Alabama — QB Jake Coker: The transfer from Florida State played only one year, but he made the most of it, leading the Crimson Tide to the national title. The Tide returns talented backups, including redshirt freshman Blake Barnett, junior Cooper Bateman and senior Alec Morris. Bateman has had the most playing time, but none has been thoroughly tested.

Arkansas — QB Brandon Allen: Bret Bielema loses his starter for his first three seasons at Arkansas. Austin Allen, Brandon’s brother, was the backup. He was ineffective in the final game of the 2014 season at Missouri. Southern Cal transfer Ricky Town looks like the favorite.

Auburn — DE Cassanova McKinzy: The Tigers’ leader in tackles for loss (10) and sacks (5) will be missed. The Tigers have star DE Carl Lawson returning from an injury. With Lawson in the lineup this season, Auburn would have threatened quarterbacks from both sides.

Florida — DE Jonathan Bullard: A probable first-round draft choice, Bullard topped the Gators with 17.5 tackles for loss and contributed 6.5 sacks. The Gators defense also loses CB Vernon Hargreaves III, an expected first-round draft choice, and leading tackler LB Antonio Morrison.

Georgia — WR Malcolm Mitchell: The go-to target with 58 receptions for 865 yards — more than double the yardage of any other Bulldogs receiver. With a new coach and the possibility of a new quarterback taking over, Mitchell’s consistency will be missed.

Kentucky — LB Josh Forrest: The Wildcats’ leader with 93 tackles and 3.5 sacks, Forrest was steady, if unspectacular. He added 6 tackles for loss and 2 interceptions. Kentucky loses three of its top four linebackers.

LSU — LB Deion Jones: The Tigers leader with 100 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss, Jones pitched in with 5 sacks. The Tigers also lose LB Lamar Louis. Middle linebacker Kendell Beckwith would be a key holdover if he returns for his senior season.

Ole Miss — WR Laquon Treadwell: The Rebels will suffer major losses, including LT Laremy Tunsil and DL Robert Nkemdiche. But Treadwell was the Rebels’ most-reliable playmaker, finishing a remarkable career with 82 catches for 1,153 yards and 11 TDs as a senior. Chad Kelly will have several solid returning receivers, but none with Treadwell’s ability and consistency.

Mississippi State — QB Dak Prescott: Responsible for 73 percent of the Bulldogs offense and unquestioned leadership, Prescott drove his team to nine victories in the tough SEC West. Dan Mullen will have to make major adjustments to his offense without his all-around star. Nick Fitzgerald is the likely successor at quarterback.

Missouri — LB Kentrell Brothers: Mizzou’s offense was a joke, but the Tigers defense wasn’t, in large part due to the nation’s leading tackler with an amazing 152 total, including 12 for loss. The Tigers should remain strong on defense, but they’ll miss Brothers, who was rarely not in the middle of the play.

South Carolina — WR Pharoh Cooper: When the Gamecocks made a big play on offense, it usually came from their standout receiver. Despite the Gamecocks’ problems at quarterback and their mediocre running game, Cooper produced 66 catches for 973 yards and 8 TDs and added 111 yards and 1 TD rushing and a passing TD. The Gamecocks’ top returning WR Deebo Samuel caught only 12 passes for 161 yards and 1 TD.

Tennessee — WR Von Pearson: The Volunteers don’t lose many of their top players. From a slot position, Pearson was the leading target in a balanced passing attack. The Vols need to find a new slot receiver, possibly Vincent Perry if he can return at full strength from a knee injury.

Texas A&M — RB Tra Carson: The senior rushed for 1,165 yards and seven TDs for the Aggies, almost 1,000 yards more than backup James White. The Aggies also lost their top quarterbacks Kyle Allen and Kyler Murray, but Oklahoma transfer Trevor Knight should be a solid replacement.

Vanderbilt — C Spencer Pulley: The backbone of the offensive line, Pulley started 41 games, including the last 37 of his career. A team leader, he was selected by his teammates as the Commodores’ permanent offensive captain. The Commodores likely will replace him with sophomore Cole Hardin or incoming freshman Sean Auwae.