SEC Names 3 Breakout Players for 2026 as LSU, Vanderbilt and Florida Bet on 5-Stars
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 21
SEC Names 3 Breakout Players for 2026 as LSU, Vanderbilt and Florida Bet on 5-Stars
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 21
Summary
Three former five-stars — LSU cornerback DJ Pickett, Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis and Florida edge LJ McCray — were highlighted as SEC breakout candidates entering the 2026 season.
Pickett brings the strongest production base after posting 35 tackles and 3 interceptions as a true freshman, with the 6-foot-5 sophomore projected to thrive again under LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker.
Curtis arrives with the most intrigue: the top-five recruit flipped from Georgia to Vanderbilt and is projected to start at 6-foot-3, 230 pounds despite having no college snaps.
McCray is the reclamation bet after two quiet seasons, but Florida's 6-foot-7 defensive end has added weight to reach 275 pounds and could benefit from lining up opposite Freshman All-SEC pick Jayden Woods.