"Lea’s vision, program development, and steady in-game command defined a remarkable turnaround and made him the clear Coach of the Year."
2025 SEC Football Awards: Complete Breakdown
The 2025 SEC football season delivered breakout stars, elite veterans, and historic program resurgences across the conference. With the league announcing its annual awards and All-SEC First Team, several standout players and coaches emerged as definitive leaders of the season. Here is a full breakdown of each major award winner, their statistical impact, and why they earned top honors, followed by context for every First Team selection.
Coach of the Year: Clark Lea, Vanderbilt
Clark Lea guided Vanderbilt to the most impressive season in program history, transforming the Commodores into a legitimate SEC contender. Under his leadership, Vanderbilt reached double-digit wins, executed one of the league’s most efficient offenses, and consistently outperformed expectations. Lea’s vision, program development, and steady in-game command defined a remarkable turnaround and made him the clear Coach of the Year.
Offensive Player of the Year: Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
Diego Pavia authored one of the most electric offensive seasons in recent SEC memory. He became the first player in league history to record four consecutive games with over 400 yards of total offense and delivered multiple signature performances, including a 484-yard, five-touchdown display against Kentucky. His combination of elite passing production, dangerous mobility, and relentless consistency propelled Vanderbilt into national relevance and established him as the conference’s premier offensive weapon.
Defensive Player of the Year: Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Cashius Howell dominated opposing quarterbacks with the most disruptive defensive season in the SEC. He led the conference with 11.5 sacks, added 14 tackles for loss, and generated 41 pressures that constantly shifted momentum for the Aggies. Howell posted several multi-sack games and anchored a defense that thrived thanks to his explosiveness off the edge. His efficiency, impact, and game-changing presence earned him the league’s top defensive honor.
Special Teams Player of the Year: Tate Sandell, Oklahoma
Tate Sandell delivered a near-perfect season for Oklahoma, emerging as the SEC’s most reliable scoring weapon. Sandell connected on 23 of 24 field-goal attempts, hit every one of his 32 extra points, and surpassed the 100-point mark for the season. He proved clutch from long range as well, converting multiple kicks from 50 yards and beyond. His accuracy and consistency gave Oklahoma a major advantage in close games, making him the obvious Special Teams Player of the Year.
Newcomer of the Year: Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
Trinidad Chambliss became one of the biggest revelations of the year, leading Ole Miss to an 11-1 record and the program’s first College Football Playoff appearance. He topped 3,000 passing yards, added nearly 500 yards on the ground, and maintained one of the highest efficiency ratings in the nation. Chambliss excelled as both a passer and runner while keeping turnovers to a minimum. His rapid rise from newcomer to star transformed the Rebels into a national title threat.
Freshman of the Year: Braylon Staley, Tennessee
Tennessee wide receiver Braylon Staley quickly became one of the SEC’s most reliable offensive weapons. The true freshman recorded 64 receptions for 806 yards and six touchdowns, finishing sixth in the conference in receiving yardage. Staley’s route running, speed, and early maturity allowed him to stand out despite competing for targets in one of the SEC’s deepest receiver groups. His immediate impact made him the clear Freshman of the Year.
Jacobs Blocking Trophy: Kadyn Proctor, Alabama and Trey ZuhnIII, Texas A&M
Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor and Texas A&M’s Trey Zuhn III split the Jacobs Blocking Trophy after dominant seasons in the trenches. Proctor allowed only one sack on more than 500 pass-blocking snaps, anchoring an Alabama line that relied heavily on his stability and strength. Zuhn posted one of the highest pass-blocking grades in the nation and did not allow a sack across 382 pass snaps. Both linemen consistently controlled the line of scrimmage and protected their quarterbacks at an elite level.
Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Nick Rinaldi, Vanderbilt
Nick Rinaldi earned Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors for his exceptional work both academically and athletically. Vanderbilt’s successful season leaned on his discipline, leadership, and on-field contributions, while his classroom excellence showcased the complete student-athlete profile celebrated by this award.
2025 SEC First-Team Selections:
Offense
Quarterback
— Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
Diego Pavia had a historic 2025 season for Vanderbilt, completing 71.2% of his passes for 3,192 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, finishing with a 87.7 QBR which put him at 4th in the nation. He also added significant rushing production, rushing for 826 yards, and legging in 9 touchdowns, finishing with over 4,000 all-purpose yards, and 36 touchdowns.
Running Back
Ahmad Hardy, Missouri
Ahmad Hardy led the SEC and was 2nd in the nation in rushing with 1,560 yards and 16touchdowns. He had multiple breakout performances, including a 300-yard, 3-touchdown gameagainst Mississippi State, which was his 3rd 3 touchdown game this season, and consistently ranked among the nation’s most efficient runners.
Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss
Kewan Lacy finished as one of the SEC’s top rushers with 1,279 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns, which is 2nd in the nation, providing explosive scoring ability throughout the season. Kewan also had three 3 touchdown games, as well as 2 touchdowns in the Rebels only loss of the season against Georgia.
Wide Receiver
Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
Brazzell led the SEC with 1,017 receiving yards and tied for the conference lead with 9 receiving touchdowns, emerging as one of the most productive receivers in the league. He had 2 multi-touchdown games back-to-back, having 2 against East Tennessee State and 3 against SEC Champions Georgia.
KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
KC tied for the lead for touchdowns as well, with 9, and had 886 yards which is a career high. He was used plenty on returning as well, leading the SEC with 460 punt return yards, having multiple punt return touchdowns. Combined, he had over 1,300 total yards across offense and special teams. Helping him earn First-Team honors at receiver, return specialist, and all-purpose.
Tight End
Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
Stowers had an amazing season as a tight end, with 769 yards and 4 touchdowns. He had a stellar game against 13th ranked Texas, having 7 receptions for 146 yards, averaging 20.9 yards per catch, with a career long 67-yard touchdown. Stowers ended the game with 2 touchdowns, doubling his total for the season.
Offensive Linemen
Kadyn Proctor, Alabama — Allowed just 1 sack all season and anchored Alabama’s offensive line with elite pass protection.
Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M — Did not allow a sack on 382 pass-block snaps and held one of the highest pass-blocking grades in the SEC.
Keagen Trost, Missouri — A key piece of Missouri’s rushing attack, providing consistent run-blocking and pass protection.
Trevor Goosby, Texas — Allowed only 17 pressures all season and provided strong blindside protection.
Jake Slaughter, Florida (Center) — Served as the leader of Florida’s offensive line, delivering reliable snaps and anchoring both pass and run schemes consistently.
Deffense
Defensive Line
Cashius Howell, Texas A&M — Led the SEC with 11.5 sacks and recorded 14 tackles for loss, making him one of the league’s most disruptive defenders.
Colin Simmons, Texas — Posted 11 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss, consistently pressuring quarterbacks and anchoring Texas’s pass rush.
Zion Young, Missouri — A key contributor on Missouri’s defensive front with steady production in pressures, tackles, and run defense. Zion had 19 Solo tackles and 6.5 sacks on the year.
R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma — Senior edge defender who provided consistent pressure and strong run stopping throughout the season. Thomas was amazing his senior year, having a career high 16 solo tackles, and 7 assisted tackles, as well as 6.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.
Linebackers
CJ Allen, Georgia — One of Georgia’s top tacklers and most reliable run defenders, making plays sideline to sideline. Allen dominated, having 85 total tackles as well as 3.5 sacks on the year.
Xavier Atkins, Auburn — A versatile playmaker who contributed in run defense and coverage, finishing near the top of Auburn’s defensive stat sheet. Xavier finished the season with 60 solo tackles, and 9 sacks, as well as 1 interception.
Josiah Trotter, Missouri — One of Missouri’s leaders in total tackles and a central figure in run defense. Trotter also put up great numbers, finishing with 84 tackles and 2 sacks, including 43 solo tackles.
Defensive Backs
Mansoor Delane, LSU — A lockdown corner who allowed very few completions and produced multiple pass breakups. Mansoor had 28 solo tackles and 2 interceptions and had 11 pass deflections, proving it’s a no-fly-zone when he’s around.
Bray Hubbard, Alabama — One of Alabama’s leading tacklers at safety and a consistent open-field stopper. Hubbard ended with 38 solo tackles and 4 interceptions, as well as 8 pass deflections and 3 forced fumbles. He was a key member in helping Alabama stay in the playoff conversation allseason.
Michael Taaffe, Texas — Finished with 70 tackles and 2 interceptions, providing stability and leadership in the Longhorns’ secondary.
AJ Haulcy, LSU — LSU’s leader in both tackles (89) and interceptions (3), making him one of the conference’s top safeties.
Special Teams
Placekicker
Tate Sandell, Oklahoma
Led the SEC in kicker scoring, converting a high percentage of field goals and serving as one of the most reliable specialists in the conference.
Punter
Grayson Miller, Oklahoma
Ranked among the SEC’s best in punting average and field-flipping ability, with consistent accuracy inside the 20.
Return Specialist
KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Led the SEC with 460 punt return yards, scoring multiple punt return touchdowns and giving Texas A&M elite field position all season.
Kickoff Specialist
Lucas Carneiro, Ole Miss
Scored 114 total points, produced a high touchback rate, and delivered elite placement and hangtime on kickoffs. He was 22-25 on field goals and didn’t miss a single extra point all season.
Long Snapper
Beau Gardner, Georgia
Delivered a perfect snapping season with zero errors, anchoring Georgia’s special teams execution.
Key Stat
Diego Pavia became the first player in league history to record four consecutive games with over 400 yards of total offense.
