The Southeastern Conference isn’t short on talented quarterbacks as we head into the 2024 season. No less than seven QBs have the ability, supporting cast, and play callers to be All-Americans. Even looking past the 2024 season and to the 2025 NFL Draft, the SEC is looking at five quarterbacks with potential first-round grades.
After that, there are several more starting quarterbacks who have NFL talent, whether in the immediate or in the years to come. The 2024 season should be an exciting one in the south…per usual.
The SEC is Loaded at the Quarterback Position
Georgia Bulldogs QB Carson Beck could potentially be the number one overall selection. Texas gunslinger Quinn Ewers has had first-round hype since he was a junior in high school. Ole Miss signal-caller Jaxson Dart has top-15 ability and is poised for a huge season under Lane Kiffin. Alabama QB Jalen Milroe may have the best deep ball in the country and is the definition of a dual threat.
LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier will take over the Tiger offense for the departed Jayden Daniels. Many think he is a better overall quarterback than the Heisman Trophy winner. Tennessee and Oklahoma both have outstanding young quarterbacks in Nico Iamaleava and Jackson Arnold. Both will be first-year starters at their respective schools and sit at or near the top of the 2026 NFL Draft rankings.
Start, Bench, Cut: SEC Quarterbacks
With that being said, there’s a certain game people like to play called Start, Bench, Cut. If you aren’t familiar, the premise is basically to rank three players…if it wasn’t self-explanatory enough.
The three we will take a look at today are Carson Beck, Jaxson Dart, and Quinn Ewers. I will examine their ability, supporting cast, play-callers, and NFL Draft stock when determining whether to Start, Bench, or Cut each of the three quarterbacks.
Start: Carson Beck, Quarterback, Georgia Bulldogs
Carson Beck is the best player on the best team in the country. His steady demeanor doesn’t allow for him or his team to get too high or too low, and that is an incredibly valuable trait. He is considered one of the favorites to win the 2024 Heisman and then to also be the number one overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Last season, Beck took over for Stetson Bennett after two consecutive national titles. The talent was evident right from the start. Beck has a tremendous arm and good enough mobility to extend plays.
Under offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, Carson Beck will play in a pro-style offense. Bobo has always had effective offenses, dating back to his first stint as the Bulldogs’ OC. Combine that with having a talented stable of running backs, a dynamic group of pass catchers, and one of the best offensive lines in the country, Beck is my ‘Start’ of this group of quarterbacks.
Bench: Jaxson Dart, Quarterback, Ole Miss Rebels
Jaxson Dart is an electric and somewhat polarizing quarterback. He has a bit of an explosive and highly competitive personality, and that lends itself to some very high highs and some lower lows at times. I honestly don’t think head coach Lane Kiffin would have it any other way.
Dart has been one of the best quarterbacks in Ole Miss’ history since transferring in from USC. Last season, he led Ole Miss to the best record in school history. Now, without running back Quinshon Judkins…who transferred to Ohio State…the Rebels will need to rely on Dart more than ever.
Wide receivers Tre Harris, Juice Wells, and tight end Caden Prieskorn are as good as anybody if they are healthy. Wells and Prieskorn both have dealt with injuries over the last couple of seasons. If they can stay on the field, Jaxson Dart has a great opportunity to continue to raise his draft stock. His prototypical NFL size (6’2”, 220lbs) makes him the ‘bench’ option here.
Cut: Quinn Ewers, Quarterback, Texas Longhorns
Quinn Ewers and the aforementioned Jaxson Dart are so close to each other in ability, surrounding personnel, draft stock, and coaching staff. The main difference between the two quarterbacks is their sizes. While Dart has prototypical size, Ewers has a slighter frame, which has been an issue with him in regards to injuries.
In 2022, Ewers was off to a great start to the season. He was in the middle of carving up Alabama’s defense, then he got hit hard, and injured his shoulder. The rest of his season was very inconsistent as a result. In 2023, he stayed healthy and took his Longhorn team to the College Football Playoffs. His slighter frame and smaller size give him the ‘cut’ designation.
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About the Author
Tom has been writing about professional wrestling, college football, NFL, and fantasy football for over a decade and is an avid sports fan. He has been known in the fantasy football industry for his dynasty and devy knowledge, but he is also very versed in betting.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee with a History degree, he loves all things Vols. He is also a massive Atlanta Braves and Dallas Cowboys fan.
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