Assessing every SEC starting quarterback for 2025: underrated, overrated, or properly rated—analyzing talent, performance, and potential to gauge their true college football value.
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) remains the most competitive and talent-rich division in college football, consistently producing NFL-caliber quarterbacks and top-tier teams. As the 2025 season approaches, evaluating the starting quarterbacks across the SEC provides insights into their current standing, potential, and how they are perceived relative to their true abilities. This analysis aims to categorize each starter as underrated, overrated, or properly rated by examining their talent, performance metrics, and future outlook.
1. Georgia Bulldogs – Jaden Rashada
Background & Performance:
Jaden Rashada transferred into Georgia after a highly-touted high school career, expected to compete for the starting job. As of now, he’s viewed as the potential heir to Georgia’s dynasty, with a strong arm, mobility, and a high football IQ. However, he’s yet to fully establish himself in SEC competition, and questions remain about experience and consistency.
Assessment:
Underrated.
Given Georgia’s track record of developing quarterbacks and Rashada’s raw talent, he’s likely to outperform expectations. His ceiling is high, but limited game experience currently leaves him undervalued in the national perception.
2. Alabama Crimson Tide – Dylan Lonergan
Background & Performance:
Dylan Lonergan took over as Alabama’s quarterback after a competitive spring battle. He’s known for his accuracy, pocket presence, and leadership qualities. Alabama’s offensive system remains quarterback-friendly, but Lonergan must prove he can elevate the offense consistently.
Assessment:
Properly rated.
While some may see him as a future star, his limited experience caps expectations. He’s solid but not yet a transcendent talent, making “properly rated” the fair assessment.
3. LSU Tigers – Jaden Daniels
Background & Performance:
Jaden Daniels, now entering his third season as LSU’s starter, has been a dual-threat nightmare for defenses. His athleticism, combined with improved passing, has made LSU a formidable offense. Daniels’ leadership and experience give him an edge.
Assessment:
Properly rated.
Daniels is widely recognized as one of the SEC’s top quarterbacks. His production and leadership place him among the conference’s elite, with little room for underrating or overrating.
4. Florida Gators – Max Brown
Background & Performance:
Max Brown is a promising talent with a strong arm and mobility, but he’s still unproven at the SEC level. Florida’s offensive line and offensive scheme are being rebuilt, which affects his evaluation.
Assessment:
Underrated.
If Brown develops better chemistry with his receivers and adapts to SEC defenses, he could surpass current expectations. His potential isn’t fully recognized, making him underrated.
5. Tennessee Volunteers – Joe Milton
Background & Performance:
Joe Milton, an experienced gunslinger, has shown flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency. His arm strength is elite, but decision-making has been questioned at times.
Assessment:
Overrated.
Many fans and media hype him as a top-tier SEC quarterback, but his inconsistency and hesitations under pressure suggest he’s somewhat overrated at this stage.
6. Auburn Tigers – Payton Thorne
Background & Performance:
Payton Thorne transferred from Michigan State to Auburn, bringing veteran leadership and experience. His pocket presence and decision-making have improved, but Auburn’s offensive line and receivers need to develop.
Assessment:
Properly rated.
Thorne’s leadership and experience place him as a solid SEC starter, but he’s not yet seen as elite. The current perception aligns well with his demonstrated ability.
7. Texas A&M Aggies – Connor Weigman
Background & Performance:
Connor Weigman established himself as a promising young quarterback with excellent accuracy and poise. His potential to elevate the Aggies’ offense is high, but he’s still developing consistency.
Assessment:
Underrated.
Weigman’s talent suggests he could be a top-tier SEC QB, but national perception lags behind his abilities, hence underrated.
8. Mississippi State Bulldogs – Shemar Turner (Assuming a new starter in 2025)
Background & Performance:
Mississippi State faces uncertainty at quarterback, with Shemar Turner emerging as a potential starter. Limited data makes evaluation difficult, but athleticism and leadership are noted.
Assessment:
Underrated.
Given limited exposure, Turner might be undervalued. If he develops, he could surprise many.
9. Arkansas Razorbacks – KJ Jefferson
Background & Performance:
KJ Jefferson remains one of the most physically gifted SEC quarterbacks, with a strong arm and mobility. Despite some inconsistency, he’s a proven dual-threat capable of winning games.
Assessment:
Properly rated.
KJ Jefferson’s performance and leadership are well-recognized, placing him solidly among the SEC’s top quarterbacks.
10. South Carolina Gamecocks – Spencer Rattler
Background & Performance:
Spencer Rattler transferred into South Carolina, bringing high expectations. He has a cannon for an arm and mobility but has struggled with turnovers and decision-making.
Assessment:
Overrated.
While talented, Rattler’s inconsistency and turnover issues suggest he’s somewhat overrated relative to his current production.
11. Vanderbilt Commodores – AJ Swann
Background & Performance:
AJ Swann is a promising talent, showing flashes of high-level play. His development is crucial for Vanderbilt’s offense, but he’s still relatively inexperienced at this level.
Assessment:
Underrated.
If he progresses, Swann could surpass current expectations, given his physical tools and potential.
12. Kentucky Wildcats – Cason Wallace (assuming a new starter in 2025)
Background & Performance:
Kentucky’s quarterback situation remains fluid. Cason Wallace is a dual-threat with potential but limited SEC experience.
Assessment:
Underrated.
He’s an intriguing talent, and with development, could be undervalued entering the season.
13. Missouri Tigers – Sam Horn
Background & Performance:
Sam Horn possesses a big arm and mobility, but he’s unproven at the SEC level. His potential is high, but consistency and decision-making are still developing.
Assessment:
Underrated.
If Horn refines his game, he could rise in national perception.
14. Ole Miss Rebels – Walker Howard
Background & Performance:
Walker Howard, a highly-touted recruit, transferred to Ole Miss. His talent and arm strength make him a potential game-changer, but he’s yet to fully grasp the SEC grind.
Assessment:
Underrated.
He has the tools to outperform current expectations once he’s fully acclimated.
15. LSU Tigers – Garrett Nussmeier
Background & Performance:
Nussmeier, a talented backup, could step into a starting role if needed. His accuracy and experience make him a reliable option, but he’s not yet a full-time starter.
Assessment:
Properly rated.
As a backup, he’s valued appropriately; his ceiling remains high.
16. Georgia Bulldogs – Carson Beck
Background & Performance:
Carson Beck has been a steady presence in Georgia’s system, with good decision-making and leadership. He’s expected to start and has proven he can manage elite defenses.
Assessment:
Properly rated.
His experience and performance justify the perception of him as a top SEC QB.
Summary & Final Thoughts
- Underrated QBs:
- Jaden Rashada (Georgia) — raw talent, high ceiling, undervalued perception.
- Max Brown (Florida) — developing talent with high potential.
- Connor Weigman (Texas A&M) — young, talented, still ascending.
- Shemar Turner (Mississippi State) — emerging talent, potential to surprise.
- Overrated QBs:
- Joe Milton (Tennessee) — hype exceeds consistency.
- Spencer Rattler (South Carolina) — talent not fully translating to performance.
- Properly Rated QBs:
- Jaden Daniels (LSU) — well-established as an SEC elite.
- KJ Jefferson (Arkansas) — proven and reliable.
- Carson Beck (Georgia) — experienced and capable.
- Payton Thorne (Auburn) — veteran presence, solid starter.
