2026 SEC QB Rankings Revealed

Summary

That SEC Football Podcast – "2026 SEC QB Rankings Revealed"

Host: Michael Bratton (SEC Mike)
Co-host: Cousin Shane
Date: July 13, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this annual pre-SEC Media Days tradition, Mike Bratton (aka "SEC Mike") and Cousin Shane break down Mike’s projected SEC Quarterback Rankings for the end of the 2026 season. The conversation is lively and irreverent, filled with both genuine analysis and light-hearted ribbing, with Shane pushing back on several picks. Importantly, Mike emphasizes these are "end-of-year" projections – not current ability or stats. The focus: if you could choose any SEC QB to win you a do-or-die game in December 2026, in what order would you draft them?

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Criteria for the Rankings (00:44 - 04:13)

• Not about stats, awards, or NFL value. Mike is projecting which QB will be best at the end of 2026 for winning a big game.

  "This is not my rankings of where these guys are today... if you need one quarterback to win you a game, do or die... that's what this list is." — Mike (02:44)

• Talent & projection over present reputation. These aren't "who is already good" lists. It’s about growth, system fit, and leadership.
• Context matters. Supporting cast, new schemes, and coaching changes loom large in the discussion.

The 2026 SEC Quarterback Rankings (Timestamped Breakdown)

Tier: “Needing to Prove It” (16–13)

• #16 – Jared Curtis, Vanderbilt (05:01)
  • True freshman, five-star talent but young, replacing much around him. High ceiling, but not expected to shine this year.
  • "Could he be the next Pavia? Sure. But is overnight year one? I don't know, Shane." — Mike (04:54)
• #15 – Austin Simmons, Missouri (07:33)
  • Formerly hyped, but more INTs than TDs so far; Mike believes the "quarterback guru" hype is overblown.
  • "I'm tired of the hype, Shane. What have we seen...to be like, oh yeah, M.O. upgraded?" — Mike (07:37)
  • Shane pushes back, citing Lane Kiffin’s supposed QB evaluation skills.
• #14 – Aaron Philo, Florida (11:11)
  • First year as true starter, could split time. Familiar with Buster Faulkner's system.
  • Shane: "Statistically, at the end of the year, he’s in the top five, just because of the weapons he has around him." (12:23)
• #13 – K.J. Jackson, Arkansas (13:03)
  • Played late last season, now under a new offensive system. Not much help around him.

Tier: “Unknown Quantities With Upside” (12–10)

• #12 – Kenny Minchie, Kentucky (15:35)
  • Little college experience but trust in OC Will Stein's QB development.
• #11 – Sam Levitt, LSU (17:31)
  • Transfer with limited experience; Lane Kiffin "QB whisperer" hype, but injury concerns and unproven supporting cast.
• #10 – Keelan Russell, Alabama (20:49)
  • Five-star, redshirt freshman, coached by DeBoer/Grubb. A huge wild card – could be #1 or much lower.
  • "This is the one I feel is like the biggest crapshoot." — Mike (21:13)
  • Shane defends his ceiling: "If I had money... to win a Heisman... this is the guy." (23:25)

Tier: “Young Breakouts & Intriguing Fits” (9–7)

• #9 – Faison Brandon, Tennessee (23:38)
  • True freshman, huge upside in Josh Heupel's offense. Mike notes belief in the system and talent.
• #8 – Bryon Brown, Auburn (26:16)
  • Big program improvement with this transfer, but known ceiling in this league.
• #7 – Lenoris Sellers, South Carolina (28:44)
  • Electric but inconsistent. Now paired with Kendall Briles and a better OL. Leadership and athleticism praised.
  • "If I'm going to a locker room and I'm picking a quarterback to come out, this dude's got it. I've seen it." — Shane (29:36)

Tier: “Fringe Stars & Stat Sheet Stuffers” (6)

• #6 – Camario Taylor, Mississippi State (34:33)
  • Stats-focused pick; huge talent, likely to be a fantasy football favorite. Pairing with Jeff Lebby should boost his game.
  • Shane: "I think this kid's my first-round pick [in CFB fantasy]." (36:00)

Tier: “The Elite Five” (5–1)

• Tier separation noted:

  "I think these five guys are all clearly established. I think this is the cream of the crop." — Mike (38:33)

• #5 – Marcel Reed, Texas A&M (39:08)
  • Has gotten team to playoff, experienced, but inconsistent. Mike predicts he’ll lead SEC in passing TDs this year.
  • Shane worries about consistency: "It's like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde..." (39:49)
• #4 – John Matiere, Oklahoma (42:24)
  • Statistically underwhelming in '25, but better team support & leadership expected in '26.
  • Shane: "He's a natural born leader...not just throwing power...leadership capability." (44:17)
• #3 – Gunner Stockton, Georgia (47:49)
  • Underappreciated by media, tough, clutch, athletic; Mike calls him "money."
  • "He might go down in history as...as good as Stetson [Bennett]." — Mike (49:03)
• #2 – Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss (50:42)
  • Ultra-athlete, "closest I've seen to Michael Vick," but faces new HC, OC, and other changes.
  • Shane argues he should be #1: "Trinidad Chambliss is the best quarterback in the country. My Heisman front runner right now." (52:08)
• #1 – Arch Manning, Texas (53:28)
  • Ended 2025 on fire, now with upgraded weapons. Mike: if he’s not #1, "fire Sark."
  • "If he takes what he did last year late...he’s gonna win the Heisman." — Mike (53:58)
  • Shane: "He's the full package...If you're building a quarterback from the ground up, this is who you're building." (54:36)

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Notable Quotes and Moments

• Mike on his intent:
  "Trying to project ahead...who would we take if we could, in order. Does that make sense?" (02:44)

• Shane on the list's annual controversy:
  "They're going to quickly go to, 'my guy's better'...or, 'you nailed it, Mike.' So it's going to be one of two conversations." (03:29)

• On dealing with social media/fan heat:
  "I've been pretty accurate when it comes to dead last quarterback in the Southeastern Conference." — Mike (05:01)

• Mike on "lot of negative, not a lot of positive":
  Referring to inexperienced QBs that fans project optimism upon, only to see them struggle after a bad outing. (41:24)

• Shane: On leadership and character:
  "I think it shows character...could have went a lot of other places, made a lot more money, could have just left, but came back [to South Carolina]." (31:08)

• Mike on Arch Manning's necessity to deliver:
  "If Arch Manning is not number one on this by the end of the year...we got to fire Sark." (53:58)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------------|---------------| | Ranking Explanation & Philosophy | 00:44 - 04:13 | | Jared Curtis (Vanderbilt) | 05:01 | | Austin Simmons (Missouri) | 07:33 | | Aaron Philo (Florida) | 11:11 | | K.J. Jackson (Arkansas) | 13:03 | | Kenny Minchie (Kentucky) | 15:35 | | Sam Levitt (LSU) | 17:31 | | Keelan Russell (Alabama) | 20:49 | | Faison Brandon (Tennessee) | 23:38 | | Byron Brown (Auburn) | 26:16 | | Lenoris Sellers (South Carolina) | 28:44 | | Camario Taylor (Mississippi State) | 34:33 | | Marcel Reed (Texas A&M) | 39:08 | | John Matiere (Oklahoma) | 42:24 | | Gunner Stockton (Georgia) | 47:49 | | Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss) | 50:42 | | Arch Manning (Texas) | 53:28 |

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Wrap-up: Overrated/Underrated, Final Reflections

• Shane’s takeaways:

  • Most overrated: Marcel Reed (#5 is "way too high") (57:08)
  • Most underrated: Keelan Russell (should end up in top 5, currently at #10) (57:20)
  • Uncertain starters: Aaron Philo and K.J. Jackson could lose their jobs by season's end (57:49)

• Mike’s summary:

  • Recaps the 1–16 list, reiterates these are his own projections (56:02)
  • Acknowledges, “I’m going to piss off 15 fan bases” with these rankings (37:36)

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The Final 2026 SEC QB Rankings

1. Arch Manning (Texas)
2. Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss)
3. Gunner Stockton (Georgia)
4. John Matiere (Oklahoma)
5. Marcel Reed (Texas A&M)
6. Camario Taylor (Mississippi State)
7. Lenoris Sellers (South Carolina)
8. Byron Brown (Auburn)
9. Faison Brandon (Tennessee)
10. Keelan Russell (Alabama)
11. Sam Levitt (LSU)
12. Kenny Minchie (Kentucky)
13. K.J. Jackson (Arkansas)
14. Aaron Philo (Florida)
15. Austin Simmons (Missouri)
16. Jared Curtis (Vanderbilt)

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Tone & Language

• Authentic, friendly, and bantering – Mike and Shane have fun while scrutinizing each pick, mixing in football insight with beer jokes and SEC inside humor.
• Confident but not arrogant – Mike stands by his picks but acknowledges where he could be wrong.
• Critical but fair – Both praise and critique players and coaches, rarely settling for groupthink.

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For Listeners Who Missed It

This episode is a fast-moving, highly opinionated preview of one of the most critical positions in the SEC’s coming season. It’s insider talk for fans who live and breathe SEC football, and anyone who wants unvarnished, gut-feel analysis on who might break out, disappoint, or become legends by December 2026.

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Listen for:

• The real-life context behind each quarterback battle.
• Colorful, no-nonsense evaluations (and jabs) from lifelong SEC observers.
• Insight into how system, experience, and coaching will shape the SEC’s most important players this year.

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To engage further, follow @MichaelWBratton and @BigOrangeVolz on Twitter for up-to-the-minute SEC chatter!

Transcript

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[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Soccer teaches us lessons we can take with us long after we leave the field. That's why bank of America and US Soccer are committed to helping bring soccer to every school. Raise your hand to helpofa.com socceratschools. All right. Hey, annual tradition before SEC media days. We got my SEC quarterback rankings. It's always a special time when I get to sit here and chat with you, brother.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Well, let's talk quarterbacks. Let's open up a cold beer. Come on. Remind the listeners that this is Mike's list, not mine. I love this one. This was one of my favorite ones. Just because funny, because we're talking quarterbacks here, and that's what I'm most excited about. I felt like last year we had a couple dudes that we were looking forward to, obviously Arch and John Matier. That was a big deal, but you had Pavia floating around. It just feels like, I don't know, man. As I look at this quarterback room, top to bottom, it feels like we've got more talent. It's deeper. So I'm looking forward to your quarterback rankings, but more importantly, I'm also looking forward to some of these. These storylines coming in here. You got Lane Kiffin going back to Ole Miss, going back to Tennessee. You know, that's what everybody's going to want to talk about. You know, we got some coaches that are back against the walls, you know, a little hot seat conversation. But then we also got some new guys, new. Some fresh blood in here. We're looking for that next coach to take it to the next level.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

You know, maybe I should have done the list. Which quarterback can throw better in the wind because we're. We're in it right now.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

We're in it, man. Yeah. I'm afraid I'm going to blow away. Kidding.

[Dave Farenthal (New York Times Reporter)]

I'm safe.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Hey, it's good seeing you again, man.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Little cold beer action. Obviously, we get to see each other quite often digitally, but it's a little different when I see full face. So do you always wear shorts? Or is this something always nice?

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Unless I'm at media days and I wear pants. There you go. All right. And then I always try to make this as clear as possible. Nobody ever gets it. That's all right. This is not my rankings of where these guys are today. This is 2026 SEC quarterback rankings for a reason. So who, if we were doing a draft at the end of the year, not NFL or anything like that, but if you need one quarterback to win you a game, do or die, make the playoffs or international championship, however you want to phrase it, that's what this list is. So I'm trying to project ahead by the end of the year, who will we take these quarterbacks if we could, in. In order? Does that make sense?

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah. Well, everybody's going to see the list, Mike's list again, and they're going to quickly go to, my guy's better than this, you know, Or. Or, you nailed it, Mike. This is a ball knower, you know. So it's going to be one of two conversations, but I really like the way you word it. We're in a. We're in. We're in high school and I'm going out here. I need a court. Are my quarterbacks banged up? I got 16 quarterbacks to choose from. Who do I want to lead this team? I think that's very important. But it's also important to note it's not stats, it's not who's going to have the most yards, it's not who's going to have the most touchdowns. It's not who's going to win a Heisman, even. It's who's the best quarterback. So I. I love it. And I'm ready to hear and pick apart your list. SEC marks, listen.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

And like I said, best quarterback that can throw in this damn win. I hope it's just a total garbage audio, but I have been drinking. Okay. All right. Yeah, that sounds a lot better already.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

All right. So number 16 again. Every year somebody's gotta be 16. Shane. Yeah, nobody likes it, but I've been pretty accurate when it comes to dead last quarterback in the Southeastern Conference. I think maybe last year I think I might have had the old Bo Prabula. And they were none too. Bo's gonna win the damn high. And he looked like it against Purple Peanut Butter, whoever they played with. And then by the end of the year, they were like, get his ass out of here. You know what I mean? So I think I got this. And I will say, now, people Aren't going to believe this. Right. But I think is the most talented, maybe the best number 16 we've ever had in the Southeastern Conference in these quarterback rankings. Jared Curtis, Vanderbilt true freshman, five star. Could he be the next Pavia? Sure. But is overnight year one? I don't know, Shane. I don't know. They're replacing a lot on the offensive line. They're replacing a lot at receiver. They do got a good, really good running back. But yeah, these ain't running back rankings. Isn't quarterback rankings. I think right now. Jared Curtis, true freshman. I watched the spring game. He looked awesome. I hope he is awesome. He's not gonna be awesome this year.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

I was gonna, I was gonna ask. You were there. You got to see the spring performance and seemed like he had of a rough start. But later he started making some throws that you can see why he's a highly, you know, recruited athlete. But I'm curious, man, did you. Was this a tough one? Was this a tough 16? Like, I, I, you know what I'm saying? I always feel like tears are involved and. Or was this, this is probably my guy. This or the, another person.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

I'd say the next four or five, they're all kind of grouped together because I, I wonder.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Right. He's freshman. Are you, Is it because of his youth?

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

That's part of it, yeah. Because who he's got around him.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Okay.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Again, I'm trying to look at the end of the year.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Who are we going to take in a draft?

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Who are we going to take to win a game?

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Right.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

That's, that's the best way to say it. And I don't think anybody at the end of the year is going to be like, give me Jared Curtis, do or die. I think, I think what they'll be saying about Jared Curtis is, man, he had some moments. Remember that third quarter against Ole Miss? He was unstoppable.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Remember that first quarter against Tennessee? I thought he was going to smoke their ass, you know.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

But then he had multiple turnovers because he's a freshman.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Right.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Thrown into action. I think we'll see flashes of brilliance.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

And a lot to work with going into year two.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

And you said a lot to work around. So in this scenario, let's say we're in Austin, Texas.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Arch Manning's removed. He, he's banged up or something, or he's just sitting the bench for a minute. And we got this. These elite receivers, the other 15 quarterbacks in the league, you're taking Curtis last to Okay, I just wanted to clarify because I.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Again, I got to put somebody last.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah. Anchor's way down.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

All right. There you go. I hate this one. I love it, though. Number 15.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

I think I'm already dead to them, so I don't care. I don't care to hurt their feelings.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

But this. This is. Blowback's gonna come back on you on this one. Give me number 15. Austin Simmons, Missouri. I'm tired of the hype, Shane. What. What have we seen from this guy to be like, oh, yeah, M.O. upgraded. You know, maybe. Maybe that just really says that Matt Zoller's year two quarterback is. I mean, they were pretty hyped about him until we saw him last year. And then immediately after spring, boom, Austin Simmons is our starting quarterback. I don't know, Shane. I've gone back. And what, he's got more interceptions and he's got touchdowns?

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Now, does this mean Austin Simmons is horrible? No, but I'm not buying into the hype because I got Ole Miss people telling me he was going to win the Heisman. Yeah, Tim Tolkien, remember that?

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Just wait, just wait. You're going to ease your word. Remember, this is the guy that I did the hot yoga bit.

[Dave Farenthal (New York Times Reporter)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

If he was any elite quarterback.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

But to be fair, don't you think he just hasn't had that opportunity? I mean. I mean, he got banged up early. Lane Kiffin obviously saw something. I mean, he's. He saw. I mean, he picked him over Trinidad, you know, and I feel like they kept waiting to get Austin healthy and back out there, and then Trinidad just kind of took off. So I think, again, I have a drinker. And so I'm thinking in my mind to say he's number 15 when the quarterback whisper, Lane Kiffin says, no, he was my guy. I feel like you're a little low on him.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Maybe he's not a quarterback whisperer. You thought about that?

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Maybe.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Wait till we get to Sam Levitt, you know, so maybe Lane Kiffin's a little overrated when it comes to that.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

I don't know, man. I mean, he came in and he made Matt Corral look like a damn Heisman winner. So I don't know. I've always felt quarterbacks are in good hands when Lane's with him, and he's a good identifier. Talent. That's one thing Ole Miss never had, you know, top three, you know, talent coming in. But it seems like he made them top three talent. So I don't know.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Let me ask you this. When's the last time Missouri had a good quarterback?

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

That was three years ago, maybe. I mean, no, not even, I mean, he was serviceable. Right.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

So that's, I mean, that's 15th in my book service. You know what I mean? Okay.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

I saw Drew Locke was right. Yeah, that, that was. Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

So it's been that long. And I, maybe Missouri just with this offensive scheme, maybe they, they just can't produce a quarterback.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

But I don't. Yeah, I feel like you, you go all in, especially with transfers, right. You're committing to this guy to, you know, get your team to this next level. And I don't know, man. I feel like Austin Simmons has the attributes to, to make things really interesting, balance out this offense, not just make it so run heavy. Even though they could do that, even though drink's going to want to do that. I feel like if you don't have the threat to take the top off, then people are going to get 8, 9 in the box and they're going to keep doing what they've been doing the last few years.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

So.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

I don't know. I'm, I'm, I think you're wrong in Austin Simmons and I think he's going to prove you wrong by the end of the year.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Prepare for Shane to say that 15 times in a row here. Can't be wrong about all of them, you know. Oh, you.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Well, I, I didn't, I didn't argue with Jared Curtis. He needs to prove it, but I, you know, you know what? I would, I'd probably put him up a little bit higher. There's a couple of other new faces that you haven't got to yet.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

All right, number 14. I hate these list, Shane.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Again, I'm not raking the guys today. Right. But I hate these lists when they're like Bazon and George McIntyre, like they're picking two. Have some balls, you know, pick a guy that's. And this is the end of the season, so we already know I'm putting it out on the line. I could be wrong. This might, this might not be the starting quarterback for most of the year, but I think it will be. Give me number 14, Aaron Philo. Florida Gators. Buster Faulkner, Offensive wizardry. They got all these great receivers. They got Jaden Ball. So I think the offense could be pretty good. Again, not spectacular. I got him all the way down at 14, but I just think he'll come in, he'll have a good showing first year as a true starting quarterback. And again, it may not even be him. It could be Tramell Jones.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

But I'm putting my. My faith in Aaron Filo right now just because of his. Not based on spring football, but just based on his play. He's been with Buster Faulkner before, so he knows system a little bit better. I think at the end of the day, he's gonna. He's gonna. And maybe that's part of the reason why I got him so low because he may split time with Jones. But give me Aaron Filo, number 14.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

I don't hate it.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

I. I do think this wind, buddy.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

I do, actually. It feels kind of good. It's been so damn hot out here that I'm willing to sacrifice a little audio so I can feel good. But I don't know, man. Philo just seems like he could be one of those guys. Statistically, at the end of the year, he's in the top five just because of the weapons he has around him. This is going to be. You know, I'm not expecting Florida to come out here five wide and gun and. But golly, they got some dudes down there and if they're staying, staying healthy, you know, we may look back and say Philo, you know, was a big part of it, so. I don't hate this one, Mike. This. Actually, I think you nailed this one on the list. That may be the only.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

I mean, that's the worst selection.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

I have to. Yeah. What's it. Oh, the follow haters at the end of the year to be awesome.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

All right, number 13. Unlucky. Some people say maybe lucky. It's my number for them razor bags. Give me K.J. jackson. Shane playing for old Silver Fox. And Tim Kamsey. Good, really good offensive mind. I think he'll be solid again. I think this is a really good list of quarterbacks, but I just don't know how much help he's going to have. First year starting quarterback. He did look decent at the end of last season playing for Bobby Petrino. Of course, he's not playing for him anymore, so I just don't really know where to put him. Yeah, I'm trying not to put him dead last. I mean, Arkansas fans are gonna be like, no respect. I didn't put him dead last.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah,

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

13.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Put that on a T shirt. Guys.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

You know,

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

I'm going back to something you talked about earlier was kind of a grouping situation. And. And it's tough to argue. Like when you mentioned Philo and. And these guys, it's.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Yeah, so all these guys are in the same. And one more. But I'll hold off in a second. These are all grouped together.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

You just to sit. To sit here and say that this guy is going to be elite. You're lying. And if somebody's doing it right now, it's because they're an Arkansas fan.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Right.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

You know, so I'm not gonna. I feel where they're. The Razorback fans will be, they're like, damn, look at what he can do. Look what he's got, you know? But until he does it, I'm right there with you, Mike. And in fact, it's funny when I listen to some of these old quarterback ones, and I'm not saying we've got a quarterback competition over here, but it's funny that there are a handful of guys that we have on this list that ended the season on a bench. So this could be one of those guys about to put this wind on the bench.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

All right, so the last guy in this grouping. Now, I've been harsh on this fan base. It's nothing personal. It's always funny to me. It's all off, you know, every off season. Why do you hate us? You hate this? It's so. Has always hated us, you know, like. But it's not hate. It's just this is what I truly believe. Right. So I'm giving them some credit here because I've been negative on a lot of things. But one thing I cannot be negative, Shane, is on Will Stein's quarterback development. Yeah. So I know again, basically what you just said about all these guys, what are we going off of? We're going off hope. We're going to optimism in the off season.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

I'm giving Kenny Minchi number 12, so I'm putting him at the top of this unknown list. Yeah. Because I think Will Stein will get the most out of him. Didn't play hardly in college football. He's back up at Notre Dame. You know, they're totally rebuilding the offense. Most of the pieces are completely new around him. So it's very hard to be confident in this selection, but it's more of a confidence in Will Stein, his ability to identify and develop a quarterback. So I think if Kentucky proves me wrong and win some games, it's going to be because Kenny Minchie is one of the rising stars at quarterback in this conference.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

You know, I'm kind of glad we do this before media days, because it seems like after media days, you kind of want to reshuffle some of these guys around based on what you hear. And I'm hearing a lot of good stuff from Minchi especially, you know, the Kentucky folks, you know, and roughly so. But I feel like it could be a perfect little recipe for success up there. And I shouldn't say, I shouldn't word it that way. Improvement. Right. Because that's not what Kentucky's been here lately, since Will Levitt and, you know, can we take it to the next level? I think there's a lot of folks up there. It feels like men. She's going to be the guy. So this one right here could be the one that could move up the list quicker than everyone else.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Yeah. Red light's still on. You've been watching it?

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

It is.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

You're.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

We're good now. That being said, if you see Josh Pace, you know that means tornadoes around here somewhere, so.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

All right, number 11. This is not gonna go over well. Not at all.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

I think we're beyond that, Mike.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Number 11, who's one of the most touted guys? Transfer. He's not played his fan base thinks he can win the damn Heisman. Like, ever played or no, this season. Coach got him at the airport.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Sam Levitt.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Sam Levitt, lsu. The quarterback whisp. You said it yourself. Yeah, I. I ain't buying that little Shane. I've seen him play Mississippi State twice and I know he beat him one year. That was mostly Cam. Scared of boo. But last year he didn't do against Mississippi State. Won one conference game. Yeah, he looked completely outclassed in that game. Yeah, against the worst defense, probably in the Power 5. So again, does that mean he's awful? No, I put him number 11. He's playing for Lane. Lane quitting here. Much better offense. They got talent all around him. But he wasn't a full participant in spring. Offensive line is almost completely rebuilt. The receiving core is completely rebuilt. I just don't believe you can throw all these pieces together and have an elite quarterback. Now, maybe I'm wrong, but I ain't buying it. I hate buying it. Shane again at number 11. I'm not saying he's awful. I'm saying he's kind of like middle of the road this season.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

The bar's high, right? I mean, they're expecting him to be. I mean, this whole relationship with Lane Kiffin and company was supposed to be the miracle, you know, the saving grace and the tip of that spear is your quarterback that you stole from the University. University of Tennessee. But was it even his first quarterback he was looking for, you know what I'm saying? I mean, he did go down a list to get to this guy and and then you got, like you said, the missed spring practices, you've got the, the injury concern, you know. And do I think that he'll have success under, if he's healthy? Absolutely. Wouldn't surprise me if this statistically isn't a top three quarterback in this conference. Just saying statistically. But if I'm going to a locker room, do I want, you know, damaged goods or do I want to get another guy? I'm getting another one. So because of that uncertainty and lsu, I'm not saying that he's unhealthy. I'm not really. He didn't text me this morning saying, shane, don't, don't put money on me. That's Texas Tech quarterbacks, not LSU quarterbacks. But I'm telling you right now, I've, this is one that I'm just leery of putting too much confidence in because I don't, don't know what the future holds down there in lsu. If, if he can find seven foot tall, trade as green though, he's going to have some success, you know, there'll be success in lsu.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

It's interesting, Shane. So we're six deep here. I feel like you're loving this list. Normally you're hating it by this point. Well, I'm.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Because I told you it's a deep, it's, it's a deep quarterback room. And, and I don't feel like, like years in the past, the floor is lower than the. I, I feel a couple of guys you've already mentioned that we're not going to be, I wouldn't be blown away if they're talked about, you know, an elite arm this time next year. Right. You know, the ones we're getting excited about at media days. These are uncertainties and unknown names that can quickly move up this list. So I don't hate it because really it's a dark shoot right now.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Yeah. Well, another guy that. I'm glad you're grabbing that beer because you're going to need it. Number 10.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

I mean this guy might save his coach's job. We might get the coach fired. Give me KEELAN RUSSELL, AL Five star. You know, they're all hyped up out the boring and Ryan Grub getting their hands to work with this five star. What can he do? What can he do? 10. I mean, this is the one I feel is like the biggest crapshoot.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

He could be number one or two.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

If you look at the track record of Deborah and Grub and the quarterbacks, they, I mean that's all they do is they.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

They.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

They take these lumps of coal and they turn them into diamonds, you know, and this guy might already be a diamond to begin with, so I don't know. Can you make a diamond even better? What? What? Can you make it a platinum diamond?

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

I don't know.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

But that's perhaps what Keelan Russell could do for Alabama this year. I'm putting them this low. Not really even because of him. It's. It's maybe to an extent, just because he's largely inexperienced at this level, but I just don't have any faith in the offensive line. I don't have any faith in the running game. And you're telling me a quarterback's going to come in here, redshirt freshman, and tear up the sec? I ain't buying it. Not unless they fix the offensive line. They can run the football, then. Maybe he can.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

And I think by the time his career ends, you know, if he transfers, wherever Deborah goes after Boring gets fired, he'll be phenomenal. He could win the Heisman. He could be a first. First pick, you know what. But that's two or three years down the road. Yeah, right now, I'm not buying it, but again, like I said, this is the biggest roll of the dice because I think. I think he could finish top three and I wouldn't even stun me.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Do you. I mean, do you factor in any quarterback controversy down here in Tuscaloosa or. This is. All right, you're eliminating that.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

That's for coward. Shane.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

I don't know, man. There's something about this kid. I know. Bammer, Stephen, up. Listen to this guy. Just absolutely hates the Tide and I can't stand it. I'm going to stand up for you here. My thing is, I'm picking a dude, you know, and did I see it in spring? Yes, I did. I saw what could be the potential. We always do this right. Wait till we get our guy. Wait till we get. Wait till Kaylin deboer gets his gift. My God, he's got his guy. And this is a guy that can. If I had money, if I'm putting money on a guy that could win a Heisman, not this year, but in future years. This is a guy right here because of what he has, the attributes this kid, this athlete has and the weapons he has around him. Brother, I feel like you missed this one again.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

I'm not ranking 27, quarterbacks 28. I'm ranking 26.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah, I know, I know, I know. But he'll Be a front runner next year for sure on my list.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Oh, I think you're. I think you're overlooking number nine.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

And again, I'm gonna catch hell for this. Right? I'm sure probably not from you. Yeah, for this, at least for this selection. Number nine, Bazon. Brandon Tennessee. I'm putting him higher up the list. True freshman. He's redshirt. Maybe I'd put him top five, but coming in, you know, I'm trying to be somewhat realistic, but again, by some accounts, this is the number one quarterback in the country.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

I don't know that Josh Hypo has ever had this much talent at the quarterback position. Maybe Nico, but. But hey, what did he do with Nico? He got him in the playoff, you know what I mean? So then we'll, we'll. I got the picks coming up after that, but again, I. This is a belief in Tennessee. This is a belief in Hypo. There's a belief in the talent of Faison, Brandon, and, and the talent around him.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

So again, this is not today. Nobody in their right mind would put Sam Levitt behind Faison. Brandon today.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

That's crazy. I'm saying in December.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Who would you rather have? Give me Faison, because I think he's going to. I'm not saying he's going to be Cam Newton 2.0. Not yet. But I think he's going to be really good this year.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

I do too. I do too. And again, I think when I'm looking for a quarterback, especially in that scenario, the best quarterback, it's total package, and he is the total package. The knock on him is youth and inexperience and there's going to be mistakes made early and, and I like that you keep circling back around, what does it look like in December? Because this, this kid's gonna look night and day different. He'll be like a two year vet by the time he gets through this SEC schedule, you know, and it's confidence that Josh Hoppel will get the most out of him. Right. I know this is a quarterback competition, you know, but there's a. There's a part of me that I think that's a. That's a knock. No, not a knock. That's praise for Faze. Like, he shouldn't be here, he shouldn't be in this conversation right now, but he is. And we can't keep this talent off the. If your backup is better than your starter, you put them out there. This is exactly what happened with Trinidad. And I'm not comparing the two, but I'm just. I feel like at the end of the year, Josh Hoeple more times than not gets the most out of a quarterback. You know, nobody knew who Hinden Hooker was, but they did at the end

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

of 22, you know, 25 minutes in. There's your Hinden Hooker reference. There it is. So he's a bigger Trinidad. Got it. I mean, I think you nailed.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Is that the clip?

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

All right, number eight. So we're at the halfway mark here. I've hyped this guy up to no end. Yeah, I felt bad putting him this low. I mean, he could be a lot higher, but you got to come into this league, you got to prove it. You got to prove you're more than hype. Auburn's quarterback, Byron Brown. Yeah, I think he's gonna be really good, but like I said, there's some good quarterbacks here. Shane. And again, if I'm doing July rankings, maybe a little bit higher, but I'm trying to do December ranking. So I think it'll be good for Auburn, I think. But heck, their quarterbacks have been 14, 15, 16.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

The last several years, so they should be happy with the number eight quarterback. I think when we're fast forwarding to the end of the season, you can make the case that no court, no program had a better improvement at the quarterback position than Auburn thanks to Byron Brown.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah, I mean, this is kind of a weird situation and, and by weird, I just. If you've not followed Auburn, just bringing all of South Florida with you is kind of where we're at. It's, it's so for that I, I feel like this is a guy early in the season we're going to say, hey, dude, this is, this is so much better than what we had.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

But I do feel like this is a guy that we kind of know what his ceiling is going to be in this league and, and some of these other ones that we've passed. It would be tough for me to put him up here just because the wind stops when I'm at. Because I'll be honest with you, I don't, I don't think he's going to be some God's gift of football this season. And. But statistically he will because he's going to be with goal is. And. And the style offense that they're going to run. But wait till he gets his guy. It's not this one. He's just, he brought the best case scenario with him and, And I'm not as convinced that he's as good as you think he will be.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

What Emily do to you? All right, number seven. So I don't know where to put this guy either. Yeah, I mean we've seen so much of him. I feel like we should have a firm could.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

To be fair, we're on the upper half now. So. Yeah, you're in this section. You're in a good side. Everybody we talked to since, so.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

So this is taking a leap of faith.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

I almost put this guy higher, but again, he's got a. He's got to earn my trust back. You know, it's almost like a relationship where like he gets. You get cheated on. You're like, can I really take him back? Like maybe baby steps, you know what I mean? That's how I feel about Lenore Sellers, South Carolina number seven, getting the team with Kendall Browse. I think he'll be good. I thought he's going to be dynamic. I mean last year I think I had him number two.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

So this is a drop. And he was about the 13th, 14th best quarterback in the conference last year. So I don't know what to do with him. But he's got the potential. We've seen it now. I think for the first time in his career he's got the play calling and the offensive line at least coaching wise to help him. And he's got a lot of help at receiver. And I think this has got, obviously this has got to be the year for him.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

The problem with Sellers is we've, we've seen elite. Like there's a. If I just remove 10 of the football games that we watched last year, South Carolina and I just showed you highlights, you say this guy won the Heisman, didn't he? That's just, that's what he is like when he's on and he, he's one of these guys that can legitimately take over a football game even if the offense isn't playing well, even if the defense isn't playing well. He's just one like that Michael Vic esque that can just completely transform a football game. That's, that's what I love about Lenores and I do think that in this brawl system and some more offensive linemen around him, hopefully he's not running for his life and there'd be a little bit more balance and, and, and he could really shine. But I'm also with you. If I show you two other games, you know, or three other games, you'd say this guy got benched, didn't he? You know, it's just the, the ceiling and floor that I didn't know existed a couple of years ago is, is completely obvious over there in South Carolina. However, that being said, if I'm going to a locker room and I'm picking a quarterback to come out, this dude's got it. I've seen it. So I think this one you're a little low on. Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Are you surprised you came back to Carolina?

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

I am.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

I put that.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

But also, I think that is another. It's not a bad thing. I think it shows character. There's less kids doing that.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Right.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

He could have went a lot of other places, made a lot more money, could have just left, but came back to a South Carolina team that really needed him. And I think, yes, part of that Shane Beamer and the culture they created up there. But more importantly, that shows leadership and character in your quarterback, which I think is important going into this season.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

He could have pulled DJ Lagway at Baylor, you know, where he's like, neighbor screwed me. You know, I was, you see Dave Veranda came out. It's like they, they had him in a straight jacket. You know what I mean? Like, come on.

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[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

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[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

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[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Not valid to any other offer, discount or combo. See app for details. All right, number six. Now this one people are going to be. I can already tell you the mention, Shane. They're gonna be like, what has he done? Blah, blah, blah. Again, this is the end of the year. So I'm taking maybe the biggest gamble because this, I don't think this guy could be awful. I think that's the wrong word, but I think he, like, this is another one. I could be overhyping. He might not match this. Again, we're. We're number six here. I. I wanted to put him higher, but he's got to show us something a little bit more before we put him up any higher than number six. Give me Camario Taylor, Mississippi State. Yeah, again, if we're talking just stats, I might put him number one. Yeah, but that's not what this is. This is. I think by the end of the year people are going to be saying, God, is this guy going To Miami. Is this guy going to Texas? How much. How much can Sark. You know what I mean? Like, yeah, it's going to be that kind of. And I'm not saying he's leaving because I. Again, let me. I think I've said a lot of negative things about Jeff Lebby, but I always say he's a great quarterback developer and play caller. And if Camario Taylor, you know, takes to his coaching, which we saw last year, he's. He already did. I think he could be phenomenal. And, man, this could. This could be. This could be the reason if I'm Mississippi State, that I got to hope that. That we can. We can surprise the SEC this year.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Oh, man. You know, they just came out and said, Yahoo's going to do fantasy football for college kids. And I think this kid's my first round pick. You know, because you're right, the numbers will be there. Running, passing kids, a freak athlete. This is. I mean, I think of some of these other football teams that are just begging for a quarterback, and I was like, what if they had Taylor, man, this, this. We'd be talking about them winning a national title.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

You know, he's throwing footballs in the front yard right now.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

And it's just destroying the air and causing all this, you know, that's how talented he is.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Oh, he's just got such a damn hard motion to him, you know, and. And I do. I've been on record. I feel like you're going to see that with Mississippi State. That's kind of why I'm kind of my sleeper team this year, just because of that, the talent they have in that quarterback room. But it's tough to argue. It's a small sample size. Right. You know, and what I have seen, I'm impressed with, but youth, inexperience, that. That stuff's got to get tightened up. And because you're doing this based on what he will look like at the end of the year, I can't argue with him being at the six spot. But I do want to ask you. Everyone hates where the quarterback is so far, right. Unless we've not mentioned your guy. What? Like, at what ranking do you stop hearing people say, oh, you know, this guy's an idiot, number one. Is it just. No. So you're just. Basically, you're gonna piss off 15 fan bases.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Oh, yeah, of course.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

And there's just.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

You don't know these guys by now.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

I know. I just. I'm curious, you know, because I would be sitting there as a state Fan saying, you know what I mean? When's the last time we've been top six on anything, you know, quarterback or. I just. I feel like this is. This is a step in the right direction.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

But not Dak Prescott, probably. Yeah.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

I mean, we got. We got high on Will Rogers there for a minute, just statistically with. With the Pirate, but you saw what happened when he left, so. Yeah, I think. I think you're right. Dak would be the. The guy. And we've had some fun. The bearded trader, you know, we've had some fun dudes.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Yeah, Nick Fitzgerald was awesome, but again, at top six. I don't know him. Yeah, yeah, he was great.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

He's a guy I'd want to take to a bar fight with me, you know?

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

So I will say, remember, there was a separation at the beginning or at the bottom, however you want to phrase it. I think there's a separation here between the top five.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Okay.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

I think these five guys are all clearly established. I think this is the cream of the crop. Now, you could convince me maybe one or two of these guys drops off, but I got confidence in all of them.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

I think this is. If I'm touting the SEC's quarterbacks this year, which I've heard a lot of people do, it's because of these five guys. I think they're all standouts. Number five. People hate him. I love them. Marcel Reed, A and M. He's got all these weapons to work with. I know change at play call or change it offensive line. But how many quarterbacks, Shane. And I'm looking at the list. How many. How many can get you to the playoff? Yeah, there's not many out there in the country that can say they've done it. Marcel Reed can say he's done it. And at times he looks spectacular. At times, not so much. Very inconsistent. You know, we've seen half to half. Yeah, he'll look terrible. He'll look amazing. So if he can put it all together, number five is too low. I've already predicted. I think he's going to lead the SEC in passing touchdowns. So I think he's going to be a really good player this year. It was good last year.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Just lacking that consistency. I think he gets it this year. Number five quarterback in the sec, Marcel Reed.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Good weapons around him. You know, I go. I go back and forth with. With Marcel because It is like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, you know, and. And one of the things that maybe I'm a little worried about is just because I don't know man. It's just I haven't elite. Right. He's never hit that threshold. I've never walked away from a game.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

He has. Shane. I think Notre Dame over 400 yards. LSU, I believe he scored five touch. I don't remember how many touchdowns but they ran them out of the damn building.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

I feel like. But his style for him to. They almost have to take thinking out of it and make the up tempo work. You know it almost seems like when

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

he said it twice to lsu, now that I think about it. Remember they were getting their ass hammered and that was when they had the pool. Connor Wigman.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Then he was a spark. And they whooped LSU's ass in the second. Yeah.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

But again they let him loose. They. They took, they eliminated the thinking. Like I just, I feel like that's what they're going to do a little bit more this year and make his life easier. They got plenty of weapons around him. But I feel like Marcel is just, he's just right where he needs to be, you know, toward the top, but not the top.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Yeah. And here's what again, I say this about a lot of these guys.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Like we see him play for a season or season and a half. There's things to pick apart. There's things to like, there's things not to like.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Is that maybe that's it? We've seen so much video on Marcel so here.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

That's why like Mario Taylor, Byron Brown, Faison, Brandon Keelan, Russell, Kenny Minchi, Aaron Philo, on and off. Jared Curtis, Austin Simmons. We've not seen that much negative.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

So it's just like these guys are going to whoop ass. You know what I mean? But as soon as one of these guys has a three interception game.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

He can't play. Get his ass off the field. You know what I mean? But I, I think sometimes we highlight the negative so much that we just overlook all the positive.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

That could be it.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

You learn from that, you know, you learn from your failures. At least that's the way it's supposed to go. Peyton Manning lost 13 games as a rookie in the NFL. How did he turn out? I can't play, you know, pretty good. Yeah. You get better with experience. The good quarterbacks do. Like Marcel.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Well, I mean not a lot of quarterbacks get three years at it in the sec. So maybe the third time is the charm. Mike.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Right. Number four again. I've got a little bit of leap of faith. A little bit. I think I'm higher on this guy. Than just about anybody until that Manning passing academy and those guns came out, that everybody was back on. But give me John Matiere, Oklahoma. And this again, statistically, he wasn't even that good last year statistically by the end of the year. And I'm not saying he will be this year. Again, this is not pure stats or anything.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Because I think Oklahoma wants to establish that run play to the strength of their defense. But I think he'll be a lot better this year with more help on the outside, more help at receiver and tight end, better running game, improved offensive line. So I think by the end of the year when Oklahoma. I don't want to spoil my predictions, but when they have a really good year. Yeah, I think people are going to be saying, damn, boy, was, were we wrong about John Mater and Mike was right.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah, well, they started, they started last year. I mean, they were on the right path and, and you know, we kept. I, I felt like, similar to Sam Levitt, you know, the bar was moved high. What look this guy's gonna do, you know, they brought the coordinator in, you know, this, this thing's gonna, it's gonna hit. I know it's gonna hit. And then we're watching game one game in two games. They were like, brother, they may be right, you know, because you always wonder like, did we waste all this money in the transfer portal for this kid? And I feel like they got a really good guy here and then the thumb and then Dr. Shin and all the, the shit that came on after that. And. But what I do like, man, is, you know, when you talk about some of the elite of the elite, it's these guys that take their college money, right? The money they're making and they're going elsewhere. They're doing anything and everything they can to perfect their craft. And I feel like that's exactly what John has been doing. Like, he, he wasn't excited about how last year finished and he's changed his throwing motions. He's working with new guys and, and you're clearly working out. I mean, he's got the guns out, but more importantly, I feel like they surrounded him now. More talent to work with, and that's going to really shine at times this season. So I don't, I don't hate this one at all. I feel like he's definitely a top five quarterback. Would not blow my mind if he's top two, you know, at the end of the season. Because this is also a guy that has the leadership capability that sometimes we don't talk about that because we want to talk about just throwing power and throwing, but I feel like as far as natural born leader, you can clearly see it when John's in a room and sometimes he's going to elevate the talent that's around him, which is very important for a quarterback as well.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

And I may be reading too much into the situation a little bit, but I bet you Shane coming from Washington State.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Now I believe he's from Texas, so he knew all about Oklahoma and everything. But I don't think you can really understand it until you're there. And that state and Sooner Nation just obsessive, you know their fans.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

There's some of the best fans in the world, but they're like a lot of these SEC fans are just so obsessed.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

And when you get thrown into that and then you start winning, I think, I think that's hard to deal with.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Like I, I think he was really bothered from what I know. Do you remember when it was like he was talking to the Chipotle guy?

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

I think he ran the sooner scoop was like, John told me he's playing, baby. And that became like a national thing. I, I just don't know if, if he knew what he was getting himself into off the field.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

You know what I mean? We're being like arguably the most famous athlete in that state other than. Obviously they got an NBA team other than the NBA team. You know what I mean? But I just think getting dropped in that and then meeting the hype early, it just ramps it all up. Does that make sense? We're like now, now he's. I think he's in a better place where he's, he understands what he's getting himself into.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

I think it's like that's one thing. We haven't even talked about Arch yet. But he's got the best support system in the world.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Being in the Manning family, I don't think you can phase that guy. I don't think he pays attention to anything. I don't think he's on, to my knowledge, I don't think he's on any social media. He doesn't have to. But all these other guys, I don't think they know how to handle it. And I just think in year two, I think John Mattier will be able to handle all the off the field stuff.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

And that goes to exactly what you're saying. Although what's he's doing this off season? Is he going to the beach? I mean, he, he may, I Don't know. But.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Is he doing all that or is he training his ass off? Because he knows this is his one last shot to prove to the NFL that he can play and bring a championship to Oklahoma. It seems like he's doing everything he can to do that.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

That's it. That's it. I mean, you spend a million to get 10 million, you know, so that I feel like that. That this is a guy that, you know, he screwed up his thumb. He hates it because he feels like this. He's just. He's a natural born winner.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

And if you don't hit certain goals, you. You blame yourself. I mean, we've all done that. We're human, right?

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

And I feel like that's what I see with John is just a guy that's. Dude, he's ready to give his all and. And I'm expecting a big season for him for sure.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

All right, now we're into the top three.

[Dave Farenthal (New York Times Reporter)]

Shane.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

I think most people know the names that are up here.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yep.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

But I just can't get over Shane. I can't get over it. The disrespect thrown at Gunner Stockton, number three. I mean, the guy's money.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

He's had some so, so performances, but, you know, last year was his first year, truly. I know people like to point to the Notre Dame playoff law. I mean, that was literally his first start in the playoff. Guy's a damn warrior 10. Rushing. I think people overlook the rushing touchdowns. Yeah, he. He went head to head against Arch. You know, if they. If the NFL was picking off based on that one game, which clearly they don't do, but if they did, they. They would pick Gunner Stockton over Arch. You know, I mean, like, he outclassed his ass. So I think Gunner's really good. He's got work to. To improve his game, obviously, but at times he's been super clutch. What will he have at receiver? That's obviously the biggest question mark with the football team. But I think by the end of the year, I mean, he might go down in history as I don't know that he can surpass Stetson because Stetson won two. But I think people could be like, I think he's as good as Stetson. I mean, I think people will. Dog Nation will start to say that if Georgia does what I think they can do this season.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah. This is a guy that just shows up to work, man, lunch pail in hand, 15 minutes early. You know what I'm saying? Well, I've always said, you know, if you're 10 minutes.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

What do you say?

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

If you showed up on time, you're 10 minutes late. You know what I'm saying?

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

That.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

That ain't what we do down here in Georgia. This. This man doesn't matter if he's got a broken leg, broken arm, broken thumb. He's going to get out there and he's going to get it done.

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[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

And I feel like there's got to be something about that little toughness. Right? I. I don't think there's a tougher quarterback in this league than him. Again, this is a guy that. You know, I really feel like Georgia could have went out here and got just about any quarterback they wanted, and they know exactly what they have. And this guy. Georgia is a team. Maybe we're not talking about near as much as we should, but if they win a national title, it's because Gunner took him to the next level, and I feel like he's fully capable of doing that, man.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

So you don't mind him being number three?

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

No, I love it because most lists that you're going to see. Mike, I'm gonna be real with you. Does he. What does it look like in the NFL draft? Right. Are you expecting Gunner, the first quarterback selected? Hell no. Right. But going in that locker room, I need a freaking drive out of somebody. You better believe, man. Because you look at like Mendoza last year, you know, how did he win the Heisman? He. He won the Heisman because he lowered his head and he got that touchdown. You know, there's a couple good passes in there. Winning a national title didn't hur. But his physical play is what got him there. And nobody's more physical than this guy.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

All right, so number two, Trinidad. Oh, now you make the case he's number one, right?

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

But again, if we're going for raking these guys after last season, I think he has to be number one. Yeah, but we're not. We're ranking at the end of the year.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

New. New offensive play caller, new head coach, new pieces. A lot of at receiver, both those starting offensive tackles being replaced. I think that's a lot to replace.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

And I'm not saying again, number two, Ole Miss fans are gonna be. You said you asked. You know who's gonna be upset? Everybody. Everybody. But number one, Ole Miss fans are going to be most upset because I dare say number two do. But I think that's a lot to overcome. I almost put them a little bit lower because I think what people do and Trinidad deserves all the hype. All the praise, but I think people just get so caught up in, you know, that last Georgia game and you know, how, how dynamic he looked, which he, I mean, hell, he looked. He looked the closest I've seen to Michael Vick, you know what I mean? Like in college football. So again, anybody wants to put him number one, I'm not even going to be mad about it, but. But I'm putting him number two because I just think with all the newness, I think it's going to be a little bit tough, tougher sledding, but he's such a good player that he'll overcome a lot of it, just maybe not all of it.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

See, I'm. I think Ole Miss fans still hate me. But you shouldn't, because Mike missed this one. He should have been at the number one spot. Trinidad Trambliss is the best quarterback in the country. My husband, front runner right now. And that's no knock on at the

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

end of the year.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Even by the end of the year,

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

you're saying this Ole Miss will be worse than Mississippi State. So you can't put Trinidad up there by the end.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

He can't do it all. You know, I'm talking about again in this analogy, if I switch quarterbacks, if I put old Trinidad down there in Austin, Texas, you tell me they ain't going to get the College Football Playoff. Hell yeah, they're getting a college football playoff, you know, and I like, listen, I like some of the weapons around him. I like the offensive line, I like Lacy, I like. There's. It's going to be more the defense. Reason that I'm kind of down on Ole Miss is I feel like there are some question marks, but more or less this, the schedule is. I feel like a lot more daunting this season than it has been in the years past. But I'm thinking in my mind if they do make the playoffs, it's because the arm and legs of Trinidad Chambliss. And I'm right, I'm with everyone else. I feel like he is the best

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

quarterback in the country.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

So you kind of missed on this one, but barely. There's one other guy that I'd probably give number two spot.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

George McIntyre. No, it's Arch.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Come on, man.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Archbanning, number one caught fire by the end of last year.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

I love Arch.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Yeah, all the chips are on the table. Bringing in Cam Coleman, bringing back Ryan Wingo. We just went out here and stole Bama's transfer running back Smothers. And then I, hell, I've said it I think Relique Brown from Arizona State, when I go back and watch Sam Levitt, hell, I think Brown looks better than Levitt, you know what I mean? So they got him too, If. I'll tell you what, Shane. If Arch Manning is not number one on this by the end of the year.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Like, even if he's number two, we got Firestar. He's so bitch. He's got to coach this guy up better. We've got to execute better. And we saw that at the tail end of last season. Yeah, from March. And if he takes what he did last year late, not early, but late. If that can be carried over to this year, he's gonna win the Heisman.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah, he's. He's not like every Manning, you know. Right. You know, he's not Eli, he's not Peyton. You know, this is a guy that got some legs to him. He is. He is a full package.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

And you know what we say about you. I know.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Very full package. But there's. There's some things that he brings to the team, not just the leadership. He's just like. Like everything. Everything. If you're building a quarterback from the ground up, this is who you're building right here. You know, in fact, when I played the video game and I would. Everything, the attributes, everything would be just like. Like Manning and. And I can't argue. And the main thing for me is something you hit on. How did he look at the end of last year? That's progression. And if that progression continues on that route, by the time we get to the end of this season, if Texas is going to bring home a national title, it. Because Manning did it for you, you know?

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Yeah, I. I think 100%. So no excuses. This is the year Arch Manning and I. I didn't even really consider anyone else. How about that?

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Golly, Stephen, come on out. Tell everybody where I did not. I could be honest with you. I always try to imagine how this is going to play out. That is not what I had. I figured you'd have manning at like 6 or 7 and fire up those Longhorns, but I'm.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

I'm.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

This list is pretty damn good, Mike. Pretty damn good. Not perfect. There's some guys a little too low, in my opinion. You know, you are, but I feel like I think you'd nailed kind of this top half of the league.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

So let me recap real quick. Jared Curtis, 16. Austin Simmons, 15.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Way too low.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Aaron Philo, 14. K.J. jackson, 13. Kenny Minchi, 12. Sam Levitt, 11. Keelan Russell 10. Faisal Brandon 9. Byron Brown 8. Lenore Seller 7. Mario Taylor 6. Marcel Reed 5. John Matiere 4. Gunner Stockton 3. Trinidad Chambliss 2. Arch Manning 1. Who do I overrate? The worst.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Overrated. That's a good.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Good, good, good.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Damn. Could you give it to me? I wasn't even paying attention there. Can you do that?

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Jared Curtis, 16.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Austin Simmons 15. Aaron Philo 14. K.J. jackson 13. Kenny Meny 12. Sam Levit 11. Keelan Russell 10. Faison Brandon 9. Byron Brown 8. Lenor Seller 7. Camario Taylor 6. Marcel Reed 5. John Mateer 4. Gunner 3. Trinidad 2. Arch 1.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Doubling down. Marcel rate way too high.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

And then who is underrated?

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

I almost went. I almost went. Austin Simmons. But I do think that Russell. I think Russell's too low, dad.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Almost number 15.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah, almost too. I mean, I think he's low, but I'm just trying to think like who's too low? I. I feel like when we get to this season, Russell's gonna be in the top five.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Is there any of the quarterbacks that I said nothing. You're guaranteeing any.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

That you think won't even be the starting quarterback by the end of year.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

Follow. Yeah, follow. Pretty low. You know, that may be one. And Arkansas, I think you may be. It wouldn't. It wouldn't blow my mind if there's a little bit of a. I mean, there's. It's going to be a tough season, Mike. They're going to have to blame some people. You know,

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

quarterback is not the job

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

you want when you're in Arkansas.

[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

All right, buddy. Well, hey, that's going to do it. For the latest episode of that SEC podcast, 2026 quarterback rankings are in the books. I just hope pray they can hear any some of this during this day of. You know what?

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

I'm sure there's a few that are glad they can this again. Mike. Mike's list Not m.

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[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

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[Mike (Host/Analyst)]

Yeah.

[Shane (Co-host/Analyst)]

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