Looking ahead to 2016, here the best position groups coming back for all 14 teams in the SEC:

Alabama: Wide receivers
On a team as a talent-rich as Alabama, figuring out the best returning position can feel like splitting hairs. With Heisman RB winner Derrick Henry possibly bound for the next level, and multiple defensive linemen considered NFL ready , the duo of Calvin Ridley and ArDarius Stewart make a strong case for wide receivers being the most talented group of returning lettermen. Ridley’s playmaking capabilities have drawn comparisons to former Crimson Tide WR Amari Cooper, and Stewart came on especially strong in the second half of the season.

Auburn: Defensive backs
People outside the Tigers fan base might not think too highly of the 2015 Auburn defense, but there was definitely talent in the secondary that benefitted from the coaching of Will Muschamp and Travaris Robinson. All-SEC freshman CB Carlton Davis and DB Jonathan Ford should lead Auburn’s defensive backs heading into next season.

Arkansas: Wide receivers
The graduation of Brandon Allen means the Razorbacks will be changing quarterbacks in 2016, but the new signal-caller will have excellent passing targets in wide receivers Drew Morgan (2015 SEC touchdown receptions leader) and Keon Hatcher (Arkansas’ leading receiver in 2014 who missed the past season with a broken foot).

Florida: Defensive backs
Even in an area where the Gators lose two starters to the pros (CB Vernon Hargreaves III and S Keanu Neal), and another to graduation (DB Brian Poole), they return a stout secondary for 2016, led by cornerbacks Jalen Tabor (4 INT, 14 pass break ups) and Quincy Wilson (2 INT). In October, analytic site Pro Football Focus grabbed a few headlines in the UF blogosphere by ranking Tabor and Wilson above Hargreaves, a projected first-round draft pick.

Georgia: Running backs
Offensive game planning for first-year head coach Kirby Smart should be simple with Nick Chubb and Sony Michel returning for 2016. Many would consider Chubb second to only LSU’s Leonard Fournette when it comes to top running back in the SEC for next season, and Michel makes an excellent change-of-pace back off the bench.

Kentucky: Wide receivers
The Wildcats offense will be without QB Patrick Towles in 2016, but new offensive coordinator Eddie Gran should be able to build around wideouts Dorian Baker and Garrett Johnson, UK’s top two receivers in 2015.

LSU: Running backs
Fournette is already being talked about as a 2016 Heisman candidate. The keys to the Tigers’ season will be avoiding a one-dimensional offense and effectively using Fournette without wearing him down before the end of the season. An expanded complementary role for Derrius Guice could pay dividends in 2016.

Mississippi State: Linebackers
The Bulldogs will have a drastically different look in 2016 due to losing marquee contributors QB Dak Prescott, WR De’Runnya Wilson and LB Beniquez Brown. Linebacker should still be strong with Richie Brown leading the group as Gerri Green and J.T. Gray contribute starting experience.

Missouri: Defensive line
With defensive ends Walter Brady and Charles Harris returning in 2016, the Tigers should have one of the SEC’s best front sevens again in 2016. With the promotion of former defensive coordinator Barry Odom to head coach, the defense shouldn’t have to worry about transitioning to a new scheme.

Ole Miss – Quarterbacks
The Rebels are getting hit hard with key departures on both sides of the ball, but the return of QB Chad Kelly should prevent anyone from writing off Ole Miss in 2016. UM is losing some big names to the draft, but with Coach Hugh Freeze’s solid recruiting over the past few seasons, there should be plenty of talented athletes ready to step up and keep the Rebels rolling along on offense.

South Carolina – Linebackers
USC struggled mightily against the run in 2015, but top tackler Skai Moore’s return for 2016 gives this unit a boost. The arrival of new head coach Will Muschamp should bring about improvement on defense, especially at linebacker with Moore, T.J. Holloman and Jonathan Walton among the returning contributors.

Tennessee: Quarterbacks
While running backs Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara make a strong case to be UT’s top returning unit, an effective quarterback with substantial starting experience is too much to top. In his first full season as a starter, Dobbs guided the Volunteers to a 9-4 record, even keeping his team competitive in all four losses. In his senior season with the same offensive coordinator, expect big things from Dobbs and Tennessee.

Texas A&M: Wide receivers
Whether it’s Jake Hubenak or graduate transfer Trevor Knight, the Aggies’ new signal-caller for 2016 will have a strong supporting cast thanks to the return of Christian Kirk, Josh Reynolds and Ricky Seals-Jones. If the quarterbacks and his receivers can all get on the same page with new offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone, Texas A&M will be in business.

Vanderbilt: Linebackers
The rest of the SEC East should expect another tough Commodores defense in 2016, led by linebackers Nigel Bowden, a stud freshman in 2014 who missed most of last season, and Zach Cunningham, the team’s leading tackler in 2015.