Way-Too-Early SEC Quarterback Rankings: Where Does Arch Manning Land in 2025?

By Skeeter Smith

The Top Dogs

1. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

2024 Stats: 4,052 Yards, 32 Total TDs, 12 INTs, -38 Rushing Yards

At the start of last season, Garrett Nussmeier looked like a surefire first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, LSU hit a rough patch mid-season, and so did Nussmeier. Despite the slump, he and the Tigers finished strong, setting the stage for a big 2025 campaign.

Dec 31, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) looks at the scoreboard during an officials time-out against the Baylor Bears in the second quarter at NRG Stadium.

2. John Mateer, Oklahoma

2024 Stats: 3,139 Yards, 44 Total TDs, 7 INTs, 826 Rushing Yards

Mateer was arguably the biggest quarterback name in the transfer portal, making Oklahoma’s acquisition of him a massive win. He lit it up at Washington State last season and now looks to revive a Sooners’ offense that struggled in 2024.

Nov 23, 2024; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback John Mateer (10) sets up to pass during the third quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium.

3. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

2024 Stats: 2,534 Yards, 25 Total TDs, 7 INTs, 674 Rushing Yards

One of 2024’s breakout stars, LaNorris Sellers shined in his first year as South Carolina’s starter. With an elite blend of size, athleticism, and arm talent, he’ll be a nightmare for defenses again in 2025.

Nov 18, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) rushes past Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Zion Childress (11) in the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports Kentucky

4. Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee

2024 Stats: 2,216 Yards, 22 Total TDs, 5 INTs, 358 Rushing Yards

Iamaleava is the only returning SEC quarterback who led his team to the College Football Playoff. While his 2024 season didn’t quite meet lofty expectations, he showed flashes of elite potential. With leading rusher Dylan Sampson off to the NFL, Tennessee’s offense will rely heavily on Iamaleava’s development.

Nov 30, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) passes the ball against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at FirstBank Stadium.

5. Arch Manning , Texas

2024 Stats: 939 Yards, 13 Total TDs, 2 INTs, 108 Rushing Yards

This isn’t a knock on Arch; he could easily be a top-three SEC QB by season’s end, but for now, others have proven more up to this point. Still, from the limited action we’ve seen, Texas fans should be excited about what he brings in 2025.

Sep 28, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs the ball in the second half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

6. DJ Lagway, Florida

2024 Stats: 1,915 Yards, 12 Total TDs, 7 INTs, 101 Rushing Yards

After Graham Mertz went down mid-season, Lagway played a key role in Florida’s turnaround. While his stat line may not jump off the sheet if you’ve watched him play you can easily see why he was ranked as the number-one QB in his class. With a year of experience and an improved receiving corps, he’s primed for a breakout sophomore season.

Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) is congratulated by Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier after a series during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 19, 2024 against the Kentucky Wildcats.

Middle of the Pack

7. Marcel Reed, Texas A&M

2024 Stats: 1,864 Yards, 22 Total TDs, 6 INTs, 547 Rushing Yards

Reed took over as A&M’s starter midway through the season and never looked back. A dynamic athlete, he injected life into an Aggies offense that had been stagnant. If he is able to polish his passing skills, A&M could be a serious SEC contender.

Oct 26, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed (10) runs the ball in for a touchdown in the third quarter against the LSU Tigers at Kyle Field.

8. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt

2024 Stats: 2,293 Yards, 28 Total TDs, 4 INTs, 800 Rushing Yards

“Pavia Magic” was one of 2024’s best stories, as he led Vanderbilt to a surprising seven-win season, including a shocking upset of Alabama. His fearless play took a toll on his body late in the season, but with an NCAA waiver granting him another year, he’s back to make more magic in 2025.

Oct 5, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) scrambles against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half at FirstBank Stadium.

9. Taylen Green, Arkansas

2024 Stats: 3,154 Yards, 23 Total TDs, 9 INTs, 602 Rushing Yards

Green was one of the most boom-or-bust QBs in college football last season, mirroring Arkansas’ up-and-down year. With a season under Bobby Petrino, don’t be surprised if Green has a really nice season in 2025.

Aug 29, 2024; Little Rock, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green (10) rushes during the first quarter against the Pine Bluff Golden Lions at War Memorial Stadium.

10. Jackson Arnold, Auburn

2024 Stats: 1,421 Yards, 15 Total TDs, 3 INTs, 444 Rushing Yards

It was a rollercoaster season for Arnold as he lost his starting job mid-season but won it back later on in the year. Some struggles were self-inflicted, but he also lacked any support at Oklahoma. Now at Auburn, he gets a fresh start with a loaded receiver room.

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) looks for an open receiver during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Houston Cougars at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.

Something to Prove

11. Zach Calzada, Kentucky

2024 Stats: 3,744 Yards, 40 Total TD’s, 9 INT’s, 332 Rushing Yards

Calzada returns to the SEC after two seasons at Incarnate Word, where he put up big numbers. Now, the seventh-year senior will look to bring that production to a Kentucky team in need of stability under center.

UIWs' Zach Calzada throws the ball down the field against UTEp on Sep. 2, 2023

12. Gunner Stockton, Georgia

2024 Stats: 440 Yards, 1 Total TD, 1 INT, -13 Rushing Yards

Gunner Stockton answered the call in the second half for the Bulldogs vs Texas helping them secure an SEC Championship. With Carson Beck gone to Miami, Stockton is set to take over full-time. He may not have elite arm talent, but he’s a gamer who has proven that he can lead this offense.

Dec 7, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) rushes the ball against the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the 2024 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

13. Austin Simmons, Ole Miss

2024 Stats: 282 Yards, 2 Total TDs, 0 INTs, 14 Rushing Yards

When Simmons replaced Jackson Dart against Georgia last season, he looked like a seasoned vet. Now, with Dart gone to the NFL, Simmons steps in as the head signal caller. He’ll face growing pains but has the talent to thrive in Lane Kiffin’s offense.

Nov 9, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin talks with quarterback Austin Simmons (13) after a touchdown during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

14. Beau Pribula, Missouri

2024 Stats: 275 Yards, 9 Total TDs, 1 INT, 242 Rushing Yards

Pribula flashed potential when filling in for Drew Aller at Penn State. Now at Missouri, he steps into a team with CFP aspirations. If he develops quickly, the Tigers could be a serious contender in 2025.

Oct 26, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Beau Pribula (9) rushes with the football during the fourth quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium.

15. Luke Kromenhoek, Mississippi State

2024 Stats: 502 Yards, 3 Total TDs, 2 INTs, 113 Rushing Yards

Thrown into the fire on a struggling Florida State team, Kromenhoek took his lumps in 2024 but showed promise. Now under offensive mastermind Jeff Lebby at Mississippi State, he gets a fresh start with a team desperate improvement.

Nov 30, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Luke Kromenhoek (14) looks to pass during the first half against the Florida Gators at Doak S. Campbell Stadium.

16. Ty Simpson, Alabama

2024 Stats: 167 Yards, 1 Total TD, 0 INTs, 44 Rushing Yards

After waiting his turn, Simpson will finally get the chance to take over as Alabama’s QB1. We haven’t seen much of him, but as a former highly touted recruit, he has plenty of potential. With Alabama’s offense needing consistency, Simpson could be the key to the Tide’s success.

Sep 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) drops back to pass against the South Florida Bulls in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium.