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5 Redshirt Freshmen to Watch This Spring – SEC

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Mark Pszonak | Last updated Feb 16, 2026 8:12 AM ET

With spring practices set to begin around the country, it is time to look at young players who will emerge during this off-season. That starts with redshirt freshmen, who will be eager to prove their worth in order to make an impact in 2026. Here are five SEC redshirt freshmen to watch during the spring:

QB Keelon Russell – Alabama

The skinny: As part of one of the most intriguing quarterback battles in the country, along with Austin Mack, Russell will have plenty of eyes on him throughout the spring and summer. In limited action last season, Russell completed 11 of 15 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns. The ceiling is extremely high for Russell, but Mack possesses more experience in the offensive system. This battle will last past the spring, but March and April will be vital towards the outcome.

Nov 22, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell (12) gets ready to take a snap during the game with Eastern Illinois at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

WR Dallas Wilson – Florida

The skinny: Florida has a few interesting redshirt freshmen, with quarterback Tramell Jones being the most obvious, but for now, Wilson is the choice to make the biggest impact. Jones will be part of an open battle during the offseason, however, transfer Aaron Philo is considered the frontrunner. Whoever wins the competition will be passing to Wilson, who flashed his potential in 2025 with 12 receptions for 174 yards and three touchdowns in four games. Unfortunately for him and the Gators, he then sustained a season-ending foot injury. Now healthy, he is ready to take the SEC by storm.

WR Joakim Dodson – Tennessee

The skinny: Dodson played in five games in 2025, with his biggest impact coming during the Music City Bowl when he returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. While he only had two receptions for 38 yards he looks poised to join the receiver rotation in 2026 with other top weapons like Mike Matthews and Braylon Stanley. And to no ones surprise, everyone will see plenty of him on special teams.

Tennessee wide receiver Joakim Dodson (89) runs a in touchdown against the Illinois off of a kick-off return during the fourth quarter of the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

TE Mikkel Skinner – Kentucky

The skinny: Despite not having any receptions during his four games of action in 2025, Skinner remains the redshirt freshman with the biggest ceiling in Lexington. Part of that is because of new head coach Will Stein, who showed everyone how much he loves to utilize an athletic tight end in his offense during his time as offensive coordinator at Oregon. Skinner isn’t likely to immediately become Kenyon Sadiq, but at 6-foot-4, 231-pounds, he has the potential to become a matchup nightmare in the SEC.

DE J.J. Faulk – Auburn

The skinny: The Faulk name is very familiar in and around Auburn after defensive end Keldric Faulk finished his three-season career with 109 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. As the elder Faulk prepares for the NFL Draft, his younger brother looks poised to continue the family success. In 2025, J.J. Faulk saw limited time in four games, totaling four tackles and one tackle for loss, but expectations are for him to become a consistent defensive threat in 2026.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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