SEC media days began in Tampa on Monday.
The annual spectacle, which runs through Thursday, will feature plenty of familiar faces, but some of the most important names in the conference are new to the SEC heading into 2026.
Below, we look at five newcomers who could shake up the conference.
Sometimes referred to as DBU, Benefield could be the next star LSU defensive back after transferring from Boise State. Last season, the rising senior had 107 tackles, including a Mountain West-high 70 solo, and two interceptions.
With five career picks, Benefield is strong in the backend, and he’s also capable enough to provide support in short-yardage situations. Last season at Notre Dame, he successfully held the edge on a 4th-and-goal from inside the 2-yard line, forcing running back Jeremiyah Love inside, where he was stopped short.
