By: Robert Craft

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

Five quarterbacks embody the SEC with their blend of elite production, high-end talent, and promising upside.

Entering the 2025 season, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier holds the top spot as both the most productive and experienced returning QB, while Texas’s Arch Manning’s first full year as a starter brings blue-chip intrigue.

Meanwhile, Florida’s DJ Lagway and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers provide nothing but high ceilings with dual-threat play.

Taylen Green rounds out the group with a strong body of work and he’s a dangerous fit within Arkansas’s offense.

#1 Garrett Nussmeier (LSU): Nussmeier slides in as the SEC’s most accomplished returning signal-caller.

After replacing Jayden Daniels, he threw for over 4,000 yards and 28+ touchdowns. Nussmeier is ranked first because of his command, willingness to take chances, and growth within Brian Kelly’s system.

In addition, LSU has an experienced supporting cast, which Nussmeier will utilize  to lead a potent offense. He may stake a claim as a Heisman contender.

Productivity & experience: SEC-leading attempts, completions, and yardage in 2024.

Elite arm talent & playmaking: Ranked top-10 in big-time throws nationally.

Offensive continuity: Solidified command entering his fourth year in Kelly’s offense

#2 Arch Manning (Texas): Manning enters his first full season as the Texas starting QB after limited action in 2024.

He completed 73 of 112 attempts for 939 yards, 9 TDs, and only 2 INTs.

Despite a modest role, his pedigree, downfield accuracy, and athleticism show promise, even among the SEC’s elite. I predict a breakout year with Arch Manning running Steve Sarkisian’s quarterback-focused system.

Ceiling: Manning is projected to grow into one of the SEC’s top QBs due to raw talent .

Foundation & Support: Coaching, strong offensive line additions, and returning weapons on both sides of the ball.

Readiness: Manning has already shown composure and success stepping in mid-season.

#3 DJ Lagway (Florida): After stepping up as a freshman in 2024, Lagway delivered 1,915 yards and 12 touchdowns across seven games.

Known for a strong arm and mobility, he sparked a second-half turnaround for the Gators. Florida’s coaches have embraced his skillset entering year two.

Freshman breakout: Multiple 300-yard games early in career.

Potential: His physical gifts and arm strength make him a modern SEC prototype.

Momentum: Off‑season confidence from coaches, teammates, and fans .

#4 LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina): Sellers became a star as a dual-threat in 2024, finishing with 2,534 passing yards and 18 TDs, plus 674 rushing yards and 7 rushing TDs.

His leadership, athleticism, and steady improvement in crucial moments have consistently ranked him among the SEC’s top 2–4 QBs by multiple outlets.

Dual-threat capabilities: A real ground and air threat.

Rising trajectory: Showed consistent growth and poise.

Leadership: Enters 2025 as THE  offensive centerpiece.

#5 Taylen Green (Arkansas): Wrapping out the top five is Green, the true dual-threat who threw for over 3,100 yards in 2024 while contributing significantly on the ground.

In a Petrino system built around his skillset, he has the experience and supporting cast to sharpen his consistency and cut turnovers.

Proven production: Second-year SEC starter with big passing and rushing numbers.

System fit: Well-suited to Arkansas’ offense.

Upside: If he minimizes mistakes, he could quietly ascend.

Quarterbacks to keep your eyes on: Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt), John Mateer (Oklahoma), Austin Simmons (Ole Miss) and Gunner Stockton (Georgia).

The SEC is breaking in several new quarterbacks with several Heisman conversations in the preseason. QB1 is the most important position, and playoff dreams depend on which quarterback shines the most.