SEC Week 1 Starting Quarterback Projections for All 16 Teams in 2026

The SEC's Quarterback Landscape in 2026

As the 2026 college football season approaches, the SEC boasts arguably its deepest quarterback room in conference history. With the additions of Texas and Oklahoma, the SEC now features 16 programs, and the competition under center has never been fiercer. From returning stars to elite transfers and five-star freshmen, here are the projected Week 1 starting quarterbacks for every SEC team.

Alabama: Keelon Russell

Kalen DeBoer's first full recruiting class produced the crown jewel of the 2026 cycle: five-star quarterback Keelon Russell. The Duncanville, Texas product enrolled early and immediately impressed coaches with his arm strength and football IQ. Russell won the job over returning backup Austin Mack, and his mobility adds a dimension to Alabama's offense that was missing under Jalen Milroe. Russell's ability to extend plays and make throws from platform or on the run makes him the ideal fit for DeBoer's scheme.

Arkansas: Taylen Green

The sixth-year senior returns for his final season of eligibility, and his experience is invaluable for an Arkansas team navigating the SEC's toughest schedule. Green completed 63% of his passes for 3,200 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2025, and his rushing ability (650 yards, 8 TDs) makes him a dual-threat nightmare for opposing defenses. Sam Pittman's offense will lean heavily on Green's veteran leadership.

Auburn: Deuce Knight

The former five-star recruit took over the starting job in Week 5 of the 2025 season and never looked back. Knight's combination of size (6'4", 215 lbs) and arm talent has drawn comparisons to Cam Newton, and his 2025 stats — 2,800 passing yards, 500 rushing yards, 30 total touchdowns — suggest the hype is warranted. New head coach Alex Golesh will build the offense around Knight's dual-threat ability.

Florida: DJ Lagway

Now a junior, Lagway has developed into one of the most polished quarterbacks in the country. His 2025 season was cut short by an ankle injury, but he's fully healthy and has been the star of fall camp. Lagway's arm strength is elite, and his improved decision-making has coaches projecting a breakout season. The Gators' offense, coordinated by new OC Brennan Marion, will feature deep shots and RPO concepts that play to Lagway's strengths.

Georgia: Gunner Stockton

The wait is finally over for Stockton, who has patiently backed up Carson Beck for two seasons. The former five-star recruit has been described by coaches as the most prepared quarterback to start at Georgia since Stetson Bennett. Stockton's mobility and live arm make him a dangerous weapon, and Georgia's loaded supporting cast — including running back Nate Frazier and wide receiver Nitro Tuggle — should ease the transition.

Kentucky: Cutter Boley

Boley, a former four-star recruit from Lexington, won the starting job in a competitive spring battle. His knowledge of Mark Stoops' system gives him an edge, and his arm strength has improved significantly since his freshman year. Kentucky's offense will rely on a strong running game and play-action passing to manage games while the defense keeps scores low.

LSU: Michael Van Buren

The Mississippi State transfer brings SEC experience and a proven track record to Baton Rouge. Van Buren started 22 games for the Bulldogs, throwing for 5,800 yards and 42 touchdowns. His mobility and ability to operate under pressure make him a perfect fit for LSU's up-tempo offense. The Tigers return a loaded receiving corps, and Van Buren's accuracy on deep balls should keep defenses honest.

Mississippi State: Blake Shapen

Shapen, a Baylor transfer, is entering his third season as Mississippi State's starter. The veteran signal-caller has thrown for over 6,000 yards and 40 touchdowns in his career, and his experience in Jeff Lebby's offense gives him a significant advantage. Shapen's ability to read defenses pre-snap and make quick decisions is critical for Mississippi State's tempo-based attack.

Missouri: Brady Cook

Cook returns for his sixth season, and his leadership has been instrumental in Missouri's rise to SEC relevance. The 2024 season was his best, throwing for 3,800 yards and 32 touchdowns, and while 2025 was slightly less productive, his experience and command of the offense make him the clear starter. Missouri's offense will feature more RPO concepts under new coordinator Kirby Moore.

Oklahoma: John Mateer

Mateer, a Washington State transfer, won the job in a heated competition with five-star freshman Kevin Sperry. His 2025 season at WSU (3,200 yards, 30 TDs) showcased his ability to operate in a pro-style offense, and his quick release and accuracy have impressed coaches. Brent Venables' offense will be more pass-heavy in 2026, and Mateer's arm talent is the reason.

Ole Miss: Austin Simmons

Simmons, a former four-star recruit, has been groomed for this role since arriving in Oxford. He spent two seasons learning behind Jaxson Dart and now takes over an offense that has produced some of the most prolific passing numbers in the SEC. Lane Kiffin's scheme is quarterback-friendly, and Simmons' athleticism adds a running element that Dart didn't consistently provide.

South Carolina: LaNorris Sellers

Sellers has been the heart of South Carolina's offense for two seasons, and his 2025 campaign (2,900 passing yards, 700 rushing yards, 35 total TDs) earned him second-team All-SEC honors. His unique combination of size (6'3", 242 lbs) and speed makes him one of the most difficult quarterbacks to defend in the country. Shane Beamer's offense will continue to feature Sellers as both a runner and passer.

Tennessee: Nico Iamaleava

Now a junior, Iamaleava is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country. His 2025 season was marred by inconsistency, but he finished strong, throwing for 300-plus yards in three of the final four games. Josh Heupel's offense is designed for a quarterback of Iamaleava's skill set, and the expectation is that he puts it all together in 2026. This is a make-or-break season for the former five-star recruit.

Texas: Arch Manning

The most hyped quarterback in college football enters his first season as the unquestioned starter, and the expectations are stratospheric. Manning's 2025 season was a showcase of his elite arm talent, as he threw for 2,500 yards and 22 touchdowns in 10 games while splitting time with Quinn Ewers. Now the offense is his, and Steve Sarkisian has designed an attack that maximizes Manning's ability to push the ball downfield. Heisman Trophy chatter is already building, and a strong start against Ohio State in Week 2 would cement his status as the frontrunner.

Texas A&M: Marcel Reed

Reed, a redshirt sophomore, beat out Conner Weigman for the starting job in fall camp. His mobility gives Texas A&M's offense a different dimension, and his accuracy on intermediate throws has been the most improved aspect of his game. Mike Elko's offense will feature more zone-read concepts to take advantage of Reed's running ability.

Vanderbilt: Nate Johnson

Johnson, a Utah transfer, brings experience and athleticism to a Vanderbilt program that is looking to build on its surprising 2025 season. Johnson's dual-threat ability (1,800 passing yards, 600 rushing yards at Utah in 2025) makes him a dangerous weapon, and Clark Lea's offense will be designed to maximize his playmaking ability while minimizing mistakes.

The SEC Quarterback Hierarchy

By any measure, the SEC is the deepest quarterback conference in the country. The combination of returning stars, elite transfers, and blue-chip recruits creates a landscape where every game features a potential star under center. In terms of overall talent, Texas's Arch Manning and Alabama's Keelon Russell lead the way, but the depth of the conference — from Nico Iamaleava at Tennessee to DJ Lagway at Florida — means that no defense gets a week off.

What This Means for CFB 27

In College Football 27, the SEC's quarterback depth is reflected in the game's ratings. Arch Manning is rated 94 overall, making him the highest-rated quarterback in the SEC and a top-three QB nationally. Keelon Russell enters the game as a true freshman with an 88 overall rating and the 'Star Development' trait, making him one of the most valuable Dynasty mode assets. The game's Road to Glory mode allows players to take control of any of these quarterbacks, and the SEC's Week 1 schedule — featuring several marquee QB matchups — provides the perfect backdrop for a championship run.