As Super Bowl LX gets set to kick off between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, there’s a not-so-subtle storyline running beneath the surface-one that college football fans, especially those who follow the SEC, will recognize immediately. This year’s Super Bowl is stacked with SEC alumni, with nearly a third of the players on both rosters having once suited up in the Southeastern Conference.
Let’s break it down: 31 former SEC players are on the active rosters for Super Bowl LX, which accounts for 29.2% of the 106 total active roster spots. And when you factor in players on injured reserve or practice squads, that number climbs to 44. That’s a significant footprint, and it speaks to the SEC’s continued dominance as a pipeline to the NFL’s biggest stage.
Notably, this tally includes players from Oklahoma and Texas, even though both schools officially joined the SEC after some of these players had already begun their college careers. Still, their inclusion underscores the growing strength of the expanded SEC brand.
Only two SEC schools-Kentucky and Texas A&M-don’t have a representative in this year’s Super Bowl. Florida doesn’t have anyone on the active rosters, but wide receiver Ja’Markis Weston, who played for the Gators from 2019 to 2024, is on Seattle’s injured reserve.
Alabama Leads the Way
No surprise here: Alabama tops the list with seven players on Super Bowl rosters, and every single one of them is active for tonight’s game. That’s a testament to the Crimson Tide’s ability not just to produce NFL talent, but to produce players who contribute at the highest level. LSU and Ole Miss aren’t far behind, each placing six players across active rosters and practice squads.
Let’s take a closer look at the SEC representation on both squads.
New England Patriots
Total SEC Players: 23
- Active Roster: 17
- IR/Practice Squad: 6
The Patriots come into the game with a heavy SEC influence, touching nearly every position group. Alabama is well-represented here with four active players: defensive lineman Christian Barmore, tight end CJ Dippre, linebacker Anfernee Jennings, and quarterback Joshua Dobbs. That’s a strong core of Crimson Tide talent, each bringing experience and toughness to a Patriots team that thrives on physical play and smart football.
LSU also makes a strong showing with wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, offensive lineman Will Campbell, edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson, and defensive lineman Bradyn Swinson all active. That’s a lot of SEC muscle in the trenches and on the perimeter.
Other notable names include tight end Hunter Henry (Arkansas), cornerback Carlton Davis III (Auburn), and running back Rhamondre Stevenson (Oklahoma), who gives New England a versatile weapon out of the backfield.
On the practice squad and injured reserve, the Patriots have depth from schools like South Carolina (Marcellas Dial), Missouri (Yasir Durant), Arkansas (Eric Gregor), and Ole Miss (Otis Reese, Jaquelin Roy). Veteran wideout Trent Sherfield Sr. (Vanderbilt) rounds out the list.
Seattle Seahawks
Total SEC Players: 21
- Active Roster: 14
- IR/Practice Squad: 7
Seattle’s SEC connection is just as intriguing. Alabama once again headlines the group with four active players: cornerback Josh Jobe, quarterback Jalen Milroe, fullback Robbie Ouzts, and veteran defensive lineman Jarran Reed. That’s a healthy mix of youth and experience, with Milroe representing the next wave of SEC quarterbacks transitioning to the pros.
LSU’s Anthony Bradford anchors the offensive line, while Mississippi State’s Charles Cross protects the edge. Auburn’s Derick Hall and Nehemiah Pritchett bring SEC toughness to the defense, and Missouri’s Drew Lock adds depth at quarterback.
South Carolina has a strong presence too, with safety Nick Emmanwori and linebacker Ernest Jones both active. And don’t overlook Texas products like punter Michael Dickson and defensive lineman Byron Murphy II, who’ve made big contributions throughout the season.
On the IR and practice squad, Seattle adds names like Arkansas wide receiver Tyrone Broden, Ole Miss safety AJ Finley, Tennessee’s Velus Jones Jr., and Georgia running back Kenny McIntosh. Florida’s Ja’Markis Weston, though sidelined, is another SEC name to watch for in the future.
What It All Means
The SEC’s presence in Super Bowl LX is more than just a feather in the conference’s cap-it’s a clear indicator of where the NFL continues to find its talent. Whether it’s Alabama’s consistency, LSU’s playmakers, or the rising stars from schools like Missouri and South Carolina, the SEC pipeline is alive and well.
So when the Patriots and Seahawks take the field tonight at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC, keep an eye on those familiar names. Chances are, the players who once lit up Saturdays in the South will be the same ones making the biggest plays on the sport’s biggest Sunday.