The SEC has been navigating some choppy waters on the national stage lately. After years of dominance, the spotlight has shifted to the Big Ten, with the SEC missing out on the last three National Championships.
Their bowl game record last season wasn't much to write home about either, going 4-10. But don't count them out just yet.
The SEC has been making waves in the transfer portal, and several teams are poised for a resurgence.
Let's dive into the top five SEC teams making the most of the transfer portal:
1) LSU
Lane Kiffin, who’s earned the moniker “portal king,” has certainly lived up to that reputation this offseason. With 39 new players coming in, LSU has bolstered its roster significantly.
The crown jewel of their haul is quarterback Sam Leavitt from Arizona State. Leavitt brings proven talent to Kiffin’s debut season, and given Kiffin’s prowess as a quarterback coach, this pairing could be electric.
LSU didn’t stop there. They snagged key players like edge rusher Princewill Imanmielen from Ole Miss, offensive tackle Jordan Seaton from Colorado, and linebacker TJ Dottery. These additions should make an immediate impact, setting Kiffin up for a promising start in Baton Rouge.
2) Texas
The Longhorns had a solid 10-3 season but fell short of the College Football Playoff. Determined to change their fortunes, they brought in 18 players via the transfer portal, focusing heavily on offensive upgrades. Wide receiver Cam Coleman from Auburn is a standout acquisition, expected to be a game-changer for quarterback Arch Manning.
Texas also strengthened its backfield with running backs Hollywood Smothers from NC State and Raleek Brown from Arizona State. These moves should ease the pressure on Manning and add depth to their offensive attack.
3) Texas A&M
Coming off an impressive 11-2 season and a College Football Playoff appearance, Texas A&M is building on that success with 18 new transfers. Among them is wide receiver Isaiah Horton from Alabama, who could be a hidden gem in their lineup.
The Aggies also focused on defense, adding edge defenders Anto Saka from Northwestern, safety Tawfiq Byard from Colorado, and linebacker Ray Coney from Tulsa. This well-rounded approach in the transfer portal sets Texas A&M up for another strong season.
4) Kentucky
Kentucky made a splash by hiring former Oregon Offensive Coordinator Will Stein as head coach. Stein wasted no time, signing 29 prospects to revamp the roster. He brought in former Notre Dame quarterback Kenny Minchey, who has the potential to shine under Stein’s guidance.
Recognizing the need for a sturdy offensive line, Stein secured talents like Lance Heard from Tennessee, Tegra Tshlabola from Ohio State, and Coleton Price from Baylor. These moves aim to provide Minchey with the protection he needs to excel.
5) Auburn
Auburn’s hire of Alex Golesh is flying under the radar, but it might be one of the offseason's savviest moves. Despite losing talent, Golesh brought in 12 players from USF, including quarterback Byrum Brown and wide receiver Keshawn Singleton. This influx of familiar faces should smooth Golesh’s transition and help Auburn stay competitive.
The SEC may have hit a rough patch, but with these strategic moves in the transfer portal, they're poised to reclaim their dominant status. Keep an eye on these teams as they look to make a statement this season.