SEC Preseason All-Team Reveals Contenders for 2026 Season
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has released its preseason all-SEC team, providing a glimpse into the teams that are expected to be contenders in the upcoming 2026 season. The list, compiled from the votes of 164 media members, highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each team.
At the top of the list are Georgia and Texas, which accounted for eight of the 23 first-team selections on offense and defense. These two teams not only cleaned up on the first team but also dominated the second and third teams, with seven players from each team earning selections. This is a testament to the strength and depth of these two programs, which are projected to sit atop the SEC.
Texas and Georgia Lead the Charge
Both Texas and Georgia had a significant presence on the preseason all-SEC team. Texas had eight of its offensive starters and three of its defensive starters selected, while Georgia had six selections on offense and six on defense. This means that both teams had at least half of their starting lineups accounted for in the preseason all-conference selections.
The dominance of Texas and Georgia is not surprising, given their strong performances in the previous season. However, the absence of other top teams from the list is a notable trend. LSU, for example, had eight total offensive and defensive selections, while Oklahoma and Alabama each had seven and six selections, respectively. Ole Miss also had six selections, but its presence on the list is more surprising given the team’s performance in the previous season.
A Questionable Ryan Coleman-Williams Selection
One of the more surprising selections on the list is Ryan Coleman-Williams, a quarterback from Alabama. Coleman-Williams had a disappointing 2025 campaign, finishing with 689 yards and four touchdowns. His performance was a regression from his standout true freshman campaign, in which he finished with 885 yards and eight touchdowns. This raises questions about the selection process, as Coleman-Williams was picked over other quarterbacks who had more impressive performances in the previous season.
Mario Craver and Isaiah Sategna, both quarterbacks from other SEC teams, had more impressive performances in the previous season. Craver finished with 917 yards and four touchdowns, while Sategna had 965 yards and eight touchdowns. The selection of Coleman-Williams over these two quarterbacks seems to be more based on name recognition than actual production.
The Year of the RB?
The SEC is loaded with talented running backs, with several players who could be considered among the nation’s top three. Florida’s Jadan Baugh is one of the most talented running backs in the league, but he is not included on the SEC’s preseason all-conference team. Instead, players like Kewan Lacy from Ole Miss and Ahmad Hardy from Missouri are included.
The selection of Lacy and Hardy over Baugh is a testament to the depth and talent of the SEC’s running back corps. The league is loaded with talented running backs, with several players who could be considered among the nation’s top 10. This could be the year of the running back in the SEC, with several players poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
In conclusion, the SEC preseason all-conference team provides a glimpse into the strengths and weaknesses of each team in the league. Texas and Georgia dominate the list, while other teams like LSU, Oklahoma, and Alabama also have notable selections. The selection of Ryan Coleman-Williams is a surprise, given his disappointing performance in the previous season. The SEC is loaded with talented running backs, which could make this the year of the running back in the league.
