Texas football quarterback takes top spot in Phil Steele’s rankings

Projected Starter: Taylen Green

Steele Ranking: No. 68

Arkansas barely made it to 68th and is expected to roll with former Boise State matchup threat Taylen Green. He replaces four-year starter KJ Jefferson who now plays in Central Florida. The QB room in Fayetteville includes Malachi Singleton and KJ Jackson.

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Projected starter: LaNorris sellers

Steele Ranking: No. 57

South Carolina will turn to LaNorris Sellers as its starting quarterback in 2024. Spencer Rattler left Columbia after two seasons as the man under center. The unit also includes Auburn transfer Robby Ashford and Oklahoma graduate transfer Davis Beville.

Projected entry: Diego Pavia

Steele Ranking: No. 50

Seeing Vanderbilt rank in the top 50 on any non-academic list might catch you off guard. The Commodores are ranked here above Auburn, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Arkansas and South Carolina due to their transfers. Diego Pavia is the best guy in the state of New Mexico. He is joined by former Utah QB Nate Johnson and Aggies teammate Blaze Berlowitz. Drew Dickey is the only passer on the depth chart who was on the roster with Vanderbilt in 2023.

Projected starter: Jackson Arnold

Steele Ranking: No. 43

The Sooners are rolling with Jackson Arnold at quarterback in 2024. He gave us a glimpse of Oklahoma’s future in the Alamo Bowl. Norman’s quarterback group includes freshmen Michael Hawkins Jr. and Brendan Zurbrugg. Casey Thompson transferred to play where his father once suited up after stops with Texas, Nebraska and Florida Atlantic.

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Projected Starter: Garrett Nussmeier

Steele Ranking: No. 41

After waiting his turn for the past few years, Garrett Nussmeier finally gets his chance as a starting quarterback with the Tigers. He leads a quarterback group that includes former Vanderbilt QB AJ Swann, Rickie Collins and Colin Hurley. Next year, the team will likely add the nation’s No. 1 quarterback, Bryce Underwood.

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Projected starter: Nico Iamaleava

Steele Ranking: No. 39

For the first time since the arrival of Josh Heupel in 2021, the Vols will look to a no-trade at quarterback. After Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton, Tennessee will roll with former five-star signee Nico Iamaleava. He has minimal experience but the talent level is sky high. He is joined by Gaston Moore and new freshman Jake Merklinger.

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Projected starter: Graham Mertz

Steele Ranking: No. 28

We’ve ranked the top 30 quarterback units, with Florida next on the list. Graham Mertz has quietly had one of the best seasons for quarterbacks in 2023. However, it appears all eyes are on five-star signee DJ Lagway. Mertz gives them the best chance this year but Lagway is the future of Billy Napier and the staff. The QB room also includes Colorado State transfer Clay Millen.

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Projected Starter: Conner Weigman

Steele Ranking: No. 26

Once again, Texas A&M is banking on the talent of Conner Weigman. When he’s on the field, Weigman has proven to be one of the most consistent quarterbacks. He will guide the offense into the end zone and not turn the ball over much. Weigman’s problem is staying healthy after back-to-back seasons ended by injury. The Aggies’ QB room under first-year head coach Mike Elko includes Jaylen Henderson and Marcel Reed.

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Projected entry: Brady Cook

Steele Ranking: No. 23

Missouri has been a bit of a surprise team in 2023, thanks in large part to the play of Brady Cook and an offense that features top player Luther Burden III. Cook’s return has the Tigers dreaming big in 2024. Cook is joined by Sam Horn, Drew Pyne, Aidan Glover and Harold Blood Jr.

Projected Starter: Jaxson Dart

Steele Ranking: No. 5

Lane Kiffin’s quarterback room looks a lot like it did last year, with one difference. Jaxson Dart, Walker Howard and Austin Simmons are all back with the Rebels. Incoming freshman AJ Maddox takes the spot vacated by outgoing senior Spencer Sanders. Dart hopes to lead Ole Miss to the CFP for the first time. Based on the expanded field and this team’s performance in 2024, that seems more likely than not.

Projected Starter: Jalen Milroe

Steele Ranking: #4

Even with Kalen DeBoer taking over for the legendary Nick Saban, Alabama’s quarterback room is relatively unchanged. They added former Washington QB Austin Mack to the roster. Jalen Milroe returns as the starter along with Ty Simpson and Dylan Lonergan. Eli Holstein and Tyler Buchner transferred after the season.

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Projected Starter: Carson Beck

Steele Ranking: #2

Carson Beck is widely considered the best quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. He leads a QB room full of talent despite Brock Vandagriff leaving for Kentucky. Joining Beck, UGA has Gunner Stockton, Ryan Puglisi and transfer Jaden Rashada. Georgia is in good hands with this venue but still falls short of the #1 ranking.

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Projected entry: Quinn Ewers

Steele Ranking: #1

The Longhorns hold the top spot thanks to two former five-star signees leading the way. Quinn Ewers returns as a starter after some thought he might go to the NFL. Arch Manning is the future and some seem to be debating it. They are joined in the QB room by freshman Trey Owens.