NCAAF News

Home

Teams

Quizzes

Newsletter

Power Rankings

The Next Wave: Ranking the SEC’s Elite QBs Ahead of the 2025 Season

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Dorrington Myers | Last updated May 6, 2025 9:55 AM ET

This year, there has been a major shift at the quarterback position. Out with the old, in with the new—shall I say. A wave of young signal-callers is ready to take over and lead their teams through the gauntlet that is the SEC.

The criteria are simple: play against quality opponents, lead your team on and off the field, and perform at a high level. There will be debates, but for these rankings—and going forward—potential won’t carry much weight. At quarterback, it’s all about results.

Without further ado, here are the top 5 SEC QBs.

No. 5 Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt

2024 Stats: 2,293 yards, 20 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 59.4 percent completion rate, 74.6 QBR, 8 rushing touchdowns.

Pavia is a program-changer and the nucleus of any team he joins. He’s tough as nails, fiercely competitive and a natural leader. Everywhere he’s been—New Mexico State and now Vanderbilt—he’s helped turn the program around. They don’t make quarterbacks like Pavia anymore. He’s a quarterback’s quarterback.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) surveys the Alabama Crimson Tide defense during their game at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.© Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

No. 4 Taylen Green, Arkansas

2024 Stats: 3,154 yards, 15 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 60.4 percent completion rate, 70.5 QBR, 8 rushing touchdowns

Green is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country. Like every QB, he has areas to improve, but the talent is undeniable. He possesses a pro-level frame built to withstand the grind of the SEC. Keep an eye on Green—I’m expecting major improvement and a breakout season from him.

Aug 29, 2024; Little Rock, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green (10) rushes during the first quarter against the Pine Bluff Golden Lions at War Memorial Stadium. © Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

No. 3 LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

2024 Stats: 2,534 yards, 18 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 65.6 percent completion rate, 69.8 QBR, 7 rushing touchdowns

The quiet assassin. Sellers is the total package—extremely mobile, armed with elite arm talent and fearless in competition. This is the year he breaks out and earns a spot on the Heisman Trophy watch list.

No. 2 DJ Lagway, Florida

2024 Stats: 1,915 yards, 12 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 59.9 percent completion rate, 57.9 QBR

Lagway ranks right alongside LSU's Garrett Nussmeier when it comes to raw arm talent, but what truly sets him apart is his immediate impact as a starter. When he took over for the Gators, he brought a spark to the offense, and the team fed off his energy. Lagway proved he’s clutch, leading Florida to bowl eligibility with gritty wins over tough defenses like LSU, Ole Miss and Florida State. He’s poised well beyond his years.

DJ Lagway compiled a 6-1 record in 2024, starting seven games, and experienced his only loss upon exiting a game. It's hard not to be optimistic about what the 2025 will bring. Go Gators pic.twitter.com/bXLkyXQTWf
— GATORCHOMP (@GatorChompXX) May 6, 2025

No. 1 Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

2024 Stats: 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 64.2% completion rate, 80.0 QBR, 3 rushing touchdowns

You’re looking at the best arm in the country—at least in my opinion. There isn’t a throw Nussmeier can’t make. He’s fearless in the pocket, with elite awareness and control. I project him as a Heisman finalist and the first quarterback taken in next year’s NFL Draft.

Starting off the 2026 NFL draft cycle hot with #LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier

+ Live Arm, ability to push ball downfield
+ Solid mobility
+ Good rolling out
+ Looks downfield early and often

- Questionable decision maker at times
- Forces ball through tight windows pic.twitter.com/FeuFlWwWOr
— Andy (@AndyyNFL) April 28, 2025