Five most interesting transfers in the SEC for 2026 CFB season

The college football season is just over a month away from kicking off, and once again, teams around the country are flipping their rosters in the transfer portal. That includes in the SEC.

So, it's worth taking a look at the five most interesting transfers coming to SEC schools this season.

A couple of ground rules. Only one player per SEC team, and because only five players are being highlighted, not every SEC team is going to be represented. On top of that, the effort isn't to strictly include quarterbacks, though it's very possible to become focused on them.

It's also worth pointing out that this isn't a list of the best transfers, though arguably a few of them are. These are the most interesting transfers, with players to keep an eye on for the 2026 season.

Byrum Brown, QB, Auburn Tigers

The Auburn Tigers are beginning a new era under head coach Alex Golesh. With that, they've completely flipped the roster, with 39 incoming transfers, per On3. That includes 13 players following Golesh from the USF Bulls. Chief among them is quarterback Byrum Brown.

A redshirt senior, Brown threw for 3,158 yards and 28 touchdowns to only seven interceptions in 2025 with USF. He also rushed for 1,008 yards and 14 touchdowns. So, if he transitions up successfully, he could quickly become a top SEC quarterback.

Cam Coleman, WR, Texas Longhorns

It's national championship or bust for Texas. There's no way around that. So, head coach Steve Sarkisian went into the transfer portal for reinforcements and landed a top-10 transfer class. That includes Cam Coleman for Arch Manning to throw to.

An SEC All-Freshman player with Auburn in 2024, Coleman now hopes to become one of the country's elite receivers. Coming off 56 receptions for 708 yards and five touchdowns last season at Auburn, that seems more than likely.

Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU Tigers

Lane Kiffin came to LSU and completely rebuilt the roster in the transfer portal. By now, he's known for that, but it's his first time doing that with LSU's resources. In the end, he brought in a top-five class and 41 total players.

After previous head coach Brian Kelly struggled to replace NFL tackles in 2025, leading to quarterback Garrett Nussmeier getting injured and struggling, the offensive line was a clear priority. Kiffin brought in eight new linemen. That includes Jordan Seaton, who was a Freshman All-American in 2024, a Second-Team All-Big 12 selection in 2025 and profiles as an NFL player.

Austin Simmons, QB, Missouri Tigers

Going into 2025, Austin Simmons was the Ole Miss starter. However, he quickly lost the job and landed with Missouri as a transfer. There, he'll look to re-spark what was a promising college career. 

Simmons is interesting for a couple of reasons. First is what he can be in relation to Trinidad Chambliss, and if it looks like a mistake by Ole Miss to let him walk. Then, with Missouri taking a step back to eight wins a season ago, can he get the Tigers back in the Playoff hunt?

Anto Saka, EDGE, Texas A&M Aggies

If you haven't been watching Northwestern recently, you may have missed how good Anto Saka has been as an edge rusher. On3 has him as the 42nd-ranked transfer in 2026 and the seventh-ranked edge rusher. 

A redshirt senior, what's particularly exciting about Saka is how he fits into head coach Mike Elko's defense, especially with battles against quarterbacks like Arch Manning, Sam Leavitt, and LaNorris Sellers on the schedule.