Taking a look at who some of the SEC’s top incoming freshman will be in 2026
Vanderbilt — Vanderbilt Commodores football
Jared Curtis (QB)
I think one of the biggest conversations surrounding Vanderbilt’s football program right now is the loss of Diego Pavia and how Vanderbilt will sustain its newfound success. A lot of fans seem to attribute that success solely to Pavia. That being said, I think Jared Curtis is a great candidate to keep things rolling at Vanderbilt.
Curtis was a 5-star recruit out of Nashville, Tennessee. He threw for over 9,700 yards and 128 touchdowns throughout his high school career. I think Vanderbilt landed a great quarterback in Jared Curtis, and I look forward to seeing what he brings to the table this season as a true freshman.
Tennessee — Tennessee Volunteers football
Faizon Brandon (QB)
Faizon Brandon is a 5-star quarterback out of Greensboro, North Carolina. Brandon is a super-athletic, dual-threat quarterback. In high school, he threw for over 6,300 yards and rushed for another 1,200.
While Brandon might not be the starter this year, he could certainly compete for that spot during summer camp. Regardless, Brandon will make an impact on this team. He is too good of an athlete to not find his way onto the field at some point.
Auburn — Auburn Tigers football
Deshawn Spencer (WR)
Over the past few years, Auburn’s receiving corps has arguably been the worst in the SEC. Deshawn Spencer may not be the flashiest freshman Auburn has this year, but I believe he will leave the biggest impact because of Auburn’s desperate need for playmakers at wide receiver.
Spencer is from Saraland High School in Alabama, where he played only his second season ever at wide receiver. Even so, he broke Ryan Williams’ single-season receiving yards record — and did it in one fewer game.
Spencer also stood out during Auburn’s spring game and showed how effective he is at creating separation after the catch. Don’t be surprised if this guy becomes one of the top receivers in the SEC this year.
Alabama — Alabama Crimson Tide football
EJ Crowell (RB)
EJ Crowell is a 5-star running back out of Jackson, Alabama. Crowell had one of the most dominant seasons by a high school running back in 2025. He broke the record for the most rushing yards in a season, as well as the most rushing yards in a state title game.
His impact will definitely be felt, especially considering Alabama football is known for producing elite running backs. However, over the past few seasons, the Crimson Tide have struggled to find one who truly stands out. Crowell certainly has the ability to become the next great Alabama running back.
Florida — Florida Gators football
KJ Ford (EDGE)
KJ Ford is a 6-foot-4, 250-pound edge rusher from Duncanville, Texas. Ford had a standout high school career, totaling 17.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks last season.
Another thing worth noting about Ford is that he comes from an elite high school football program that has produced stars like Keelon Russell and Dakorien Moore. With Jon Sumrall becoming Florida’s new head coach, he will more than likely do everything he can to maximize Ford’s talents, especially considering Sumrall’s defensive background.
Arkansas — Arkansas Razorbacks football
Trey Hodges (RB)
Trey Hodges is a 4-star running back from Bryant, Arkansas. Hodges stands at 6-foot, 185 pounds. He isn’t necessarily a bruising running back, but he has elite speed and explosiveness.
I know he also ran track in high school, and he’s one of those players who can slip through a hole and outrun everybody once he reaches the second level. I think Arkansas head coach Ryan Silverfield has found a special running back in Trey Hodges — one who can seriously make an impact for a Razorbacks team that desperately needs it.
Georgia — Georgia Bulldogs football
Tyriq Green (CB)
Once again, Georgia has landed another big-time defensive recruit in Tyriq Green. Green is a 4-star safety out of Buford High School, which has also produced players like Dylan Raiola and Georgia’s own K.J. Bolden.
Georgia is known for bringing in elite defensive talent and developing dominant defenses. While Tyriq Green may be flying a bit under the radar compared to the rest of Georgia’s recruiting class, don’t be surprised if he has a standout freshman season for the Bulldogs.
Oklahoma — Oklahoma Sooners football
Jake Kreul (EDGE)
Coming all the way from Bradenton, Florida, Jake Kreul is a highly touted 4-star edge rusher. Kreul stands at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds. While he may not be the heaviest player off the edge, he has great finesse and technique.
Head coach Brent Venables has done a great job building Oklahoma’s defense and recruiting talent in the front seven. I think Jake Kreul is the type of player who can really thrive in Venables’ defensive system.
Texas — Texas Longhorns football
Derrek Cooper (RB)
Texas’ newest running back, Derrek Cooper, was a highly rated 4-star recruit from Hollywood, Florida. Cooper attended Chaminade-Madonna, a powerhouse program that has recently produced stars like Jeremiah Smith.
Cooper is projected to be the No. 2 running back on the depth chart entering the 2026 season. I think he is a very talented back who can contribute immediately and help balance a Texas offense that is expected to be one of the best in the country.
Texas A&M — Texas A&M Aggies football
Aaron Gregory (WR)
The Aggies are expected to have another elite offense this season with several key players returning. That being said, they do not have many true freshmen projected to play immediately.
Aaron Gregory, however, is a 4-star wide receiver from Douglasville, Georgia. The biggest thing that stands out about Gregory is his size. At 6-foot-2, he has the frame to become a major red-zone threat throughout the season.
LSU — LSU Tigers football
Lamar Brown (EDGE)
Lamar Brown is a 5-star edge prospect from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He’s a hometown kid who has more than likely always dreamed of playing for LSU.
Brown stands at 6-foot-4 and nearly 300 pounds. Safe to say, Lamar Brown is an absolute unit. If he continues to develop, I think he could have a tremendous collegiate career at LSU and make an immediate impact as a freshman this season.
Kentucky — Kentucky Wildcats football
Kenny Darby (WR)
Kenny Darby is a 4-star wide receiver from Bossier City, Louisiana. He enters this season as one of Kentucky’s highest-rated recruits from the offseason.
His size is a major factor in his game, as he stands at 6-foot-2. I think Kenny Darby could quietly become one of the better young receivers in the SEC over the next few years. He’s a player many fans may not know yet, but after watching his film, I believe he has the potential to become a really good prospect.
Ole Miss — Ole Miss Rebels football
Landon Barnes (EDGE)
Landon Barnes is a 4-star edge rusher from Duncanville, Texas. Barnes is one of two players on this list from Duncanville. During his 2025 season, he totaled 44 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks.
I think Pete Golding has found a dominant edge rusher in Landon Barnes — the type of player who can make an immediate impact from day one.
South Carolina — South Carolina Gamecocks football
Darius Gray (OL)
Going into the 2025 season, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers was projected to be one of the best players in college football. Unfortunately, things did not fully live up to expectations.
I still believe Sellers is the heart and soul of this team, but he needs better protection up front. That’s why I think Darius Gray is such an important addition. Gray alone may not completely transform this football team, but for head coach Shane Beamer, landing a player like Darius Gray is definitely a step in the right direction.
Missouri — Missouri Tigers football
Tajh Overton (DL)
Missouri’s Tajh Overton is a 4-star interior defensive lineman from Owasso, Oklahoma. I think Overton is set to make an immediate impact on this football team.
Eli Drinkwitz appears to have Missouri on the verge of becoming a legitimate football threat. After watching several games last season, I noticed Missouri struggled to consistently pressure the quarterback. I think having Tajh Overton in the middle of that defensive front could be extremely impactful for both the defense and the team overall.
Mississippi State — Mississippi State Bulldogs football
Bralan Womack (S)
Bralan Womack is a highly rated 4-star recruit from Flowood, Mississippi. For a while, Womack was committed to Auburn before flipping to Mississippi State at the last minute.
The move makes sense considering Womack is an in-state recruit. It also makes me think he saw a better opportunity for immediate playing time at Mississippi State. I doubt he would flip to the Bulldogs without a chance to contribute early.
All that being said, Bralan Womack will most likely start as a true freshman for Mississippi State, which could make him one of the more impactful true freshmen in the SEC this season.
