CBS Ranks 2025 SEC QBs: Arch Manning Glazes Again, Diego Pavia Too High

Which quarterbacks are set to light it up this season? We’re breaking down the SEC’s most intriguing names under center heading into 2025, from grizzled veterans to breakout candidates. Expect surprises, hype, and maybe a little chaos in this year’s QB race.

16. Zach Calzada, Kentucky

Yep, we're in seventh-year senior territory now. Calzada’s bouncing around the SEC like a well-traveled jukebox, from A&M to Auburn to Incarnate Word, and now Kentucky. The last time he threw a touchdown in the SEC, TikTok was still tolerable. But don’t sleep on him, he’s got a repaired shoulder, experience, and something to prove.

15. Joey Aguilar, Tennessee

Aguilar is Tennessee’s likely QB1, but it’s not official yet. After tossing 56 touchdowns at App State, he briefly flirted with UCLA before sliding into Knoxville in a pseudo-QB trade. Heupel’s offense gives him a shot to shine, assuming he can fend off fall camp challengers.

14. Beau Pribula, Missouri

Pribula left Penn State and chose Mizzou over some solid suitors, and the Tigers might’ve found their next Brady Cook-style warrior. He hasn't locked in the starting job yet, but his run-heavy, tough-as-nails approach feels like a perfect fit for Eli Drinkwitz’s system. Could quietly be one of the league’s grittiest stories.

13. Marcel Reed, Texas A&M

Reed went from backup to late-season hero for the Aggies last year, helping beat LSU and flashing some raw talent. His pocket presence is still a work in progress, a little too much dancing when things break down but if OC Collin Klein can harness that athleticism, Reed could be sneaky good in 2025.

12. Jackson Arnold, Auburn

This is it for Hugh Freeze and Jackson Arnold might be his last shot. The former five-star finally looks like he's finding his footing after a rocky time at Oklahoma. The tools are there, but he’ll need to shake the confidence issues and deliver quickly to stabilize the Tigers.

11. Blake Shapen, Mississippi State

Before a shoulder injury derailed him, Shapen was cooking in Starkville with 68% completions and multiple multi-TD games. Now healthy and locked in as QB1, he brings much-needed stability to Jeff Lebby’s offense. He was a hot portal commodity and could be one of the better bounce-back stories in the league.

10. Gunner Stockton, Georgia

Stockton was thrown into the fire last season against Texas and Notre Dame, not exactly cupcake reps. Now, he’s the man in Athens, with pressure mounting and Ryan Puglisi breathing down his neck. If he can get the ball out fast and let Georgia’s playmakers work, the Dawgs won’t miss a beat.

9. Ty Simpson, Alabama

Third time’s the charm? Simpson has all the talent but hasn’t put it together just yet. With Ryan Grubb calling plays and a loaded receiver room, it’s now or never. If Bama’s in the playoff hunt this fall, Simpson will be a huge reason why. Buy stock while it’s cheap.

8. Austin Simmons, Ole Miss

Lane Kiffin didn’t chase a portal QB because he believes in Simmons and that says a lot. We’ve seen flashes, like that Georgia TD drive, and Simmons has the tools to be a stat monster in Kiffin’s offense. Limited sample size, but this guy might cook up something special.

7. Taylen Green, Arkansas

Married life, dual-threat production, and Bobby Petrino back on the headset, Green’s got a lot going for him. He quietly had over 3,000 passing yards and was deadly on third down last season. If Arkansas makes noise, it’ll be because Green broke out in a big way.

6. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt

Pavia walks with more swagger than just about anyone in the SEC, and Vanderbilt needs that energy. The downside? He took a beating late last season and now has a target on his back. If Vandy can protect him, he’s dangerous. But don’t be surprised if things get rocky in Year 2.

5. DJ Lagway, Florida

No spring throws due to a shoulder thing? No problem, Lagway’s still the most hyped Gator QB since Tebow. The five-star flashed late last year with wins over Ole Miss and LSU. With elite weapons around him, this freshman could go full-blown superstar if he stays healthy.

4. John Mateer, Oklahoma

Mateer hasn't played in the SEC yet, but he’s reunited with play-caller Ben Arbuckle, and that combo was dynamite at Washington State. Think Baker Mayfield with more height and rushing juice. He’s a fun wild card with big potential and a skillset that could shock the league.

3. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

Sellers went from redshirt nobody to SEC nightmare in a year, wrecking teams with both his arm and legs. He led the Gamecocks on a six-game heater and looked unstoppable. His supporting cast isn’t elite, but at 6'4", 245, he might just carry the load himself. Don’t bet against him.

2. Arch Manning, Texas

The name’s big, the hype’s bigger and now it’s time to deliver. Arch hasn’t done much yet, but with the best roster Texas has had in years, he’s set up for a monster season. He’s a Heisman frontrunner because of what could be, and that ceiling is downright scary.

1. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

Finally unleashed, Nussmeier is the SEC’s top dog heading into 2025. He’s got the arm, the swagger, and the experience. Sure, he was a bit reckless last season, but when he’s on, he looks like a future NFL star. If LSU makes a national title run, he’ll be the engine behind it.