The SEC is no stranger to intimidating defensive lines.

The conference as a whole in 2015 personally dropped 401 quarterbacks before they had a chance to unload the ball. Only the Big Ten (417 sacks) had more.

The SEC will have a real chance at surpassing the Big Ten in the sack department next year as the conference’s top-eight sack leaders return to their respective squads. That should make playing the SEC a routine hell for offensive lines with a collection of some of the most-menacing front lines in the nation.

Here’s a look at four of the most-imposing defensive lines returning to the SEC for the 2016 season.

TEXAS A&M AGGIES

Key Returners: DE Myles Garrett, DE Daeshon Hall, DT Zaycoven Henderson, DT Daylon Mack

Myles Garrett might be the best defensive player in the nation, let alone the SEC. Garrett returns to College Station in the fall for his junior year after notching a conference-high 12.5 sacks (23.5 career).  If that wasn’t enough of an intimidation factor, the Aggies will once again bookend their defensive front with Daeshon Hall, who tied for sixth in the SEC with 7.0 sacks. Behind Garrett and Hall at the end position are sophomores Qualen Cunningham and Jarrett Johnson, who split 6.5 tackles-for-loss in backup roles. Kevin Sumlin’s squad loses 56 tackles, 9.5 tackles-for-loss and 2.5 sacks with the graduation of defensive tackles Alonzo Williams and Julien Obioha. That only provides more playing time, however, for sophomore Zaycoven (3.5- sacks, 6.5 TFL) and freshmen Daylon Mack (9.5 TFL) and Kingsley Keke to step up and do some damage.

MISSOURI TIGERS

Key Returners: DE Charles Harris, DE Walter Brady, DT Harold Brantley, DT Terry Beckner Jr.

Missouri’s defensive line could be as intriguing as it is dominating in 2016 with the addition of some new and old faces. Head coach Barry Odom is searching for a new defensive line coach after Chris Wilson jumped ship to join Doug Pederson’s staff with the Philadelphia Eagles under the same role. Wilson’s exits less than 40 days after taking the Tiger’s job and comes at a crucial point in the recruiting process with signing day less than a week away.

Whoever the new coach is, he’ll have plenty of talent to work with as the Tigers front seven was among the very best in the nation in 2015. Joining defensive end Charles Harris, who finished second behind Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett in the SEC for tackles-for-loss (18.5), should be Harold Brantley. The junior defensive tackle missed the 2015 season after being injured in a car wreck. Prior to the accident, Brantley was a beast with 54 tackles and 5.0 sacks as a sophomore.

On the opposite side of Harris at defensive end is All-American candidate Walter Brady who notched 7.0 sacks and 12.5 tackles-for-loss as a freshman. Along with Brantley, the Tigers’ interior line will also feature seniors Josh Augusta, Rickey Hatley and Terry Beckner Jr.

TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS

Key Returners: DE Derek Barnett, DE Corey Vereen, NT Kendal Vickers, DT Kahlil McKenzie

Tennessee possessed one of the SEC’s more-dominating defensive fronts in 2015. That was somewhat of a remarkable feat considering they did so without star defensive end/linebacker Curt Maggitt, who announced he’ll go pro after missing just about all of this season with a hip injury.

The Volunteers are in good hands, however with the return of Derek Barnett. The sophomore followed up his 9-sack freshman campaign with a 10-sack performance this year to lead the Vols. He’ll be aided once again on the left end by senior Corey Vereen (9.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks) and Kendal Vickers (20 tackles, 1.5 TFL) at nose tackle. The most-anticipated player to watch bloom could be Kahlil McKenzie, who replaces Owen Williams as starting defensive tackle. The highly-touted McKenzie posted 24 tackles and a sack as a freshman this season spelling Williams.

ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE

Key Returners: DE Jonathan Allen, DE Da’Shawn Hand, DE Dalvin Tomlinson

Alabama blazed its way to a nation title on the back of its defense, particularly the Tide’s defensive line. If there’s one program that can absorb the loss of two defensive ends such as A’Shawn Robinson (46 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks) and Jarran Reed (57 tackles, 4.5 TFL, sack) it’s Nick Saban’s squad. With Darren Lake graduating, Alabama must replace three starters along it front, but does so in impressive fashion with Jonathan Allen’s surprise decision to return to Tuscaloosa for his senior campaign. Allen led the Tide with 14.5 tackles-for-loss and 12.0 sacks, coming in for Robinson off the bench.

Look for players such as Dalvin Tomlinson and Da’Shawn Hand (6.5 TLF, 3.0 sacks) to take over at defensive tackle, as well as Da’Ron Payne at nose tackle — all of whom contributed to the Tide’s title run.

POTENTIAL TO INTIMIDATE

Auburn: Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn’s defensive line got an enormous boost when Montravius Adams announced his intentions to return for his senior year. The same goes for Carl Lawson, an All-American-type player who has missed considerable time the last two years. Byron Cowart, a five-star member of the 2015 class, could contribute more as well.

LSU: Les Miles’ defensive line has the potential to be among the best in 2016 with a talented unit led by defensive tackles Davon Godchaux and Christian LaCouture. Arden Key could be a breakout star in 2016 at defensive end. All told, the Tigers finished third in the SEC in sacks this year with 34.0 as a team.

Ole Miss: The Tigers lose DE Robert Nkemdiche, but capably fill the void with defensive ends Fadol Brown and Marquis Haynes, who finished fourth in the SEC in 2015 with 10.0 sacks. Breeland Speaks and D.J. Jones return to provide solid depth at the defensive tackle position.