This should come as no surprise, as Williams caught 48 passes for 865 yards and eight touchdowns at just 17 years old in 2024. His true freshman season will likely be topped as a sophomore, as he enters next season with high expectations.
Green led the charge for the Razorbacks in 2024 after three years with the Boise State Broncos. Although he only threw for 15 touchdowns, he added eight scores with his legs and figures to improve those numbers in 2025.
The former Oklahoma passer struggled mightily a season ago, as he was benched midway through the year. A five-star recruit, he has all the talent in the world to break out in the fall with the Tigers.
A Heisman hopeful, Lagway is also a very real candidate to be the actual cover man for CFB 26. He is physically imposing and has a big arm, making him one of the best players in the SEC in just his sophomore season.
The freshman RB out-rushed Trevor Etienne last season and is projected to be in a more featured role come the fall. As the head rusher for a top team, Frazier will have plenty of time in the spotlight.
Without a standout known player, Lovett takes the spot here as he’s expected to have a big 2025 campaign after intercepting two passes last season and notching a career-high 36 solo tackles.
Nussmeier has a ton of hype as he heads into his senior season. Expected to be a first-rounder in the 2026 NFL Draft, first he’ll try to put together a magical final season in Baton Rouge.
Smith was all over the field a season ago, leading the team in tackles with 127 during his sophomore season. He’s expected to once again lead the Tigers’ defense.
After gaining prominence as a wildcat QB with Penn State, Pribula will be the leader of the Tigers heading into 2025. He’ll have to improve his accuracy, but his running ability is unquestioned.
Coming over from Washington State, Mateer was a true dual-threat, throwing 29 touchdowns and rushing for 15. His transition to the SEC will be intriguing, as he has the talent to light the league on fire.
After leading the team with 678 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, Parrish figures to have a bigger role next season without Jaxon Dart at QB. He’s dynamic out of the backfield and could make big plays in 2025.
One of the top QBs in the country heading into 2026, Sellers is still young yet was tremendous a season ago. He could have an even bigger sophomore season and could be a top pick whenever he declares for the NFL Draft.
After executing a de facto QB swap with the UCLA Bruins, Aguilar heads into next season as the Vols’ starter. He was accomplished during his career with App State and hopes to bring that to Tennessee.
The leading rusher for the Aggies a year ago, Moss was excellent in rushing for 765 yards and 10 touchdowns. The tandem of him and QB Marcel Reed will be a force.
Another obvious choice here, as Manning has the name brand to be the actual cover — despite only starting two games in his career to date. All eyes will be on him as he begins his first season as the entrenched starter.
Returning once again for the Commodores, Pavia was the headliner for the most hype behind Vanderbilt’s football program in recent history. He leads a squad that has outside hopes of competing for an SEC title.
