The Southeastern Convention is a premier quarterback pipeline, constantly producing passers who flip into NFL stars. From record-breaking rookies to MVP winners, the league’s influence on the place is plain, punctuated by 2025 NFL MVP Matthew Stafford, the previous Georgia star.
Because the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, consideration shifts to the subsequent wave of SEC QBs. Alabama’s Ty Simpson, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier and Arkansas’ Taylen Green are looking to extend the league’s quarterback pipeline into the next generation.
But instead of looking ahead, here’s a look back. Here are the five best SEC quarterbacks drafted between 2015 and 2025, ranked in reverse order by their impact in the NFL:
5. Bryce Young | Alabama (First round/2023)
Young had a decorated career at Alabama, earning first-team All-American honors and the Heisman Trophy in 2021. After finishing 23-4 as a starter, he was selected No. 1 overall by the Carolina Panthers in 2023.
He has remained resilient as a pro, finding new life under head coach Dave Canales. Young reclaimed the starting job in 2025 and set a franchise record with 448 passing yards in Week 11.
Young led the Panthers to the wild-card round of the 2025 playoffs, but questions linger about his long-term worth. At times, he has struggled to consistently drive the ball downfield, and his limited size (5-foot-10, 204 pounds) makes him vulnerable under pressure.
4. Tua Tagovailoa | Alabama (First round/2020)
Tagovailoa, who signed in free agency with the Atlanta Falcons after a lukewarm career with the Miami Dolphins, exploded onto the scene when he came off the bench to lead Alabama to a comeback victory in the 2018 national title game.
Despite dealing with injuries in college, he set four Alabama passing records and accounted for 81 touchdowns. He was fifth overall by the Dolphins.
Tagovailoa’s NFL accomplishments include a 2023 Pro Bowl selection, leading the league in passing yards in 2023 and leading the league in passer rating in 2022.
Two main concerns that still shape his evaluation are availability and performance outside of structure. The injury-prone Tagovailoa looks cautious under pressure, limiting explosive plays.
3. Dak Prescott | Mississippi State (Fourth round/2016)
Prescott, who has a 83-55-1 record as a starter in 10 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, is arguably the greatest quarterback in Mississippi State history, holding 38 school records. He led the team to a 10-2 record and its only New Year’s Six bowl appearance in the 2014 Orange Bowl.
Prescott has been a model of consistency for Dallas. His accomplishments include Offensive Rookie of the Year, four Pro Bowl selections and five Dallas Cowboys passing records, including most yards passing (35,989).
2. Jalen Hurts | Alabama/Oklahoma (Second round/2020)
Hurts was resilient at Alabama, recording 26 wins as a starter and 71 total touchdowns. After being benched for Tagovailoa, Hurts transferred to Oklahoma, where he went 12-2 as a starter.
Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, Hurts has built an elite resume. In a short time, he has earned Super Bowl MVP, three Pro Bowl appearances and an MVP runner-up.
Hurts is at a crossroads now, with concerns raised in an ESPN report April 1 that he and the passing recreation are in a rut. Additionally, his overreliance on perimeter throws has raised questions on him and the offense.
1. Joe Burrow | LSU (First spherical/2020)
Burrow, a switch from Ohio State, capped his faculty profession at LSU with one of the greatest seasons in college football history, totalling 65 touchdowns (60 passing, five rushing) and winning the Heisman Trophy and national championship in 2019.
Selected No. 1 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020, Burrow quickly transformed the franchise. After a knee injury cut his rookie campaign short, he would return in 2021 to earn Comeback Player of the Year and lead the Bengals to their first Super Bowl since 1989. He has missed 24 starts during his six-year pro career.
The first round of the NFL Draft begins April 23 in Pittsburgh. Rounds 2-3 are April 24, followed by Rounds 4-7 on April 25.
