After four weeks, most SEC teams are still in non‑conference mode, giving us a peek at talent before the brutal stretch of league play begins. Some of the conference’s signal callers are exceeding expectations. Others, burdened by hype, are starting to raise concerns. Here’s a look at both sides.
Week 4 Rankings – SEC QB Stock Watch
Disappointments
Arch Manning (Texas)
Out of all the QB hype in recent college seasons, few names came in bigger than Arch Manning’s. But so far, he has looked more lost than luminous. Mechanical issues have been evident: accuracy struggles and errant passes are overshadowing what many hoped would be his breakout. His passing totals are underwhelming, and in key moments, especially in the first half versus UTEP, he failed to deliver. Though he ran for two touchdowns in that game, the expectation was that he’d be lifting portions of Texas’ offense with his arm, and that simply hasn’t materialized yet.
He did have a bounce back game in Week four against Sam Houston St. but let’s be real, it was Sam Houston St. Once he starts to control his footwork and demeanor, no doubt he can be a very good quarterback but he needs to show that against better competition before reviving his status.
DJ Lagway (Florida)
Lagway’s start has been rocky. Perhaps the most glaring issue is turnovers: five interceptions in the loss at LSU stands out as a critical failing. With Florida now sitting at 1‑3, the pressure is mounting. The scary part isn’t just the bad plays — it’s that the poor decisions seem repeatable, something that could linger into SEC play unless corrected. He couldn’t muster up any offense again this week. Granted, that was against Miami, but still, they’ve been lifeless on offense, and Lagway has been a major reason for this. Potential can only get you so far before actual production starts to matter.
Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)
Nussmeier hasn’t been terrible, but “not terrible” was not what many expected. He’s been more of a game manager so far than a playmaker. When games get tough or defenses stiffen, there hasn’t been the kind of jaw‑dropping play or signature moment to lift LSU’s offense. The quick release and decision-making were on display this week against SE Louisiana. Once again, a common theme, need to see him spark things up when the good teams start to roll into their schedule. For a QB under pressure to be a difference maker, that lack of “wow” matters.
Lanorris Sellers (South Carolina)
There have been glimpses of what Sellers can do. He has shown flashes of dual‑threat ability, athleticism, and big‑play potential. But those flashes are too infrequent. Plus, his health is now a question mark. If Sellers is going to deliver, he needs to string those moments together — consistency is what turns promise into reliability. His highs are next level, but his lows are just as impactful to his team’s performance. He has the best tools out of anyone in this draft class and possibly all of college football. Now we have to see it all come together on a consistent basis.
Surprises / Breakouts
Beau Pribula (Missouri)
Pribula is perhaps the most pleasantly surprising QB in the SEC so far. He’s leading Missouri to a 4-0 start, and what stands out is his precision. He currently has the highest completion rate in the conference. Many knew about his rushing traits, but his passing has now become a real strength. He’s provided balance to Missouri’s offense, given it more versatility, and shown leadership in tight moments. As the bigger moments start to pop up, the way he produces going forward will hold even more weight than ever before.
Taylen Green (Arkansas)
Green has had potential, but this season, he seems to be putting it all together. With a 2‑2 start, Arkansas has looked dangerous when it’s been in rhythm. His dual skills, running and throwing, make him a threat on every down. In comparison, people are starting to see shades of “Lamar Jackson‑Lite,” because Green can hurt defenses with his legs, but is pushing himself to be more consistent as a passer too.
John Mateer (Oklahoma)
Mateer may be the biggest Heisman chatter name rising so far. Oklahoma is undefeated, and Mateer is central to why. He is taking calculated risks, pushing the ball, and creating big plays. His arm has improved, and he’s using his legs when needed. He’s shown swagger, yes, but it’s backed up by production.
For a QB in a power conference, that kind of energy matters — it lifts the rest of the offense. The entire team seems to feed off of his energy and vibes. What he does on the field doesn’t just elevate the offense, it elevates the defense too. This team has completely transformed and molded into Mateer’s moxie. This could propel Oklahoma into not only SEC contention but National Championship contention.
Verdict & What to Keep an Eye On
The QBs who have surprised are doing so in measurable ways: high completion percentages, low turnover rates, making plays outside of structure, and showing both poise and athleticism. The disappointing ones are generally struggling with fundamentals (mechanics, decision‑making) more than scheme or supporting cast (though those do play a role). As conference play looms, the margin for error shrinks. What matters next is how quickly each of these QBs can adjust under greater pressure, better defenses, and in hostile environments.
Expect the narrative to shift fast: a handful of these QBs will improve dramatically, and others might trend downward if they don’t fix issues now. For fans and analysts, the next 2‑4 games may tell us who really belongs in the upper tier of SEC quarterbacks this season.
Main Image: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
