ESPN includes trio of SEC stars on list of top non-QB playmakers for 2026
By Ethan Stone
Published:
While quarterback is widely agreed to be the most impactful position, any member of the team — especially in college football — can make a huge impact on the game.
On Thursday, ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg set out to answer the following question: Who are the most impactful non-QB playmakers entering the 2026 season?
Rittenberg came up with a list of 15 players, including 3 out of the SEC: Ole Miss‘s Kewan Lacy, Texas’s Colin Simmons and Auburn’s Xavier Atkins. Notably, He also included Miami’s Malachi Toney, Ohio Staet’s Jeremiah Smith and John Henry Daley out of Michigan, to name a few.
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It’s tough to disagree with any of Rittenberg’s selections — especially when considering Lacy, who returns alongside Rebels QB Trinidad Chambliss as a member of a potentially dangerous Ole Miss offense.
Lacy demolishes tacklers and is a scoring machine, totaling 24 touchdowns last season alone. The rising junior is set to be one of the best running backs out of the SEC and perhaps the best in the country.
Colin Simmons and Xavier Atkins combined to total 21 sacks last season for Texas and Auburn, respectively. Simmons led the SEC in sacks (12) while Atkins, a transfer from LSU, led the conference in tackles for loss (17). And while Simmons shined under the national spotlight, Atkins flew under the radar while playing for a struggling Auburn defense.
Atkins is looking to post a monster junior year with Alex Golesh bringing a new vibe to The Plains.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
