25. Johnny Manziel — Texas A&M (2011-13)
Johnny Football is a figure we will never forget. Though technically only playing two seasons of SEC football, Manziel is as enigmatic of a player as we’ve seen play in the conference. Though not even six feet tall, Manziel dominated nearly every single time he took the field. His feel for the position was outstanding, as the Texas native knew exactly when to deliver the football — and when to extend the play with his legs. In fact, Manziel’s ability to be improvisational is likely unparalleled by anyone in his generation. In only two years in College Station, Manziel accounted for 9,989 yards of total offense and a whopping 93 touchdowns.
Drafted in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, many thought Manziel’s swashbuckling style would translate to the league. However, the promise was soon derailed by several off-the-field incidents. Manziel’s quickness on the collegiate level didn’t translate to the professional game. He wasn’t able to dance around defenders in the same manner as he did in college. Duly, Manziel’s so-so arm was exposed — particularly on throws in tight windows. Manziel washed out of the NFL after two seasons. Short stints in both the CFL and the AAF were over by the end of 2019. Currently 31 years of age, Manziel is without a job.
24. Cam Newton — Auburn (2010)
Though Newton is most known for his time with Auburn, he technically played for two SEC teams during his (short) college career. Newton initially signed with Florida. He was the backup quarterback to Tim Tebow for two seasons before leaving the school. After a short stint at a Junior College in Texas, Newton exploded onto the scene with Auburn. Though he only played one year on the Plains, Newton led the Tigers to a National Championship. In the process, he won a Heisman Trophy after rushing for 1,473 yards, throwing for 2,854 yards, and accumulating a total of 50 touchdowns.
Newton went on to go No. 1 Overall to the Carolina Panthers. His fifth season in the NFL resulted in an MVP trophy. Newton’s freakish athleticism was a handful for defenders to deal with — primarily because he paired his combination of size and speed with a howitzer of an arm. However, this rough-and-tumble style of play led to an accumulation of injuries. Newton got slimmer, which minimized his effectiveness running the football. Duly, his struggles with accuracy led to subpar numbers (in context with his lofty talent). As of March 2024, the 34-year-old is without a job.
23. Don Hutson — Alabama (1932-34)
There’s a real chance you’ve never heard of Don Hutson before. However, make no mistake about it…the receiver out of Alabama (by way of Arkansas) was a trailblazer in his position. Hutson was an inventive player in the way that he got open. Rarely was the receiver position looked upon as a source of big-play ability. This changed with Hutson, as he routinely made defensive backs look foolish. Hutson ran routes that many had not seen before. His penchant for getting open led to many future players/teams adopting his methods of pass-catching. Under Bear Bryant’s tutelage, Hutson became a First-Team All-American.
As a professional, Hutson starred for the Green Bay Packers. He led the NFL in receptions on eight separate occasions. Duly, he made eight First Team All-Pro teams. Hutson led the NFL in touchdown grabs an astounding nine times, and helped his team win three NFL Championships (before the Super Bowl was officially ‘a thing’). Without question, Hutson is an all-timer as it pertains to the receiver position.
22. Tommy Casanova — LSU (1968-71)
As many colleges pined for his services, Casanova decided to stay home and play for LSU. Though he had the versatility to play a number of positions, Casanova settled in the secondary. He was an anomaly for his time for the fact that Casanova returned punts/starred at corner at 6-foot-2. The jumbo corner trend is more common today — though was a rarity during the late-’60s/early-70s. Ultimately, Casanova became a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. He made the All-America team on three separate occasions. More than that, Casanova set the ongoing precedence that LSU is ‘the spot’ for elite defensive backs.
Though Casanova made three Pro Bowls in five years, Casanova left life as an NFL player to go to Medical School. He became a surgeon in the Salt Lake City area for quite some time before going into politics. Casanova had a four-year term as a senator in Louisiana before going back to medicine.
21. Billy Cannon — LSU (1956-59)
Another LSU stud comes in the form of Billy Cannon. Before Joe Burrow won the Heisman, Cannon held the distinction as being the only LSU Tiger to ever hold the award. An exceptionally gifted track athlete, Cannon didn’t hesitate to showcase his speed on the field. He was employed as a defensive back, a halfback, a kick/punt returner, and even as the team’s punter. Though he only weighed 210 pounds, Cannon was one of the heavier players on the LSU roster. Despite that, he was the fastest. Cannon’s athleticism led to him to several impressive accolades — including two SEC Player of the Year awards, two instances in which he was an All-American, and also winning a National Championship.
Despite being a freak athlete, Cannon also had a less-than-desirable persona off the field. Cannon was arrested as a high school senior for extortion. Later on in his post-NFL career, Cannon was also sentenced to multiple years in prison for his role in a counterfeiting scheme. However, credit Cannon for turning it around. He eventually earned multiple degrees in dentistry — a career he enjoyed for years leading up to his death. To this day, Cannon is one of — if not the most popular player in LSU history.
20. Derrick Henry — Alabama (2013-15)
You don’t see running backs come along like Derrick Henry. He’s essentially built akin to a runaway refrigerator (ask the Baltimore Ravens). Before punishing NFL defenders, Henry was doing the same to collegiate players. Henry first burst onto the scene as a sophomore. He rushed for 990 yards and 11 touchdowns on a 5.8 yards-per-carry clip. The following year, Henry became the most dominant player in the college game. Henry rumbled for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns. In the process, Henry won the Heisman Trophy — and also led Alabama to the National Title.
Professionally, Henry has developed into one of the game’s best rushers. He has an uncanny ability to evade defenders despite weighing close to 250 pounds. When in the open field, few — if any — can stop Henry when he gallops at full speed. Coming off two straight seasons with at least 1,000 yards rushing, Henry is only scratching the surface of how prolific his career can be.
19. Champ Bailey — Georgia (1996-98)
Bailey is one of the most talented players to ever come from the University of Georgia…and that’s saying something. Bailey possessed every single trait one would want in the ideal corner. He had length, immense awareness, terrific short-area quickness, and the ability to flip his hips seamlessly when backpedaling in space. In addition to his exploits on the defensive side of the ball, Bailey also starred as both a receiver and a punt returner.
When transitioning to the NFL, it’s safe to say that Bailey will go down as an all-time great at the corner position. He made 12 Pro Bowls during his illustrious career. This included seven First or Second Team All-Pro denotations. With all of the aforementioned traits, Bailey was also a huge ball hawk. Simply put, Bailey’s well-rounded game changed the way that teams scouted the position. All of a sudden, franchises were looking for corners with combinations of elite speed and above-average height (over 5 feet-11).
18. Cornelius Bennett — Alabama (1983-86)
Alabama is known for producing some elite defensive players. Among the best hailing from Tuscaloosa is Bennett. The Birmingham native was built like a block of granite and moved like a panther. His ability to garner leverage on offensive linemen — whilst also exploding off the edge — made him one of the best pass rushers in SEC history. Bennett made the All-American Team on three separate occasions. As a senior, he accumulated every individual award (sans the Heisman) one could as a defensive player.
Bennett continued to be a stud on the professional level. His 13-year career included five Pro Bowl appearances, two AFC Defensive Player of the Year awards, and three First-Team All-Pro honors. A violent and aggressive linebacker, Bennett’s sideline-to-sideline pursuit skills were buoyed even further by his natural aggressiveness. Along with the likes of Bruce Smith, Andre Reed, Jim Kelly, and Thurman Thomas, Bennett is an all-timer when it comes to the Buffalo Bills franchise.
17. Eli Manning — Ole Miss (2000-03)
Manning was born and bred to be an SEC hero. After following in the footsteps of his father (Archie) and older brother (Peyton), Manning carved out a very nice career for himself at Ole Miss. By the time Manning was a senior, Ole Miss suddenly became a respectable football program. He led the team to wins over a plethora of ranked opponents. Duly, Manning was able to accrue some very impressive singular accolades (such as the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, the SEC Offensive Player of the Year Award, the SEC Player of the Year Award, and a spot on the All-American First Team).
After forcing his way to the New York Giants, Manning enjoyed a relatively decent career. Some criticized Manning — particularly since he finished his career with a 117-117 career record. However, no one can take away the fact that he won two Super Bowls — both against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. His throws to both Mario Manningham and David Tyree will forever live on in NFL history.
16. Steve Spurrier — Florida (1964-66)
The Ol’ Ball Coach was once a very good player. Starring as both a quarterback and as a punter, Spurrier was a highly elite player for the Florida Gators. He had the arm strength to spin the ball all over the field. Teammates looked up to Spurrier as a charismatic leader. It came as no surprise to see that Spurrier earned First Team All-America honors in back-to-back seasons. In 1966, he won both the SEC Player of the Year Award and the Heisman Trophy. To this day, Spurrier is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play at the school.
We’re going to bypass analyzing Spurrier’s brief time as an NFL coach. Instead, we’ll focus on the pass-happy offense Spurrier instilled in Gainesville. Under his tutelage, the Gators smashed many offensive records within the SEC. Spurrier was excellent in not only coaching up his quarterbacks but also exquisitely utilizing the mass amount of speed he recruited from the state of Florida. With Spurrier at the helm, Florida won eight division titles, six SEC titles, and one National Championship.
15. Charles Alexander — LSU (1975-78)
LSU traditionally develops very good running backs (Kevin Faulk, Leonard Fournette, Derrius Guice, Jeremy Hill, Joseph Addai). However, any LSU fan will tell you that Charles Alexander is right up there as perhaps the best to ever do it in Baton Rouge. At nearly 230 pounds, Alexander was an absolute bull in the backfield. He’d not only run around defenders, he’d run over them. Alexander’s most prolific game came in 1977 — when he rushed for 237 yards and four touchdowns in a win over Oregon. Alexander went on to earn multiple All-America honors, as well as All-Conference mentions.
A first-round selection of the Cincinnati Bengals, Alexander only played six seasons before retiring in 1985. He never was able to fully replicate the awesome production he enjoyed in college. Alexander did become a highly successful entrepreneur in his post-football career. This includes promoting Cajun seasoning for fish, meat, and poultry.
14. Lee Roy Jordan — Alabama (1959-62)
We’ve seen some prolific players compete at Alabama over the years. The calling card for many of these players has come on the defensive side of the ball. We’d be foolish not to delve into the brilliance of linebacker Lee Roy Jordan. The Excel, Alabama native had tremendous instincts for the position. Jordan would prowl on the field in a sidelines-to-sidelines capacity. Ball carries intentionally would try to run away from Jordan — only to be tackled by Jordan moments later. During his three-year college career, Alabama went 29-2-2 (which included one national title).
Not to be outdone, Jordan was an absolute stud during his NFL days. The five-time Pro Bowler was the heart and soul of the Dallas Cowboys for over a decade. Not only was Jordan durable, he was the type of player who truly led by example. Without question, Jordan is one of the best linebackers in franchise history (and that’s saying something).
13. Darren McFadden — Arkansas (2005-07)
People forget just how dominant Darren McFadden was in college. With all due respect to Arkansas, McFadden’s teammates were often less talented versus virtually every team (sans maybe Vanderbilt and Kentucky) that they competed against. As such, McFadden’s brilliance is that much more impressive. In 38 games, McFadden rushed for 4,590 yards and 41 touchdowns. He even threw seven touchdowns during this time (primarily on trick plays). McFadden’s speed was incredible — as was his overall size. Essentially, McFadden was the closest thing to Adrian Peterson during his era.
McFadden’s professional career wasn’t as great. Teams were enamored with the tantalizing physical skill set — though McFadden struggled to stay healthy for long periods. It also didn’t help that McFadden was drafted to one of the NFL’s most dysfunctional franchises (the then-Oakland Raiders). McFadden registered only two seasons with at least 1,000 yards rushing. He was out of the NFL by the time he was 30 years of age.
12. David Pollack — Georgia (2001-04)
Boy, did Pollack evolve. You’re most likely familiar with Pollack as a primary voice on ESPN’s coverage of college football. On television, Pollack is a svelte, slim man with a good fashion sense. As a player, he was a tree trunk of a human with a mean temper and a tremendous work ethic. While at Georgia, the hybrid defensive end/linebacker was a three-time All-American. He also won every major award that a defensive player can accrue. While not the best athlete, Pollack made up for it with immense effort. When you’re a two-time SEC Player of the Year as a defender, you know you’re doing something right.
He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Though coming into the league with plenty of promise, Pollack suffered from a very serious neck injury. He played in a total of 16 games and retired by the end of his second season. However, credit Pollack for developing into one of the very best college football analysts that the sport has.
11. Emmitt Smith — Florida (1987-89)
Emmitt Smith is one of those players who maximizes every little bit of possible talent. He wasn’t the biggest — nor was he exceptionally fast. However, the Florida native had a feel that few at the position ever possessed. In Gainesville, Smith rushed for 3,928 yards and 36 touchdowns in only three seasons. He also finished with a 5.6 yards-per-carry average — a feat few playing in the SEC could ever accomplish.
When in the professional ranks, Smith continued to be a signature piece for his team (in this case the Dallas Cowboys). The Cowboys rode Smith to three Super Bowls. He was the unabated alpha of the offense (along with Michael Irvin and Troy Aikman). Whenever Dallas needed to grind a game out, Smith was the one with the ball in his hands. In fact, to this day, Smith is the NFL’s all-time leader in career rushing yards (18,355). He mastered this feat over 15 years in the NFL. The duration of his career should be applauded — particularly based on the traditionally short shelf life of those in his position.
10. Joe Burrow — LSU (2018-20)
Joe Burrow played only two seasons in the SEC. One could argue that his first year was underwhelming. So, why is he ranked as a Top-10 SEC player of all time? For one, Burrow is coming off what many consider to be the most prolific single-season effort in the history of College Football. In his final season in Baton Rouge, Burrow — an Ohio State transfer — threw for a whopping 5,671 yards (third all-time for a single season). The season included NCAA records for passing touchdowns (60), total touchdowns (65), passing efficiency (202.0), and total offense (6,039).
Not to be outdone, Burrow ranks second for a single season in completion percentage (76.3). Oh yeah — and LSU went on to win the National Championship with a 15-0 record (beating opponents by an average of roughly 27 points per contest). As such, it comes as no surprise that Burrow was drafted No. 1 Overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by his hometown Cincinnati Bengals. Though he was with LSU for a relatively short time, he will essentially be canonized in the Bayou for the rest of his life.
9. Peyton Manning — Tennessee (1994-97)
Before winning Super Bowls and entertaining many on commercials, Peyton Manning was a gangly kid from New Orleans who was tasked with turning around a once-proud UT football program. The hype surrounding Peyton was palpable the moment he stepped onto campus. As fate would have it, he more than lived up to the billing. Manning was a three-time All-American. In four years, he threw for 11,201 yards and 89 touchdowns. Not only was Manning the SEC Player of the Year as a senior, but he also finished his collegiate career with an overall record of 39-6.
From there, you guys know the story. Manning took over one of the NFL’s worst situations and made the Indianapolis Colts an annual contender. After winning two Super Bowls, Manning retired in 2015. However, this didn’t come before finishing with 71,940 career passing yards and 539 career touchdown throws. Only Drew Brees and Tom Brady have more all-time passing yards than Manning.
8. Dwight Stephenson — Alabama (1976-79)
Stephenson is synonymous with winning and competing at the highest level. Though a native of North Carolina, Stephenson played under Bear Bryant at the University of Alabama. He was the starting center for two National Championship teams. Duly, he made multiple All-American squads in the process. Despite being only 6-foot-2 and roughly 260 pounds, Stephenson dominated the line of scrimmage. Why was this the case?
For one, Stephenson was constantly praised for his quickness. He’d latch onto nose guards and defensive tackles before the opponents even knew what hit them. Stephenson was always in fantastic shape, and he used that endurance to drive opponents into the ground deep into games. He made five straight Pro Bowls for the Dolphins and also accrued five First-Team All-Pro honors during this period. Stephenson’s career sadly ended after he suffered a nasty knee injury. To this day, Stephenson is one of the best centers the NFL has seen.
7. John Hannah — Alabama (1970-72)
Tough as nails, John Hannah redefined how the guard position is played. Though he was considered to be undersized for the position, Hannah was freakish with his combination of hand strikes, leverage, lateral quickness, and innate strength. Much of his brilliance on the gridiron was helped by his collegiate participation in both track and wrestling. Hannah was a two-time All-American during his time under Bear Bryant in Tuscaloosa.
As a professional, Hannah made nine Pro Bowls and was a 10-time All-Pro. He holds the distinction of being the first New England Patriot to garner induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. To this day, offensive linemen study Hannah and his technique.
6. Danny Wuerffel — Florida (1993-96)
Spurrier’s prolific offense wouldn’t be complete without a quarterback capable of executing it. Wuerffel was the best signal-caller behind the ‘Fun ‘N Gun’ scheme. While not possessing a huge arm, Wuerffel was accurate, efficient, and smart. He could spray the ball to all parts of the field and often made the correct reads. He helped Florida win four straight SEC titles. Additionally, Wuerffel was a two-time SEC Player of the Year, a two-time First Team All-American, and the winner of the 1996 Heisman Trophy. Florida won the National Championship with Wuerffel at the helm, and he smashed several school records in the process.
However, Wuerffel’s professional career didn’t go as smoothly. He was given the dreaded ‘system quarterback’ label — namely because he had poor athleticism, a small frame, and average arm strength. Drafted in the fourth round of the 1997 NFL Draft, Wuerffel never was able to replicate the magic he had on the college stage. A career backup, Wuerffel played parts of six seasons before retiring. Currently, Wuerffel is working in the field of motivational speaking. He often tours the country with principles of faith, character, and class. Duly, he was instrumental in helping the rebuilding process in New Orleans during the post-Hurricane Katrina period.
5. Derrick Thomas — Alabama (1986-88)
To be considered the unequivocal best defensive player in Alabama football history is quite the statement. When speaking about the fabric of the program, it begins and ends with linebacker Derrick Thomas. Throughout the mid-to-late ’80s, there wasn’t a more feared linebacker nationally. In three years, Thomas notched 52 sacks (including a whopping 27 sacks in 1988). His burst off the edge was buoyed even further by an instinctual prowess and an unabated effort to get after the opposing quarterback.
Unsurprisingly, Thomas continued this high level of play on the professional level. He made nine Pro Bowl appearances for the Kansas City Chiefs. He was an All-Pro selection on six separate occasions. He even had a game in which he accrued seven sacks. Horrifically enough, Thomas passed away at age 33. He became paralyzed in a car accident and ended up passing away from complications due to the injury.
4. Reggie White — Tennessee (1980-83)
The late Reggie White was a special player. Hailing from Chattanooga, White decided to stay home and play for the University of Tennessee. As a senior in Knoxville, White notched 100 tackles and 15.0 sacks. Though he could slide inside in a pinch, White’s true value came off the edge. Aside from being a prolific pass rusher, he was also a tremendous natural leader.
Upon becoming a professional, White quickly became an elite defensive player. By elite, we mean making 13 Pro Bowls, being a 13-time All-Pro, and also being a five-time Defensive Player of the Year. White finished his career with an astounding 198.0 sacks. Sadly, he passed away at age 43. However, the memory of White lives on tremendously in Knoxville, Philadelphia, and Green Bay.
3. Tim Tebow — Florida (2006-09)
Competitive. Inspirational. An Alpha. All of these descriptions are wonderfully apt when looking back at the career of Tim Tebow. He did have a considerable amount of hype coming into Gainesville from high school. By the end of his career, Tebow more than lived up to the billing. As the leader of Urban Meyer’s volatile yet uber-talented teams, Tebow led the Gators to two SEC titles — as well as two National Championships. Built like a linebacker and quick like a tailback, Tebow’s unorthodox style of play terrorized defenses in what many consider to be the country’s best league. The three-time First Team All-SEC member ended up winning the Heisman Trophy in 2007 (and was a finalist the next two seasons). When factoring in his public persona as a squeaky-clean human, there wasn’t a more loved College Football player during his era than Tebow.
Unfortunately, his professional career didn’t amount to much. His elongated delivery and lack of touch made it difficult for Tebow to stick in the league. Though he was a first-round pick of the Denver Broncos, Tebow washed out of the league after only three seasons. Since then, he’s dabbled in many different fields — including philanthropic efforts, and also being a football analyst on television.
2. Bo Jackson — Auburn (1982-86)
In terms of SEC athletes, Jackson is likely the best to ever come from the conference. This is largely because he was elite in both football and baseball. As a football player, the big back was a freak when it came to physical gifts. Jackson was faster than anyone — though resembled a middle linebacker. In four years at Auburn, Jackson rushed for 4,303 yards and 45 total touchdowns. He did so with a whopping 6.6 yards-per-carry average. Unsurprisingly, Jackson won the Heisman Trophy in 1985.
From there, Jackson brilliantly played both sports as a professional. It wasn’t as if he was a bit player. On the contrary — Jackson was a Pro Bowler and an All-Star. This is a feat that has never been replicated (and probably never will be). A hip injury ended his football career. However, Jackson’s legacy continues to live on. He’s been involved in many acting projects and also worked as a director at a small bank.
1. Herschel Walker — Georgia (1980-82)
‘Cant-miss’ prospects don’t come around very often. However, the undeniable talent shown by Walker made him just that. The running back out of Georgia possessed every skill one would want in the archetype rusher. Walker had strength, quickness, vision, and immense speed in droves. In only three seasons with the Bulldogs, Walker accumulated 5,259 yards and 53 total touchdowns. The three-time All-American (in both track and football) led an undefeated Georgia team to a National Championship. Even more impressive, Walker finished within the top three of the Heisman Trophy voting in each of his three years in college.
We all remember the ill-fated Minnesota-Dallas trade. The Vikings traded a boatload of assets for Walker. In return, the Cowboys’ dynasty was essentially built. Walker was a solid pro — though he had only two 1,000-yard seasons during his 12-year NFL career. Since he retired from the NFL, Walker has become a quite successful entrepreneur. Now based in Texas, Walker is heavily rooted in physical fitness and is an advocate of mental health.