There is a lot of credit to go around for the 4-1 start by the Kentucky football team. However, without good quarterback play, the difficulty increases immensely. Luckily for Coach Will Stein and the Wildcats, Kenny Minchey has been up to the task.
It hasn't always been smooth, and with so many new pieces at Kentucky, there have been a few growing pains. Overall, though, He has been terrific, capped off by an amazing performance in a comeback win over South Carolina.
Around the rest of the SEC, quarterback play overall has been very good. Even the guys leading the bottom tier teams have had moments where they have shined.
So how do the quarterbacks of the SEC stack up against each other? Here are all 16 of them ranked, based on their play through
five weeks of the 2026 season.
16 K.J. Jackson - Arkansas
It has been a tough season for the Razorbacks, and for Jackson himself. He has looked the part at times, but seems out of his depth too often.
15. John Mateer - Oklahoma
The Sooners might be the biggest disappointment in the country so far, and Mateer hasn't helped himself. Turnovers remain a major issue for him.
14. Byrum Brown - Auburn
Brown is one of the better quarterbacks in the country at using his legs to make plays, and creates excitement. He also has turned the ball over far too many times, and has 7 TDs to 7 interceptions so far.
13. Marcel Reed - Texas A&M
The Aggies have been inconsistent at best this season, as has Reed. He looks like an elite QB at times, but those times haven't been often enough against good teams.
12. LaNorris Sellers - South Carolina
There aren't many quarterbacks with more raw talent than Sellers. However, bad turnovers and continued up-and-down play have haunted him, and the Gamecocks this season.
11. Jared Curtis - Vanderbilt
He may be just a freshman, but he hasn't played like one. He has struggled at times, as expected, but his future is as bright as anyone in the nation.
10. Faizon Brandon - Tennessee
Like Curtis, Brandon is still developing, and should turn into a very good quarterback. His numbers are solid overall, but he has to play better against good teams.
9. Aaron Philo - Florida
Philo has been very good so far in 2026, but he, along with everybody else, struggled somewhat against Missouri. It'll be interesting to see how he plays as the SEC season wears on.
8. Sam Levitt - LSU
Leavitt has racked up a few more interceptions than coaches would like, but he has also made a lot of big plays too. When he's at his best, he's as good as anyone, but there is some variance there.
7. Kenny Minchey - Kentucky
Slow starts have been an issue for Minchey and the Wildcats. However, he has been at his best in their biggest games so far, including a big comeback against South Carolina.
6. Arch Manning - Texas
Few players in college football inspire debate like Manning does. Expectations are impossible to meet, but he has played well in their biggest moments, and he led them to a huge win against Ohio St.
5. Kamario Taylor - Mississippi State
Taylor is one of the most exciting players in all of college football, and makes a lot of amazing plays. He should get even better as he learns against stronger teams.
4. Trinidad Chambliss - Ole Miss
The top four on this list all could make a case for the top spot. Chambliss has been a superstar this season, but was part of an ugly loss to Florida.
3. Gunner Stockton - Georgia
Stockton's numbers this season are ridiculously good, and Georgia is rolling. However, they haven't faced a good team yet, and need to prove the stats are real against better competition.
2. Austin Simmons - Missouri
Through five games, Simmons has 13 touchdown passes, and still hasn't thrown an interception. He also led the Tigers to a blowout of Florida most recently.
1. Keelon Russell - Alabama
Since being held in check by Kentucky in week two, Russell has exploded. In three games since, he has thrown for 970 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions while rushing for another 107 yards and 3 scores.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Ranking Kentucky's Kenny Minchey among SEC QBs after week five
