SEC post-spring intel: Inside the key QB battles, breakout players, and more buzz from across the league
Spring practice is over, and teams are gearing up for the upcoming season. It's the perfect time to dive into the latest intel from across the SEC, focusing on quarterback battles, coaching staff changes, and breakout players who are making waves.
QB Battles
Alabama
The quarterback competition at Alabama remains intense, with Keelon Russell and Austin Mack both in the running. Sources indicate that Russell, a highly touted recruit, is favored due to his higher ceiling. However, Mack, a consistent game manager, is also in the mix. The key for Russell is improving consistency and managing pressure from the defense.
Arkansas
Arkansas has an intriguing QB battle between KJ Jackson and KJ Hill. Jackson, a redshirt sophomore, is seen as the edge-giver, while Hill, a transfer from Memphis, has limited experience. The competition is ongoing, but Jackson's experience and playmaking abilities give him an edge.
Florida
The Gators' underclassman QB battle between Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones is intense. Philo, a transfer from Georgia Tech, has the edge, but Jones' spring practice performances cannot be overlooked. The battle is open, with both players showing promise.
Tennessee
Tennessee's QB competition is a fascinating one, with redshirt freshman George MacIntyre and 2026 five-star true freshman Faizon Brandon battling for the starting job. MacIntyre's consistency and smoothness stood out during spring practice, but Brandon's physical gifts and potential make him a strong contender.
Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt's QB battle is between five-star recruit Jared Curtis and veteran Blaze Berlowitz. Curtis, a talented player, is the favorite, but Berlowitz's experience and strong spring performance make him a serious contender. The competition is intense, with both players showing their mettle.
Coaching Staff Changes and Other Intel
Georgia
Georgia's offensive line is in good hands with Dontrell Glover, Juan Gaston, and the incoming 2026 recruit Zykie Helton. Helton, a four-star recruit, is already generating starter-level hype after a stellar spring performance. The Bulldogs' tight end room is also loaded with talent, including Kaiden Prothro and Tyriq Green.
Kentucky
Kentucky's new head coach, Will Stein, has targeted Notre Dame transfer Kenny Minchey as the quarterback of the future. Minchey, a 2025 Fighting Irish backup, is a real deal, with good command and the ability to make all the throws. His performance has been positive, and he's expected to be a key player for the Wildcats.
LSU
LSU's transfer class includes a five-star trio and a non-five-star standout, Ty Benefield. Benefield, a 2025 first-team All-Mountain West selection, is viewed as a top NFL draft prospect among safeties. His ability to check every box makes him a potential first-round pick.
Missouri
Missouri's new offensive coordinator, Chip Lindsey, and QB coach, Garrett Riley, are making waves. The Tigers are optimistic about their passing offense, which ranked last in the SEC last season. The situation with star running back Ahmad Hardy, recovering from a gunshot wound, is a concern, but the team is focused on improving in the passing game.
Ole Miss
Ole Miss' core remains strong despite staff and roster changes. The Rebels are bullish about their 2026 product, with a talented team from top to bottom. Offensive stars like quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy had terrific springs, and the defense is set to be improved after ranking ninth in the SEC in scoring defense.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma's offense is expected to be more committed to its tight end room, with the addition of Hayden Hansen, Rocky Beers, and Jack Van Dorselaer. The Sooners' new tight ends coach, Jason Witten, a former Cowboys Pro Bowler, is expected to bring improvements to the offensive attack.
South Carolina
South Carolina's superstar edge rusher, Dylan Stewart, missed spring practice due to a nagging back injury. Stewart is expected to return later this month, and his presence will be crucial for the team.
Texas
Will Muschamp, back as defensive coordinator, has received rave reviews for his work with the defense. Texas' new wide receiver transfer, Cam Coleman, has caught the eye of the program with his physical development and impressive spring performance.
Texas A&M
Texas A&M's QB, Marcel Reed, has improved significantly, becoming more in command of the offense. The Aggies' defense is also expected to be improved, with DJ Hicks, a former five-star recruit, positioned for a breakthrough senior year.
Breakout Players
Deuce Alexander, WR, Ole Miss
Alexander, a former Wake Forest transfer, is poised to be Ole Miss' new No. 1 receiver. His continued growth and the team's loss of top wide receivers make him a key player to watch.
Lloyd Avant, RB, Oklahoma
Avant, a do-it-all contributor from Colorado State, has quickly climbed the depth chart at Oklahoma. He's expected to be a starter if he performs well during fall camp.
Ethan Davis, TE, Tennessee
Davis, a high-ceiling pass catcher, is coming into his own as a fourth-year junior. His commitment and athletic abilities make him a potential breakout candidate.
Bryce Deas, LB, Auburn
Deas, a former freshman, is poised to make a bigger impact in 2026. His athletic abilities and potential make him a player to watch.
Demarcus Gardner, CB, Kentucky
Gardner, a former four-star recruit, is set to be a factor for the Wildcats in 2026. His long arms, lateral movement skills, and toughness make him a key player.
Xavier Gilliam, DL, Tennessee
Gilliam, a former Penn State transfer, impressed during spring practice and is being looked at as one of Tennessee's best defensive players.
Stephiylan Green, DL, LSU
Green, a former Clemson player, has high-level ability, despite limited spring practice. His Clemson tape and potential make him a dark horse to watch.
Ben Hanks, CB, Florida
Hanks, a former top 40 recruit, could become Florida's top cornerback as a sophomore. His consistent performance and potential make him a key player.
DJ Hicks, DL, Texas A&M
Hicks, a former five-star recruit, is positioned for a breakthrough senior year after modest production in his first three seasons.
Jahiem Johnson, DB, Arkansas
Johnson, a former Tulane player, emerged as a top defender in the American last season. He's continued his momentum in the SEC, making an instant impact for Arkansas.
TK Keys, WR, Tennessee
Keys, the top-ranked wide receiver in the 2026 class, is viewed as a high-level talent with the potential to make an instant impact for Tennessee.
Chase Linton, Edge, Georgia
Linton, a top 50 recruit in the 2025 class, has impressed this offseason and will be part of Georgia's loaded front seven.
Bo Mascoe, CB, Rutgers
Mascoe, a former Rutgers starter, is set to be a starter for Texas. His experience and potential make him a key player.
Red Morgan, DB, Alabama
Morgan, a former sophomore, is poised to emerge as a full-time starter and difference maker for the Tide. His consistency and ball-handling abilities make him a standout.
Caleb Odom, TE, Ole Miss
Odom, a former top 100 signee at Alabama, has transitioned to tight end and is a mismatch player at his size. His potential and performance make him a key player.
Danny Okoye, Edge, Oklahoma
Okoye, a former spring game standout, has the tools to be an impact player. His potential and physical attributes make him a key player to watch.
Dwight Phillips, RB, Georgia
Phillips, a former four-star recruit, is looking to carve out a larger role as a junior. His elite speed and toughness make him a standout.
Kade Phillips, CB, Texas
Phillips, a 2025 five-star recruit, is poised to step into a starting role for Texas after a strong freshman performance.
Zion Ragins, WR, Mississippi State
Ragins, a former Oklahoma player, is viewed as an ideal fit in Jeff Lebby's system if healthy. His speed and potential make him a key player.
Braylon Russell, RB, Arkansas
Russell, a former Arkansas freshman, looked like a different player this spring after shedding weight. His slimmed-down body and performance make him a breakout candidate.
Anto Saka, Edge, Texas A&M
Saka, a former Northwestern player, is a freak athlete on the radar for NFL scouts. His potential and performance make him a key player to watch.
Darris Smith, Edge, Missouri
Smith, a former Georgia player, had a respectable debut at Missouri. The Tigers staff sees him as ready to break out even more.
Dashawn Spears, DB, LSU
Spears, a former LSU underclassman, is playing a new position (STAR) and has been a natural fit. His ball skills and confidence make him a standout.
Keaton Thomas, LB, Ole Miss
Thomas, a former Baylor transfer, exceeded expectations in Oxford. He's expected to be the best linebacker in the country.
Devan Thompkins, DL, Alabama
Thompkins, a former USC transfer, made an immediate impression at Alabama. His potential and performance make him a first-round draft prospect.
