2022 SEC Quarterback Rankings

This year, the SEC boasts one of the deepest quarterback collections in conference history. There is talent and potential from top-to-bottom with each team having a competent quarterback to steer its offense. Here is my rankings of each squad’s signal callers:

1. Bryce Young - Alabama

As last year’s Heisman Trophy winner, Bryce Young is a no-brainer for the selection of best quarterback in the country. As a sophomore, Young threw for 47 touchdowns and just seven interceptions while leading the Crimson Tide to an SEC Championship and NCAA Championship appearance. With the loss in the title game motivating him for the upcoming season and weapons surrounding him at every position, Young should have no trouble improving in his third season at Alabama.

2. KJ Jefferson - Arkansas

After leading Arkansas to a successful nine-win season, KJ Jefferson will look to lead the Razorbacks to contention in the SEC West in his senior year. Jefferson not only has a strong and accurate arm that totaled 2,676 passing yards through a 67.3 completion percentage, but he also possesses the ability to impact the game on the ground. Last season, he scampered for a team-high 664 rushing yards while punching it in for six touchdowns. This dual-threat ability makes him a nightmare to contain and earns him a spot as a top quarterback in college football.

3. Hendon Hooker - Tennessee

In Josh Heupel’s first season as head coach of the Vols, he completely revamped an inefficient and boring offense into one of the most effective attacks in the country. At the head of this change was quarterback Hendon Hooker. Hooker didn’t win the starting job until midway through the second game, but he never looked back, throwing for 31 touchdowns and only three interceptions. His ability to escape pressure and pick up yardage through his legs is what makes him a truly elite player, though. He added five touchdowns and picked up 620 yards on rush attempts. At 24 years old, Hooker has loads of experience at the college level and has the potential to be a break-out star in his final collegiate season.

4. Will Rogers - Mississippi State

Will Rogers is one of the most underrated quarterbacks on one of the most underrated teams in the country. Going into his junior year, he already has 22 games of experience under his belt. Last season, he threw for an SEC-high 364.5 yards on 52.5 attempts per game. In Mike Leach’s air-raid offense, these stats should only get better with his growing experience. Rogers has torched the record book in his first two seasons and will likely continue to leave his mark on the Bulldog program in 2022.

5. Anthony Richardson - Florida

Florida has had major turnover after the firing of Dan Mullen but one returning piece is quarterback Anthony Richardson. Richardson shared the job at the head of the offense last season but will be the lone signal caller in 2022 as a junior. As a sophomore, he flashed greatness with his cannon of an arm and explosive athletic ability. However, he also showed his inexperience with a 1.2 touchdown-to-interception rate. If he can contain his mistakes, he has the potential to be one of the most promising quarterbacks in the conference. On the other hand, if he continues to make critical errors, the Gators will struggle immensely. His upside is too high to overlook, though, setting him up for an effective year.

6. Will Levis - Kentucky

Will Levis has seen projections as high as the Number one overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft heading into this season. Although I think Levis is a very effective SEC quarterback, those hopeful projections are a bit of a stretch. A more likely year for Levis in his fourth collegiate season and second in Lexington is a repeat of his last campaign. Levis threw for an impressive 2,826 yards and 24 touchdowns in Kentucky’s 10-win season. He gave the Wildcat offense a spark it hasn’t previously seen but his 13 interceptions may be a cause for concern. If he can limit those errors and continue to let the rest of his game shine, then Kentucky will be on track for another great year. However, I think Levis will remain as a good but not elite SEC quarterback.

7. Stetson Bennett - Georgia

With Georgia winning the National Championship and Stetson Bennett taking home Offensive Player of the Game, it seems crazy to think he could only be seen as the seventh-best quarterback in the conference. You have to give credit to Bennett for his accomplishments, but the truth is, he was not the main reason for the Bulldog’s historical year. Without one of the best defenses in college football history and generational talent around him on the offense, Bennett likely would have struggled to find the success he had. He is a good player and will play a role in Georgia’s attempt to repeat as champions, but I don’t think half the coaches in the SEC would trade their starter for Bennett heading into the season.

8. Spencer Rattler - South Carolina

Spencer Rattler may be the most polarizing quarterback in the SEC this year after transferring to South Carolina following three years at Oklahoma. Some project him as a top quarterback in the SEC and others think a failure of a season is imminent. I think somewhere in between is more likely. Rattler showed the highs of a Heisman candidate and the lows of losing his job while in Norman. If Shane Beamer can contain Rattler and get the best out of him, then there is potential for him to lead a very effective offense. However, if Rattler can’t cut back on crucial mistakes, then the Gamecocks may be in search of another signal caller for 2023. 

9. Max Johnson - Texas A&M

Max Johnson spent his first two seasons at LSU where he found success. After winning the starting job late in his freshman season, he proved quickly that he could be a useful SEC quarterback. His sophomore year was another successful campaign but after team struggles and a coaching change, Johnson transferred to Texas A&M. The Aggies have a load of weapons Johnson can take advantage of as the team looks to compete for the SEC West. Johnson isn’t a big threat on the ground but his arm makes him a productive option. He may not be a top quarterback in the SEC this year but he is a solid choice who will help the Aggies have a successful season.

10. Jaxson Dart - Ole Miss

After a very successful year in Oxford, Matt Corral took his talent to the NFL creating an opening in Lane Kiffin’s offense. Filling the quarterback slot is USC transfer, Jaxson Dart. As a freshman at USC, the four-star recruit appeared in six games and started three while throwing for 1,353 yards and nine touchdowns with five interceptions. Kiffin is one of the best offensive minds in the nation and if anyone can get the best out of Dart, it is him. There will surely be growing pains in Dart’s sophomore season, though, as he adjusts to the SEC. However, by the start of next season, he could find himself a lot higher on this list.

11. Jayden Daniels - LSU

Following Myles Brennan’s announcement that he will be stepping away from football, the Tiger’s three-way competition for quarterback has been narrowed down to two. Redshirt freshman Garrett Nussmeir and Arizona State transfer Jayden Daniels are the final contenders for the spot. The most likely choice is Daniels due to his experience and ability to scramble. Daniels shined in his freshman season starting in 12 games and passing for just shy of 3,000 yards with 17 touchdowns and two interceptions. However, in the two seasons since, he seems to have plateaued in production. Brian Kelly is hoping to get the most out of Daniels, though, even without a great offensive line.

12. Brady Cook - Missouri

After a quarterback competition, redshirt sophomore Brady Cook has been tabbed the starter heading into the season. Cook played in five games last season including starting in the bowl game. He finished the matchup against Army with 238 passing yards, 53 rushing yards and a passing and rushing touchdown. Cook won’t be the best starter in the SEC but he will likely be proficient. Eli Drinkwitz won’t ask him to do too much in the offense meaning as long as Cook can make the necessary plays and limit mistakes, then there shouldn’t be too many complaints. 

13. Zach Calzada - Auburn

Zach Calzada saw the highest of highs and frustrating lows in his redshirt sophomore year at Texas A&M. The highs featured a win over Alabama after throwing for 285 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in an effort that earned him SEC Offensive Player of the Week. The lows were shown with performances such as a zero touchdown and two interception game against Ole Miss. Auburn likely won’t be a force in the SEC West this year but a lot of its success will revolve around Calzada’s play. At the very least, there’s hope that he will be more consistent. 

14. Mike Wright - Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt will likely be the worst team in the SEC this season with the worst quarterback play to match. The quarterback battle between Mike Wright and Ken Seals resulted in Wright getting the nod in late July. However, it isn’t out of the question that the Commodores will still have a fluid starting job throughout the year. Last season, Seals threw for just 139 more yards than Wright as time was split commanding the offense. In Wright’s favor, he is much more mobile which may help with a weak offensive line. However, either option is likely to struggle with a lack of weapons to help push the offense down the field.