The Southeastern Conference has long been the gold standard of college football, producing more NFL talent and national contenders than any other league. As the 2025 season approaches, a new wave of stars is set to emerge and carry the banner for a conference that now includes the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners.
While there’s no shortage of established names and rising stars, a few athletes stand out as must-watch players this fall—dynamic talents who can alter the course of games and push their teams toward the College Football Playoff. Among them, Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Bond’s replacement, LSU’s do-it-all linebacker Harold Perkins Jr., and Texas’ breakout running back CJ Baxter headline a stacked list of SEC game-changers in 2025.
Here’s a deep look at the top players to watch in the SEC this season, and what makes them so essential to their team’s hopes.
1. Kendrick Williams (WR, Alabama)
Sophomore – 6’1″, 190 lbs
With the departure of standout receiver Isaiah Bond and former star safety Caleb Downs transferring to Ohio State, Alabama enters 2025 in search of new leadership and explosiveness on both sides of the ball. On offense, all eyes turn to Kendrick Williams, a sophomore wideout who flashed elite potential in limited snaps last season.
Williams is everything head coach Kalen DeBoer wants in a receiver: precise route-running, blazing speed, and reliable hands. In the spring game, he torched Alabama’s first-team defense for 142 yards and two touchdowns, quickly developing chemistry with returning quarterback Jalen Milroe.
A former top-50 recruit, Williams spent his freshman year learning behind Bond and Jermaine Burton. Now, he’s poised to be Alabama’s next great receiver in the mold of Devonta Smith or Jameson Williams. With Milroe improving as a passer and DeBoer’s pass-friendly system in place, expect Williams to eclipse 1,000 yards and become the focal point of Alabama’s vertical attack.
Why he’s a player to watch: Williams is Alabama’s best big-play threat and a candidate for the Biletnikoff Award if he lives up to the hype. His performance could make or break the Tide’s national title hopes.
2. Harold Perkins Jr. (LB, LSU)
Junior – 6’1″, 220 lbs
There might not be a more freakishly athletic defender in college football than Harold Perkins Jr. The junior linebacker enters his third season at LSU as the heart and soul of the Tigers’ defense—and a likely first-round NFL pick.
Perkins burst onto the scene as a freshman with a dominant performance against Arkansas and never looked back. While he was used more as a traditional inside linebacker in 2023 and 2024, new defensive coordinator Blake Baker plans to unleash Perkins off the edge and in space more frequently in 2025. That could mean a return to the havoc-wreaking role that made him a household name.
Through two seasons, Perkins has racked up 21 sacks, 30 tackles for loss, and 5 forced fumbles. He’s also added two interceptions and scored on a scoop-and-score in 2024. His combination of speed, instincts, and violence at the point of attack make him a game-changer on every snap.
Why he’s a player to watch: LSU’s defense needs to bounce back after a shaky 2024, and Perkins is the linchpin. If he dominates, LSU could return to SEC Championship contention.
3. CJ Baxter (RB, Texas)
Sophomore – 6’1″, 215 lbs
The SEC got a first-hand look at what Texas football is all about in 2023 and 2024, but now the Longhorns are official members of the league—and they’re bringing a blue-chip stable of talent with them. Leading the charge is running back CJ Baxter, who’s ready to become one of the premier backs in the country.
Baxter took over starting duties as a true freshman in 2024 after Jonathon Brooks’ departure and proved himself as a workhorse, rushing for 1,212 yards and 12 touchdowns. His blend of size, vision, and breakaway speed made him a nightmare for Big 12 defenses. Now, he’ll face SEC front sevens—but don’t expect a drop-off.
With Texas breaking in a new quarterback following Quinn Ewers’ NFL departure, head coach Steve Sarkisian is expected to lean heavily on Baxter, both on the ground and through the air. He’s a legitimate Doak Walker Award candidate and may be the SEC’s most complete running back.
Why he’s a player to watch: Baxter’s production will set the tone for Texas in its first SEC campaign. If he thrives, Texas becomes an immediate playoff contender.
4. Nic Scourton (EDGE, Texas A&M)
Junior – 6’4″, 265 lbs
Former Purdue standout Nic Scourton transferred to Texas A&M after a dominant sophomore season in the Big Ten, where he led the conference in sacks (10.5). Now reunited with defensive coordinator DJ Durkin in College Station, he’s set to be the Aggies’ defensive centerpiece.
Scourton brings an SEC-ready frame and violent hands to the edge, and he showed in spring ball that he’s capable of taking over games. With Texas A&M looking to reinvent itself under new head coach Mike Elko, Scourton’s leadership and productivity will be critical.
Expect him to be a consistent presence in opposing backfields, especially with the SEC’s influx of new starting quarterbacks in 2025.
Why he’s a player to watch: Texas A&M has playoff aspirations and a new coaching staff. Scourton is their most disruptive player and will be essential in big matchups against Texas, Alabama, and LSU.
5. Nico Iamaleava (QB, Tennessee)
Sophomore – 6’6″, 210 lbs
Tennessee fans have waited for Nico Iamaleava to take over since the day he committed. Now, the former five-star recruit has the reins to Josh Heupel’s fast-paced offense—and the expectations are sky-high.
Iamaleava started in Tennessee’s Citrus Bowl win over Iowa and looked the part: poised, athletic, and explosive. He accounted for three total touchdowns and showed the dual-threat upside that made him one of the top QBs in the 2023 recruiting class.
In 2025, he’ll lead an offense loaded with playmakers, including returning receivers Bru McCoy and Squirrel White. If Iamaleava delivers, the Vols could be dark-horse playoff contenders.
Why he’s a player to watch: Iamaleava is one of the most gifted passers in the country. His development will determine whether Tennessee stays nationally relevant in a stacked SEC East.
6. Malaki Starks (S, Georgia)
Junior – 6’1″, 205 lbs
Georgia’s defense has been a factory for elite secondary talent under Kirby Smart, and Malaki Starks might be the next superstar to follow in the footsteps of Lewis Cine and Richard LeCounte. As a true sophomore in 2024, Starks led the Bulldogs in interceptions (4) and pass breakups, while also serving as a team captain.
Starks’ range, intelligence, and tackling ability make him a rare three-level safety. He’s expected to anchor a Georgia secondary that lost several starters to the NFL. With a new-look front seven, the Bulldogs will rely on Starks’ leadership and versatility more than ever.
Why he’s a player to watch: Georgia’s defense is younger but still loaded. Starks is the most experienced and most talented piece, and his presence will be crucial in big games against Texas, Alabama, and Florida.
7. Quinshon Judkins (RB, Ole Miss)
Junior – 5’11”, 215 lbs
Judkins has already proven himself as one of the SEC’s most durable and dangerous backs, rushing for over 2,700 yards in his first two seasons. Now entering his junior year, he’s gunning for a Doak Walker Award and potentially a spot in New York.
Lane Kiffin’s offense runs through Judkins, and despite facing constant stacked boxes, the junior continues to produce at an elite level. His ability to wear down defenses and break games open in the fourth quarter is unmatched.
With Ole Miss returning veteran quarterback Jaxson Dart and bolstering its O-line through the portal, Judkins could be in for a monster season.
Why he’s a player to watch: Judkins is the engine of one of the SEC’s most explosive offenses. If he stays healthy, he’ll be among the top statistical backs in the country.
8. Ethan Downs (EDGE, Oklahoma)
Senior – 6’4″, 260 lbs
With Oklahoma transitioning into the SEC, they’ll need players like Ethan Downs to lead the charge. A returning senior and emotional leader, Downs posted 8.5 sacks in 2024 and became one of Brent Venables’ most trusted defenders.
Downs plays with relentless motor and elite technique, often overpowering offensive tackles with leverage and hand strength. Against SEC offensive lines, his ability to generate pressure without blitzing will be vital.
Why he’s a player to watch: Oklahoma’s first SEC season will be a major adjustment. Downs is the Sooners’ most proven defensive player and a stabilizing force up front.
9. Luther Burden III (WR, Missouri)
Junior – 5’11”, 208 lbs
Luther Burden exploded in 2024, finishing with 1,212 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns while helping Missouri to a 10-win season and New Year’s Six bowl appearance. He returns as one of the SEC’s most dangerous weapons.
A YAC machine with elite acceleration, Burden thrives in both the slot and outside. Quarterback Brady Cook returns, and their chemistry will fuel Missouri’s high-powered offense once again.
Burden has already drawn comparisons to former SEC greats like Jaylen Waddle and Percy Harvin. If he continues on this trajectory, he’ll be a first-round NFL pick next April.
Why he’s a player to watch: Missouri’s offense runs through Burden. If he builds on last year, the Tigers could push for another top-15 finish.
10. Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia)
Senior – 6’0″, 180 lbs
While Starks locks down the middle of Georgia’s secondary, Kamari Lassiter patrols the edges. A lockdown corner who rarely gets targeted, Lassiter has become one of the SEC’s most technically sound and physical corners.
He doesn’t rack up huge interception totals because quarterbacks avoid him—but that’s a testament to his coverage ability. Lassiter’s experience will be key as Georgia tries to retool its defense and make another national title push.
Why he’s a player to watch: Lassiter is a glue guy for Georgia’s elite defense and one of the top cornerbacks in the nation.
