2024 preseason All-SEC teams revealed following SEC Media Days
After a week-long palooza of SEC football in Dallas for the conference’s annual media days, the league has released its latest set of preseason all-conference teams. And the 16 teams from the SEC have crowded the field with talent.
From the far western reaches of the league to the Atlantic coast and everything in between, there’s no shortage of talent in the SEC in 2024. Thusly, picking out players for All-SEC teams is a fraught exercise — somebody, somewhere, is certain to have a bone to pick with the selections. And there’s plenty of time to debate it before the games kick off in a matter of weeks.
Check out the full All-SEC preseason teams below.
All-SEC Preseason First Team
OFFENSE
QB: Carson Beck, Georgia
Beck stepped in as the starter at Georgia in 2023 and though the Bulldogs didn’t quite reach all their goals, their quarterback grew and grew and showed immense promise. And that promise has Beck among the top quarterbacks in the country entering 2024.
The biggest challenge for Beck will be chemistry with his new-look pass catching corps. Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey are gone, but the Georgia roster is as stacked as ever.
RB: Trevor Etienne, Georgia
Trevor Etienne joins the Bulldogs after making a name for himself elsewhere in the SEC. Over the past two seasons, he’s rushed for over 700 yards for the Florida Gators, scoring 14 total rushing touchdowns in the process.
When he transferred to Georgia, Athens began to salivate at the idea of the dynamic runner in the team’s offense. He could be a major difference-maker in the SEC for the Bulldogs in 2024.
RB: Jarquez Hunter, Auburn
Hunter has quietly been a workhorse for Auburn amidst some downtrodden seasons. The hope for 2024 is he can keep being that feature back for a much better team.
Head coach Hugh Freeze spoke at SEC Media Days of the importance of a balanced ground attack. Hunter will be crucial to those efforts.
WR: Luther Burden III, Missouri
Arguably the best all-around player in the country, Burden will be the focal point of the Missouri offense. And if he can continue ascending to new heights, the Tigers might be in for a magical year.
Burden’s all-around ability also makes him special, as he can win in short areas and down the field. Plus, he’s strong after the catch as a ball carrier with plenty of wiggle.
WR: Tre Harris, Ole Miss
Harris dazzled in 2023. From his highlight-reel catches to stuffing the state sheet, he did it all for Ole Miss.
He’s expected to have the same sort of impact again this time around. Plus, with some more help in the receiving corps, defenses might not be able to pay him as much attention as they’d like.
TE: Caden Prieskorn, Ole Miss
Prieskorn was quietly one of the best, most productive tight ends in the country a season ago. He’s back for one more ride with the Rebels, and this time as arguably the best tight end in the league.
Prieskorn made a living stretching the middle of the field for the Rebels, but showed a bit more versatility to his game. He’ll be a feature piece for Ole Miss this season.
C: Cooper Mays, Tennessee
Cooper Mays continues to be one of the more reliable offensive lineman in the conference. He’s well-traveled, entering his fifth season in college football.
He’ll lead the Tennessee offensive line into battle once again in 2024. The Volunteers have heightened expectations, and he’ll be a huge piece as to whether they can reach them or not.
OL: Tyler Booker, Alabama
Perhaps the top non-tackle offensive line prospect for the 2025 draft, Booker has been a stalwart on the line for Alabama for a few years now. He’s expected to be a dominant force alongside Brailsford in 2024.
Booker’s blend of sheer size and power make him a true challenge to displace. And he’s only gotten more refined in his hand technique, footwork and movement over the years.
OL: Will Campbell, LSU
Campbell is, for many, the top tackle in the 2025 draft class. It’s the sort of reputation a tackle can earn when he starts at left tackle for LSU as a true freshman.
Now entering Year 3, big things are expected out of Campbell. He should be a lockdown presence on the left side of the line.
OL: Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
Kelvin Banks Jr. dominated in the Big 12, and now he enters the SEC with Texas as one of the conference’s top offensive lineman. Last season, Banks was a All-Big 12 First-Team selection.
Moving into 2024, he’ll be tasked with keep Quinn Ewers upright. If he plays to his capabilities, the Longhorns will be an immediate threat in the SEC.
OL: Tate Ratledge, Georgia
Tate Ratledge has become one of the more vital parts of the Georgia offensive line. While the Bulldogs have talent all over the field, Ratledge and his teammates are simply the lifeblood of their squad.
Last season, Ratledge was a AP Second Team All-American , and a Coaches All-SEC First Team selection. He can play multiple positions along the line, and that’ll be a key part of Georgia’s offensive success.
DEFENSE
DL: James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
Pearce enters Year 3 at Tennessee as the featured defender, terrifying quarterbacks off the edge. He’s expected to keep doing more the same in 2024.
And Pearce’s talent and production are such that many draft evaluators think he has a chance to be the top overall pick.
DL: Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
One of several Texas A&M departures, Nolen is a former top recruit and still has no shortage of talent to put on display. A strong season with the Rebels should have him in the hunt to be a strong draft selection.
Plus, if Nolen and Co. can get the Ole Miss defense to match what should be a potent offense, the ceiling could be high for the Rebels.
DL: Deone Walker, Kentucky
Walker’s physical profile is basically unmatched: 6-foot-6, 350 pounds. And Walker can move.
The massive defensive tackle serves not just as an anchor for Kentucky’s run defense, but can be disruptive as a pass rusher, too. He’s even dropped into coverage here and there.
DL: Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia
Nazir Stackhouse has developed into a force along Georgia’s defensive line. Entering his fifth season with the Bulldogs, that shouldn’t change, as he’s only improving.
In addition to being a Preseason Media Days All-SEC First Team selection, he’s also been added to the Outland Trophy Watch List, and included on the Senior Bowl Watch List. It could be a fruitful campaign for Stackhouse in 2024.
LB: Harold Perkins, LSU
It’s been an up-and-down time at LSU for Perkins, who at times seemed best deployed in a Micah Parsons-esque role coming off the edge. But LSU is intent on playing the next-level athlete as an off-ball linebacker.
If Perkins can make the transition really stick, he has a chance to be a difference maker at multiple levels of the defense. And if he can do that, it could be a big turnaround for the Tigers.
LB: Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
Stutsman has been not only key on the field for the Sooners, but is an emotional centerpiece for the Oklahoma defense. He’ll be key as they navigate the SEC schedule for the first time.
And if Stutsman and Co. can elevate their gamein Year 3 for Brent Venables, the Sooners could be in line for a strong showing in Year 1 in the SEC.
*LB: Deontae Lawson, Alabama
Deontae Lawson is the man in the middle of the Alabama defense for 2024. He began to take control of that spot last season, and now it’s firmly established for this campaign.
It’s going to be his fourth season, but his third with some actual playing time. Lawson will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of some amazing talents at linebacker for Alabama.
*LB: Mykel Wiliams, Georgia
After an incredible freshman campaign in 2022, Mykel Williams was expected to become a star in 2023, and he improved by leaps and bounds. He ended up being named to the Coaches All-SEC Second Team in the process last season.
Now, another step forward could be on the docket. Williams will have a target on his back each week, but the next great Georgia defender seems to be cultivating his talent right in front of us.
DB: Malaki Starks, Georgia
Starks has been excellent for Georgia basically since he cracked the lineup as a true freshman in 2022. Now he’s a veteran expected to lock down the back end for the Bulldogs.
The good news is he seems well-equipped for such a role, which is no surprise for a player who’s produced from his first game onward.
DB: Malachi Moore, Alabama
Malachi Moore is becoming one of the faces for Alabama’s defense, and that’s bound to happen, with how long he’s been with the Crimson Tide. Still, it’s not like it’s without merit, and he’s performed well.
So much so that he’s receiving immense respect, being included on the SEC Preseason First Team. Alabama is under new leadership, but Moore is part of the old guard, hoping to ease the transition in 2024.
DB: Billy Bowman, Oklahoma
Bowman is a dynamic player in the backend for the Sooners. He’s as comfortable patrolling the secondary as he is mixing it up in the box.
And along with Stutsman, Bowman will be integral to the Oklahoma defense taking another step forward in 2024.
DB: Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
Maxwell Hairston is repping for Kentucky on the Preseason SEC First Team. It’s an honor he deserves, after being named to the Second Team All-SEC in 2023.
Hairston led the SEC in interceptions last season in five. He’s shown to be a ball-hawk and a lockdown corner, and we’ll see how that progresses for him this coming season.
SPECIALISTS
P: James Burnip, Alabama
James Burnip has been a staple of Alabama’s kicking game over the last couple of seasons. When he’s not booming punts, he’s holding field goals for the Crimson Tide.
He’s become a major weapon for Alabama over his time with the team. Returning in 2024, he’ll be a huge boon for the Crimson Tide as they enter a new era.
PK: Bert Auburn, Texas
Bert Auburn has become a fan favorite, and for good measure. Not only can he kick with the best of them, but his flowing hair makes for an entertaining visual every time he’s on the field.
Last season, Auburn was selected to the All-Big 12 First-Team. He’ll look to continue his immense success in a new conference in 2024.
KS: Alex McPherson, Auburn
Alex McPherson has been a revelation for Auburn. Since coming to the Tigers, all he’s done is succeed, and he didn’t miss a kick in 2023.
The sky is the limit for the reliable leg. McPherson is hoping to see the Tigers score some more touchdowns, but he’ll be ready when called upon in 2024.
RS: Barion Brown, Kentucky
One of the most dynamic players in the league with the ball in his hands, Browning has been a special teams menace for years. That should continue aplenty in 2024.
Brown should also be a big part of the Kentucky offense, too. But every time he gets kicked to, he can change the game.
LS: Kneeland Hibbett, Alabama
Kneeland Hibbett has been an awesome addition to the Alabama special teams unit. He was named to the All-SEC First Team in 2023 after starting every game for the Crimson Tide.
He’ll be looking to continue that success in 2024, and then some. Alabama knows they have a reliable, impressive player in Hibbett, and that’s evident every time he’s on the field.
AP: Zavion Thomas, LSU
Zavion Thomas made a name for himself over the last couple of seasons with the Mississippi State Bulldogs. However, he decided to transfer to LSU after an impressive 2023.
Now, Thomas will be looking to impact the game in a myriad of ways. After scoring only one touchdown and adding 503 receiving yards in 2023, he could be a name to watch in 2024 with the Tigers.
All-SEC Preseason Second-Team
OFFENSE
QB: Quinn Ewers, TEX
RB: Raheim Sanders, SC
*RB: CJ Baxter, TEX
*RB: Montrell Johnson Jr., UF
WR: Isaiah Bond, TEX
WR: Kyren Lacy, LSU
TE: Mason Taylor, LSU
C: Parker Brailsford, UA
OL: Emery Jones, LSU
OL: Kadyn Proctor, UA
OL: Xavier Truss, UGA
OL: Dylan Fairchild, UGA
DEFENSE
DL: Shemar Turner, TAMU
DL: Landon Jackson, ARK
DL: Nic Scourton, TAMU
*DL: Tim Smith, UA
*DL: Jared Ivey, UM
LB: Debo Williams, SC
LB: Anthony Hill Jr., TEX
LB: Smael Mondon Jr., UGA
DB: Jahdae Barron, TEX
DB: Major Burns, LSU
DB: Andrew Mukuba, TEX
DB: Malik Muhammad, TEX
SPECIALISTS
P: Brett Thorson, UGA
PK: Graham Nicholson, UA
LS: Hunter Rogers, SC
KS: Will Stone, TEX
RS: Zavion Thomas, LSU
AP: Dillon Bell, UGA
All-SEC Preseason Third Team
OFFENSE
QB: Jalen Milroe, UA
RB: Justine Haynes, UA
RB: Ulysses Bently, UM
WR: Deion Burks, OU
WR: Dominic Lovett, UGA
TE: Oscar Delp, UGA
C: Jake Majors, TEX
OL: Earnest Greene III, UGA
OL: Marques Cox, UK
OL: Trey Zuhn III, TAMU
OL: Jaeden Roberts, UA
DEFENSE
DL: Tim Keenan III, UA
DL: Princely Umanmielen, UM
DL: Trey Moore, TEX
DL: Tonka Hemingway, SC
LB: Jamon “Pop” Dumas-Johnson, UK
LB: Jihaad Campbell, UA
LB: Eugene Asante, AU
DB: Domani Jackson, UA
DB: Daylen Everette, UGA
DB: Jason Marshall Jr., UF
*DB: Keon Sabb, UA
*DB: Nick Emmanwori, SC
SPECIALISTS
P: Jeremy Crawshaw, UF
PK: Alex McPherson, AU
LS: Slade Roy, LSU
KS: Trey Smack, UF
RS: Keionte Scott, AU
*AP: Barion Brown, UK
*AP: Jaydon Blue, TEX
As you can see, Georgia led the way on the SEC Preseason First Team, besting Alabama with six players to five. However, the Crimson Tide captured the overall lead across all three teams, leading the Bulldogs with a tally of 16 players to 15. Elsewhere, SEC newcomer Texas made a stark impression, with 12 players included.
On3’s Steve Samra contributed to this article.