The QUARTERBACK competition in the SEC may not only define the SEC new pedigree of quarterbacks, but also could potentially decide which one of these teams could make it to the CFP. Make no mistake about it Texas A&M returning quarterback Marcel Reed could be the the unmentioned champion to upset all three teams. Last season, Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), Arch Manning (Texas), and LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina) emerged as standout quarterbacks in the SEC—each carving a unique path. A quick recap of each one of these QB’s and season potential.
Garrett Nussmeier – LSU Tigers
Beginning the season ranked #13 , LSU and their fanbase entered the season with high expectations and from the first game , LSU didn’t perform as expected. A favorite for many over a replenished USC roster , LSU expected to dominate the game or have a well better game than what many expected. . Though Nussmeier had a good performance with 309 yards passing 2 TDs and 1 INT, USC QB Moss had a better game and beat the Tigers by 7 points. This caused the Tigers to slip down in the polls. LSU suffered catastrophic losses toward the end of the season where they could not bounce back from with a barrage of 3 losses in a row , it doomed their season and eventually dropping the team out the TOP 25 altogether.
WAS LSU ACTUALLY A GOOD TEAM IN 2025????????? NO THEY WERE NOT!
LSU “LOST” to all RANKED TEAMS….. except #9 Ole Miss, say again LSU lost to EVERY RANKED TEAM THEY PLAYED except Ole Miss.
LSU only dominated in games they were suppose to dominate in:
Arkansas 34-10….. South Alabama 42-10…..UCLA 34-17…….Nicholls 44-21 each team unranked all season long.
2024 Stats
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Started all 13 games, led LSU to a 9–4 finish and earned MVP honors in both the ReliaQuest and Texas Bowls LSU
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Notable for his “gunslinger” mentality—sharp accuracy, deep throws, and readiness to extend plays,
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Instrumental in ranked victories over Ole Miss and South Carolina
Summary: A pure pocket passer who stepped up as a full-time starter, delivering big numbers and leading LSU offensively.
Arch Manning – Texas Longhorns
Manning finally had his chance in the spotlight and he made every second count exactly like he was suppose to and did not disappoint. Arch was 5/6 with 1 TD against Colorado State in relief to Ewers. Next game against a struggling UTSA and Ewers sidelined with injury, it was the first game for manning as a Texas starter. Texas dominated the Roadrunners 56-7 and Manning threw 4 TDS following next two games with a pair of 2TDs against ULM and Miss State. Manning dominance was very similiar to that of LSU’s Nussmeier, dominating on teams they were suppose to dominate. In each UGA game against the Bulldogs he fumbled or drop the ball. However he did get 1 rushing TD against a good Texas A&M defense. Beginning the season against Ohio State, this will possibly be the first and more important game where Manning will build his legacy from. Believing both teams will be ranked in top 5, the winner of the game may be potiential number 1. This will be the key game not only to Manning but to Texas as well. A loss here and Texas can only rebound by other teams above them losing as their next four games will be against UNRANKED teams.
CAN TEXAS BE A GOOD TEAM THIS YEAR??????????? YES!
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2024 Stats: 939 yards, 9 TDs, 2 INTs, QBR 87.5; added 108 rushing yards and 4 rush TDs
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Appeared in 10 games; started twice, going 2–0; shined vs UTSA with 223 pass yards, 53 rush yards & 5 total TDs
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Holds a $6.6 M NIL valuation after signing a deal with Red Bull, one of the highest in college sports
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Headed into 2025 as the projected starter and a Heisman Trophy favorite—despite skeptics questioning his full-season consistency
Summary: A pedigree-backed talent who dazzled in limited action, showing elite promise and readiness for a full-time role.
LaNorris Sellers – South Carolina Gamecocks
The Game Cocks roster returns with less experienced players. The running game is gone as it took a huge hit with most of the ball carriers were seniors. Unless one of the returning backs emerge sellers could be the team leading rusher. The passing game had to many receivers to touch the ball, can be both good and bad, many underclassmen to fight for the position as neither stood out as a dominat threat.
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2024 Stats: 2,534 pass yards, 18 TDs, 7 INTs; also rushed for 674 yards and 7 TDs; QBR 69.8
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Led South Carolina to a surprising 9–4 season (5–3 SEC), securing a top-20 ranking
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Heroic performance in upset win over Clemson: accounted for both passing and rushing TDs
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Declined an $8M transfer NIL offer—chose loyalty over instant gain; earned third-team All‑SEC honors
Summary: A true dual-threat quarterback who consistently delivered in high-pressure situations, earning respect and recognition.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Nussmeier (LSU) | Manning (Texas) | Sellers (South Carolina) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 4,052 | 939 | 2,534 |
| Passing TDs | 29 | 9 | 18 |
| Rushing Threat | Minimal | 108 yds, 4 TDs | 674 yds, 7 TDs |
| QBR | 80.0 | 87.5 | 69.8 |
| Games Started | 13 | 2 | 13 |
| Team Record (2024) | 9–4 | Contending in CFP playoff | 9–4, ranked 19th |
| Signature Performance | Bowl MVP, ranked wins | 5‑TD explosion in relief vs UTSA | 5 TD explosion vs #23 Mizzu |
| Recognition | Bowl MVP, top‑10 QBR | Multi‑week honors; Heisman buzz | 3rd‑team All‑SEC; major NIL attention |
Final Verdict
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Garrett Nussmeier Returning Senior, exemplified passing excellence, confidently stepping into LSU’s lead role and compiling elite stats—hallmarks of a true SEC signal-caller.
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Arch Manning, Redshirt Sophmore though limited in playing time, turned heads with efficiency and multi-dimensional play, backed by strong pedigree and NIL clout—he’s positioned for a breakout starter campaign in 2025.
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LaNorris Sellers Returning Sophmore proved his value as a versatile dual-threat, guiding South Carolina to multiple upsets and making big plays when it mattered most, solidifying himself as a force in the SEC.
Each QB brought a distinct flavor: Nussmeier the passing maestro, Manning the high-ceiling prospect, and Sellers the versatile leader. Their 2024 performances promise compelling storylines—and intriguing matchups—in the upcoming season
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