Who are the SEC’s top 10 players — regardless of position — through nine weeks this season? There are several methods used to define this group of Heisman frontrunners, defensive player of the year candidates and irreplaceable assets to their respective teams, but the easiest way is best.

  1. Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State
  2. Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
  3. Josh Robinson, RB, Mississippi State
  4. Senquez Golson, DB, Ole Miss
  5. Shane Ray, DL, Mizzou
  6. Cody Prewitt, DB, Ole Miss
  7. Nick Marshall, QB, Auburn
  8. Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
  9. Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss
  10. A.J. Johnson, LB, Tennessee

*It’s important to note that Todd Gurley’s been taken off the list since a four-game suspension’s entirely too much time to miss during one season and still be considered an MVP candidate. That’s been the fatal blow to his Heisman run as well.

Takeaways: Cooper’s gaining ground on player of the year frontrunner Dak Prescott after another magical performance at Neyland Stadium last week, a 224-yard, two-touchdown outing during the Crimson Tide’s win over Tennessee … Without question, Josh Robinson’s been the SEC’s most improved player this season and is leading the conference in rushing with 887 yards on a league-best 7.3 yards per carry. He nearly topped the 200-yard mark for the first time during last weekend’s win over Kentucky, but coach Dan Mullen decided not to give the 5-foot-9 bundle of muscle another carry in the final minute. He’s scored at least two touchdowns on the ground in four of his last five starts … Nick Marshall’s quietly having a splendid season as the leader of Auburn’s offense. He’s responsible for 18 touchdowns in seven games and is averaging a career-best 6.8 yards per carry. If the Tigers beat Ole Miss this weekend and Alabama in the finale, Marshall will be in New York for the Heisman ceremony.

Just missed the cut: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia; Mike Davis, RB, South Carolina; Preston Smith, DL, Mississippi State; Myles Garrett, DL, Texas A&M; Cameron Artis-Payne, RB, Auburn; Vernon Hargreaves, DB, Florida; Elliott Fry, K, South Carolina; A.J. Stamps, DB, Kentucky; Markus Golden, DL, Mizzou; Jonathan Williams, Arkansas