Previewing the top QBs in the nation's most prolific conference.
With the final year of a fourteen team version of the SEC, we take a look at the top faces to know this season from the quarterback position:
1. Jayden Daniels | LSU

After a rocky start, Daniels was fantastic for the Bayou Bengals last season through the air and on the ground. With another year in Brian Kelly's offense, look for him to be just as formidable as he was in 2022 and lock himself in as a legit top 10 draft pick.
2022 Stats: 2,913 pass yds, 17 pass TDs, 3 INTs, 885 rush yds, 11 rush TDs
2. Will Rogers | Mississippi State

Rogers is the best pure passer in the league and after a great year last year, we'll see how he adapts to a new system under Zach Arnett. The success of Rogers' play this year will ultimately determine whether this veteran-led team goes 9-3 or 4-8.
2022 Stats: 3,974 pass yds, 35 pass TDs, 8 INTs
3. Devin Leary | Kentucky

Leary dealt with injuries last year at NC State. However, when fully healthy, he was one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country in 2021. Look for him to have a bounce back season with the Wildcats, who might just be the most slept on team in the conference.
2022 Stats (6 starts): 1,265 pass yds, 11 pass TDs, 4 INT
4. Joe Milton | Tennessee

The most athletically gifted QB on the list, this spot is a bit of a projection for him, as he saw limited time last year. Most people know that he can throw the ball a country mile, but when playing under Josh Heupel last year, he threw 0 interceptions. If he plays up to his potential with help from his head coach, he could be a legitimate Heisman candidate.
2022 Stats (2 starts): 971 pass yds, 10 pass TDs, 0 INTs
5. KJ Jefferson | Arkansas

Jefferson has been extremely consistent for the Razorbacks the last two years, both as a passing and rushing threat. He'll need to improve this year if Arkansas has a shot in the SEC West. If Jefferson can look even half as dominant as he did carving up the Kansas defense in last year's Liberty Bowl, he'll be more than deserving of this ranking.
2022 Stats: 2,648 pass yds, 24 pass TDs, 5 INTs, 640 rush yds, 9 rush TDs
6. Spencer Rattler | South Carolina

Rattler had one of the most confusing seasons last year with a lackluster first 9 or 10 games -- then played incredible in wins over Tennessee and Clemson. If he can replicate how he played in the these games in 2023, he could very well be the best QB in the SEC.
2022 Stats: 3,026 pass yds, 18 pass TDs, 12 INTs, 3 rush TDs
7. Carson Beck | Georgia

Middle of the pack seems just about right for Beck, who has impressed in garbage time in many of Georgia’s wins. Kirby Smart will have him surrounded with loads of talent, so as long as he plays decent Georgia will be a force to be reckoned with again.
2022 Stats (0 starts): 310 pass yds, 4 pass TDs
8. Tyler Buchner | Alabama

Assuming Buchner beats out Ty Simpson and Jalen Milroe, this is the proper spot to place him. He had his moments at Notre Dame but was nothing too special and Alabama will likely want him to be a steady option at QB and limit turnovers.
2022 Stats (3 starts): 651 pass yds, 3 pass TDs, 5 INTs, 4 rush TDs
9. Jaxson Dart | Ole Miss

While Spencer Sanders could start for the Rebels, it’s looking like Dart has the upper hand for now. He was extremely average for the Rebels last year but Lane Kiffin will put him in situations to succeed. If he takes a sizable leap, the Rebels could win the SEC West in 2023.
2022 Stats: 2,974 pass yds, 20 pass TDs, 11 INTs, 614 rush yds, 1 rush TD
10. Robby Ashford/Payton Thorne | Auburn

It’ll be interesting to see what Hugh Freeze does quarterback wise in his first year at Auburn. Ashford is a dynamic runner but Thorne is a more polished passer, even after a down year at Michigan State. Don’t be surprised if both guys get starts this year for the Tigers, as the real goal for this team should be to make it back to a bowl game.
Ashford - 2022 Stats (6 starts): 1,613 pass yds, 7 pass TDs, 7 INTs, 710 rush yds, 7 rush TDs
Thorne- 2022 Stats: 2,679 pass yds, 19 pass TDs, 11 INTs
11. Conner Weigman | Texas A&M

The Aggies' offense was dreadful last year, even with loads of talent. Weigman, the former 5 star, didn’t see much playing time but he was solid when he did play at the end of the year. Look for him to build on that and bolster A&M's offense in 2023.
2022 Stats (4 starts): 896 pass yds, 8 TDs, 0 INTs
12. Brady Cook | Mizzou

Cook is a very good scrambler and a good athlete at QB for Mizzou. However, he'll need to improve as a passer for the Tigers to take a step forward this year. With a much improved receiving core, featuring Luther Burden III and Theo Wease, the Tigers have enough talent on offensive to make some real noise this year.
2022 Stats: 2,739 pass yds, 14 pass TDs, 7 INTs, 585 rush yds, 6 rush TDs
13. AJ Swann | Vanderbilt

Swann had a solid year statistically last year and could potentially lead the Commodores to some surprising victories this year if he keeps giving them steady play. Don't be surprised if Vandy jumps out to a 3-0 start this season.
2022 Stats (7 starts): 1,274 pass yds, 10 pass yds, 2 INTs
14. Graham Mertz | Florida

Mertz is a guy who at his best might be better than at least half the guys on this list but unfortunately we saw him at his worst more often at Wisconsin. A change of scenery could be beneficial for him, so don’t rule out a breakout campaign from him and the Gators. However, Billy Napier is firmly on the hot seat and I'm not sure bringing in Mertz over the likes of Spencer Sanders was the greatest decision.
2022 Stats: 2,136 pass yds, 19 TDs, 10 INTs
For more articles and content similar to this, follow us on Instagram (@backdoorsports_) and Twitter/X (@backdoorsports_).
Comentarios