The Top 5 Quarterbacks in the SEC for 2024

© John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

This season, the Southeastern Conference is full of high-caliber talent at the quarterback position, and five of them standout above the rest. The last time these five SEC quarterbacks were on the field was either in a New Year’s 6 bowl game or a College Football Playoff semifinal. All five of these quarterbacks were the driving force behind those respective runs. In other words, these quarterbacks should start ahead of almost every other team's quarterback in the country.

No. 1: Quinn Ewers, Texas

In his first season as a starter, former five-star recruit Ewers had 3,554 total yards for 27 touchdowns and just 6 interceptions. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian beefed up the Texas offensive line during the offseason and it should provide Ewers even more protection as they head to the SEC.

Ewers' top targets from a year ago—receivers Xavier Worthy, AD Mitchell, Jordan Whittington and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders left for the NFL. Former Alabama receiver Isiah Bond and former Houston receiver Matthew Golden will help offset some of those losses. As Ewers heads into his third season with the Longhorns, he is expected to lead them to the top of the SEC if not the top of college football.

No. 2: Carson Beck, Georgia

While Georgia’s roster underwent turnover at key positions, one spot they didn't have to worry about was quarterback. In his first season as a starter, Beck threw for 3,941 passing yards and 24 touchdowns to lead Georgia to the SEC Eastern Division title, ultimately losing to Alabama in the conference championship game.

Beck put up those numbers despite tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Ladd McConkey, who were picked in the first and second rounds of the NFL Draft, respectively, missing significant time with injuries. Like Ewers, Beck is among the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy next season, and once he leaves Athens, he’ll probably be a high first-round draft pick. 

No. 3: Jalen Milroe, Alabama

There were a lot of doubts about Milroe before the 2023 season, with doubts only intensifying after his performance against Texas and his benching against South Florida.

From that point until the SEC Championship Game against Georgia, Milroe produced 28 touchdowns (18 passing, 10 rushing), only had 4 interceptions and went 10-0 during that stretch. Further improvement with his passing could mean that the Heisman Trophy may be back in Tuscaloosa.

No. 4: Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss

Dart cemented himself as the starting quarterback for Ole Miss after continuously improving his numbers over the last two years. In 2023, Dart had career highs with 3,364 passing yards and 23 touchdowns while only throwing 5 interceptions to lead Ole Miss to their first 11-win season in program history.

Dart returns with much of the roster still intact and is joined by several key transfer additions—including multiple offensive linemen, RB Logan Diggs and WR Antwane Wells Jr.—making Ole Miss a legitimate SEC title contender. 

No. 5: Brady Cook, Missouri

In 2023, Cook threw for 3,317 yards and 21 touchdowns and even added eight more on the ground. Missouri’s lethal combination of Cook and wide receiver Luther Burden III could light the college football world on fire next season, as the duo produced an impressive 29 total touchdowns in 2023.

Losing 1,600-yard rusher and first team All-American Cody Schrader will put more pressure on the passing attack, but with Burden, Theo Wease Jr. and Mookie Cooper all coming back, Cook should continue his strong play in 2024.