Nick Saban breaks down top SEC quarterbacks

Per usual, the quarterback position is loaded inside the SEC. Almost every single school has an interesting storyline at the position. The on-field play should be pretty good too, especially when compared to what’s happening elsewhere in the country.

ESPN’s Nick Saban is pretty high on a bunch of guys as well. At SEC Media Days on Wednesday, Saban broke down eight of his favorites. Most of them are already established in the conference, with six being considered returning starters.

[ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ]

Let’s check out what the legendary head coach had to say about SEC quarterbacks. The names provided are in alphabetical order.

Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss

Saban is quite high on what Chambliss brings to the table. Everyone saw what the Ole Miss quarterback was able to do in 2025, before somehow taking it to another level in the College Football Playoff. There is even a comparison Saban felt comfortable using, dipping into the history book.

“To me, probably the best playmaker in the whole country when it comes to that position at quarterback,” Saban said. “I did a documentary yesterday on Fran Tarkenton, who started being this kind of player who could run around and make plays and put pressure on the defense. [Chambliss] is the ultimate guy to do that.”

Sam Leavitt, LSU

“As a freshman, took Arizona State to the playoffs,” Saban said. “He’s at LSU now. Tough year last year because of injuries. So, he’s an exciting player.”

Leavitt was a popular name in the NCAA transfer portal last offseason. Ultimately, LSU and Lane Kiffin won the race. Now, everyone is waiting to see Leavitt officially put on the purple and gold after missing time due to injury. Once he does, expectations are going to be sky high in Baton Rouge.

Arch Manning, Texas

When Manning was going through the recruiting process, Saban was still coaching. So, there is a solid relationship there between them.

The roller coaster of Manning’s 2025 is well-documented. He finished the year strong, mainly in the bowl win over Michigan. Even so, Saban took a moment to talk about what Manning does for the entire Texas team.

“The way he finished the season last year,” Saban said. “I think he’s always been a guy that wants to prove himself before he leads. Now, he’s ready to lead.”

John Mateer, Oklahoma

There is a clear turning point in Mateer’s first Oklahoma campaign. His thumb injury changed things, whether or not he wanted to admit as such at the time. Getting healthy was key for Mateer over the offseason, wanting to get back to his high level of play. Saban is confident the OU signal caller will get there.

“You’ve got John Mateer, who started out the season with a bang last year,” Saban said. “Got injured, was never the same. But he’s going to come back to that level of performance.”

Marcel Reed, Texas A&M

“Marcel Reed at Texas A&M affects the game in so many ways,” Saban said. “Because he’s a good passer but he’s very athletic.”

Reed threw for 3,169 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions last year. He added a solid 493 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. Until the South Carolina game, Reed was widely considered a Heisman Trophy favorite.

LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

Speaking of South Carolina, the main point of discussion around Sellers does not even involve him. Saban is looking at what the Gamecocks were able to put around QB1 in Columbia. Whether it’s blocking up front or playmakers, Sellers needs better support to fully shine.

“If he has a little better team around him, a little better offensive line, and he gets an opportunity to do what he can do,” Saban said.

Gunner Stockton, Georgia

“Can Gunner Stockton take the next step in terms of being more effective throwing the ball down the field?” Saban asked.

Everyone is wondering the same thing, specifically in Athens. Finding a way to produce consistent explosive plays might be the difference for Georgia in 2026. Stockton has a huge year ahead of him, also needing to count on some receivers.

Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State

For the most part, Mississippi State left Taylor on the sideline during his true freshman season. Things changed before the Egg Bowl. Jeff Lebby showed the world Taylor’s potential, as he threw for 178 yards and rushed for another 173 vs. Ole Miss.

On a national scale, Taylor might yet be too well-known. Saban believes there will be a time when that changes.

“You’ve got Kamario Taylor, who nobody’s really heard much about at Mississippi State,” Saban said. “This guy could be the truth and the light now. He is really, really good.”