ESPN Predicts 2026 Starting QBs for Every SEC Team

From Heisman hopefuls to underrated starters, the SEC will be loaded at quarterback next season.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 1:55pm

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As the 2025 college football season comes to a close, ESPN is looking ahead to 2026 and predicting the starting quarterback for each SEC team. The conference is loaded with talented signal-callers, including Heisman Trophy contenders and underrated starters with untapped potential.

Why it matters

The SEC has been at the forefront of college football in recent years, and the quarterback play in the conference will be a major storyline heading into the 2026 season. These predictions provide an early look at who will be leading the offenses for the top teams in the SEC next year.

The details

ESPN's predictions include some high-profile transfers, like LSU landing Sam Leavitt from the NCAA transfer portal, as well as some rising stars like Georgia's Gunner Stockton and Texas A&M's Marcel Reed. There are also a few quarterback battles to watch, such as at Ole Miss where Trinidad Chambliss is seeking another year of eligibility.

  • The 2025 college football season just concluded.
  • The 2026 season is set to kick off in the fall of 2026.

The players

Keelon Russell

The predicted 2026 starting quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

KJ Jackson

The predicted 2026 starting quarterback for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Byrum Brown

The predicted 2026 starting quarterback for the Auburn Tigers, after transferring from USF.

Aaron Philo

The predicted 2026 starting quarterback for the Florida Gators, after transferring from Georgia Tech.

Gunner Stockton

The predicted 2026 starting quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs, who is expected to further cement his status in Athens.

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What they’re saying

“Russell has been tabbed as the future at Alabama, and the future is now for Kalen DeBoer's bunch.”

— ESPN

“Stockton has proved himself and then some since becoming Georgia's starting quarterback. He took a huge leap this past season, and he'll be looking to further cement his status in 2026 in Athens.”

— ESPN

The takeaway

The SEC is poised to be loaded at the quarterback position in 2026, with a mix of experienced starters, high-profile transfers, and rising stars. This will make for an exciting season of football in the nation's premier conference.