Where every SEC quarterback ranks on ESPN's power rankings

Jeff Hauser

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Where every SEC quarterback ranks on ESPN's power rankings image

Julian Sayin’s rise to the top of the national quarterback rankings comes as no surprise. He has elite weapons, a wide-open scheme and Heisman expectations that may be undercut by his own teammates. 

But the Ohio State star has separated himself statistically, leading the country in Total QBR, completion rate (80.9%) and success rate while operating an offense built around star receiver Jeremiah Smith.

Behind Sayin, the list of top signal-callers reflects a changing landscape. Georgia Tech’s Haynes King and Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza have turned middle-of-the-road programs into playoff contenders, while USC’s Jayden Maiava and Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia have powered high-octane attacks with very different levels of defensive help.

The depth of quality extends across the country, but nowhere is the quarterback conversation more complicated than in the SEC, where production and pressure meet often. Here's a look at where the conference ranks according to ESPN's Bill Connelly and his list of top FBS quarterbacks.

SEC's top quarterbacks with one uncommon on top

Vanderbilt’s Pavia headlines the group at No. 3, posting an 86.1 Total QBR with 2,440 passing yards and 691 rushing yards while almost single-handedly keeping the Commodores in shootouts. No. 6 is where Georgia’s Gunner Stockton sits. He has been quietly efficient, ranking third in Total QBR with just two interceptions, even as the Bulldogs search for more explosive plays downfield.

One of the best stories during this season Trinidad Chambliss coming off the bench to lead Ole Miss under center. The Division II transfer from Ferris State is playing out of his mind at No. 8 with 7.3 yards per attempt and 4.6 yards per carry. 

At Arkansas, Taylen Green remains one of the league’s scariest dual threats at No. 10. He has piled up 2,372 passing yards and 815 rushing yards and keeping the Razorbacks competitive against ranked opponents. No. 11 Alabama’s Ty Simpson has seen his numbers flatten, but his ball security with one interception in 296 attempts has the Tide thriving in the red zone despite a limited run game.

No. 12 Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed has stabilized a scheme built on space and matchups, while No. 13 Tennessee’s Joey Aguilar has carried a defense that has regressed sharply from last season’s playoff run. 

Further down the list, No. 32 Oklahoma's John Mateer would be better without a broken hand. Arch Manning at No. 35 is interesting. The Texas passer has dealt with a rocky road, but it says a lot putting his behind a few guys with weaker schedules. 

The ones in the bottom half

No. 37 Kentucky's Cutter Boley, No. 39 Auburn’s Ashton Daniels, No. 40 LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, No. 45 Mississippi State's Blake Shapen, No. 49 South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, No. 55 Florida freshman DJ Lagway and No. 58 Missouri’s Matt Zollers. 

They all reflect the full range of outcomes in a league where expectations are massive. Taken together, the rankings reinforce a simple truth that the nation’s best quarterback room may be at one of these schools. 

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Editorial Team