Seahawks Punch Ticket to Super Bowl LX Behind Defensive Standouts and SEC Pipeline
The Seattle Seahawks are heading back to the Super Bowl. In a thrilling NFC Championship showdown, they edged out the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 on Sunday night, earning their place in Super Bowl LX against a rising New England Patriots squad led by rookie quarterback Drake Maye.
While the win was a full-team effort, the spotlight shined brightly on a pair of defenders with deep SEC roots. Former South Carolina Gamecocks Ernest Jones IV and Nick Emmanwori were all over the field, playing key roles in slowing down a potent Rams offense.
Jones IV led the Seahawks with eight total tackles, showcasing the kind of sideline-to-sideline range and closing speed that’s made him a staple in Seattle’s defense all season. Emmanwori, meanwhile, was a difference-maker in coverage, breaking up three passes and adding five tackles of his own. His physicality and instincts in the secondary helped keep the Rams’ passing game in check during critical moments.
Also making his presence felt was Byron Murphy II, the former Texas Longhorn, who added five tackles and brought steady pressure up front. His ability to disrupt plays in the trenches gave the Seahawks' defense just enough edge to hold the line when it mattered most.
Seattle’s defense has quietly been building something special, and Sunday’s performance was the latest example of how their young core-many of whom hail from SEC programs-has matured into a battle-tested unit.
As the Seahawks prepare to face the Patriots in Santa Clara, they’ll be bringing a strong SEC presence with them. Here’s a look at the players on Seattle’s Super Bowl roster who once battled it out in the Southeastern Conference:
- Anthony Bradford (LSU) - A powerful presence on the offensive line who’s helped anchor the run game.
- Tyrone Broden (Arkansas) - A deep threat with size and athleticism, adding depth to the receiving corps.
- Charles Cross (Mississippi State) - The starting left tackle continues to protect the blind side with poise and technique.
- Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina) - A rising star in the secondary, showing elite instincts and physicality.
- AJ Finley (Ole Miss) - A versatile safety who contributes on defense and special teams.
- Derick Hall (Auburn) - A high-motor edge rusher capable of flipping momentum with a single play.
- Jared Ivey (Ole Miss) - Adds depth and energy to the defensive front.
- Josh Jobe (Alabama) - A physical corner who brings SEC toughness to the secondary.
- **Velus Jones Jr. ** (Tennessee) - A dynamic return man and gadget weapon on offense.
- Ernest Jones IV (South Carolina) - The heartbeat of the defense, leading with both production and leadership.
- Drew Lock (Missouri) - The veteran backup quarterback who brings experience and a big arm.
- Kenny McIntosh (Georgia) - A versatile back who contributes in the run game and as a receiver.
- Jalen Milroe (Alabama) - A developmental quarterback with intriguing dual-threat upside.
- Robbie Ouzts (Alabama) - A hard-nosed tight end who brings grit to the blocking game.
- **Chris Paul Jr.
** (Ole Miss) - A depth piece on the offensive line with upside.
- Nehemiah Pritchett (Auburn) - A rangy corner with speed and ball skills.
- Jarran Reed (Alabama) - A veteran leader on the defensive line, still making plays in big moments.
- Ja’Markis Weston (Florida) - A wideout with size and special teams value.
The SEC-to-Seattle pipeline is alive and well, and it’s no coincidence that many of the Seahawks’ biggest contributors on both sides of the ball cut their teeth in college football’s toughest conference. Their experience under the bright lights of the SEC is translating now on the NFL’s biggest stage.
Next stop: Super Bowl LX. And if Sunday night was any indication, the Seahawks are bringing a defense-and a whole lot of SEC swagger-with them.