SEC QB Rankings: Arch Manning's Surprising Position in Week 3
The 2026 college football season is well underway, and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) is showcasing a talented group of quarterbacks who could soon make their mark in the NFL. As teams prepare for Week 3, the competition among these signal callers is fierce, with several players standing out in the early stages of the season. Among them, Arch Manning, the highly touted Texas quarterback, is generating significant discussion regarding his current ranking among his peers.
Marcel Reed of Texas A&M has been a solid performer since taking over as the starter last season. In 2025, he threw for over 3,100 yards and accounted for 31 touchdowns. This season, Reed has continued to impress, amassing 396 passing yards, five touchdowns, and just one interception in two victories. His ability to manage games effectively has kept Texas A&M competitive in the SEC.
Tennessee's Faizon Brandon, a freshman, is facing the challenges that come with being a starter in a top-tier conference. Despite his inexperience, he has shown promise with 374 passing yards and five touchdowns in two wins, alongside 90 rushing yards and two additional touchdowns. While he still needs to refine his accuracy, Brandon's early performance suggests he can hold his own against seasoned competition.
Kenny Minchey, who transferred from Notre Dame to Kentucky, is another quarterback to watch. Although he struggled against Alabama, he had a strong showing against Youngstown State, throwing for 301 yards and four touchdowns. Minchey has the potential to be a game-changer for Kentucky as the season progresses.
John Mateer, now at Oklahoma after transferring from Washington State, is back to full health and has shown flashes of brilliance. Despite a tough loss last week, he has thrown for 414 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception in his first two games. Mateer’s performance indicates that he could be a key player for the Sooners moving forward.
Aaron Philo, who transferred to Florida from Georgia Tech, is making a name for himself with impressive stats: 517 passing yards, five touchdowns, and a passer rating of 214.0. His ability to perform under pressure will be tested in upcoming games against formidable opponents like Ole Miss and Missouri.
Trinidad Chambliss has emerged as a surprise star for Ole Miss after stepping in as the starting quarterback. Following an injury to Austin Simmons, Chambliss has taken full advantage of his opportunity, leading the team with a strong performance that includes 225 passing yards and two touchdowns in a recent game against Charlotte.
Austin Simmons, now at Missouri, is proving why he was once the starter at Ole Miss. With 544 passing yards and seven touchdowns, Simmons is making a strong case for his capabilities as a quarterback in the SEC.
Karmario Taylor of Mississippi State is another player to keep an eye on. In his sophomore season, he has already thrown for 581 yards and seven touchdowns without an interception, showcasing his potential as a breakout star in the conference.
After Further Review
Finally, Arch Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, is under scrutiny as he navigates his second season. Despite a strong start with 305 yards and four touchdowns in Week 1, Manning's two interceptions have raised questions about his consistency. However, his ability to lead a comeback against Ohio State demonstrates his potential to rise to the occasion.
As the SEC continues to unfold, the performances of these quarterbacks will be pivotal not only for their teams but also for their futures in the NFL. The competition is fierce, and as we head into Week 3, the rankings are sure to shift as these young talents vie for recognition and success in college football.
