As we continue to roll through college football’s list season into full-blown talking season in college football, quarterbacks are going to be a big topic of conversation and they were on a recent episode of JC and Morgan with Mike Morgan of ESPN and the SEC Network and JC Shurburtt of 247Sports.
Here’s the deal.
Joel Klatt of Fox Sports recently released his list of the top 10 quarterbacks in college football for 2025, and it’s stirring up quite a conversation. Let’s break down this list and explore some of the surprising implications it has for the upcoming season, especially in the SEC.
Here’s Klatt’s top 10:
1- Cade Klubnik, Clemson
2- Arch Manning, Texas
3- John Mateer, Oklahoma
4- Sam Leavitt, Arizona State
5- Drew Aller, Penn State
6- Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
7- DJ Lagway, Florida
8- LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
9- Luke Altmeyer, Illinois
10- Carson Beck, Miami
Now, what’s particularly interesting about this list is not just who’s on it, but who isn’t. Notably absent are quarterbacks from some of the SEC’s powerhouse programs: Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. This absence is raising eyebrows and prompting some serious questions about the upcoming season.
Let’s consider the implications. Alabama, Georgia, and Texas are currently the Vegas favorites to win the SEC, boasting the highest projected win totals. Yet, two of these teams don’t have a quarterback that’s even sniffing the top 5, or arguably even the top 10, in the conference. It’s a peculiar situation that goes against the conventional wisdom linking projected team success with elite quarterback play.
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Take Alabama, for instance. There’s been a lot of talk about Ty Simpson, but some, like JC Shurburtt, are skeptical. His hot take of the offeseason is that Kelon Russell, a freshman, might be starting by October. It’s a bold prediction, but it speaks to the uncertainty surrounding the Crimson Tide’s quarterback situation.
Georgia’s in a similar boat with Gunner Stockton. While there’s potential there, especially given his connection with offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, it’s still a big question mark. How will Bobo utilize Stockton’s skills? Will we see a different look from the Georgia offense this year?
And then there’s Tennessee. After losing Nico Iamaleava in what was essentially a trade for Joey Aguilar from UCLA, they’re left with a quarterback that some consider to be at the bottom of the barrel in the SEC. It’s a far cry from the high-powered offense we’ve come to expect from the Volunteers. Although, we have a sneaky suspicion that Aguilar is going to be just fine. The bigger concern at UT per some Vols insiders- the wide receiver room.
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But here’s where it gets really interesting. Despite these apparent quarterback deficiencies, these teams are still projected to be at the top of the conference and all have high over/under win totals from Las Vegas. It’s a testament to the overall strength of their programs, but it also sets up a fascinating narrative for the season. Can these powerhouse programs overcome potentially mediocre quarterback play? Or will we see some surprises as other teams with stronger QB situations rise to the top?
Speaking of surprises, let’s not forget about some of the other quarterbacks in the SEC who didn’t make Klatt’s list but could make some noise this season. There’s Austin Simmons at Ole Miss, Jackson Arnold at Auburn, and even Diego Pavia at Vanderbilt, who’s shown some real moxie. And don’t sleep on guys like Taylon Reed at Arkansas or Marcel Reed at Texas A&M. The SEC is loaded with quarterback talent, even if it’s not concentrated where we usually expect it.
As we look ahead to the 2025 season, it’s clear that the quarterback landscape in college football, and particularly in the SEC, is more unpredictable than ever. Will Klatt’s predictions hold up? Will the traditional powerhouses find a way to succeed without elite QB play? Or are we in for a season of surprises?
One thing’s for sure: with this much talent at certain schools and uncertainty at others at the game’s most important position, we’re in for one hell of a ride this college football season in the SEC. Buckle up, folks. It’s going to be a wild one.
