Top SEC Quarterbacks for 2025

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Ranking the top quarterbacks in the SEC for the 2025 football season involves evaluating talent rating. This evaluation is based on scouting, recruiting rankings, and performance metrics like PFF grades. Other factors include games started, passing yards, touchdowns, and career passer rating. Below is a ranking of the top SEC quarterbacks based on available data. Here is my list after comparing multiple sources:

1. Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)
2. Arch Manning (Texas)
3. LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina)
4. DJ Lagway (Florida)
5. Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt)
6. John Mateer (Oklahoma)
7. Austin Simmons (Ole Miss)
8. Taylen Green (Arkansas)
9. Jackson Arnold (Auburn)
10. Ty Simpson (Alabama)
11. Marcel Reed (Texas A&M)
12. Gunner Stockton (Georgia)
13. Beau Pribula (Missouri)
14. Joey Aguilar (Tennessee)
15. Blake Shapen (Mississippi State)
16. Zach Calzada (Kentucky)

 

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Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)

Talent Rating: Elite arm talent, widely regarded as the SEC’s top quarterback prospect for 2025. His 88.9 PFF passing grade in 2024 was among the best in the FBS. He is noted for his pocket presence and his ability to make all throws. His Heisman odds are at +800.
Games Started: Started all 12 games in 2024, his first full season as LSU’s starter.
Passing Yards: 4,052 yards in 2024, fifth nationally.
Touchdowns: 29 passing touchdowns in 2024, with seven “big-time throws” per PFF (seventh-most nationally). 40 career TDs.
Career Passer Rating: 140.4.
Analysis: Nussmeier’s combination of elite arm talent, significant starting experience, and high-volume passing stats make him the top quarterback. His 12 interceptions in 2024 are a concern. However, his experience under Brian Kelly adds value to his profile. The NFL draft buzz for 2026 further solidifies his ranking.

 

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Arch Manning (Texas)

Talent Rating: Exceptional talent, with an 88.1 PFF overall grade in 2024 despite limited starts. A former five-star recruit and Heisman favorite (+700 odds), his arm strength and athleticism (4 TDs on 21 rushes) stand out.
Games Started: Only 3 starts in 2024 (against weaker opponents: UTSA, Louisiana-Monroe, Mississippi State), but he’s QB1 for Texas in 2025.
Passing Yards: 939 yards in limited 2024 action (67.8% completion).
Touchdowns: 9 passing touchdowns in 2024.
Career Passer Rating: 179.0.
Analysis: Manning’s limited starts lower his ranking slightly, but his elite talent and athleticism make him a breakout candidate. Facing SEC defenses in 2025 will test him, but Texas’s offensive support and his pedigree place him second.

 

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LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina)

Talent Rating: Rising star with dual-threat ability. His 6-game winning streak in 2024 (1,481 passing yards, 436 rushing yards, 17 total TDs) showcased his potential. Not yet PFF-graded as highly as Nussmeier or Manning, but a strong 2025 outing could put him in the discussion as a +1900 Heisman favorite.
Games Started: Started 10 games in 2024 as a redshirt freshman.
Passing Yards: 2,276 yards in 2024 (per ESPN SEC stats, incomplete data).
Touchdowns: 17 passing touchdowns, 7 rushing touchdowns in 2024.
Career Passer Rating: 155.8.
Analysis: Sellers’ dual-threat production and clutch performances (wins over Oklahoma, Texas A&M, etc.) make him a top contender. His talent is slightly below Nussmeier and Manning, but his 2024 momentum and starting experience elevate him.

 

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DJ Lagway (Florida)

Talent Rating: Potentially the most arm talent in college football, with a 95.6 PFF passing grade on deep throws (third in FBS). Needs to improve accuracy on shorter throws (59.7 PFF grade). The sophomore has +1800 odds for the Heisman.
Games Started: 6 starts in 2024 as a freshman, taking over midseason.
Passing Yards: 1,610 yards in 2024 (limited action).
Touchdowns: 11 passing touchdowns, 2 rushing touchdowns in 2024
Career Passer Rating: 154.9.
Analysis: Lagway’s raw talent is undeniable, but his limited starts and inconsistency on shorter passes place him fifth. His upside is massive, and a full 2025 season could see him climb higher.

 

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Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt)

Talent Rating: Veteran transfer with an 85.0 PFF passing grade in 2024 (10th among FBS QBs). Known for fearless play and dual-threat ability, though not as naturally gifted as the top three. He is a +15,000 odd favorite for the Heisman.
Games Started: Started 12 games in 2024, with prior starts at New Mexico State (24+ career starts)
Passing Yards: 2,293 yards in 2024, plus 801 rushing yards.
Touchdowns: 20 passing touchdowns, 8 rushing touchdowns in 2024
Career Passer Rating: 142.8.
Analysis: Pavia’s experience and efficiency (only 4 INTs) are strengths, but his arm talent is less dynamic than the top tier. His dual-threat stats and Vanderbilt’s bowl success make him a strong contender.

 

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Honestly, I would be happy with ranking Lagway in the top 5 based on raw talent. Using current production, Lagway is a bottom-2 QB. Granted, he is one of the youngest QBs in the SEC and was thrust into the starting role a year before Napier wanted.