3 newcomers, 2 returners and 1 game to circle for each SEC team (Part 1)
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Only 7 Saturdays without football remain in 2026. We can do this, everyone.
On this page and in Part 2, we’ll refresh your memory and take a look at some of the most crucial newcomers, returners and games for each SEC team this upcoming season. The title says it all, so let’s hop right in, starting with Alabama and ending Part 1 with Mississippi State.
Alabama
- 3 Newcomers: Racin Delgatty (C), Josh Ford (TE), Lorcan Quinn (K)
Alabama simply has to fix the run game. A few guys on my radar who could help remedy that issue are Cal Poly transfer Racin Delgatty and Oklahoma State tight end Josh Ford. Coach Kalen DeBoer called Ford a “tone-setter” in June, specifically mentioning that the 6-foot-7, 267-pound tight end would help the Crimson Tide in the run game. As for Delgatty, he’s so far allowed just 1 sack across 1,316 college snaps — but can he contend against the big boys of the SEC with a slightly undersized frame?
Marshall transfer Lorcan Quinn has a chance to be a huge weapon for the Crimson Tide. Not only was his FG% better than returner Conor Talty’s last season (80% vs. 69%), but the Northern Irishman hit 4 field goals of 50+ yards (4-for-6) with a long of 55. Talty’s long last season was 48 yards, for reference.
- 2 Returners: Keelon Russell (QB), Yhonzae Pierre (LB)
Austin Mack and Keelon Russell appear to be neck-and-neck for the Tide’s starting QB job. Mack has been with DeBoer since the Washington days, and he has a more SEC-ready frame, but Russell’s highs really pop. Both are going to see the field this year, but I can’t help but feel Russell has the higher ceiling. Obviously, that battle is one to watch as the Tide face East Carolina and Kentucky in Weeks 1 and 2.
Pierre is less of a question mark. The budding star posted 8 sacks and 3 forced fumbles last season after injuries gave him an opportunity in SEC play. Five of those sacks came against Tennessee and LSU.
- 1 Game: at Tennessee (Oct. 17)
The Third Saturday in October has delivered in the rivalry’s recent trips to Knoxville, and Neyland Stadium will once again be rocking on October 17. It’s obviously way too early, but both teams could realistically be 5-1 heading into this game the way their respective schedules work out. After facing perhaps their toughest opponent all season vs. Georgia, will the Tide have enough to earn a win in Knoxville for the first time since 2020?
Arkansas
- 3 Newcomers: Jahiem Johnson (CB), Khmori House (NB), Chris Marshall (WR)
There wasn’t much to like about Arkansas‘s defense last season. The Razorbacks gave up 425 yards per game, by far the most in the SEC. Arkansas completely rebuilt its secondary in the transfer portal in response to this issue, adding North Carolina transfer Khmori House and Tulane star Jahiem Johnson, who totaled 4 interceptions and 9 pass deflections for the Green Wave. Both are talented with CFB experience and success, but how will their games translate to the SEC?
On the other side of the ball, Chris Marshall hopes to be QB KJ Jackson’s new best friend. Marshall is Arkansas’s tallest receiver at 6-foot-3 and has the most experience after stints at Boise State (2 seasons) and Texas A&M (true freshman season).
- 2 Returners: Caden Kitler (C), Quincy Rhodes Jr. (DE)
There were definitely bright spots on last year’s defense. One was Second-Team All-SEC member Quincy Rhodes Jr., who collected twice as many sacks (8) as the next Razorbacks defender in 2025. He also had 11.5 tackles for loss, 3 pass deflections and an interception, so he’s set to be a leader on a new-look Razorbacks defense. Along the offensive line, Kitler returns looking to keep a lethal Arkansas run game intact while running the show alongside Jackson.
- 1 Game: at Utah (Sept. 12)
At this point, it’s one game at a time for Ryan Silverfield and the Razorbacks. Arkansas won’t have any trouble with North Alabama, but Week 2’s matchup in Salt Lake City will tell us a lot about the new era in Fayetteville.
Auburn
- 3 Newcomers: Byrum Brown (QB), Keshaun Singleton (WR), Andre Jordan Jr. (CB)
Auburn head coach Alex Golesh hopes that the Byrum Brown-Keshaun Singleton connection can translate from USF to Auburn. Brown has been Golesh’s guy for a while now, and he’s a popular pick to break out in the SEC. Brown is dual-threat (1,000 rushing yards in 2025) and will continue connecting with his favorite receiver following the Singleton’s 8-touchdown campaign in 2025.
Andre Jordan is one of a few transfers who are set to start for Golesh’s first Auburn defense, and he’s perhaps the most talented of the bunch. Jordan tied the Big Ten lead with 10 pass deflections as a junior at UCLA and should shine in a stout Auburn secondary that also includes Athlon Sports preseason All-American Rayshawn Pleasant as well as Kaleb Harris and Sylvester Smith.
- 2 Returners: Xavier Atkins (LB), Jared Smith (DE)
In addition to the secondary names listed above, Xavier Atkins and Jared Smith are set to lead a defense that should be near the top of the SEC in total production by year’s end. While Atkins is a proven star at the SEC level, Smith is primed for a breakout year after showing flashes as a true freshman. If coverage is as good as expected, Atkins and Smith could feast in the opposing backfield.
- 1 Game: at Alabama (Nov. 28)
Enough said.
Florida
- 3 Newcomers: Eric Singleton (WR), Aaron Philo (QB), Patrick Durkin (K)
Florida’s 2026 wide receiver room should be among the best in the SEC. I don’t want to say most talented because Texas’s duo of Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo exists, but Eric Singleton could certainly rival them after a slow season at Auburn. This could get especially interesting if Aaron Philo is able to win the job over Tramell Jones. More on him in the next section.
Durkin hit 25 of his 28 field goal attempts with a long of 52 yards at Tulane last season and followed coach Jon Sumrall to Gainesville. He’ll be a strong replacement for Trey Smack, who is off to the NFL.
- 2 Returners: Tramell Jones (QB), Jayden Woods (Edge)
While Aaron Philo is likely to get the start in former Georgia Tech coordinator Buster Faulkner’s offense, definitely keep an eye on Tramell Jones Jr. after a red-hot spring. He’s the most talented quarterback on Florida’s roster — it’s just a matter of meshing with Faulkner’s system and continuing the grow. I’ll call my shot now — Jones will be running the show by season’s end.
Jayden Woods will be a household name in a few months. After initially deciding to enter the transfer portal, Woods is a candidate to be the best player on Florida‘s defense after earning All-SEC Freshman honors and leading the team with 3.5 sacks in Year 1.
- 1 Game: at Auburn (Sept. 12)
It’s a battle between Year 1 SEC head coaches in Week 3 as the Gators travel to face Auburn. Florida’s schedule is tough, as usual, and the Tigers’ defense should be better than most Sumrall will face this season. A win sets the tone heading into tough games against Ole Miss and at Missouri, but a loss could be the start of an avalanche.
Just a note, this is the first Auburn vs. Florida matchup since 2019.
Georgia
- 3 Newcomers: Zykie Helton (OL), Kaiden Prothro (TE), Khalil Barnes (S)
True freshman Zykie Helton is going to play a lot along Georgia‘s offensive line this year. The former 4-star guard is supremely talented and made a strong impression in the spring. And while the Bulldogs still have returning star Lawson Luckie at tight end, 5-star TE Kaiden Prothro is also one to watch. He was Georgia’s 2nd highest-rated recruit and could be a monster mismatch at 6-foot-6, 230 pounds.
Khalil Barnes is likely to win Georgia’s STAR spot after transferring in from Clemson. KJ Bolden and Ellis Robinson IV are getting their due buzz in the secondary, but Barnes is a sure tackler and owns 7 interceptions with 11 pass deflections entering the 2026 season.
- 2 Returners: Lawson Luckie (TE), Gunner Stockton (QB)
Luckie is entering his 4th year in Athens, and 2026 is primed to be his best yet. Georgia’s 2 leading receivers are gone from 2025, and Luckie already proved to be a stout red zone target for Gunner Stockton in 2025 with 4 touchdown connections — 3 of which came against Ole Miss. How much progress can he make as a pass-catcher?
Stockton is obviously the most important returner for the Bulldogs this fall. Specifically, I’m interested in how Stockton can improve off a good, but not great, season as Georgia’s signal caller in 2025. Can he be better at pushing the ball downfield? And after a clutch throw to keep the Bulldogs alive early last year against Tennessee, how will he fare in the 4th quarter of big games moving forward?
- 1 Game: at Alabama (Oct. 10)
Speaking of big games.
As far as SEC schedules go, Georgia’s could definitely be tougher. The Bulldogs avoid Texas, LSU and Tennessee while getting Oklahoma, Auburn, Vanderbilt and Mizzou at home. The 2 toughest matchups — games at Alabama and at Ole Miss — could determine the season.
Keep in mind, Georgia hasn’t beaten Alabama in Tuscaloosa since 2007, and Kalen DeBoer is going to be looking for payback after the Bulldogs downed the Crimson Tide in last year’s SEC Championship Game.
Could Georgia at Alabama be an SEC Championship Game preview? Here’s a look at the latest odds to win the SEC title, via Kalshi:
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Kentucky
- 3 Newcomers: Lance Heard (OT), Kenny Minchey (QB), Jordan Castell (S)
To be frank, not much is known about new Kentucky quarterback Kenny Minchey, who new head coach Will Stein landed out of the transfer portal via Notre Dame. The former 4-star is certainly talented, but he’s only attempted 29 college passes — and his first touchdown at Kentucky will be the first of his 3-year (soon-to-be 4-year) college career.
Luckily for Minchey, he’ll have a proven lineman covering his blindside at left tackle in Tennessee transfer Lance Heard. All 6-foot-6, 235 pounds of him.
Jordan Castell comes over from Florida after picking off Arch Manning last season, then doing the same to Marcel Reed a week later. He has 30 starts under his belt and is immediately set to be a leader for the Wildcats secondary alongside Ty Bryant.
- 2 Returners: Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace (DL), Ty Bryant (S)
Bryant led the Wildcats last season with 4 interceptions and could very well top himself entering Year 4. The Lexington native was one of the highest graded safeties in the SEC last season and should be a fan favorite once again.
Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace is also back for the Wildcats after tying the team lead for sacks (3.5) and posting a team high 7.5 tackles for loss. The Cincinnati native starred at South Dakota before making his way to Lexington and will be relied on alongside returners Sam Greene and Tavion Gadson.
- 1 Game: Louisville (Nov. 28)
Kentucky doesn’t get a single rest in the SEC this year, and there are so many question marks on offense for Will Stein’s first season. But folks, Louisville has won 2 straight after Kentucky dominated the rivalry for 5 straight years, and the Cardinals are set to end their season in Lexington. Win that rivalry game, beat Youngstown State and South Alabama and score a few SEC wins and Stein will be looked at favorably heading into 2027.
LSU
- 3 Newcomers: Sam Leavitt (QB), Jordan Seaton (OT), Deuce Geralds (DL)
Not only did the Tigers go out and land perhaps the most highly regarded QB in the transfer portal in Sam Leavitt, but the former ASU star will be protected by former 5-star prospect Jordan Seaton, who lived up to expectations with Coach Prime and Colorado.
Oh, and…
Lane Kiffin is still the portal king, but there’s a lot to like about freshman defensive lineman Deuce Geralds too. The state of Georgia’s all-time sack leader shined in spring camp and is expected to make an immediate impact in Year 1.
- 2 Returners: Trey’Dez Green (TE), DJ Pickett (CB)
Is there a more glaring mismatch in the SEC than Trey’Dez Green? The towering LSU tight end stands at 6-foot-7, 240 pounds and is looking to build off a 7-touchdown campaign in 2026. Not only will he help in protection and run support, but he’ll be one of many weapons for Leavitt in Year 1 of the Kiffin Show.
Pickett had a promising freshman season and is set for a large leap in Year 2. Only a pair of true freshmen had more interceptions than Pickett’s 3 last season, and his 6-foot-4 frame will match him up well with elite bog-body WRs on LSU’s schedule such as Texas’s Cam Coleman and Clemson’s TJ Moore.
- 1 Game: at Ole Miss (Sept. 19)
Could it have been any other game? Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford isn’t just LSU’s game to circle, it might be the game to circle for the entire college football season — especially if the Tigers and Rebels can take care of business in Week 1 against Clemson and Louisville, respectively. In addition to being a great storyline, this game is also LSU’s toughest road contest along with November 21 at Tennessee.
Mississippi State
- 3 Newcomers: Amaree Williams (Edge), Marquis Johnson (WR), Miles McVay (LT)
Immediately, one of the biggest question marks for this Mississippi State team is offensive line production. North Carolina transfer Miles McVay will be tasked with protecting high-upside starter Kamario Taylor, but he’s one of many to watch in the trenches for MSU.
Marquis Johnson just passes the eye test, man. He may seem like a bit of a weird pick after posting just 340 receiving yards last year, but I believe he can thrive alongside Anthony Evans and Ayden Williams. He may have been one of the most underutilized receivers in the conference last season, and Taylor is more talented than any QB on Mizzou’s roster from last season.
Last but not least, I’m interested to see what Amaree Williams can do in the SEC after a strong year as a 2-way player at Florida State. Williams posted 1.5 sacks and 10 tackles alongside 2 receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown last season in Tallahassee. Mississippi State has to find a semblance of a pass rush after posting numbers near the bottom of the SEC last year, and Williams could be the guy to flip the script.
- 2 Returners: Kamario Taylor (QB), Isaac Smith (S)
I’m high on Mississippi State this offseason because of promising returners such as Kamario Taylor and Isaac Smith. Let’s start with Taylor, a QB breakout candidate who is talented enough to stretch opposing defenses with his arm and his legs. Did I mention he’s 6-foot-4, 230 pounds? If he can improve his accuracy, watch out.
There’s so much to like about Isaac Smith. I could write a few paragraphs and still have lots to say. In the interest of time, he’s perhaps the most elite tackler in the SEC with 206 tackles entering his senior year and added 3 pass deflections with an interception. He’s also an All-SEC caliber player alongside fellow secondary returner Kelley Jones.
- 1 Game: Mizzou (Sept. 26)
There are a few that could go in this spot for Mississippi State. Obviously, the Egg Bowl is a major matchup each and every year, but that’s an overused pick. At Minnesota and at South Carolina could go here, as could Jeff Lebby‘s reunion against Oklahoma wedged between trips to Baton Rouge and Austin.
I’m going with the Sept. 26 matchup against Mizzou because it’s Mississippi State’s SEC home opener, a game the Bulldogs need to win to keep any hopes of Lebby turning this thing around alive.
Thanks for reading Part 1. See you in Part 2 next week!
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
