The SEC’s five highest-paid quarterbacks

The SEC is home to some of the country’s best quarterback play and has several of the nation’s highest paid quarterbacks. In the name, image and likeness era, quarterbacks command the highest pay of any position in football because they play the most important position and their decisions often determine if their team wins or loses.

According to Pete Nakos of On3 (subscription required), at least eight SEC quarterbacks are set to make over $1 million this season (excludes incentives). The SEC’s two highest paid quarterbacks did not even make one of the three preseason coaches All-SEC teams. However, they’ll have a chance to prove their true value on the field this season and it should be noted that the SEC has a lot of quarterback depth.

Interestingly, Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton did not make the list. Stockton has limited experience as a starter and was not a five-star recruit. Instead, more proven and experienced quarterbacks fill the list of the SEC’s highest paid quarterbacks.

Notably, Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning did not make the list. That is likely because the compensation values noted below are due directly from schools or their NIL collective. Much of the NIL money that Manning makes is not received directly from Texas and is instead via brand deals like the one he has with Vuori. Manning has a $6.5 million NIL valuation, which is No. 1 in the country.

Who are the SEC’s five highest-paid quarterbacks in 2025?

1. John Mateer, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer

Oklahoma paid a lot to land the services of Washington State transfer John Mateer. Mateer is a dual threat quarterback, but did not earn preseason coaches All-SEC honors.

How much he’s paid: $2.5-3M

2. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt Commodores

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia

Pavia helped Vanderbilt reach uncharted territory in 2024. He led the Commodores to an upset victory over Alabama and 7-6 record that featured a win in the Birmingham Bowl over Georgia Tech. It is not easy to win at Vanderbilt, but somehow Pavia managed to do so.

How much he’s paid: Over $2M

3. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina Gamecocks

South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers

Sellers is coming off a strong 2024 college football season where he helped South Carolina go 9-3 during the regular season including an impressive win over Clemson. Sellers is the SEC’s best athlete at quarterback now that Jalen Milroe is in the NFL. He is a second-team coaches All-SEC selection and should have a big 2025 season.

How much he’s paid: Approximately $1.8M

4. DJ Lagway, Florida Gators

DJ Lagway of the Florida Gators warms up

Florida quarterback DJ Lagway has as much potential as any passer in the SEC, but can he turn that potential into production? Lagway needs to stay healthy during the 2025 college football season. It won’t be easy for the talented quarterback, who has to face arguably the toughest schedule in the country.

How much he’s paid: Over $1.6M

5. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU Tigers

LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is set to make $1.6 million this season and is a relative bargain for the Tigers. Nussmeier is one of the few returning quarterbacks on national championship contenders and earned first-team coaches All-SEC honors this preseason.

How much he’s paid: $1.6M

Best of the rest

Taylen Green, Arkansas Razorbacks: $1.5M
Austin Simmons, Ole Miss Rebels: $1.5M
Joey Aguilar, Tennessee Volunteers: $1.2M

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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Ranking the SEC’s highest paid quarterbacks

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