SEC Football: Most important newcomers for each team in 2021

Football is right around the corner all over the country. These are the most important recruits and transfers for every SEC football team in 2021.

“Hope springs eternal.” That is why college football head coaches love springtime. New head coaches have the opportunity to get to know their players and begin to install their philosophy, scheme and culture. Returning head coaches are excited about their new rosters.

For players, transfers get the opportunity to see if the greener pastures await them at a new destination. Most transfers hope for playing time while others expect a change of scenery will improve their draft stock by playing in a pro-style system or moving up and playing in a Power Five conference.

When high school recruits get on campus, the time to be wide-eyed is over. It is time to get to work. Some freshmen will compete for playing time this season, while others might come from nowhere to take snaps from a veteran who rested on their laurels.

Here in the SEC, some teams were hurt by the portal while others benefitted. Both Tennessee and Vanderbilt have lots of rebuilding to do after a mass exodus via the transfer portal. Auburn did not suffer the attrition rate but lost key players like Markaviest ‘Big Kat’ Bryant on defense.

Down in Tuscaloosa, the rich get more prosperous as Nick Saban not only hauled in another number one recruiting class. Saban also pulled in the best recruiting class in college football history (since college football recruiting rankings have existed anyway).

Whether the new faces are transfers or high school recruits, these are the most important newcomers for each SEC program.