TOP 10 SEC NEWCOMERS for 2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx34259RoFQ

The transfer portal has once again reshaped the landscape of college football, bringing in a host of new talent to the Southeastern Conference. Hunter Zeisman and Randall Ledet Jr. break down the Top 10 Newcomers to the SEC.

10. Kenny Minchey (QB) - Kentucky (from Notre Dame)

    
    

Kenny Minchey is a crucial offensive acquisition for Kentucky, despite his somewhat understated statistics at Notre Dame, as he was playing behind talented quarterbacks like Riley Leonard and CJ Carr. His arrival is part of a broader effort by Kentucky to build a more potent offense, with other notable transfers including running backs CJ Baxter from Texas and Devontae Barnes from Oklahoma, and WR Nick Anderson from LSU. With coach Will Stein at the helm and a newly hired pass game coordinator, Mincey is expected to address Kentucky's past offensive struggles.

9. Devan Thompkins (DL) - Alabama (from USC)

   
   

Thompkins joins Alabama's defensive line from USC, having played various positions on the D-line for the Trojans. Alabama plans to utilize his pass-rushing capabilities to fill the void left by several portal departures and NFL draft declarations. While he may need to develop his run-stopping abilities, his speed and size make him a valuable asset as a pass rusher.

8. Anto Saka (Edge) - Texas A&M (from Northwestern)

Texas A&M continues its trend of finding defensive gems in the transfer portal with Anto Saka, an edge rusher from Northwestern. Last year, he recorded three sacks, and two forced fumbles, demonstrating his playmaking ability. Saka brings significant game experience, accumulating 69 pressures over three years, which is highly valued by Coach Elko for scheming and creating opportunities for pass rushers.

7. Hollywood Smothers (RB) - Texas (from NC State via Oklahoma)

Hollywood Smothers is a significant acquisition for Texas, especially after the team lost five running back transfers. Despite Alabama's initial strong interest, Texas managed to secure him. Smothers adds "flash" and is particularly effective in the pass game, having seen 40 targets at NC State. He was a First-Team All-ACC selection, rushing for 900 yards and six touchdowns last season. His arrival, alongside Raleek Brown from Arizona State, creates a robust running back room for Texas.

6. Melvin Siani (OT) - Texas (from Wake Forest & Temple)

Staying with Texas, Siani is a crucial addition to their offensive line. Having played 13 games last season, he graded as the 12th best blocker in the ACC according to PFF and remarkably did not allow a single sack all season - Only five players played more snaps without giving up a sack. His arrival directly addresses Texas's offensive line struggles from the previous season, where Arch Manning faced 22 sacks and 159 pressures. This pickup, along with other key transfers, highlights Texas's commitment to winning in the trenches.

5. Byron Brown (QB) - Auburn (from USF)

Byron Brown is a potential game-changer for Auburn, a program that had subpar QB play the past few years. He's a dual-threat quarterback with impressive numbers: 28 passing touchdowns and 14 rushing touchdowns last season, with only seven interceptions. He brings valuable experience from USF, having played in significant games on the big stage, including a win against Florida.

4. Rasheem Biles (LB) - Texas (from Pitt)

Biles is a major defensive addition for Texas, bringing a "field general" presence to the linebacker corps. He's versatile, capable of stepping down to the line, playing in coverage, and excelling in run stops. Last year at Pitt, he recorded 51 tackles and key pick-sixes against Louisville and Notre Dame. Biles was a Second-Team All-ACC linebacker and is known for making plays.

3. Jaccarius Peak (OT) - South Carolina (from NC State)

Peak is a solid pickup for South Carolina's offensive line, a unit that desperately needed improvement. Standing at 6'4" and 300 lbs, he boasts excellent pass protection, with an 83.5 PFF grade and no pressures given up in the last four games of the season. Ranked as the seventh highest graded offensive tackle by PFF, Peak is expected to significantly help quarterback Lanorris Sellers, who was the second-most sacked quarterback last year.

2. Sam Leavitt (QB) - LSU (from ASU)

Leavittt is arguably the most talked-about transfer on this list, arriving at LSU with high experience, having won the Big 12 two years ago. He is a flashy player and a dual-threat quarterback, with five rushing touchdowns in seven games last season. He brings confidence to push the ball downfield, a quality LSU lacked previously under Nussmeier. With a higher QBR and more rushing touchdowns, he is a significant upgrade for the LSU offense.

1. Chaz Coleman (Edge/DL) - Tennessee (from Penn State)

Chaz Coleman takes the number one spot on this list, despite his relatively low statistics. A true freshman with three full years of eligibility, he was the number one edge rusher and number five overall player in the portal. Penn State fans are already missing him, and both Ohio State and Kentucky had previously shown strong interest. Coleman's potential and eligibility are key factors in his high ranking, and he is expected to replace Joshua Josephs on Tennessee's defensive line. His transfer, along with other Penn State defensive players, indicates a strong belief from Tennessee's defensive coordinator who came from Penn State as well.

*This list was made prior to Jordan Seaton's entrance into the transfer portal

** Article is taken from excerpts from the full YouTube video linked above.