​IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectSimilar to the NFL, a skilled quarterback can turn a college football program into a playoff contender. The 2026 crop of college quarterbacks is filled with players who will hear their names called early in the 2027 NFL Draft. And interestingly enough, quite a few of them will be leading offenses in the SEC this year. But which signal callers stand above the rest as the best of the best in, arguably, the top conference in college football? We look to answer that question with our all-new rankings of the top 10 QB1s in the SEC heading into Week 3 of the season.10. Marcel Reed, Texas A&MSep 5, 2026; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed (10) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Missouri State Bears at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn ImagesIn his first full season as a starter at Texas A&M last year, Marcel Reed put up good numbers. Throwing for 3,169 yards, ran for 493 more, and posted 31 total TDs to 12 INTs. While he hasn’t been spectacular in his first two starts in 2026, Reed has done a rock-solid job. Tallying 396 passing yards, 5 TDs, and 1 INT in a pair of victories.9. Faizon Brandon, TennesseeSep 12, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) celebrates after a victory over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesIt is never easy being a freshman starter in a top conference like the SEC. Tennessee’s Faizon Brandon has that challenge in front of him in 2026, and so far the five-star recruit has been fine.In the Volunteers’ two wins, Brandon has 374 passing yards and is tied for fourth in the conference with 5 TDs. He has also added 90 yards and 2 more TDs on the ground. While he needs work on his accuracy, the freshman has not been a detriment to his team.8. Kenny Minchey, KentuckySep 12, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Kenny Minchey (3) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn ImagesAfter being unable to win the starting QB job at Notre Dame last year, Kenny Minchey chose to leave and join Kentucky in the transfer portal in the spring. Although he struggled this past week against Alabama, posting only 146 passing yards in a loss, he still tallied 301 yards and 4 TDs in a victory over Youngstown State to begin the year. Minchey can be an impact QB in the SEC this year.7. John Mateer, OklahomaSep 12, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball against the Michigan Wolverines during the second quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesAfter transferring from Washington State following a breakout season in 2024, there were very high hopes for what John Mateer could do at Oklahoma last year. Unfortunately, he suffered a bro