5 SEC Players Who Broke Out During the Spring

SEC players like Gunner Stockton and Xavier Atkins had nothing to prove during the spring, but for many others, it was an opportunity to begin their breakout. Here are five who did just that in the SEC:

QB Keelon Russell – Alabama

The skinny: Russell began the spring with the weight of the world on his shoulders and concluded it as the favorite to win the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback job. Vying to replace Ty Simpson, Russell put together a dominant month that culminated in a spectacular spring game when he unofficially completed 21 of 33 passes for 240 yards, four touchdowns, and just one interception.

Redshirt junior Austin Mack was viewed as the favorite due to his multi-year familiarity with Kalen DeBoer’s offensive scheme. This all changed during the spring.

WR Donovan Olugbode – Missouri

The skinny: Olugbode enjoyed a successful true freshman season in 2025, but now he is in line for much bigger things in 2026. He finished last season with the third most receptions on the team, 30, to go along with 401 yards and two touchdowns.

With Missouri losing its top three wide receivers to graduation and the transfer portal, Olugbode will step up from being a rotational true freshman to the team’s most reliable receiving threat. His continued development will be vital in helping the likely new starting quarterback Austin Simmons get comfortable in his role. It helps that Olugbode is a physical, sure-handed target who will be relied upon heavily.

DL Emmanuel Oyebadejo – Florida

The skinny: Oyebadejo possesses a unique blend of size and athleticism that has quickly made him the most intriguing transfer addition for the Gators. At 6-foot-6, 300-pounds, Oyebadejo is still rather raw, but the Jacksonville State transfer showed more than enough during the spring to make him an important part of the defensive line rotation.

Expect him to be moved around line, as he is comfortable on the inside due to his size, while his athleticism and reach make him a potential terror on the outside. This was demonstrated during the spring game when he registered a sack. One way or another, the Gators will find ways to get him on the field in 2026.

C Racin Delgatty – Alabama

The skinny: When Alabama lost starting center Parker Brailsford to the NFL Draft, there were questions regarding his replacement. Not many expected that the answer would be FCS transfer Racin Delgatty.

Arriving from Cal Poly in January, Delgatty immediately became one of the most important pieces of a major offensive line rebuild under head coach Kalen DeBoer. The coaching staff quickly noted his high football IQ, as he quickly took charge of setting the offensive line protections and ensuring everyone was on the same page before snaps. Delgatty capped off his spring by anchoring the starting unit during the annual spring game.

TE Mikkel Skinner – Kentucky

The skinny: It isn’t often that a redshirt freshman tight end who didn’t record a reception during his four games of action the season before receives as much hype as Skinner. But he responded favorably during the spring, by showcasing the potential that has everyone in Lexington excited.

A big reason for this excitement is the arrival of new head coach Will Stein and his successful history of using the tight end. You only have to look back to last season, when Coach Stein quickly transformed Kenyon Sadiq into a first-round draft pick at Oregon. Coach Stein has at least two seasons to do the same with Skinner.