By SCOTT FELTS
Welcome back to the second part of the SEC Spring Recap. We are covering five more Southeastern Conference teams and how they finished up their spring practice work.
Let’s get right to it.
AUBURN
Auburn wrapped up its 2026 spring with the Auburn A-Day spring game on April 18 at Jordan-Hare Stadium. It was the first one under new head coach Alex Golesh, who brought a ton of his guys from South Florida with him. Vol fans probably remember Golesh from being part of Josh Heupel‘s staff early during Heupel’s Tennessee tenure. The offense beat the defense 66-43 in a modified scoring, running-clock scrimmage that featured a lot of action.
Byrum Brown, one of those USF transfers and the guy everyone expects to start at quarterback, had a rough day. He went just 7-of-14 for 85 yards with two interceptions. Golesh was honest afterward admitting that Brown struggled to see the middle of the field and didn’t get into much rhythm because it wasn’t fully live tackling. Brown himself said he’ll be fine once the season starts with real crowds and full speed. Not sure I believe coach or QB there. The new Auburn coach may have an early QB controversy on his hands on The Plains.
The rest of the quarterbacks looked better. Freshman Tristan Ti’a stood out, going 15-of-20 for 179 yards, a touchdown, and an interception while mostly running with the second-team offense. Overall, four QBs combined for 29 completions and 361 passing yards.
Receivers DeShawn Spencer and Duke Smith were the most reliable targets, combining for 12 catches, 177 yards, and a score. The run game showed some life: the team put up 158 rushing yards, with Jeremiah Cobb exploding for a 33-yard run as part of a 57-yard day on just four carries. Young running backs like Nykahi Davenport also flashed.
Regardless of Golesh’s offensive prowess, the defense won the day. The Tigers forced five turnovers, including multiple interceptions. Guys like AnQuon Fegans, Ja’Coby Mathews, Eric Winters, and Jared Smith were all over the place making tackles and creating plays.
On special teams, kicker Alex McPherson drilled a 55-yard field goal and looked back to full strength after whatever previously kept him limited.
This spring was all about evaluation after massive roster turnover. Only a handful of starters return, so Golesh and his staff were sorting through new pieces, installing his system, and building trust in the locker room. Bottom line? The defense looks like it can be a strength. The offense has talent and upside, but the quarterback play and consistency need to come together over the summer and fall camp. It’s still a transition year, but there’s real energy around the program and a different vibe than the last couple seasons.
GEORGIA
Georgia wrapped up its 2026 spring with the G-Day game on April 18 at Sanford Stadium in front of about 31,000 fans. The Red team (first-team offense and backup defense) beat the Black team (first-team defense and backup offense) 27-17. Both squads combined for exactly 700 yards of total offense in a competitive, high-energy scrimmage.
The quarterback competition has been decided at starter: Gunner Stockton is the guy. He played limited snaps, going 7-of-12 for 76 yards and a touchdown, but had a mature command of the offense. The real battle is for the backup job behind him. Freshman Bryson Beaver had the best day statistically, going 9-of-13 for 101 yards and a touchdown. Ryan Montgomery threw for 132 yards across both teams and hit a 48-yard bomb. Hezekiah Millender added 103 yards, while Ryan Puglisi was 8-of-19 for 86 yards. It wasn’t all positive, the spring game format is tough on QBs by design, and three of them threw picks.
The running backs had one of the strongest groups this spring. Dwight Phillips, Jr. flashed early and scored a short touchdown. Kentucky transfer Dante Dowdell was electric, maximizing just six carries for 61 yards and a touchdown. Nate Frazier got hurt on the very first play (re-injuring his ankle), but the depth at running back looked excellent overall.
Tight end Jaden Reddell had a big moment with a 7-yard touchdown catch and even ran a 23-yard rushing play like a mini-Brock Bowers. Freshman wideout Craig Dandridge impressed with three catches for 43 yards. Several new faces and young skill players made plays throughout.
Defense looked physical and deep, especially in the secondary and at corner. They forced multiple turnovers and stood out with guys like Todd Robinson picking off a pass. The front seven, led by returners like Elijah Griffin, showed the usual Bulldog bite. Kirby Smart was pleased with how the young players competed all spring.
A few injuries popped up: Nate Frazier’s ankle, some guys like Amaris Williams dealing with season-ending issues, and a handful of others limited or out (Ellis Robinson, Raylen Wilson, etc.). Overall, Georgia coach Kirby Smart described it as was one of their most productive springs ever in terms of reps for the first and second string.
This spring showed Georgia’s trademark depth and physicality — the offense has weapons and a clear leader in Stockton, the run game looks strong, and the defense remains a strength. It’s steady, businesslike progress from a program that just won back-to-back SEC titles.
VANDERBILT
Vanderbilt wrapped up its 2026 spring football on April 18 with the Black & Gold Spring Game at FirstBank Stadium. The Black team (mostly first-team offense) defeated the Gold team (mostly first-team defense) 48-21 in a running-clock format. Four quarterbacks combined for nearly 350 passing yards, connected with 13 different receivers, and led six scoring drives with two passing touchdowns. The offense also added 116 rushing yards with two scores.
The quarterback battle stayed wide open with no starter named. Five-star freshman Jared Curtis showed the highest upside with a big arm, including a near 60-yard bomb, though he went 5-of-13 for 87 yards and relied heavily on his first read. Blaze Berlowitz started but had an up-and-down day where he went 4-of-10 for 77 yards, a touchdown, and a pick. Whit Muschamp (yes, Will’s son) was the most efficient at 7-of-9 for 92 yards and a TD, while Jack Elliott was 6-of-11 for 89 yards.
Standouts on offense included wide receiver Ja’Cory Thomas (2 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD), tight end Walter Taylor who had multiple big catches over the middle), running back Izayah Lee (1-yard TD run), and Evan Hampton. The offensive line provided solid protection and created lanes despite missing some key pieces and committing penalties while allowing just two sacks.
Defensively, the front seven brought some pressure but struggled to generate consistent heat, recording only one sack and limited tackles for loss. Standouts included Daniel Vollmer Jr. (sack and tackles), Payne Daniel, and Bradley Brown with an interception. The defense forced a turnover early and earned points in the modified scoring system.
Special teams shone with long field goals. Brock Taylor hit from 51 yards and Justin Dewers from 52.
Clark Lea said the spring showed progress and good team spirit, but that the Commodores still have a long way to go. The game was sloppy at times with penalties and mistakes, which is typical for April. Many projected starters sat out to stay healthy, so the focus was on evaluating depth and young talent.
Overall, Vanderbilt’s spring highlighted promising quarterback depth, an improving offensive line, explosive skill talent (especially transfers in the passing game), and steady defensive effort. It’s another step forward in Lea’s build of the program, setting up an intriguing 2026 season that kicks off September 5 against Austin Peay.
TEXAS
Texas wrapped up its spring with an open practice and scrimmage on April 18 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The Longhorns skipped a traditional spring game for the second straight year because of offensive line depth issues and a cautious approach with players recovering from surgery.
Arch Manning was limited all spring after minor foot surgery. He only took limited snaps in drills and 7-on-7 work with no full contact. When he did throw, he looked sharp, especially connecting with transfer wideout Cam Coleman on a nice dig route for a would-be touchdown and another clutch out route. He missed one fade but overall showed good accuracy and arm talent in the limited action.
The offense was missing several top skill players and most of the offensive line during the live scrimmage portion. Because of that, the defense dominated the day. They won most of the 11-on-11 periods and looked deep and physical.
On the offensive side, backup quarterbacks got the bulk of the reps. KJ Lacey stood out and earned buzz as a legitimate backup. Wide receivers showed real depth. Jermaine Bishop Jr. had a strong day, while Sterling Berkhalter, Daylan McCutcheon, and others flashed with nice catches, including a touchdown grab by McCutcheon. Running back Hollywood Smothers looked explosive in his limited carries.
Defensively, the secondary and front seven looked strong. Multiple players made plays, and the unit as a whole controlled the tempo of the scrimmage.
Injuries were a factor as several key linemen were out or rehabbing, including Jackson Christian, Kaden Scherer, Trevor Goosby, and Andre Cojoe. Sarkisian held back other returning players like Ryan Wingo, Emmett Mosley V, and a few defenders to stay healthy.
Overall, it was a typical low-key spring evaluation day. The defense proved its depth, the wide receiver room looks loaded, and Arch is progressing well toward full health. The offensive line remains the biggest question mark heading into summer, but the program feels solid and deep after another productive spring.
MISSOURI
The Tigers wrapped up their 2026 spring football the earliest in the SEC, finishing all 13 practices by March 19 with no public spring game. They held a final closed scrimmage and went straight into summer workouts.
The headline was at quarterback. Austin Simmons, the transfer from Ole Miss, won the starting job outright during spring ball, beating out fellow portal QB Nick Evers and rising sophomore Matt Zollers.
Offense was the clear bright spot. They return RB Ahmad Hardy (who looked explosive), three starters on the offensive line, and added a strong group of transfer receivers. New OC Chip Lindsey’s scheme showed promise, with good chemistry building between Simmons and the skill players. The receiving corps got a big boost from guys like Cayden Lee (Ole Miss transfer) who emerged as a favorite target for the left-handed Simmons, along with speedster Caleb Goodie from Cincinnati.
Tight end looks to be a strength with a group that includes Brett Norfleet (recovering from shoulder surgery but on track), Jude James, and others. The offensive line had some standout practices from veterans like Cayden Green and Curtis Peagler, though right tackle saw competition after an injury to transfer Josh Atkins.
Defense is basically a complete rebuild. Missouri has to replace all 11 starters from last year, so spring was heavy on evaluation and installation with new coordinators. The secondary got overhauled, linebackers and edge rushers had big opportunities for young players and transfers. Coach Eli Drinkwitz was realistic, noting that the defense will likely need time to gel and could start the season a little slow while everyone learns the system.
Practices focused on individual development, scheme foundation, and building toughness. The roster brought in nearly 50 newcomers, including 28 transfers. Lots to like on offense with returning pieces and portal adds, but the defense has a steep learning curve. They’re laying a foundation heading into a tough 2026 schedule that opens September 5 at home against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
That wraps up 10 of the 15 teams not named Tennessee. Come back next week for the third and final part of our preview, covering Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi St, Ole Miss and Texas A&M.