With spring practices now in the rearview mirror, teams have a break before tuning things up for good ahead of the 2026 college football season.

It will be the third year of the expanded CFP (with maybe more expansions coming soon), and as we've learned thus far quarterback play is obviously a key factor in team's success on the national stage.

That urgency begins more than ever in the SEC, which continues to draw arguments of being the nation's best conference. Undoubtedly, it's the country's deepest, and that's most evident in the talent under center league-wide.

So, to kick off the dog days of summer until we get to August, here's a look at the top quarterbacks in the conference entering 2026.

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This time last year, four quarterbacks only a handful of returning gunslingers had CFP experience, and that's the case this year as well.

But although Manning's debut season as the Longhorns' starter was shaky, he closed the year as well as any quarterback in the country.

He'll hear first-round NFL Draft buzz and Heisman Trophy consideration from Week 1 on (as tough as that is for the 12th Man to hear) ... but then again, so, will a lot of guys on this list.

Manning lands the top spot if he can use a dynamic receiver core to pick up where he left off.

Chambliss brings CFP experience into his additional college football season, but will he rise to the extra pressure of making the most of the granted year of eligibility?

Will the messy departure of Lane Kiffin knock the Rebels out of kilter? How does the shifty QB adjust to a new coordinator?

There are a lot of questions still to answer, but one thing's for certain: Chambliss returns with just as many skill-position weapons as anyone and a track record of immediate production.

A repeat performance is expected.

The Aggies veteran possesses athleticism that is unmatched among his SEC counterparts, which gives him the edge onto this ranking's podium.

Though he's losing major contributors on offense to the NFL, that means Mike Elko will place an even heavier weight onto Reed's shoulders in 2026.

Consistency will need to steady, but over 3,000 yards passing, nearly 500 on the ground and over 30 touchdowns isn't an accident. With Texas A&M also coming off its best season of the decade, there's reason to believe another strong campaign is in store.

Stockton, while undersized, has quietly ushered himself into elite company nationwide when it comes to accuracy and poise under pressure.

The Bulldogs are primarily thought of as a defensive program, and even with that perception, Georgia has competed at the highest levels because of Stockton's protection of the football, wide range of throws in his arsenal, and an escapability that surprises linebackers who face him for the first time.

Teams might figure him out more in 2026, but they have ways to go before officially figuring him out.

Mateer rejoins the Sooners in 2026 after grinding through last season's nagging hand injury, but although his hype died down a bit after the setback and sloppy return, it's hard to forget how electric the former Washington State transfer was in the first month of 2025.

With an offseason of recovery, Mateer can easily return to that Heisman form. He may lean on his legs in the early stages of the season to regain confidence, but we've also seen that shouldn't be an issue for the OU offense.

In a toss up for the first spots outside the top five, Sellers gets the slight preseason edge for his continuity with Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks.

Last season fell below South Carolina's expectations, but with a potential NFL Draft eligibility awating, Sellers is poised to reach top form in 2026.

Improvements on the offensive line and better health luck will need to be notable in helping him do so.

Kiffin landed one of the country's most sought-after transfers in his move to Baton Rouge, and it's a pairing with Leavitt that has fans tuning in to see what happens.

The coach's track record with explosive quarterbacks is admirable and Leavitt has the traits necessary to thrive. The veteran is recovering from a foot sprain that limited his playing time in 2025, but if healthy, should rise up these rankings by midseason.

Taylor officially takes the reins in Starkville as he takes his sometimes-chaotic play style against the SEC slate for the first time.

The sophomore has some ways to go, but he's looked at as a shining building block that oozes with momentum, boosting fans spirits.

Brown followed coach Alex Golesh from USF to Auburn this offseason and will be tested by increased competition after dominating the American Conference last year.

He recorded one of the best QBRs in the land and threw for over 3,000 yards while also rushing for over a thousand.

Can he carry that skillset into a league defined by elite defensive lines? If so, Brown is a fascinating case for the Tigers who can regain control of their rivalry with Alabama amid the Crimson Tide's quarterback uncertainty.

Simmons stayed in the SEC after learning under Kiffin and eventually having his spot taken by Chambliss, but a new system may be exactly what he needs.

Although the Tigers will feature star running back Ahmad Hardy, Simmons is expected to bring a leadership and experience level that can be successful for Eli Drinkwitz continuing the momentum in Columbia.