SURGE: Why The SEC Has the Best Quarterbacks in College Football in 2026! | Stars, Sleepers & More

SEC quarterbacks enter a new era—who will emerge as the breakout star in 2026? With heavy roster turnover and returning stars like Arch Manning, Marcel Reed, and LaNorris Sellers set to ignite competition, the battle for starting jobs across Alabama, LSU, Florida, and beyond couldn’t be hotter. Transfers Byron Brown and Sam Leavitt seek to make their mark with new teams, while freshmen like Jared Curtis and George McIntyre aim to prove they’re SEC-ready from day one.

Chris Gordy, joined by Chris Marler, examines key quarterback battles—Austin Mack vs. Keelon Russell at Alabama, the Florida Gators’ search for a leader, and the impact of offensive gurus like Lane Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr. on young signal-callers. And don't forget guys like John Mateer and Gunner Stockton who may only get better in 2026! With SEC coaching shakeups, offseason transfer moves, and highly rated recruits, this episode explores which quarterbacks and programs have the edge and who could carry their team to the College Football Playoff spotlight.

Everydayer Club  
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub  

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. 
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. 
 

Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON

FanDuel
If you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.