Ranking the Best NFL Quarterbacks to Come Out of Every SEC Program

Last week we looked at the best pro quarterbacks from Big Ten schools. This week, it’s the big, bad SEC’s turn.

It’s arguably the best conference in college football, and definitely the most passionate (and some would say the most annoying). Love it or hate it, the SEC’s ability to produce NFL talent year after year is unmatched. This isn’t about who was the best college quarterback, but rather whose game translated best to the pros. When it comes to quarterbacks, this conference has delivered some of the best to ever play the game. 

Here are my picks for the top NFL quarterback from every SEC school.

Alabama: Bart Starr

Alabama has long been the premier program in college football, with a deep list of quality quarterbacks to choose from. Ultimately, Bart Starr gets the nod as the Tom Brady of the NFL’s early days.

Starr’s Green Bay Packers were the team to beat in the 1960s, winning two Super Bowls and three NFL Championships before the AFL and NFL merged. He was also a league MVP.

Career Stats: 24,718 yards, 152 touchdowns, 138 interceptions

Honorable Mentions: Ken Stabler, Joe Namath

Arkansas: Joe Ferguson

Arkansas is not exactly known for its quarterback pipeline, but Joe Ferguson was solid throughout his long NFL career. He never collected major accolades, yet gave the Bills stable play through the 1970s and 80s.

Career Stats: 29,817 yards, 196 touchdowns, 209 interceptions

Honorable Mention: Lamar McHan

Auburn: Cam Newton

One of the best college quarterbacks ever, Cam Newton was an easy choice. His 2015 MVP season remains one of the most memorable by any quarterback in recent history, and his unique style made him one of the most influential players of his generation.

Career Stats: 32,382 yards, 194 touchdowns, 123 interceptions

Honorable Mention: Jason Campbell

Florida: Rex Grossman

Despite three Heisman winners, Florida’s NFL quarterback track record is rough. Rex Grossman gets the call here after leading the 2006 Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl appearance.

Career Stats: 10,232 yards, 56 touchdowns, 60 interceptions

Honorable Mention: Tim Tebow

Georgia: Matthew Stafford

This was a tough one between Stafford and Fran Tarkenton. Stafford earns the spot thanks to his Super Bowl ring and his consistent production over 15 years. He has been one of the league’s most reliable arms and an underrated star.

Career Stats: 61,675 yards, 394 touchdowns, 190 interceptions

Honorable Mention: Fran Tarkenton

Kentucky: George Blanda

George Blanda is one of the most fascinating figures in NFL history. He played 26 seasons, the longest career in league history, and retired at age 48. He was also a four time Pro Bowler and one of the AFL’s premier passers.

Career Stats: 26,920 yards, 236 touchdowns, 277 interceptions

Honorable Mention: Babe Parilli

LSU: Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow has already shown more at the NFL level than any other LSU quarterback. A Super Bowl run, MVP caliber seasons, and elite consistency make him the clear choice.

Career Stats: 19,190 yards, 142 touchdowns, 46 interceptions

Honorable Mention: Y.A. Tittle

Mississippi State: Dak Prescott

Dak Prescott has been a steady starter for nearly a decade. He is productive and poised but needs postseason success to cement his legacy. The 2-5 playoff record remains the blemish on an otherwise strong career.

Career Stats: 33,506 yards, 229 touchdowns, 87 interceptions

Honorable Mention: Joe Reed

Missouri: Blaine Gabbert

Missouri has not had much quarterback success in the NFL, and Blaine Gabbert takes this spot by default. A productive college passer who never quite made it as a pro starter, Gabbert has carved out a long backup career.

Career Stats: 9,487 yards, 51 touchdowns, 50 interceptions

Honorable Mention: Drew Lock

Oklahoma: Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts is one of the most polarizing players in football. Love him or doubt him, his success is undeniable. A Super Bowl Champion, Super Bowl MVP, and two time Pro Bowler, Hurts edges out Baker Mayfield for this spot.

Career Stats: 16,344 yards, 100 touchdowns, 40 interceptions

Honorable Mention: Baker Mayfield

Ole Miss: Eli Manning

Eli Manning’s resume says it all. Two Super Bowls, legendary playoff moments, and a career full of unforgettable highlights. The stats may not match the legends of his era, but the rings speak loudly.

Career Stats: 57,023 yards, 366 touchdowns, 244 interceptions

Honorable Mention: Archie Manning

South Carolina: Spencer Rattler

It is surprising that Spencer Rattler is South Carolina’s best NFL quarterback so far. Still early in his career, he has flashed potential but has not yet established himself.

Career Stats: 2,903 yards, 12 touchdowns, 10 interceptions

Honorable Mention: Anthony Wright

Tennessee: Peyton Manning

One of the greatest players in NFL history. Five MVPs, two Super Bowls, and nearly every major passing record of his era. Peyton Manning is the obvious pick here and maybe the obvious pick for the entire SEC.

Career Stats: 71,940 yards, 539 touchdowns, 251 interceptions

Honorable Mention: Joshua Dobbs

Texas A&M: Ryan Tannehill

From college receiver to NFL quarterback, Ryan Tannehill’s story is unique. Never elite but always steady, he gave both Miami and Tennessee years of quality play and even reached a conference title game.

Career Stats: 34,881 yards, 216 touchdowns, 115 interceptions

Honorable Mention: Kyle Allen

Texas: Bobby Layne

One of the NFL’s first stars, Bobby Layne was a six time Pro Bowler and multiple time champion in the 1950s. A Hall of Famer whose success predates the Super Bowl era.

Career Stats: 26,768 yards, 196 touchdowns, 243 interceptions

Honorable Mention: Vince Young

Vanderbilt: Jay Cutler

Jay Cutler’s career was a mix of talent, controversy, and frustration. Yet despite the criticism, he delivered more than 35,000 yards and nearly a decade of starting caliber play.

Career Stats: 35,133 yards, 227 touchdowns, 160 interceptions

Honorable Mention: Billy Wade

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