We’ve got a long way to go before decisions get made about starters in some key roles in the 2016 season in the SEC west.

But we can still ponder. Here’s some areas of interest as we head into the offseason:

Alabama Crimson Tide

Quarterback: There might be a mass exodus from Tuscaloosa to the NFL this offseason and there’s going to be plenty of holes that will need to be filled. But it all starts and ends at quarterback with Jake Coker finishing his eligibility.

Cooper Bateman saw some playing time earlier this year and is probably the leader in the clubhouse heading into the spring. Redshirt freshman Blake Barnett may be the favorite to win the job after fall practice. But there will be other options. David Cornwell will be in the mix as will Jalen Hurts, an early enrollee who’s already been put to work. Hurts, the No. 5-rated dual-threat QB in the class of 2016, is mimicking Clemson Deshaun Watson in practice as the Tide prepare for Clemson in the national title game Monday. This is going to be an interesting battle to watch.

Arkansas Razorbacks

Running back: With Jonathan Williams gone for sure and Alex Collins probably out the door, the running back spot at Arkansas – like many of the other skill positions – will be wide open in the spring. Collins hasn’t announced anything yet, so that jury is still out, but the smart money says he’ll go pro after three straight 1,000-yard seasons.

The Razorbacks have verbal commitments from a couple of four-star running backs, so it will be interesting to see if coach Bret Bielema will have faith in youngsters. He might not have much choice. It will be interesting to see if Rawleigh Williams III can return. He needed season-ending neck surgery in October after a bad injury, but he is expected to make a full recovery. Whether that means returning to the field as a running back remains to be seen.

Auburn Tigers

Quarterback: This battle is going to be between two players we at least already know a lot about. Jeremy Johnson and Sean White both saw plenty of playing time this year. Neither played great, however, and both need to show some serious improvement and better consistency if Auburn is going to get competitive again in the SEC West.

Johnson was a major disappointment this year, if only because of all the hype that was thrust his way in the preseason. Auburn was ranked No. 6 in the country and thought to be a national title contender. But Johnson struggled to read defenses and find open receivers and was eventually benched for White after a few disappointing outings. White played hurt much of the year, so all eyes will be on him when he’s healthy, to see what he’s got. It’s going to be interesting to see if new guys John Franklin III and Woody Barrett get a serious look.

LSU Tigers

Linebacker: There’s a huge void to fill at linebacker in Baton Rouge. Leading tackler Deion Jones (100 tackles) is a senior and junior Kendall Beckwith (84 tackles) is likely to turn pro. With senior Lamar Louis also gone, the Tigers will be looking for starters at every position.

Junior Duke Riley and sophomores Donnie Alexander and Devin Voorhies all saw action off the bench this year and showed some promise. It’s going to be important to recruit well at that position to get some much-needed depth.

Mississippi State Bulldogs

Quarterback: Dak Prescott has concluded his great three-year run at quarterback in Starkville and it’s time to turn the page. Nick Fitzgerald is the likely successor. As an early enrollee, he’s already been through two springs with the Bulldogs and he’s been following Pescott’s every move, learning the game and what it takes to be a top-notch quarterback.

“He has Dak Prescott in the room,” Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen said earlier this year on Fitzgerald’s learning curve. “When you get to sit there and show up every day and you’re watching a big-time guy and how he does things, it’s the whole monkey see, monkey do.”

He’ll get competition from sophomore Elijah Staley, true freshman Nick Tiano and junior Damian Williams, who redshirted this year. Prescott’s shoes are big ones to fill.

Ole Miss Rebels

Offensive line: Laremy Tunsil is off to the NFL and he will be a likely top pick in the draft. Replacing him will be critical, but Hugh Freeze will have plenty of options. The most interesting option might be Greg Little, an Ole Miss commit who’s probably the top offensive line recruit in the country this winter.

The Rebels have to completely rebuild across the front but they at least have several players who are versatile and can play multiple spots. Junior Robert Conyers, true freshman Javon Patterson, redshirt freshmen Sean Rawlings and Jordan Sims and sophomore Rod Taylor all will get a good look this spring as the rebuilding project begins.

Texas A&M Aggies

Quarterback: The Aggies got some good news Monday when former Oklahoma quarterback Trevor Knight announced that he would play his senior season for Texas A&M. Knight has already graduated, so he can play immediately in College Station.

He’ll get some competition from Jake Hubenak, who started A&M’s bowl game after Kyle Allen and Kyler Murray transferred. He threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns in the Aggies’ 27-21 loss to Louisville. He does know the system, which gives him a little edge on Knight going into the spring.