SEC Spring Football 2025: Storylines and Players to Watch

The SEC spring football season is just around the corner, and this year promises to be as intriguing as ever. With several teams facing pivotal moments, here’s a breakdown of the top storylines and players to keep an eye on across the conference.

Alabama Crimson Tide

Spring Storyline: Kalen DeBoer enters his second year as Alabama’s head coach after a 9-4 season. The pressure is on to return to the College Football Playoff. With a strong defense, the offensive focus, especially at quarterback, will be key this spring. Player to Watch: Ty Simpson is the favorite to take over at QB, but freshman Keelon Russell, a top dual-threat passer, could push for the starting role.

Arkansas Razorbacks

Spring Storyline: Sam Pittman’s squad needs to rebuild after a 7-6 season. With a tough schedule ahead, the Razorbacks are focusing on improving their offensive line and finding reliable receivers. Player to Watch: Kam Shanks, a transfer from UAB, will be a crucial addition to the wide receiver corps, bringing explosive punt return abilities.

Auburn Tigers

Spring Storyline: Hugh Freeze’s team is looking to rebound after a disappointing 5-7 season. The Tigers have added several transfers, aiming to improve their offense, especially at quarterback. Player to Watch: Jackson Arnold, a transfer from Oklahoma, will be under the microscope as he takes the reins at QB.

Florida Gators

Spring Storyline: Billy Napier’s Gators finished strong in 2024, but the focus this spring is on finding dependable receivers to support QB DJ Lagway. Player to Watch: Aaron Chiles, a standout linebacker, is expected to make a significant impact on the defense.

Georgia Bulldogs

Spring Storyline: After an 11-3 season, Georgia is retooling its offense, breaking in a new quarterback and revamping the receiver corps. Player to Watch: Zachariah Branch, a transfer from USC, brings elite playmaking ability to the Bulldogs’ receiving unit.

Kentucky Wildcats

Spring Storyline: Mark Stoops is looking to restore Kentucky’s blue-collar identity after a disappointing 4-8 season. The Wildcats brought in 20 transfers to bolster their roster. Player to Watch: Zach Calzada, a sixth-year senior, will be key to reviving Kentucky’s passing game.

LSU Tigers

Spring Storyline: With QB Garrett Nussmeier returning, LSU is a favorite to contend for the SEC title. The focus this spring is on rebuilding the offensive line and improving the defense. Player to Watch: Patrick Payton, a transfer from Florida State, will be crucial in strengthening LSU’s pass rush.

Mississippi State Bulldogs

Spring Storyline: Jeff Lebby’s first season was a disaster, and the Bulldogs are focusing on improving their porous defense and finding consistency at quarterback. Player to Watch: Blake Shapen, who returned from injury, will be the centerpiece of Mississippi State’s offense.

Missouri Tigers

Spring Storyline: Missouri is looking to build on back-to-back 10-win seasons, with a new QB stepping in and an offensive line that needs retooling. Player to Watch: Ahmad Hardy, a transfer from ULM, will bring a dynamic rushing attack to the Tigers.

Oklahoma Sooners

Spring Storyline: After a lackluster 6-7 season, the Sooners are under pressure to improve their offense, particularly at the receiver position. Player to Watch: R Mason Thomas, a defensive end, will be a cornerstone of Oklahoma’s defense.

Ole Miss Rebels

Spring Storyline: Lane Kiffin’s Rebels are looking to finally break through to the playoff after falling short in 2024. A revamped defensive line will be key. Player to Watch: Austin Simmons, who inherits the QB role from Jaxson Dart, has high expectations.

South Carolina Gamecocks

Spring Storyline: Shane Beamer’s team is building on a solid 9-4 season, with a focus on developing young stars like QB LaNorris Sellers. Player to Watch: Rahsul Faison, a transfer from Utah State, will bring a new dimension to the Gamecocks’ running game.

Tennessee Volunteers

Spring Storyline: The Vols are looking to build on their first playoff appearance, with a focus on improving their secondary and road performances. Player to Watch: Nico Iamaleava, the highly-touted QB, is expected to have a breakout season.

Texas Longhorns

Spring Storyline: Arch Manning steps into the spotlight as Texas’ new starting QB. The Longhorns are focused on building an offensive line to support him. Player to Watch: Colin Simmons, a sophomore edge rusher, is poised to be a defensive star.

Texas A&M Aggies

Spring Storyline: Mike Elko’s Aggies are looking to rebound from a disappointing finish to 2024, with a focus on improving the defensive line. Player to Watch: Marcel Reed, the Aggies’ future at QB, will be key to their success.

Vanderbilt Commodores

Spring Storyline: Clark Lea’s Commodores are building on their best season in over a decade, with a focus on developing depth and maintaining momentum. Player to Watch: Diego Pavia, the fearless QB, will once again lead Vanderbilt’s offense.