Less than a month separates college football fans from the first official preseason gatherings, as the SEC prepares to kick off its Media Days circuit. The events, which traditionally serve as the unofficial launch of the upcoming season, will spotlight the conference’s most compelling storylines, with a particular emphasis on the quarterback position.
Ranking the SEC’s Top Quarterbacks
Among the returning signal‑callers, Oklahoma’s John Mateer has already drawn attention for the way his dual‑threat skill set reshaped the Sooners’ offense in the previous campaign, setting up intriguing matchups that could define the early schedule.
At the other end of the spectrum, Texas will be hoping that Arch Manning, the highly anticipated heir to the Longhorns’ quarterback lineage, can translate his growing comfort under Steve Sarkisian into consistent production.
Georgia’s Gunner Stockton, who helped the Bulldogs reach the College Football Playoff last year, is expected to build on a strong 2025 showing, especially after a narrow loss in the CFP quarterfinal that still fuels his motivation.
Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed brings a blend of arm strength and mobility that could make him a surprise factor, while South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers looks to rebound from a disappointing previous season and prove he can handle the pressure of a make‑or‑break year.
Mississippi State will rely on Kamario Taylor to anchor the offense, whereas Missouri’s Austin Simmons, a prized recruit, faces an uncertain path to the starting role despite his talent.
The story isn’t limited to the SEC’s traditional powerhouses. Ole Miss’s Trinidad Chambliss, the reigning SEC Newcomer of the Year, returns with the confidence of a breakout season, and Florida’s emerging arms will be watched closely as the Gators aim to climb back into contention.
Coaches such as Shane Beamer at South Carolina and Jon Sumrall at Georgia Tech add another layer of intrigue, as their offensive philosophies will shape how the quarterbacks are utilized.
Overall, the upcoming Media Days will not only rank the conference’s quarterbacks but also set the narrative for how each team plans to approach the 2026 campaign, making the next few weeks a critical prelude to the season’s first kickoff.