Quarterbacks across the SEC have played well in the early stages of the 2026 college football season. As a whole, the conference has lost just two non-conference games thus far, both on the road against ranked foes in hostile environments.
The quality play made it tough for SEC Network analyst Gene Chizik to choose his top five SEC passers entering Week 3. The 2010 BCS national champion took both passers from the Magnolia State, but left both signal-callers from the Lone Star State off his list:
- Trinidad Chambliss – Ole Miss Rebels
- Gunner Stockton – Georgia Bulldogs
- Kamario Taylor – Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Austin Simmons – Missouri Tigers
- Aaron Philo – Florida Gators
“Aaron Philo… [has been] incredibly accurate throwing the ball… whether he’s in the pocket or on the move,” Chizik said. “He’s completing 76% of his balls. He’s got one turnover… he’s gaining confidence every week.”
Chizik spoke glowingly about Austin Simmons as well, naming him the “surprise of the SEC.” The former Auburn head coach called Kamario Taylor, “the buzz of the SEC,” saying he had “Cam Newton-ish” traits, and championed Gunner Stockton’s toughness before explaining why Trinidad Chambliss was his top choice.
“How can you pick against the guy?” Chizik asked. “I look at a guy that’s got incredible pocket presence… if he has to escape the pocket, he can do that as well… he protects the football. He understands the game. He’s doing the same thing this year… he’s special throwing the football.”
Chizik declared himself “an Arch Manning fan,” but said Manning must “play better than one good quarter” to make his list. Manning hopes to do that in Week 3, when his Texas Longhorns battle the UTSA Roadrunners on Saturday night (8:00 p.m. E.T., SEC Network+).
