This list is subject to change.

I’m admitting that by September, I could have a very different list of starting quarterback matchups that I can’t wait to see. Stars emerge, and perceived stars don’t live up to the hype.

For now, though, I decided to take a look at my favorite quarterback matchups involving SEC teams in 2023.

Before we dig in, a few notes.

I didn’t feel strongly enough about Alabama’s quarterback battle to pencil one into this list, though I do believe Ty Simpson will win the starting job.

To make this list, I have to feel like we’ll get at least a somewhat competitive game. It’s hard to say I’m excited about the quarterback matchup in South Carolina-Georgia when the Dawgs took the Gamecocks to the woodshed each of the past 2 years.

Another thing: This is only SEC vs. SEC, meaning I won’t include Jayden Daniels vs. Jordan Travis or Spencer Rattler vs. Drake Maye.

One last thing: This list is totally subjective and if your team’s quarterback isn’t on it, consider that a sign that I’m not quite as high on him as others.

Here are my 5 favorite QB matchups we’ll see in SEC play in 2023:

5. Devin Leary vs. Spencer Rattler

When — Nov. 18

Why — Part of this ranking is because of the perceived beef between Shane Beamer and Mark Stoops. It’s become one of the few SEC coach grudges in recent memory, or at least that’s what we’ve been led to believe.

But separate from that, Rattler led the Gamecocks to a big road victory in Lexington last year while UK was without Will Levis. With Leary now in the fold, Kentucky is looking not only to avenge last year’s loss, but also to get back to the offense we saw in 2021 under Liam Coen. Rattler and Leary have entirely different skill sets, but both are highly regarded former transfers who could find themselves in a fight for a New Year’s 6 Bowl late in the season. This could be a huge money game for both quarterbacks ahead of their likely departures for the NFL at season’s end.

And if we get a viral troll from the winning coach in this one, well, don’t be surprised.

4. Will Rogers vs. KJ Jefferson

When — Oct. 21

Why — With Jefferson sidelined for the 2022 game, we’ve actually only seen these prolific SEC signal-callers face off once, and it was a thriller that went down to the wire in 2021. Jefferson might’ve benefitted from a favorable pass-interference call on that game-winning drive, but he was phenomenal down the stretch while Rogers went off for 417 passing yards and 4 touchdowns.

This year, Rogers and Jefferson are transitioning into more pro-style schemes. We’re going to see how that translates with new play-callers for the first time since they became starters. Rogers will look to show he can consistently stretch the field vertically while Jefferson will see his passing volume increase. What are the odds that Jefferson actually finishes the day with more passing attempts than Rogers? For the first time, that’s not such a crazy thought. Turn this one on at noon on SEC Network (I’m assuming) and prepare to be entertained.

3. Joe Milton vs. Devin Leary

When — Oct. 28

Why — You might be surprised this made the cut, but hear me out. The last time we had Coen and Josh Heupel dialing up looks in Lexington, we got a 45-42 slugfest. Granted, it was Will Levis vs. Hendon Hooker. This matchup will feature 2 different quarterbacks, but it should be excellent with Milton and Leary, both of whom are among the most intriguing quarterbacks in America entering 2023.

We’ll know a lot more about Milton by late-October, though it’s worth remembering that even if he struggles with his accuracy issues, that could include 75-yard incompletions or it could include a switch to 5-star freshman Nico Iamaleava. By this point in the season, I’d expect both Milton and Leary to have developed a rapport with a promising group of pass-catchers. Barion Brown and Squirrel White could go back and forth exchanging home-run plays. This will be worth your attention when it’s inevitably an SEC Saturday Night game in Lexington.

2. Carson Beck vs. Joe Milton

When — Nov. 18

Why — I reserve the right to simply change the names but leave this in the No. 2 slot if this ends up being a battle of 5-star quarterbacks with Brock Vandagriff vs. Nico Iamaleava. But my guess is this’ll be Beck vs. Milton in what figures to be the biggest start of their respective careers.

Could Beck be in the midst of a Heisman Trophy campaign? Will Milton’s stock be through the roof like one of his moonshot throws? Either way, we should see an incredible atmosphere in Knoxville. Tennessee has Florida and Alabama on the road this year, and the headliner nonconference game will be in Nashville, so the home fans could be chomping at the bit for the Dawgs. If the Vols pick up where they left off, we could have a de-facto division title game with a whole lot of pressure on Beck and Milton to deliver like their predecessors.

1. KJ Jefferson vs. Jayden Daniels

When — Sept. 23

Why — My guess is that when the preseason All-SEC teams come out in July, Jefferson and Daniels will be the first- and second-team selections. This matchup of established SEC signal-callers will be LSU’s first FBS home game and it’ll be Arkansas’ first SEC matchup. Huge. Remember that in this late-season Battle for The Boot last year, Jefferson was hurt and Harold Perkins took over the entire state of Arkansas with a performance for the ages. It was so cold that day that Brian Kelly had LSU players drinking soup on the sidelines. My guarantee? A September game in Baton Rouge will be just a touch hotter and more kind to high-flying offenses.

It figures to be much higher scoring than what we’ve seen the last 2 years. We had 23 combined points in 2022 and 29 combined points in an overtime game in 2021, which marked Arkansas first win in Death Valley since 2015. That was the best road win of Jefferson’s career. Winning at LSU against a more talented 2023 team would be even more impressive.

Either way, sign me up for this SEC West showdown of versatile, proven quarterbacks.