Ranking SEC quarterbacks in 2023, from Jayden Daniels and Joe Milton to Graham Mertz

The past 15 years became a glory period for SEC quarterbacks. From Tim Tebow to Cam Newton to Joe Burrow to Bryce Young, what a run of talent.

After the exit of stars like Young, Stetson Bennett IV and Hendon Hooker, will the SEC’s quarterback prowess continue in 2023? On paper, this season could mark a step back for SEC quarterbacks, but players like Georgia’s Carson Beck, Kentucky’s Devin Leary and Tennessee’s Joe Milton can change that. They’re potential breakouts.

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Here’s how I rank the SEC’s quarterbacks. (Note: Only projected starters are considered in these rankings. Talented backups like LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier are not included.)

1. KJ Jefferson (Arkansas)

Jefferson combines accuracy with a 6-foot-3, 247-pound frame he uses to truck defenders. He throws a good deep ball. Jefferson flourished in Kendal Briles’ shotgun-based, up-tempo offense, compiling a 45-to-9 touchdown-to-interception ratio the past two seasons while completing 67.7% of his passes. Briles left to become TCU’s offensive coordinator, so Jefferson must adjust to Dan Enos’ pro-style system. He’ll be asked to go under center and polish his pre-snap decisions.

2. Jayden Daniels (LSU)

In Daniels’ first game with LSU against Florida State, he was eager to tuck and run rather than stay in the pocket, read the field and beat defenses with his arm. That changed throughout his first season in Brian Kelly’s program. Few quarterbacks progressed more than Daniels from Week 1 to the season finale. No SEC quarterback matches Daniels' running ability, and he's developed into a true dual-threat.

3. Devin Leary (Kentucky)

Leary dazzled two years ago at North Carolina State, and he garnered dark-horse odds last summer to win the Heisman Trophy. But, his 2022 season fizzled and got cut short by a pectoral injury. Now, a quarterback who logged a 35-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio in ‘21 is healthy and united with Liam Coen, a quarterback friendly offensive coordinator. Leary lacks Will Levis’ NFL measurables, but he’s the better college quarterback.

4. Joe Milton (Tennessee)

Milton’s arm is the strongest in college football. In last season’s Orange Bowl, he showed the mechanics he’d previously lacked. And he’s mobile enough to keep defenses honest. Accuracy woes previously cost Milton starting roles at Michigan, then Tennessee, but UT’s staff insists Milton is a different quarterback than when he transferred in two years ago. If anyone can turn Milton from raw talent into polished passer, it’s Josh Heupel.

5. Carson Beck (Georgia)

Beck is a prototypical drop-back passer who is comfortable in the pocket. He proved accurate as Georgia’s backup to Bennett. He dazzled in Georgia’s spring game, suggesting he’s ready for a star turn. Being the starter puts a quarterback in different situations than mop-up duty, and, as Kirby Smart told ESPN, Beck must prove himself when defenses are “blitzing the hell out of” him. All indicators, though, point to Beck keeping Georgia’s offense humming.

6. Spencer Rattler (South Carolina)

Rattler’s production wildly varies. On days when he’s at his best, he could be No. 1 on this list. When he’s at his worst, he’d rank in the bottom third. Few match his ability, though, and he dialed it up throughout the final three games of last season, which included upsets of Tennessee and Clemson. Before mid-November, though, Rattler had thrown more interceptions than touchdowns. If Rattler unlocks consistency, he’s an all-conference talent.

7. Will Rogers (Mississippi State)

Rogers threw for more than 10,600 yards in Mike Leach’s air raid. His arm strength won’t turn heads, and he didn’t stretch the field often, but he’s accurate. MSU is changing systems. Rogers will get the chance to incorporate run-pass option plays, more downfield throws and use his legs more. He welcomes the change, but it’s not yet clear whether this becomes a case of messing with a good thing or elevates Rogers’ ceiling.

8. Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss)

Like Rattler, the gap between Dart’s floor and his ceiling is bigger than most. He’s a hard-nosed runner, an asset to Lane Kiffin’s fastbreak system. And he’s strong-armed. But, his decision-making failed him too often in his first season as Ole Miss’ starter, and he faltered in the red zone. Kiffin brought in multiple transfer quarterbacks. Dart retained the job. His offseason progression must translate to fall Saturdays.

9. Jalen Milroe (Alabama)

You won’t find many quarterbacks more athletic than Milroe, but he’s got work to do to secure Alabama’s starting job. Alabama needs more ball control, poise and consistency from Milroe than what he provided as Bryce Young’s backup or during the spring. Milroe’s raw ability could torment a defense, but it takes more than that to be Nick Saban’s quarterback. Watch Milroe’s burst on a read-option, though, and his tantalizing potential is evident.

10. Conner Weigman (Texas A&M)

Weigman’s last outing as a true freshman became his best, a steady-handed performance in a November upset of LSU. He’ll have a wealth of skill-position talent around him. Working with new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino should help his development. As a five-star recruit, he became highly regarded for his athleticism. Can he torch a defense with his arm? We haven’t seen that yet.

11. Payton Thorne (Auburn)

Would the real Thorne please stand up? In 2021 at Michigan State, Thorne performed as one of the Big Ten’s best quarterbacks. Last season, he tumbled down the charts after the talent around him decreased. The biggest knock on him: He throws too many interceptions, 21 in the past two seasons. He’s hailed for his toughness and leadership, and he’s a good enough passer to make Auburn more dynamic.

12. Brady Cook (Missouri)

Cook is gritty, and he challenges opponents with his legs, but he’s been limited in his ability to take the top off the defense. He did supply a strong November, and he underwent offseason shoulder surgery, which presents the possibility that he’ll come back better this season. Coach Eliah Drinkwitz describes Cook as relentless competitor, and he likes his experience, toughness and speed.  

13. AJ Swann (Vanderbilt)

Swann grew determined this offseason to improve his mechanics after a freshman season that flashed promise, but he struggled mightily against some of the SEC’s better defenses. Vanderbilt’s SEC victories against Florida and Kentucky came while Swann was sidelined with injury. Coach Clark Lea likes Swann’s big-play ability, but he desires more consistency from the second-year starter.

14. Graham Mertz (Florida)

Mertz racked up 26 interceptions in three seasons starting for Wisconsin, and he hasn’t completed more than 60% of his passes since 2020. He endured loads of trouble against Big Ten opponents last year. He averaged just 11.3 completed passes in four November starts last season, and he struggled in Florida’s spring game. Coach Billy Napier talks up Mertz’s experience and leadership, but he’ll need to elevate his production.

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network's SEC Columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @btoppmeyer.