Ranking the projected starting quarterbacks in the SEC for 2023

1. KJ Jefferson, Arkansas

Jefferson is unique among the 2023 projected starting quarterbacks. Not only does he have two years of experience as a starting quarterback, but he has accrued that time playing in the SEC. Jefferson is not a transfer portal swap into the SEC after years of experience elsewhere — he has spent his entire college football career with Arkansas since he committed to play for the Razorbacks in 2019 as a four-star prospect out of high school.

The Arkansas football program has struggled over the last decade since Bobby Petrino left. However, under Sam Pittman’s leadership, the Razorbacks seem to be turning the tide after back-to-back winning seasons and two bowl wins. Moreover, Arkansas cracked the top ten rankings at various points during each of the last two seasons.

This swift turnaround is in large part due to the play of their star quarterback. Jefferson has thrown for over 2,500 yards and rushed for over 600 yards in each of the past two seasons. Over those two years, he combined for 60 total (rushing and passing) touchdowns and only 9 interceptions.

Jefferson is set to return for his senior season in 2023 and should help lead Arkansas to another successful season. Beyond their SEC West games, a favorable schedule which includes non-conference opponents Western Carolina, Kent State, BYU, and Florida International as well as cross-division games against two of the weaker teams in the SEC East, Florida and Missouri, should only serve to bolster what Jefferson and Arkansas are capable of this year.

Jefferson is the best quarterback in the SEC heading into 2023 and may be one of the best quarterbacks in the country if he shows even small levels of progression. The Arkansas quarterback is a sneaky Heisman candidate this season.

For more College Football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.