Arch Manning grew up during the 2025 season. Thrust into the immediate fire of facing defending national champion Ohio State at the Horseshoe in his first game as starter, Manning struggled out of the gate. It wasn't until he said "Screw it" that he started playing better. He finished strong with big performances against rival Texas A&M and Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

USA TODAY Sports has ranked the quarterbacks in the SEC and Manning is No. 1. The SEC could be the deepest at QB in years. From Manning to AJ Hill, we give you the great, the good and the unknown of the quarterback position in the SEC.

The SEC also has a new veteran QB in the mix with Arizona State's Sam Leavitt transfer to LSU to play for new coach Lane Kiffin. Texas struggled to contain Leavitt when they played ASU in the 2026 Peach Bowl.

This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Is Texas Longhorns Arch Manning best QB in SEC? Here are the rankings