The Southeastern Conference is the best in college football. Thus, it features some of the game's biggest stars. Here are 10 players to know heading into this upcoming season.
1. Georgia QB Carson Beck In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Matt Miller has the New York Giants taking Beck with the first overall pick. It's easy to see why, as the 21-year-old could lead the Bulldogs to their third national title in four seasons.
In 14 games in 2023, Beck completed 72.4 percent of his passes for 3,941 yards, 24 touchdowns, six picks and an 86 QBR, the fifth-best in the FBS. Keep in mind last season was his first as a starter, so he should produce even better numbers in 2024.
"There's a narrative about Beck taking a next step in 2024," wrote CBS Sports' Chip Patterson. "And if that's the case, Georgia's offense is in for a special season because even replicating last year's production is going to be enough to keep the Bulldogs in title contention all season." 2.
Tennessee edge-rusher James Pearce Jr. Coming out of high school, Pearce wasn't a blue-chip prospect. ESPN's recruiting rankings gave him a three-star rating .
The 20-year-old pass-rusher has proved to be a steal for the Volunteers. Pearce broke out in 2023, earning a first-team All-SEC nod . Per Pro Football Focus, in 13 games, he posted 52 pressures , 28 hurries and the sixth-best pass-rush grade (91.
9) at his position. The 6-foot-5, 242-pound junior should be in store for another huge season. In his top 100 players of 2024, C.