Passing Leaders
No. 5 — Diego Pavia: 2,440 YDS | 21 TD | 5 INT | 244 YPG
Vandy had a bye this week, but last week Pavia and Vanderbilt as a whole seemed to expect Auburn to be a fairly easy game. That, however, was not the case. Pavia found himself down 10 points at halftime thanks to a surprisingly effective Auburn offense. But Pavia fought back and had an incredible second half, leading the Commodores to a 45–38 win.
Pavia may not be the biggest, fastest, or strongest quarterback, but somehow, some way, he always finds a way to fight back and win football games.
No. 4 — Taylen Green: 2,537 YDS | 19 TD | 10 INT
Well, well, well… unfortunately, it was another nail-biter loss for the Razorbacks. It really does hurt to see how a team with such a good offense and a capable defense just can’t get it done. I don’t know what the fix is, but I do know Taylen Green is not the issue. He’s had a few games with turnover trouble, but otherwise he has performed at a high level.
All that said, Taylen Green is still a very good quarterback despite the record.
No. 3 — Marcel Reed: 2,632 YDS | 22 TD | 8 INT
At number three this week is Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed. Reed has been fascinating to watch this year. One moment he looks like a Heisman contender, and the next he looks like a product of a stacked roster. After a weird week for the Aggies, it’s even harder to evaluate him.
A win is a win, but being down 30–3 at halftime to one of the worst SEC teams—South Carolina—was alarming for the No. 3 team in the country. It’s also hard to ignore Reed’s role in that deficit, especially considering he threw two interceptions in the game.
But despite all that, Reed led his team all the way back from 27 points down. There’s something to be said for that level of fight and leadership.
No. 2 — Ty Simpson: 2,787 YDS | 22 TD | 2 INT
Ty Simpson continues to prove himself week after week. Right now, he looks like one of—if not the—Heisman favorites. Sure, there are guys like Mendoza and Julian Sayin in the conversation, but what separates Simpson is that he has only one interception all season while consistently beating strong opponents.
If he keeps this up, he’ll have Alabama firmly in the national title hunt.
No. 1 — Joey Aguilar: 2,941 YDS | 22 TD | 10 INT
Joey Aguilar has had a solid season overall. Yes, he’s gotten into some turnover trouble, but one thing is certain: he puts up numbers and delivers explosive plays. If you take away a few of those turnovers, Tennessee could be looking at a one- or two-loss season. If Aguilar can focus on playing a bit more conservatively, both he and the Vols will see major improvement.
Rushing Leaders
No. 5 — Jadan Baugh: 808 YDS | 6 TD | 80.8 YPG
Florida running back Jadan Baugh has been explosive whenever he’s given the opportunity. Florida’s offense would operate much better if it fed Baugh more consistently—not only because he’s talented, but because a strong run game helps open up the passing attack.
Baugh should keep capitalizing on his touches, because eventually Florida will realize what they have. And if he decides to transfer, another team will surely utilize him properly.
No. 4 — Jeremiah Cobb: 904 YDS | 4 TD | 90.04 YPG
Even in Auburn’s close loss to Vanderbilt two weeks ago, running back Jeremiah Cobb had an outstanding performance—16 carries for 115 yards—helping the Tigers put up 38 points on a top-ranked team. Auburn seems to have finally figured out that Cobb is the real deal and a focal point of their offense.
He has elevated what was once a horrific offense. Hopefully he finishes the season strong and carries momentum into next year.
No. 3 — Mike Washington Jr.: 915 YDS | 7 TD | 91.5 YPG
Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. comes in at number three this week. Washington has been a vital part of the Razorbacks’ talented offense. The rushing duo of Washington and Taylen Green is lethal.
Unfortunately, Arkansas just can’t seem to get it done this year. Even so, Washington continues to be a bright spot, doing everything he can to help deliver a big win.
No. 2 — Kewan Lacy: 1,136 YDS | 19 TD | 103.27 YPG
I don’t know why nobody is talking about Kewan Lacy, because he is practically carrying the Rebels’ offense. Nineteen touchdowns is absurd and blows every other running back out of the water. Yes, Ole Miss has a strong quarterback in Trinidad Chambliss, but the real star is Lacy.
Watch the film. Look at the numbers. The guy is a machine. If Ole Miss stays hot into the playoffs, Lacy will be a huge reason why.
No. 1 — Ahmad Hardy: 1,346 YDS | 15 TD | 134.6 YPG
Ahmad Hardy just put up a historic performance last week against Mississippi State—25 carries for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns. That’s the most by any SEC running back this season by a wide margin.
He now leads the conference by over 30 rushing yards per game. We haven’t seen this level of dominance in the SEC in quite some time.
That said, Hardy can be inconsistent, with two games this season under 50 rushing yards. But when he’s on? Watch out.
Receiving Leaders
No. 5 — Braylon Staley: 761 YDS | 6 TD | 76.1 YPG
Making his third appearance on this list is Tennessee wide receiver Braylon Staley. Staley has been a major part of the Vols’ offense and has elevated Joey Aguilar’s play as well. His stats are even more impressive when you consider he’s essentially the true WR1 for his team.
The Staley-Brazzell combo has been fun to watch. Staley is a sleeper who could show even more with increased targets.
No. 4 — Mario Craver: 781 YDS | 4 TD | 78.1 YPG
Mario Craver started the season on fire—making plays all over the field with elite speed and elusiveness. While KC Concepcion has gotten more targets as the season has gone on, Craver’s presence continues to open things up for the Aggies’ offense.
He’s the kind of player who can hurt you from anywhere on the field. He’s a huge part of Texas A&M’s newfound success and a major reason their offense has dominated.
No. 3 — KC Concepcion: 787 YDS | 8 TD | 78.7 YPG
At number three is yet another Aggie: KC Concepcion. He and Craver form one of the most electric receiving duos in college football. Concepcion adds a true deep-ball element—he’s tall, runs crisp routes, and has elite jump-ball ability.
He’s the type of receiver you can trust to win contested catches, which explains why he leads this list in touchdowns. He’s almost unstoppable in the red zone.
No. 2 — Brenen Thompson: 868 YDS | 6 TD | 78.9 YPG
Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson has tons of talent and has proven it this season, though he can be inconsistent. It isn’t all his fault—looking through his games, he has multiple 100-plus-yard performances, but also several under 50 yards, including one game with just 13 yards on two catches.
The Bulldogs need to find more ways to get him the ball because the production is there when they do.
No. 1 — Chris Brazzell: 873 YDS | 8 TD | 87.3 YPG
At number one is a player who has lived on this list all season: Chris Brazzell. He has been unstoppable against elite SEC defensive backs and continues to prove he’s one of the best receivers in the conference.
He and Joey Aguilar have been a nightmare for opposing defenses. Unfortunately, a few key losses likely knocked the Vols out of playoff contention, but Brazzell is making a strong case to be a high NFL draft pick.
