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SEC Football: Most impactful newcomers for each team

By Dante Pryor

Dec 3, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Zion Logue (96) celebrates after a victory in the SEC Championship against the LSU Tigers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Zion Logue (96) celebrates after a victory in the SEC Championship against the LSU Tigers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Mississippi Rebels defense lines up against the Texas Tech Red Raiders defense in the first half in the 2022 Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Mississippi Rebels defense lines up against the Texas Tech Red Raiders defense in the first half in the 2022 Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Mississippi Rebels

Few teams had a more intriguing off-season than the Mississippi Rebels. Head coach Lane Kiffin has stacked consecutive talented recruiting classes. This season, he and his staff signed the top two players in the state, linebacker Suntarine Perkins and wide receiver Ayden Williams. The Rebels then attacked the portal and signed arguably the best young quarterback in the portal.

Quarterback Walker Howard saw the writing on the wall between Jayden Daniels returning and Garrett Nussmeier impressing Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock. Last season’s starting quarterback Jaxon Dart (from USC), was solid but did not come up with the goods in big games.

In addition to Howard, Kiffin grabbed Oklahoma State transfer Spencer Sanders. The redshirt senior is a veteran who has played much football, serving as a bridge to Howard. Let the quarterback competition begin.

Kiffin is trying to do something unique in Oxford. Teams at the top have used the transfer portal to fill holes. For example, Alabama needed receiver help after De’Vonta Smith went to the NFL, and they signed Jameson Williams in the portal. Kiffin’s goal is to make Mississippi a destination for highly-rated transfers.

Can Kiffin build a conference champion through the transfer portal?

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