)

Intangibles:Another position that is hard to judge. Calzada is one of the most experienced signal-callers in the league this season, but he just does not have much time played against the powerhouses of the SEC. His time at Texas A&M gave him a first glimpse into what defensive units bring in the conference, which could help him in the long run. Kentucky's difficult schedule will be rough on the Texas A&M/Incarnate Word transfer.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Ranking 2025 SEC starting quarterbacks from best to worst