Commitments have started to pick up steam in the 2026 cycle and as a result, programs are getting a better idea of which targets are the most important moving into the spring portion of the cycle.
Here are the must-get targets for each SEC program in the 2026 class.
SEC RECRUITING RANKINGS: 2025 | 2026
THIS SERIES: Must-get recruiting targets for each Big Ten team
RELATED: Alabama Crimson Tide trending up with top targets, in line for fireworks
CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player ranking | Team ranking | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker
ALABAMA
Jones is the No. 1 edge defender in the 2026 Rivals250. The five-star defender was a priority under Nick Saban and Kalen DeBoer wasted no time setting up weekly FaceTime calls with the touted in-state play-wrecker.
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ARKANSAS
Sam Pittman and the Hogs are at their best when they’ve kept in-state talent home. Beale is the state’s top 2026 recruit and a top-100 talent nationally from Cherry Valley (Ark.) Cross Country.
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AUBURN
Auburn is among the favorites for Morgan, who has been on campus about half a dozen times in the past year or so. The top-ranked receiver in the 2026 Rivals250 is a want and a need for Hugh Freeze and the Tigers.
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FLORIDA
Under Billy Napier, Florida‘s offense is predicated on a big, athletic offensive line that can pave running lanes. Smith is one of the nation’s most athletic offensive tackles, which makes him a big target for the Gators.
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GEORGIA
Curtis was part of Kirby Smart’s 2026 recruiting class before reopening his recruitment midway through his junior season at Nashville (Tenn.) Christian. The five-star QB may not be committed to Georgia, but the Bulldogs remain a team very strongly positioned with the elite QB prospect.
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KENTUCKY
The Peach State pipeline has been kind to Mark Stoops over the years, and the Kentucky staff has identified Baker as a top target. The Wildcats hosted Baker as the race over this Rivals250 back tightens up leading into the spring.
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LSU
LSU is battling some national powers for Bradford out of Baton Rouge, La. The top-ranked safety in the 2026 class has strong ties to the Tigers’ football program; older brother Jacob Bradford is a freshman DB at LSU.
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MISSISSIPPI STATE
Johnson is one of the top-ranked recruits in a talent-loaded Mississippi for the 2026 cycle. The Bulldogs have made the in-state receiver a top priority in this class.
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MISSOURI
Cantwell is not only the top player in Missouri – he’s the No. 1 prospect in the 2026 Rivals250 and he lives just a few short hours from the Missouri campus. Eli Drinkwitz and the Tigers are tussling with national heavyweights for the five-star OT with Olympic bloodlines.
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OKLAHOMA
Groce is one of the nation’s most gifted offensive playmakers. The Sooners are recruiting the electric athlete as a receiver – though his body of work at Frisco (Texas) Lone Star and in the Navy All-American Bowl at running back opens the door for home-run plays in multiple positions across the offense.
OLE MISS
A new offer for Lane Kiffin and the Rebels, Duckworth is a potential five-star and has quickly climbed up Ole Miss‘ board after a breakthrough season at Jackson (Ala.) High. Duckworth was on campus in Oxford earlier this month.
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SOUTH CAROLINA
Gray has been a top target for Shane Beamer and the South Carolina staff. This recruitment has tightened up into the spring and the Gamecocks can send a message by staving off some stiff competition for the nation’s second-ranked interior offensive lineman.
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TENNESSEE
Wyatt had a spectacular junior season at Bell Buckle (Tenn.) Webb last fall – and in between made a string of visits nearby to Rocky Top. Tennessee is aiming to keep Wyatt in-state and things are trending in that direction.
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TEXAS
Under Steve Sarkisian, Texas‘ offense has been explosive year in and year out. Lott is not only one of the nation’s top playmaking receivers from the state of Texas; he’s a Longhorns legacy – the son of former Texas DB James Lott and Texas women’s hoops player Fey Lott.
TEXAS A&M
Arrington out of California has been a regular visitor in College Station ever since Mike Elko arrived. This recruitment is heating up and the Aggies can make a statement in this national tug-of-war over the nation’s top-ranked athlete.
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VANDERBILT
Blair has some of the most intriguing frames and junior films in the country. Vanderbilt was early to offer the in-state offensive tackle and more SEC foes are following suit this spring.
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