We’re now focusing on the best returning SEC defensive linemen. The SEC is always credited for having high-level talent sprinkled in at every position. To win the conference, teams must be very good upfront, especially defensively.
There is always great talent on the defensive lines of the programs that make up the Southeastern Conference. Here we’ll look at the best defensive linemen returning to the conference in 2026.
Best Returning SEC Defensive Linemen
Honorable Mentions
Before we get into our top four list, we want to shout out a few honorable mentions. One player who was considered for the list was Georgia’s Elijah Griffin. The 6’4, 310-pound defensive tackle had an impressive first year with the Bulldogs. He finished it with 22 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. That earned him a spot on the 2025 Freshman All-SEC team. Griffin is expected to make an even bigger impact for Kirby Smart’s team in his second year.
Another talented defensive tackle that was in high consideration for this list was DJ Hicks. He played in a more rotational role through his first three years at Texas A&M. Still, Hicks filled the stat sheet well as an interior defensive lineman. Hicks finished 2025 with 26 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. He’ll be a key piece of the Aggies’ defense in his fourth-year.
One more player who nearly made our list was South Carolina defensive end Dylan Stewart. After a stellar first season as a Gamecock in 2024, Stewart fought through some injuries in his second-year. He still did enough to be named Second-Team All-SEC after posting 33 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. Stewart will be back with Shane Beamer’s team for his third-year. His presence is a big part of what is giving South Carolina some buzz heading into the 2026 season.
4. DT Hero Kanu – Texas
Getting into our official list of best returning SEC defensive linemen, we’ll start with the fourth spot, which belongs to Texas defensive tackle Hero Kanu. The Longhorns’ interior defensive lineman is a huge reason why their defensive front is considered one of the best in the country.
Kanu’s athleticism inside makes him tough for interior offensive linemen to block. He finished 2025 with 30 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and two sacks. Kanu’s got a ton of hype around him as a core part of the Texas defense. The pairing of Kanu and another player on this list makes the Longhorns defensive line one to watch this season.
3. DE Quincy Rhodes Jr – Arkansas
Taking the third spot on our list of best returning SEC defensive linemen is Quincy Rhodes Jr. The Arkansas defensive end was a Second-Team All-SEC selection after a great 2025 season. Rhodes finished last season with 44 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and a forced fumble. He accounted for the fifth most sacks and second most tackles for loss in the conference.
The Razorbacks’ ability to improve in 2026 will largely be based on how well Rhodes plays this season. Rhodes returning gives Arkansas fans some confidence in its defensive front.
2. DT Will Echoles – Ole Miss
In second place is Ole Miss’ defensive tackle Will Echoles. The 2025 AP First-Team All-SEC selection was dominant on the interior of the Rebels’ defense. Echoles racked up 68 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks as a defensive tackle.
He went above and beyond his job of filling the interior of the Ole Miss defense by becoming a true playmaker inside. Echoles had the ninth most tackles for loss in the SEC. His return takes some pressure off of a defense that Pete Golding can’t give as much attention to now that he is the head coach of the program.
1. DE Colin Simmons – Texas
The top spot on our list belongs to the second Texas player to make it on, Colin Simmons. The Longhorns defensive end was the SEC sack leader in 2025, finishing the year with 12 overall. He also had the third most tackles for loss with 15.5. That, along with his 43 total tackles and three forced fumbles, earned Simmons a spot on the 2025 All-SEC First-Team.
Simmons is recognized as one of the top edge rushers in the country heading into the 2026 season. He was named to Phil Steele’s preseason All-American First-Team. Simmons is carrying high expectations both for himself and his team. Many expect him, along with the likes of Kanu and quarterback Archie Manning, to lead Texas to the national championship.
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
