SEC QB Power Rankings: Way-too-early Top 10 QB projections
SEC Media Days has started and the countdown to SEC football 2024 is on. Where better to start than the signal callers who will run SEC offenses? While some teams are still settling on a starter or could even have some late personnel changes, here's a way-too-early QB ranking of SEC passers.
SEC QB Power Rankings
#10. Payton Thorne, Auburn
A Michigan State transfer, Thorne had a fairly underwhelming 2023 season, passing for 1,755 yards and 16 touchdowns. He did rush for another 515 yards on the ground. But in Hugh Freeze's offense, Thorne is likely to have a significantly improved second season. That potential keeps him in our top 10.
#9. Jackson Arnold, Oklahoma
Arnold is a highly-regarded prospect who has started one game for the Sooners. He assumes the mantle from transfer Dillon Gabriel. While Arnold lacks experience, if Brent Venables gets his offense rolling, he could be a surprise leap candidate in this list.
#8. Graham Mertz, Florida
Mertz is one of the less glamorous QB options in the SEC, but a year ago, the former Wisconsin starter threw for 2,903 yards and 20 scores. Mertz also managed to throw just three interceptions. Billy Napier will lean hard on the veteran Mertz to try to salvage an underwhelming tenure in Gainesville.
#7. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Following in the massive footsteps of Jayden Daniels, Nussmeier will lead Brian Kelly's high-scoring attack. Nussmeier made his first start in LSU's bowl win over Wisconsin. His ceiling is very high and Nussmeier could lead the Tigers to the College Football Playoff. But in a crowded SEC QB room, he's just one of many standouts.
#6. Nico Iamalaeva, Tennessee
Iamalevea is a redshirt freshman who got his first start in UT's bowl win against Iowa. But he's the next Josh Heupel QB and seems to have all the tools to outshine Joe Milton and Hendon Hooker. Iamaleava is a rare freshman who is already being mentioned in the Heisman conversation.
#5. Brady Cook, Missouri
Cook isn't one of the most glamorous passers in the SEC, but a season ago, he managed Missouri to an 11-win season. Cook threw for 3,317 yards and 21 scores. He rushed for another 319 yards and 8 more scores. Armed with Luther Burden at wideout, Cook could have an All-American season, but it's hard to move up the SEC list.
#4. Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
The Rebels are one of the conference's up-and-coming teams. Dart is a tremendous dual-threat passer, who could have a massive season. A year ago, Dart threw for 3,364 yards and 23 scores while running for 391 yards and 8 scores. Given one of the top receiving rooms in the nation, Dart might end up ranked even higher.
#3. Jalen Milroe, Alabama
Fitting Milroe into this list is a challenge. He had a great season a year ago at Alabama, but will not feature in a very different offense. Milroe could end up as the top SEC passer, but given the uncertainty, we'll drop him down a bit to start things out. Last season, Milroe threw for 2,834 yards and 23 scores while rushing for 531 yards and 12 scores. This year could be entirely different.
#2. Quinn Ewers, Texas
Ewers had a solid 2023 season and with a talented and veteran Texas squad, he could do even better this year. Last year, Ewers led Texas to the College Football Playoff. He threw for 3,479 yards and 22 scores. Now in his third season as the Texas start, Ewers has little left to prove in college football.
#1.Carson Beck, Georgia
The Georgia passer is one of the nation's best. He'll be a legitimate 2024 Heisman Trophy candidate. A season ago, Beck threw for 3,941 yards and 24 scores. A loss to Alabama in the SEC title game kept Georgia out of the College Football Playoff, but Beck has a tremendous offensive line and a promising receiving group at Georgia. He's one to watch.
Which SEC QBs are you looking to see in 2024? Weigh in below in our comments section!