The SEC is a powerhouse in college football, and with each new season, it's the breakout stars that often steal the spotlight. In 2026, CBS Sports has identified 12 players who are poised to become household names, showcasing the league's depth and talent. From edge rushers to wide receivers, these players are set to make their mark, and here's why they deserve your attention.
Chase Linton: The Rising Edge Rusher
Georgia's Linton is a redshirt freshman with a bright future. During spring practice, he flashed his potential, and with additional snaps available off the edge, Linton could become a major contributor in passing situations. Georgia's track record of developing edge rushers adds to the excitement surrounding his future. Personally, I think Linton's raw talent and the team's history of success make him a player to watch. What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for Linton to become a dominant force in the SEC, especially with the Bulldogs' strong defensive pipeline.
Keaton Thomas: The Versatile Linebacker
Thomas, a senior at Ole Miss, arrives after earning All-Big 12 honors at Baylor. He exceeded expectations this spring, recording 99 tackles last season and expected to become a leader in the Rebels' rebuilt linebacker room. In my opinion, Thomas' versatility and leadership skills make him a key player. What many people don't realize is that his transition to the SEC could be seamless, given his experience in a competitive conference.
Danny Okoye: The NFL-Bound Edge Rusher
Oklahoma's Okoye is a former five-star prospect with elite NFL-level traits. He recorded two sacks as a situational pass rusher last season and is expected to see a much larger role in 2026. His combination of size, speed, and explosiveness fits perfectly in Brent Venables' aggressive defense. If Okoye breaks out, Oklahoma's defensive line could become one of the SEC's best. This raises a deeper question: Can Okoye's success translate to the NFL, and will he become a household name in professional football?
TK Keys: The Rising Star Wide Receiver
Tennessee's Keys is the highest-rated receiver ever signed by the program. He arrived in Knoxville with enormous expectations after finishing as the No. 1 receiver in the 2026 recruiting cycle. Though he had a limited spring, Tennessee expects him to push for a starting role. His speed and route-running ability make him an ideal fit in the Volunteers' system. What this really suggests is that Keys could become a star in Josh Heupel's offense, and his success will be a significant factor in Tennessee's 2026 campaign.
Devan Thompkins: The Versatile Defensive Lineman
Alabama added Thompkins from USC to strengthen its defensive front. He totaled 31 tackles and three sacks last season, and coaches believe his disruptive ability could eventually make him an NFL Draft first-round prospect. His versatility should provide immediate help for the Crimson Tide. From my perspective, Thompkins' potential impact on Alabama's defense is significant, and his development could be a key factor in the team's success.
Caleb Odom: The Multi-Position Threat
Odom gives Ole Miss another dangerous weapon in its offense. At 6-foot-5, he can line up at multiple positions and create matchup problems. Crawford noted that quarterback Trinidad Chambliss' ability to extend plays should only increase Odom's production. The Rebels believe he is capable of delivering a huge season. This suggests that Odom's versatility and production could be a game-changer for Ole Miss's offense.
Ben Hanks: The Rising Star Cornerback
Florida's Hanks emerged as one of the Gators' most reliable defensive backs during spring practice. The redshirt freshman is battling for a starting role, and teammates highlighted his instincts and confidence despite his youth. His development could be critical for Florida's secondary. What this implies is that Hanks' success could be a turning point for the Gators' defense, and his impact will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Kade Phillips: The Confident Sophomore Cornerback
Phillips played in 12 games as a freshman and enters 2026 with much higher expectations. Texas believes an offseason in the strength program has elevated his game. The sophomore is expected to become a key piece of the Longhorns' secondary. What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for Phillips to become a shutdown cornerback, and his confidence and ball skills will be crucial for Texas' defensive success.
Anto Saka: The Explosive Edge Rusher
Saka brings proven production to College Station after recording 12 career sacks at Northwestern. Texas A&M believes his explosiveness will translate well to SEC competition. His ability to create pressure should make him an immediate contributor. The Aggies view him as a major addition to their defense. This suggests that Saka's impact on Texas A&M's defense could be significant, and his success will be a key factor in the team's 2026 performance.
Bryce Deas: The Athletic Linebacker
Auburn's Deas excels at attacking downhill and fitting gaps quickly. He is expected to help stabilize the middle of the Tigers' defense alongside Xavier Atkins. The coaching staff loves his athleticism and speed. This implies that Deas' skill set aligns perfectly with Auburn's defensive philosophy, and his impact will be crucial for the team's success.
Braylon Russell: The Physical Running Back
Russell transformed his body during the offseason and impressed coaches throughout spring practice. Arkansas expects him to receive a much larger workload in 2026. At nearly 240 pounds, he brings a physical running style capable of wearing down defenses. The Razorbacks hope he becomes the centerpiece of their ground attack. This suggests that Russell's physicality and improved workload could make him a dominant force in the SEC running back position.
Demarcus Gardner: The Aggressive Cornerback
Gardner remained with Kentucky despite a coaching transition and impressed during spring practices. The young cornerback fits defensive coordinator Jay Bateman's aggressive scheme. Kentucky believes he can handle one-on-one responsibilities on the outside. If his development continues, Gardner could become a major contributor this fall. This implies that Gardner's success will be a significant factor in Kentucky's defensive performance and could impact the team's overall success in 2026.
