SEC Quarterback Rankings: Where Does John Mateer Fit in with Arch Manning & Co. in 2025?
As we look ahead to the 2025 college football season, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) remains one of the most competitive and exciting conferences in the nation. Year after year, the SEC produces some of the most talented quarterbacks in college football, and the 2025 season promises to be no different. Among the names that are generating considerable buzz for the upcoming season are several highly touted quarterbacks, each with the potential to take their respective programs to new heights.
One name that might not be as familiar to casual fans, but is gaining traction within SEC circles, is John Mateer, the quarterback for Ole Miss. While Arch Manning—the son of Cooper Manning and nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning—has garnered much of the attention, there is more than one star quarterback vying for supremacy in the SEC. From highly touted freshman phenoms like Manning to established veterans and rising stars, the quarterback position in the SEC is as loaded as ever.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the SEC quarterback landscape for 2025, looking at key players like Arch Manning, John Mateer, and others to see where Mateer fits into the broader hierarchy. What makes him stand out? Can he rise to the level of elite SEC quarterbacks in such a competitive field? We will evaluate his potential, the competition around him, and how he may fare in the upcoming season.
The SEC Quarterback Landscape for 2025
Before we can analyze where John Mateer fits into the SEC’s quarterback picture, it’s essential to understand just how stacked the conference is in terms of talent at the quarterback position. The SEC has long been known for producing elite quarterbacks, and 2025 will feature a mix of experience and youth at the position.
Arch Manning is arguably the most hyped recruit in recent memory. The five-star freshman, who committed to Texas after a lengthy recruitment process, has the Manning name and legacy behind him. Expectations are sky-high for the young quarterback, who has the tools to thrive in the high-pressure environment of the SEC. Manning’s arrival in the conference has certainly shifted the spotlight in many ways. However, he will have some stiff competition from seasoned SEC quarterbacks.
John Mateer, on the other hand, is not a household name for most fans but has shown plenty of potential as a highly skilled quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels. Despite playing in a conference filled with talent, Mateer has a unique opportunity to carve out his niche and prove himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC.
Along with Manning and Mateer, other key quarterbacks in the SEC for 2025 include players such as:
- Jalen Milroe (Alabama): Milroe is expected to be the starting quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide after a stellar season in 2024. With a powerful arm, impressive mobility, and a solid understanding of head coach Nick Saban’s system, Milroe is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the SEC.
- KJ Jefferson (Arkansas): Jefferson is a seasoned leader for Arkansas, known for his size and strength as a dual-threat quarterback. In 2025, he will be looking to build on his reputation as one of the most reliable quarterbacks in the conference.
- Will Rogers (Mississippi State): A familiar face in the SEC, Rogers has become a fixture in Mississippi State’s offense, and his experience in the air raid system makes him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the conference.
With this backdrop, it’s clear that the competition at quarterback in the SEC is intense. While many quarterbacks are entering the 2025 season with established reputations, Mateer has the opportunity to make a statement and prove himself among the elite.
The Case for John Mateer: Why He Could Be a Dark Horse in the SEC
When looking at quarterbacks in the SEC, it’s easy to get distracted by the big names like Arch Manning and Jalen Milroe, but John Mateer is quietly positioning himself to be a key player in the conference. Here are some reasons why Mateer could make a significant impact in 2025.
A Strong Foundation at Ole Miss
One of the primary reasons why John Mateer has a shot at making a name for himself in 2025 is the stability of the program at Ole Miss. The Rebels have consistently been one of the better teams in the SEC, and under head coach Lane Kiffin, they have been known for their high-octane offense. Kiffin is one of the most creative offensive minds in college football, and that environment could be perfect for a quarterback like Mateer to thrive.
Mateer has already shown flashes of brilliance during his early time at Ole Miss, displaying a combination of solid passing mechanics and poise in the pocket. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions will be crucial in 2025, and he will benefit from playing in an offense designed to maximize his strengths. Additionally, with talented playmakers around him, such as Zach Evans in the backfield and Malik Heath as a wide receiver, Mateer has the tools he needs to succeed in an offense that is built to put up big numbers.
Poise Under Pressure
A key aspect of success at the quarterback position in the SEC is the ability to stay calm under pressure. Playing in the SEC means facing some of the most intimidating defenses in the country, and maintaining composure is crucial. In this regard, Mateer has demonstrated that he has the mental toughness required to play at a high level. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and stay poised under pressure will be vital if he is to compete against the other elite quarterbacks in the SEC.
In his first few seasons with the Rebels, Mateer showed an ability to lead late-game comebacks, something that will serve him well as he faces increasingly tougher opponents in 2025. His ability to stay calm in high-stakes situations sets him apart from other quarterbacks and makes him a potential standout in the SEC.
Dual-Threat Ability
One area where Mateer has the potential to differentiate himself from other quarterbacks in the SEC is his dual-threat ability. While he’s not the most mobile quarterback in the conference, his ability to make plays with his legs adds a dynamic element to his game. The SEC is filled with dual-threat quarterbacks like KJ Jefferson and Jalen Milroe, and Mateer’s ability to make defenses account for both his arm and his legs will be an asset.
As defenses continue to evolve and adapt to the spread offenses common in the SEC, quarterbacks who can make plays on the ground will continue to be highly valued. Mateer’s ability to extend plays and pick up yards with his legs will be crucial, especially in high-pressure situations where passing lanes might be closed.
How Does Mateer Stack Up Against Arch Manning?
While Arch Manning is widely regarded as the most highly anticipated quarterback prospect of his generation, John Mateer’s skill set makes him a worthy challenger in the SEC quarterback rankings. Manning, who will be making his debut in 2025 after signing with Texas, comes with an immense amount of hype due to his family lineage and his physical tools. He possesses an elite arm and is expected to excel in a Texas program that has been ascending under Steve Sarkisian. However, as any college football fan knows, success in the SEC is about more than just raw talent—it’s about execution, leadership, and making plays when it counts.
Mateer, by contrast, is more of a proven commodity within the SEC environment. He’s already familiar with the level of competition, and his experience in the Ole Miss offense gives him an edge over Manning in terms of preparation and knowledge. While Manning’s ceiling may be higher in the long run, Mateer has the advantage of being a more experienced quarterback who has already had some success in big games.
In 2025, it will be interesting to see how Manning handles the pressure of being the face of Texas football and competing in one of the toughest conferences in college football. While many will be watching Manning’s every move, Mateer could quietly rise through the ranks and make a name for himself as one of the SEC’s top quarterbacks.
Other Key SEC Quarterbacks to Watch in 2025
While Mateer and Manning are two of the most talked-about quarterbacks, the SEC is full of talent at the position. Here are a few other quarterbacks to keep an eye on in 2025:
- Jalen Milroe (Alabama): As one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC, Milroe will look to lead Alabama back to the top in 2025.
- KJ Jefferson (Arkansas): With his dual-threat ability and experience, Jefferson is a quarterback to watch in the SEC.
- Will Rogers (Mississippi State): Rogers has been the face of Mississippi State’s air raid offense, and he’s a seasoned leader who will look to continue his success in 2025.
Conclusion: The SEC Quarterback Battle is Wide Open
As we head into the 2025 season, the SEC quarterback rankings are as competitive as ever. While names like Arch Manning and Jalen Milroe dominate the conversation, John Mateer has the potential to make a serious impact in the conference. His experience, leadership, and dual-threat ability give him the tools to compete with the best of the best.
Ultimately, the 2025 season will be about execution. Manning, Mateer, and the other quarterbacks in the SEC will be tested in ways that will shape the future of the conference for years to come. For now, Mateer has an opportunity to carve out his place in the SEC hierarchy, and it will be exciting to watch how he rises to the occasion in one of the most competitive environments in college football.
