SEC Football is back! The Week 1 schedule features some appetizing matchups, beginning with Missouri and Arkansas in action Thursday evening. The undeniable highlight of the opening weekend slate is No. 1 Georgia versus No. 14 Clemson in Saturday's noon (ET) timeslot. Other ranked contests include Notre Dame (No. 7) versus Texas Tech (No. 20) and LSU (No. 13) versus USC (No. 23).
With so many exciting matchups, we’ve identified five SEC talents that can improve their draft stock on opening weekend. Our latest Draft Network 100 Big Board has served as a reference point.
Conner Weigman, QB, Texas A&M
Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman (No. 71) seems to be the popular choice among signal-callers who could potentially emerge as future first-round picks this season. The biggest wild card in the 2025 QB class, Weigman appeared in just four contests last year before suffering a season-ending foot injury. The Cypress, Texas native possesses the skill set necessary to take the projected developmental steps forward, but now it's time for him to live up to the preseason hype.
A meeting with Notre Dame and their extremely talented secondary, one that features cornerback Benjamin Morrison (No. 13), offers Weigman an outstanding opportunity to start proving those projections right.
Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Georgia Bulldogs EDGE Jalon Walker (No. 25) is slated for a massive campaign. Walker led all Bulldogs defenders in sacks (5) last season despite receiving limited opportunities as a traditional pass rusher. Expect the Salisbury, North Carolina native to be fully unleashed by Kirby Smart this year.
Walker is extremely explosive with a quick first step and elite change-of-direction ability. Clemson's offense will attempt to establish the run with Phil Mafah (No. 51) to control the clock against Georgia this weekend. That should afford Walker chances to make game-altering plays in the backfield.
Kyren Lacy, WR, LSU
LSU Tigers wide receiver Kyren Lacy (No. 94) had to patiently bide his time behind Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. last season. Despite playing behind two of the most productive receivers in the country, Lacy still racked up 30 receptions for 558 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging an explosive 18.6 yards per catch. This year, it's his time to shine.
Lacy is a well-rounded receiver with three-level potential. His advanced release packages allow him to quickly uncover, and he's dangerous in the open field as well. A big-time campaign for Lacy begins versus USC.
Devin Moore, CB, Florida
Florida Gators third-year cornerback Devin Moore was omitted from August's Draft Network 100. That's probably because Moore appeared in just seven games last season, but he maximized his few opportunities by recording four pass breakups and one interception, which he returned for 39 yards versus Tennessee. He can play press coverage with the length required to disrupt receivers.
The Miami Hurricanes are slight favorites in this weekend's rivalry game. Moore can take advantage of a nationally televised spot, one that will see him square off with dynamic quarterback Cam Ward.
Benjamin Yurosek, TE, Georgia
There's a ton of hype surrounding Georgia tight end Oscar Delp (No. 23) entering the season, but we're not totally convinced Benjamin Yurosek won't be the Bulldogs' best player at the position this year. Delp is viewed by many as the most capable of replacing Brock Bowers, but this could be an equal-opportunity environment until one prospect pulls away from the other.
Delp recorded 24 receptions for 284 yards and three touchdowns last season. He's an alignment-versatile, athletic pass-catcher. Yurosek's production wasn't far behind with 16 catches for 239 yards and one touchdown. Yurosek is a savvy route-runner and a reliable target.
