Faizon Brandon has the seventh highest QB BiteScore so far on the season.

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Before conference play begins in the SEC, most teams are fine-tuning their rosters before the gauntlet begins. Programs use the first few games of the season to assess the roster and get the best combination of players on the field just before the season ramps up. 

Several teams have freshmen starting at key positions or battling for a top spot on the depth chart. Here are some younger players in the conference who have impressed throughout the first two weeks of the season.

Faizon Brandon, QB, Tennessee

2026 stats: 464 Total yards, 7 tds (5 passing, 2 rushing), 0 ints

There were no signs of growing pains for the five-star freshman in his first two games for the Volunteers. Brandon looks calm and collected in Josh Heupel’s fast-paced offense, and has shown elite-level ability as a dual-threat quarterback. If Brandon can carry this momentum into conference play, the Volunteers can be dangerous. His first real test isn’t until Week 4 against Texas, but fans should be optimistic based on the composure he has shown through two games.

Jared Curtis, QB, Vanderbilt

2026 stats: 293 Total yards, 3 tds (1 passing, 2 rushing), 0 ints

The Commodores’ highest-ranked player in program history is already raising eyebrows. Jared Curtis has big shoes to fill after Diego Pavia graduated, but the hype doesn’t seem to faze him. In the first two weeks, we’ve seen him complete some impressive throws and make plays running the ball as well. Curtis was named the full-time starter Tuesday ahead of Vanderbilt’s matchup against NC State, giving him his first true test against a Power 4 opponent and his first career start.

EJ Crowell, RB, Alabama

2026 stats: 67 Total yards, 2 tds (both rushing)

The stat sheet doesn’t reflect his impact so far, but you also have to consider the depth they have at the position. The 224-pound back runs the ball hard and can catch the ball out of the backfield. Crowell took advantage of his limited snap count, scoring the first touchdown of the season for Alabama. The five-star phenom has already carved an immediate reserve spot within the depth chart.

Deuce Geralds, DT, Louisiana State

2026 stats: 5 Solo, 2 TFL, 2 sacks

Geralds went under the radar nationally due to his counterpart, Lamar Brown, the top prospect in the 2026 class. But so far, Geralds has been one of the better true freshmen defenders in the SEC. He is already seeing reps in the starting rotation on a very deep and experienced roster. His play so far indicates that he can be an anchor for the Tigers’ defense in 2026.

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