Why College Football Fans Are Surprised by SEC QB Rankings | Oklahoma Sooners Rated Wrong?
The 2025 college football season is quickly approaching, and with it, the inevitable discussions surrounding team rosters, player performances, and of course, positional rankings. One position that has drawn particular attention in the SEC and beyond is the quarterback. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has long been known for producing some of the nation’s best quarterbacks, with players like Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, and Bryce Young cementing their places in history as standout talents. However, as the 2025 season approaches, college football fans are finding themselves surprised by the SEC quarterback rankings, with some critics questioning whether Oklahoma Sooners quarterbacks are being rated unfairly in comparison.
While the SEC remains the most powerful conference in college football, boasting a rich history of producing talented quarterbacks and high-level play, it also faces increasing competition from other conferences, particularly the Big 12, where Oklahoma has long been a dominant force. Many fans argue that Oklahoma’s QB situation—especially after the Sooners’ recent transition to the SEC—has been misjudged in the context of the upcoming season. Here’s why these college football fans are surprised by the rankings and why Oklahoma Sooners quarterbacks might be getting an unfairly low rating.
The SEC’s Historical Dominance and Evolving Quarterback Talent
Historically, the SEC has been known for producing some of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football. From iconic passers like Peyton Manning to more recent stars like Burrow and Young, the conference has a deep well of quarterback talent. This historical legacy has contributed to the SEC’s reputation as a conference where the quarterback position thrives, and as such, the expectations for any quarterback entering the league are incredibly high.
Each year, rankings for SEC quarterbacks are scrutinized closely, with fans and analysts alike weighing up which of the conference’s numerous quarterbacks will emerge as top-tier performers. In recent years, the SEC has boasted an impressive collection of quarterbacks, with teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU all having talented signal-callers capable of leading their teams to the College Football Playoff.
However, the quarterback landscape in the SEC has shifted in recent seasons. With players like Burrow and Young moving on to the NFL, there has been a natural transition to new faces taking over for these historic figures. The challenge of maintaining excellence at the quarterback position is something that will define the SEC in the coming years. This has led to a more fluid situation where, while the SEC is still home to numerous talented quarterbacks, there is more uncertainty than before about who will step up to lead their teams.
The 2025 SEC Quarterback Rankings: Why Fans Are Surprised
The most recent SEC quarterback rankings have raised eyebrows for a variety of reasons. Several key players, who were expected to be at the forefront of discussions heading into 2025, are either underappreciated or not ranked as highly as many fans and analysts would have expected. While the rankings are subjective and based on a combination of factors like previous performance, potential, and system fit, it is clear that some key names are being rated lower than expected.
One area where fans have voiced their surprise is in the ranking of the quarterbacks from Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. All three programs have quarterbacks with varying degrees of starting experience, but some fans feel that these players have been ranked too highly given their inconsistency or lack of proven success on the field.
However, the most significant shock has been the omission or undervaluation of Oklahoma Sooners quarterbacks in the rankings. As Oklahoma prepares for its transition into the SEC, the Sooners’ quarterbacks have often been overlooked in favor of other programs with longer histories in the conference. Many believe that Oklahoma, which has produced some of the nation’s top quarterbacks in recent years—most notably Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray—should have their quarterback situation given more weight in these rankings.
Why Oklahoma Sooners Quarterbacks Are Rated Wrong
The Oklahoma Sooners have long been a powerhouse when it comes to developing quarterbacks. Under head coach Lincoln Riley, the Sooners were a regular fixture in the College Football Playoff conversation, thanks to the play of Mayfield, Murray, and Jalen Hurts. However, after Riley’s departure to USC, Oklahoma faces an uncertain future as it prepares to enter the SEC, and with it, a more competitive field of opponents.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the program’s transition to the SEC, there are compelling reasons why Oklahoma quarterbacks should not be undervalued in the 2025 SEC quarterback rankings.
- Oklahoma’s Proven Track Record at Quarterback
Over the past decade, Oklahoma has been the home to some of the most successful quarterbacks in college football. Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts each brought a unique skill set to the table, and each of them left Norman with a resume worthy of Heisman Trophy consideration.
Mayfield’s 2017 Heisman-winning season set the standard for excellence at the quarterback position, while Murray’s 2018 season demonstrated an ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs. Hurts, who arrived at Oklahoma after a transfer from Alabama, proved that he could succeed in the Sooners’ high-powered offense, leading them to the College Football Playoff in 2019.
This legacy of successful quarterback play means that any quarterback entering the program—whether a freshman, transfer, or a returning starter—is walking into a system that has been proven to develop top-tier talent. With this kind of historical backing, it’s surprising that Oklahoma quarterbacks have not received the recognition they deserve heading into their first SEC season.
- The Sooners’ Offensive System
One of the key factors that make Oklahoma quarterbacks stand out is the team’s offensive system. Under former head coach Lincoln Riley, the Sooners employed a high-octane, pass-heavy offense that maximized the strengths of their quarterbacks. This system not only helped to put up impressive stats but also prepared quarterbacks for the next level, as evidenced by the success of Mayfield, Murray, and Hurts in the NFL.
Although Riley is no longer at the helm, Oklahoma’s system remains similar under head coach Brent Venables, with offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby implementing a similar up-tempo, pass-first style. The emphasis on developing quarterbacks in this system is a major advantage for whoever takes the starting role for the Sooners.
- The Sooners’ Talent Pipeline
Oklahoma has continually recruited talented quarterbacks and skill position players. The current roster features several highly rated quarterbacks, including Dillon Gabriel, who transferred from UCF. Gabriel is expected to be a key piece of the Sooners’ offense in 2025, and with his dual-threat ability, he could easily prove himself as one of the SEC’s top quarterbacks.
Given Oklahoma’s history of developing players into NFL-caliber talent, it’s expected that Gabriel, or any other quarterback who emerges, will be able to thrive within the system and help the Sooners make an immediate impact in the SEC. This expectation should be taken into account when ranking Oklahoma’s quarterbacks, especially considering the program’s transition into a stronger and more competitive conference.
- The SEC Transition and the Need for Respect
Oklahoma’s entry into the SEC is a topic that continues to generate debate. The conference’s long history of success, particularly in football, makes the transition a significant challenge for any program. However, the Sooners are entering a situation where their track record of success—particularly at quarterback—should be taken into account. The ability of Oklahoma’s quarterbacks to adapt to a more defensive-minded conference like the SEC is still unknown, but the odds are favorable given the program’s history of excellence.
Many fans believe that Oklahoma’s quarterbacks are being unfairly written off due to the perceived difference in competition between the Big 12 and the SEC. While the SEC is undeniably one of the most competitive conferences, Oklahoma’s quarterbacks have proven they can play at a high level against top-tier teams. The Sooners’ ability to succeed in the SEC depends on how well they transition into the new conference, and much of that success will depend on their quarterback play.
