Bowl season for the SEC kicks off later today, but it’s never too early to look to 2015.

Spring practice will be here before you know it, and there are expected to be to some interesting position battles in the SEC West. Quarterback will the position on which all eyes are fixated with the starting job being open at, at least, four programs.

Other affected areas by departures will be up for grabs at places like Auburn and Arkansas.

Saturday Down South takes an early look at some potential position battles in 2015.

2015 SEC West Position Battles

Quarterback, Alabama

Two wins away from a magical season, senior Blake Sims has orchestrated a masterpiece for head coach Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin this season. The Gainesville, Ga., native departs after the season, however, leaving the job open to either Florida State transfer Jacob Coker — many of who thought would win the starting job in 2014 — and the best high school player in the country, five-star quarterback Blake Barnett. It’s not unreasonable to think that with all of the exits on offense the Crimson Tide must deal with that Barnett has a legitimate chance at winning the job, though history has proven otherwise under Saban.

Quarterback, Texas A&M

Another high-profile battle will take place in College Station as head coach Kevin Sumlin looks to rebound from 2014 in year four. Sumlin has landed a five-star quarterback and five-star receiver, adding to his recruiting credentials. That quarterback — five-star, dual-threat prospect Kyler Murray — is expected to be in a fierce battle with incumbents Kyle Allen and Kenny Hill, though Hill’s status with the team is in question. Murray is a touted prospect from Allen, Texas and is believed to be a great fit for Sumlin’s scheme. Expect this battle to last into the fall.

Quarterback, Ole Miss

With the status of JUCO transfer Chad Kelly suddenly uncertain, there could be a quarterback battle in Oxford. Head coach Hugh Freeze was never going to hand the job to Kelly, but he was believed to be the answer behind departing senior Bo Wallace. Signal-callers Ryan Buchanan and DeVante Kincaid have not looked good in their playing time in 2014, and as the Rebels began recruiting Kelly in mid-November, he looked to be a quick fix. If Kelly remains with the team, he’ll likely be disciplined in some fashion during the spring, making for an interesting battle leading into fall camp.

Quarterback, LSU

The West’s final quarterback battle will take place in Baton Rouge as head coach Les Miles and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron have been handcuffed by the dismal play of Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris. Three-star quarterback Justin McMillan and two-time Florida 2A Player of the Year Caleb Lewis will arrive on campus this winter. Expect the job to be open, but for Jennings and Harris to be the main contenders.

Wide Receiver, Auburn

Sammie Coates has already announced his intentions to declare for the NFL Draft, and JUCO transfer Duke Williams is expected to join him. Senior Quan Bray leaves, leaving gaping holes at the receiver position for head coach Gus Malzahn and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee. Tight end Jalen Harris is the only pass-catching prospect in Auburn’s 2015 class, but a host of receivers return battling for the top roles. Junior Ricardo Louis is expected to be the frontrunner for the leading position, while freshman Stanton Truitt, sophomore Marcus Davis and junior Melvin Ray do battle, among others, for the Nos. 2-4 spots.

Defensive Back, Mississippi State

The Bulldogs do lose some offensive firepower but lose just as much on the defensive side of the football. Top defensive backs Jamerson Love and Jay Hughes depart, along with the potential departure of draft-eligible junior Will Redmond. Head coach Dan Mullen has a host of secondary prospects in his 2015 class, highlighted by safety Jamal Peters and cornerback Chris Stamps. Mullen first must hire a new defensive coordinator to replace the departed Geoff Collins who took the same position at Florida. The new coordinator will have plenty of talent stocked, but will need to clear the water in the defensive secondary.

Tight end, Arkansas

Senior A.J. Derby departs, leaving sophomore Hunter Henry as the only constant at the tight end position for the Razorbacks. Head coach Bret Bielema has addressed the position, adding four tight ends in Arkansas’ 2015 class. Four-stars Will Gragg, Jamario Bell and C.J. O’Grady are expected to come in and compete right away for several open tight end positions, seeing as Bielema and offensive coordinator Jim Chaney often use three to four tight ends in numerous sets.