Ranking the Top 10 SEC players ahead of 2024 college football season

The 2024 season is nearly here. Rejoice! With Week 0 just around the corner, I’m unveiling my Top 10 players from each power conference and then unveiling the Top 25 players nationally. 

This is a fun, but tough exercise.  In these loaded conferences — especially the SEC and Big Ten — whittling down to just a Top 10 is nearly an impossibility. 

But that’s what makes it fun!

Real stars and All-Americans don’t even make the cut. 

Call me stupid, but my Top 10 SEC players for 2024 does not include Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen. Georgia guard Tate Ratledge — perhaps the No. 1 guard in America — was left on the cutting room floor, too. Oklahoma All-Americans Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman also got squeezed out. 

We’re talking dudes here. 

All these guys could find their way onto the postseason list, but for now, they’re not one of the 10 best players in the league. 

Notably, this is not a list of the 10 best future pros — although that does factor into my equation. But ultimately, it’s the Top 10 players in the SEC, right now, heading into the 2024 season. 

So debate away. 

The Honorable Mention Dudes: EDGE Nic Scourton, Texas A&M; QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss; OG Tyler Booker, Alabama; LB Harold Perkins, LSU; WR Tre Harris, Ole Miss.

10. EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia

Williams is moving from end to true edge this offseason, as the Bulldogs are looking to spice up their pass rush in 2024. Williams is an excellent run-defender with his length and strength to hold up against guards and tackles, but he’s also a heavy-handed pass rusher. He doesn’t have the raw stats of some other edge/ends in the league because of how Georgia funnels its defense, though Williams should put up even better production (4.5 sacks, 27 pressures) with more true opportunities in 2024.

9. QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama 

Milroe has “lead the SEC in total touchdowns” ability — particularly operating Kalen DeBoer’s offense. After struggling badly against Texas and getting benched versus USF, Milroe rebounded to lead the Tide to the SEC title. If he can limit the sacks, Milroe may rush for close to 1,000 yards this season — in addition to throwing bombs to the likes of Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard. 

8. QB Quinn Ewers, Texas

Ewers has the most pure arm talent in the SEC, capable of making off-platform throws and downfield shots. He improved his accuracy tremendously in his second season as Texas’ starter (58% to 69%). If he can stay healthy and live up to his top-ranked recruit billing, he should seriously contend for the Heisman Trophy this fall. Ewers’ biggest challenge is establishing chemistry with completely new cast of weapons.  

7. LT Kelvin Banks, Texas

The Longhorns’ left tackle had the highest pass-blocking grade among all power conference tackles, per On3’s Clark Brooks. He allowed just a single sack in 2023, and will again be responsible for protecting Quinn Ewers’ blindside. He stands to be the first Texas OL drafted in the first round since Mike Williams in 2002. 

6. QB Carson Beck, Georgia 

My highest-ranked QB in the SEC, Beck is a sharpshooter (74% completion) who could put up even better numbers (nearly 4,000 yards, 28 total touchdowns) in Year 2 of Mike Bobo’s system. He’s 13-1 as a starter and is eyeing a ring of his own as the QB1 for the national title favorites.

5. DT Deone Walker, Kentucky

The Cats’ No. 0 is a freakish 350 pound-tackle with twinkle-toes. Walker is a big, ole’ dancing bear who mauls guards with power and quickness — especially as a pass rusher (7.5 sacks). He lives in the backfield (team-high 12.5 tackles for loss), and Kentucky did an excellent job to keep him in Lexington this offseason.

4. DB Malaki Starks, Georgia

Starks is the Everything Man for the Bulldogs’ defense, offering sticky coverage skills (17 passes broken up), playmaking ability (three interceptions) and elite open field tackling (highest run-grade among all SEC safeties, per PFF). He’s a true centerfield safety who is a ball-hawking threat every time he’s challenged. 

3. WR Luther Burden, Missouri

Could the Tigers’ junior wideout be the most electric playmaker in college football in 2024? I think so. Burden flourished lining up in the slot last season, torching defenses via screens, jet sweeps and nine-routes. He is a YAC monster, with 710 of his 1,200 yards coming after the catch.

2. LT Will Campbell, LSU

The 6-6, 325-pound junior stands to be in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, as Campbell is arguably the top left tackle playing on Saturdays. A starter since Day 1 as a freshman, Campbell has developed from a former blue-chip recruit to the anchor of LSU’s terrific offensive line.

1. EDGE James Pearce, Tennessee

Pearce is a menace off the edge, and might have the quickest get-off of any pass rusher in the SEC. He tied for the league lead in sacks with 10.0 and had 53 pressures in his 460 snaps. He’s a future Top 10 pick with game-wrecker potential. Pearce could be the key to Tennessee’s hopes of making a run to the CFP.