Sophomore Surge: One Breakout Star from Each SEC Football Team to Watch in 2024

The first week of March saw College Football teams return to the field as Spring practices are underway. This time of year, is all about developing players and seeing which pieces are ready to take the next step. When looking for pieces ready to blossom into the next star the best place to look is at the players entering their second year in the program.

Whether its a former five star that will finally have a shot at playing or a low ranked recruit that has developed well, after a full season in the program sophomores emerging is key in making a run to the College Football Playoff. Ahead of the 2025 College Football season, we're keeping an eye on these players on each SEC team as the top candidate to have a breakout season.

WR

Jaylen Mbakwe

Wide Receiver

Early on in the offseason, it looked like Alabama would lose former five-star recruit Jaylen Mbakwe to the transfer portal before he decided to return to Alabama. The former top recruit has switched positions as he'll go from Cornerback to Wide Receiver a position he excelled at the High School level.

RB

Braylen Russell

Running Back

This season as Arkansas' running backs dealt with injuries, Braylen Russell started to get some touches and he slowly emerged. The peak of Russell's Freshman season came against Mississippi State when he picked up 175 yards rushing on 16 carries. Coming into his Sophomore Season, Braylen Russell is slated to start for the Razorbacks and is poised for a breakout season.

WR

Malcolm Simmons

Wide Receiver

While everyone is excited over the duo of Cam Coleman and Eric Singleton Jr, the Auburn Tigers have a third wide receiver that deserves his flowers. As a Freshman, Malcolm Simmons caught 40 passes for 451 yards and 3 touchdowns while adding another 13 yards running the ball. Simmons will beat opposing defenses deep and he can make any play a touchdown but, the biggest question will be if Auburn can get him the ball consistently.

EDGE

LJ McCray

Edge Rusher

In the 2024 recruiting class, LJ McCray was a top ten recruit and one of the best defensive linemen in the class. In his Freshman season, McCray didn't see a ton of playing time recording just 13 tackles and 0.5 sacks. As Florida loses a ton of veterans on defense McCray will have a chance to step into the starting lineup in a critical season for Billy Napier. McCray has all the talent and physical tools needed to be an elite pass rusher and this offseason will be all about taking the next step.

RB

Nate Frazier

Running Back

During his Freshman season, Nate Frazier started to pick up carries as Trevor Etienne dealt with injuries but, with Etienne off to the NFL, Frazier is set to lead Georgia's rushing attack. As Georgia moves to Gunner Stockton, the Bulldogs will likely lean on their rushing attack early on while the first year starter gets his feet wet. Frazier's speed and play style make him a nightmare in the red zone and if he can develop as a receiver he'll be one of College Football's Breakout stars in 2025.

EDGE

Steven Soles Jr

Edge Rusher

Kentucky has a roster filled with incoming transfers rather than homegrown players as Mark Stoops looks to get the program back on track. One of the younger pieces that could step into a bigger role in 2025 is edge rusher Steven Soles Jr. Soles has impressive reps as a pass rusher for a Freshman and if he can take the next step becoming one of the team's top pass rushers than Kentucky's defense should see a boost this season.

TE

Trey'Dez Green

Tight End

At points during the season LSU fans got a glimpse into the offense post Mason Taylor whenever Trey'Dez Green took the field. The five-star Freshman had his breakout performance in the Texas Bowl and after a stint with the Basketball team he's back training for what should be a breakout season. Green can jump out of the gym and has a massive frame that paired with his athleticism will make him one of the best tight ends in the Country.

DT

Kai McClendon

Defensive Tackle

Mississippi State's roster is loaded with veteran transfers as Jeff Lebby continues to mold the program into his own. Among the young players on Mississippi State's roster none may be more exciting than defensive tackle Kai McClendon. As a True Freshman, McClendon was productive racking up 30 tackles and 0.5 a sack. As McClendon gets a full offseason in the program he'll only continue to get better on the inside for the Bulldogs.

SAF

Trajen Greco

Safety

The Missouri Tigers are going to be a veteran team in 2025 as Eli Drinkwitz continues to reload using the transfer portal. Among the younger pieces on Missouri's lineup the player with the best chance to jump into the starting lineup is safety Trajen Greco. The sophomore will compete to jump into the starting lineup and has the talent to do so if he takes the next step.

CB

Eli Bowen

Cornerback

On a loaded Oklahoma defense, Freshman Eli Bowen was getting consistent playing time before he made a name for himself with an incredible interception vs Alabama. As Oklahoma loses several key pieces to the NFL, Eli Bowen will take a bigger role in the defense and the Sooners need him to step up in a big way.

CB

TJ Banks

Cornerback

It's tough to find homegrown pieces on Lane Kiffin's Ole Miss roster as he's become one of the biggest users of the transfer portal. If you're looking for a young piece on Ole Miss' roster ready to emerge look no further than cornerback TJ Banks. Banks played a ton this season mostly on special teams but, he did also make an impact on defense. This Spring if Banks' development continues, he could emerge as the replacement for Trey Amos who's off to the NFL.

WR

Mazeo Bennett Jr

Wide Receiver

LaNorris Sellers took the next step in 2024 and his receivers now get to take the next step as he progresses in his development. As a True Freshman, Mazeo Bennett Jr made an impact catching 30 passes for 337 yards and 3 touchdowns. As the team loses veteran receivers, Bennett will start for South Carolina and can take a massive leap if Sellers develops.

RB

Peyton Lewis

Running Back

The Volunteers lose one of the best running backs in the Country as Dylan Sampson is off to the NFL Draft. While the Volunteers need the passing attack to return to Josh Heupel's standards, Peyton Lewis taking the next step is just as important. Lewis has incredible speed and he's not afraid to turn it into power which gives him the chance to be a great physical threat in the SEC.

WR

Terry Bussey

Wide Receiver

Texas A&M Wide Receiver Terry Bussey is a freak athlete and after settling in at Wide Receiver for Texas A&M is set to explode in his second season. Bussey can impact the game out of the backfield, at wide receiver, and in the return game as any time he touches the football a big play is around the corner.

CB

Kobe Black

Cornerback

The Longhorns lose to elite defensive backs in Jahdae Barron and Andrew Mukuba and need to reload in the secondary to go on another deep playoff run. The good news for Texas is that the Longhorns have that defensive back on the roster in cornerback Kobe Black. Black is a lengthy athletic cornerback and after getting some experience as a Freshman, he could explode in his second season becoming one of the best in College Football.

FS

Dontae Carter

Free Safety

After being one of the top safety recruits in his class, Dontae Carter comes into his second season poised for a massive breakout. Carter appeared in every game for Vanderbilt this season appearing on special teams and defense. This season will see Carter step into a starting role in what will be a very solid secondary and he could be a difference maker for the Commodores.

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