SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 14: John Mateer #10 of the Washington State Cougars walks through the team tunnel before the Boeing Apple Cup 2024 game against the Washington Huskies at Lumen Field on September 14, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
As the 2025 college football season looms large on the horizon, quarterback play in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) remains one of the most closely scrutinized areas. With some of the nation’s top signal-callers expected to compete for dominance in this highly competitive league, the race for quarterback supremacy in the SEC will likely see several star players from a mix of rising sophomores, seasoned juniors, and potential breakout stars.
At the forefront of this conversation is John Mateer, a highly touted recruit set to enter the SEC with great expectations. The spotlight will undoubtedly be on him as he attempts to carve out his niche in a conference already filled with talented quarterbacks like Arch Manning, Jalen Milroe, and others. To understand where Mateer stands relative to his peers, it is essential to first dive into the context of the SEC’s quarterback landscape, evaluate his potential, and analyze how his skills compare to other elite quarterbacks entering or currently playing in the conference in 2025.
SEC Quarterback Landscape: A Tradition of Excellence
The SEC is home to some of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football history. From the likes of Peyton Manning and Eli Manning to current NFL standouts like Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, and Jalen Hurts, the conference has long been known for producing elite signal-callers. The 2025 season promises to continue this trend, with several players already drawing attention for their potential.
1. Arch Manning – Texas (Formerly in SEC)
Though Arch Manning now plays at Texas as part of their move to the SEC, he still has strong SEC ties and will be a significant figure for 2025. He comes from a storied family with NFL bloodlines and has had plenty of time to adjust to college football by 2025, making him one of the most anticipated players in the conference. His poised, cerebral style of play will make him one of the quarterbacks to beat.
2. Jalen Milroe – Alabama
Milroe, entering his junior year, will likely be the starting quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2025. After a strong showing in relief of Bryce Young in 2023, Milroe has a chance to solidify his position as a top-tier SEC quarterback. His combination of arm strength, mobility, and leadership makes him a formidable opponent, and the Tide’s offensive system should provide him plenty of opportunities to succeed.
3. Carson Beck – Georgia
As Georgia’s incumbent quarterback, Beck enters 2025 with substantial experience. He has been groomed under head coach Kirby Smart and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo’s system, which is known for its balanced, efficient attack. Beck has the tools to succeed at a high level, and with Georgia’s top-tier roster, he could thrive in the highly competitive SEC East.
4. Will Rogers – Mississippi State
Rogers is a seasoned SEC quarterback known for his accuracy and quick decision-making. After several years starting for Mississippi State, he will enter 2025 with a wealth of experience. Though he plays for a school without the same level of national attention as Alabama or Georgia, Rogers is a steady presence and one of the most reliable passers in the SEC.
John Mateer: A Fresh Face with Big Expectations
John Mateer is set to make his SEC debut in 2025, and the excitement surrounding his potential cannot be overstated. A top-tier recruit who made waves in high school, Mateer has been heralded as one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks to enter the conference in recent memory.
Physical Tools and Playing Style
At 6’5″ and 230 pounds, Mateer has the prototypical size for a modern college quarterback. His arm strength is one of his most notable traits. He has the ability to throw the ball deep with precision and can make all the necessary throws from a variety of angles. This is a critical asset in the SEC, where quarterbacks are often asked to fit the ball into tight windows against some of the nation’s best defenses.
While arm strength is crucial, what sets Mateer apart from many of his peers is his athleticism. Despite his size, he has surprising mobility, which allows him to extend plays with his legs. He can escape pressure, make throws on the move, and pick up yards with his feet if necessary. This dual-threat ability, combined with his pocket presence, gives him an edge over other quarterbacks who may not possess the same level of athleticism.
Mateer’s playing style is often compared to that of modern NFL quarterbacks, who can thrive both as pocket passers and with improvisational skills. This blend of skills is an invaluable asset in the SEC, where defenses are relentless and often make it difficult for quarterbacks to stay clean in the pocket for long stretches.
Mental Toughness and Leadership
Another critical aspect of Mateer’s game is his mental approach. He is known for his poise and ability to read defenses, a quality that will serve him well in the SEC. In addition to his on-field intelligence, his leadership skills are often highlighted by coaches and teammates alike. As a freshman entering a highly competitive SEC environment, these traits will be vital in helping him earn the respect of his teammates and in handling the pressure that comes with playing in one of the most high-stakes conferences in college football.
Comparison to Arch Manning
When comparing Mateer to Arch Manning, the first thing that stands out is the pedigree. Arch Manning, with his renowned family legacy, is expected to step into the SEC spotlight with all the pressure that comes with being the grandson of Archie Manning and the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning. While that level of hype can sometimes be a double-edged sword, Manning has the tools to succeed. He is a highly skilled, intelligent, and composed quarterback, with a strong arm and accuracy in his throws. He has benefitted from top-tier coaching and should be ready for the SEC by 2025.
However, while Manning has the Manning name, Mateer’s skill set might give him an edge in certain areas. For example, Mateer’s mobility and ability to make plays outside the pocket could be particularly valuable in the SEC, where defensive pressure is almost always a constant. Manning, while highly talented, may need to adjust to the speed of the SEC’s defenses, which could present a challenge early in his career.
In terms of raw physical tools, Mateer might have the upper hand, especially in terms of his ability to make plays on the run. However, Manning’s experience in big-game situations and his deep understanding of the game could allow him to develop into a more complete quarterback as his career progresses.
Comparing to Jalen Milroe and Other SEC Quarterbacks
Against quarterbacks like Jalen Milroe, who possesses similar physical gifts, Mateer will need to show that he can execute in the traditional passing game as well. Milroe is an exceptional athlete, but his consistency as a passer has been questioned at times. Mateer, on the other hand, is known for his refined mechanics and ability to make accurate throws. This could give him a leg up, especially in a pass-heavy offense or when the running game is stymied.
Carson Beck, a more traditional pocket passer, represents another kind of challenge for Mateer. Beck is known for his decision-making and ability to manage the game efficiently, which are traits that often define successful quarterbacks in the SEC. Mateer, though equally adept at reading defenses, will have to prove that he can manage a game like Beck while also taking the necessary risks to capitalize on his playmaking ability.
