SEC
The New QBs
By: Colin Lacy
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
As we hit the unofficial end of the offseason with the SEC Kickoff Media Days coming to Atlanta this week, one of the biggest questions around the league will be the first year starting quarterbacks.
The SEC is flooded with first year starting quarterbacks this year with nine of the sixteen teams breaking in a year one starter running the offense.
Some of those have more questions around them, but the biggest questions in my opinion come from Knoxville, Tuscaloosa, and Auburn.
In Tuscaloosa, Ty Simpson is expected to be named starter for the Crimson Tide to fill the shoes of Jalen Milroe.
There’s been a lot of moving parts in T-Town on the offensive side to try and make the transition to the new signal caller with Kalen DeBoer changing up the play caller and bringing in Ryan Grubb as the new offensive coordinator and essentially demoting Nick Sheridan to “co-offensive coordinator and QBs Coach”.
After spending two years with Coach DeBoer as the OC leading Washington to two magical seasons in 2022 & 2023, Grubb spent the 2024 season as the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks.
Simpson is a name that Bama fans have heard for three years and has been in the program since 2022 but has seen limited action behind Milroe.
Simpson in 16 career games over the first three years of his career only has 50 pass attempts with only real meaningful snaps coming in the 2023 matchup against South Florida where he helped lead Bama to a victory in game 2 of the year when Milroe got benched for one game by Nick Saban.
Simpson is expected to make his first career start in Tallahassee on August 30th when the Tide open the year against Florida State.
Knoxville has been an interesting situation this offseason for the quarterback room. At the end of spring ball, Nico Iamaleava shockingly decided to enter the transfer portal and ended up at UCLA.
That caused Tennessee to scramble (no pun intended) and find a QB1 in the portal, so they landed on Joey Aguilar who was a two-year starter at Appalachian State before spending the spring at UCLA before transferring to Tennessee.
Aguilar racked up over 3,000 yards passing in 2024 for the Mountaineers and was named honorable mention All-Sun Belt both years in Boone.
Aguilar is pretty set in Knoxville to start the year at QB1 for Josh Heupel, but in my eyes won’t finish the year like that.
Aguilar absolutely is talented, there’s no doubt about that, but seeing him at App State, he’s not an SEC Quarterback.
That could open the door to Savannah product Jake Merklinger. Merklinger redshirted last season in Knoxville and will have four years of eligibility remaining for the Calvary Day alum.
My two cents says that Aguilar will start the year, but by the week five off week, Merklinger could be set up to start the Arkansas match-up the following week.
Finally, Auburn has been an interesting scenario at quarterback. After the departure of Peyton Thorne (who is now on the roster for the Cincinnati Bengals), Hugh Freeze hit the transfer portal to bring in Jackson Arnold.
Arnold spent two seasons at Oklahoma with a rocky 2024 season. Arnold was benched in the mid-September matchup with Tennessee for Michael Hawkins because of struggles for Arnold.
The former Sooner threw for over 1,400 yards with 12 scores but struggled at times. The plus side for Arnold is that while he’s technically a first-year starter (for Auburn) he does bring SEC experience having played in seventeen career games with five starts.
This is the most intriguing to watch for me and the one that could turn up golden for the Aubs or could turn the lights out on Hugh Freeze.
There are so many un-answered questions swirling around quarterbacks in the SEC which has created buzz and excitement around the best football league in the country.
Again, I think that Gunner Stockton for Georgia and Austin Simmons for Ole Miss will be the two that will be consistently solid throughout the year, but watching the rest unfold will be incredible to see as the season goes on.
Break Out
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) remains the gold standard of college football, consistently producing NFL talent and competitive programs.
As the 2025 season approaches, several under-the-radar players are poised to explode onto the national scene.
While many fans focus on household names and established stars, it’s often the breakout players who define a season. Here are five SEC athletes primed to make a major impact in 2025.
Cam Coleman – Wide Receiver, Auburn: The former five-star recruit couldn’t quite reach the same heights as fellow C/O 2024 receivers Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams due to Auburn’s offensive struggles.
However, Coleman absolutely has the athleticism and skill necessary to be a star in this sport.
After a slow start, he put up eye-popping numbers in the Tiger’s last three games, hauling in 22 catches for 306 yards and six touchdowns.
Upgrades from the portal will help his production improve, with Auburn bringing in quarterback Jackson Arnold from Oklahoma, as well as highly touted offensive linemen Xavier Chaplin and Mason Murphy.
The 6 ‘3 receiver will also be complemented nicely by Georgia Tech transfer Eric Singleton Jr., who should keep some double-coverage off Coleman.
KJ Bolden – Safety Georgia: Georgia is essentially swapping one All-American safety for another this offseason.
Bolden will be taking over for probable first-round pick Malachai Starks in the Bulldogs secondary after an impressive freshman campaign.
Playing a rotational role for a stingy Georgia defense, the hard-hitting safety turned heads when he was on the field, compiling 59 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and an interception in 15 games.
Able to play at any spot on the field, Bolden has the chance in 2025 to cement himself as Georgia’s next great defensive-back.
Austin Simmons – QB Ole Miss: In other years, I’d have Simmons as a top-5 quarterback in the SEC entering the season.
The buzz out of Oxford is that the southpaw is exactly the guy we saw save the day against Georgia.
Simmons’ touchdown drive might’ve fueled a ton of offseason hype but go back to the fact that he reclassified from 2025 to 2023, and heading into his redshirt freshman season, he beat out coveted former LSU transfer Walker Howard for the backup job.
Simmons did that while still juggling baseball duties. He moved on from baseball in hopes of becoming Lane Kiffin’s next great quarterback.
He’s got a largely new group of pass-catchers — Cayden Lee will be worthy of preseason All-SEC love — and he’ll have to do more heavy lifting than the 2024 Rebels offense had to do with an elite defense.
Jadan Baugh – RB, Florida: Florida’s offense enters a pivotal year, and one of its most exciting weapons might be sophomore Jaden Baugh.
Baugh is now the lead candidate to start at running back. A lightning-quick runner with elite agility, he brings a home-run threat every time he touches the ball.
At 6’ and 230 pounds, Baugh combines speed with power and vision.
Head coach Billy Napier has hinted at a heavier ground attack in 2025, making Baugh a potential breakout star in Gainesville.
Rueben Owens – RB Texas A&M: As brutal as it was to watch Owens go down with a broken foot in fall camp after a promising true freshman campaign — he forced 23 missed tackles on 101 carries in 2023 — it was encouraging to see him return at all in 2024.
Owens got to shake out the cobwebs and get live reps in the Collin Klein offense as the lead back in the bowl game.
Owens likely won’t get lead-back work once All-SEC running back Le’Veon Moss makes a full return, but it remains to be seen what he’ll look like coming off his nasty season-ending knee injury.
Even if Moss looks like the best version of himself, you could still see multiple stars emerge in the backfield, especially one that’ll operate behind 5 returning starters on the offensive line.
That’s a massive benefit for A&M. Offensive line continuity is everything in this era.
Complement that with a talented, elusive tailback like Owens in a run-heavy scheme and you’ll see plenty of big-time moments from No. 4.
The SEC never lacks star power, but each season also brings a new wave of impact players ready to seize the spotlight.
Here are a few other players to keep an eye on: Jaydn Ott (RB, Oklahoma), Jack Endries (TE, Texas), Cayden Lee (WR, Ole Miss), Aaron Anderson (WR, LSU) and Gunner Stockton(QB, Georgia).
The QB1’s
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Five quarterbacks embody the SEC with their blend of elite production, high-end talent, and promising upside.
Entering the 2025 season, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier holds the top spot as both the most productive and experienced returning QB, while Texas’s Arch Manning’s first full year as a starter brings blue-chip intrigue.
Meanwhile, Florida’s DJ Lagway and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers provide nothing but high ceilings with dual-threat play.
Taylen Green rounds out the group with a strong body of work and he’s a dangerous fit within Arkansas’s offense.
#1 Garrett Nussmeier (LSU): Nussmeier slides in as the SEC’s most accomplished returning signal-caller.
After replacing Jayden Daniels, he threw for over 4,000 yards and 28+ touchdowns. Nussmeier is ranked first because of his command, willingness to take chances, and growth within Brian Kelly’s system.
In addition, LSU has an experienced supporting cast, which Nussmeier will utilize to lead a potent offense. He may stake a claim as a Heisman contender.
Productivity & experience: SEC-leading attempts, completions, and yardage in 2024.
Elite arm talent & playmaking: Ranked top-10 in big-time throws nationally.
Offensive continuity: Solidified command entering his fourth year in Kelly’s offense
#2 Arch Manning (Texas): Manning enters his first full season as the Texas starting QB after limited action in 2024.
He completed 73 of 112 attempts for 939 yards, 9 TDs, and only 2 INTs.
Despite a modest role, his pedigree, downfield accuracy, and athleticism show promise, even among the SEC’s elite. I predict a breakout year with Arch Manning running Steve Sarkisian’s quarterback-focused system.
Ceiling: Manning is projected to grow into one of the SEC’s top QBs due to raw talent .
Foundation & Support: Coaching, strong offensive line additions, and returning weapons on both sides of the ball.
Readiness: Manning has already shown composure and success stepping in mid-season.
#3 DJ Lagway (Florida): After stepping up as a freshman in 2024, Lagway delivered 1,915 yards and 12 touchdowns across seven games.
Known for a strong arm and mobility, he sparked a second-half turnaround for the Gators. Florida’s coaches have embraced his skillset entering year two.
Freshman breakout: Multiple 300-yard games early in career.
Potential: His physical gifts and arm strength make him a modern SEC prototype.
Momentum: Off‑season confidence from coaches, teammates, and fans .
#4 LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina): Sellers became a star as a dual-threat in 2024, finishing with 2,534 passing yards and 18 TDs, plus 674 rushing yards and 7 rushing TDs.
His leadership, athleticism, and steady improvement in crucial moments have consistently ranked him among the SEC’s top 2–4 QBs by multiple outlets.
Dual-threat capabilities: A real ground and air threat.
Rising trajectory: Showed consistent growth and poise.
Leadership: Enters 2025 as THE offensive centerpiece.
#5 Taylen Green (Arkansas): Wrapping out the top five is Green, the true dual-threat who threw for over 3,100 yards in 2024 while contributing significantly on the ground.
In a Petrino system built around his skillset, he has the experience and supporting cast to sharpen his consistency and cut turnovers.
Proven production: Second-year SEC starter with big passing and rushing numbers.
System fit: Well-suited to Arkansas’ offense.
Upside: If he minimizes mistakes, he could quietly ascend.
Quarterbacks to keep your eyes on: Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt), John Mateer (Oklahoma), Austin Simmons (Ole Miss) and Gunner Stockton (Georgia).
The SEC is breaking in several new quarterbacks with several Heisman conversations in the preseason. QB1 is the most important position, and playoff dreams depend on which quarterback shines the most.
QB-0
By: Colin Lacy
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Just a month ago we were talking about if it should be four or five teams from the Southeastern Conference in the first edition of the 12-team College Football Playoff.
This was also when the SEC was flocking to Atlanta for the SEC Championship game that has turned into a celebration of SEC Football in the heart of the peach state at Mercedez Benz Stadium.
Now the college football world returns to the Benz, but one thing is missing…the SEC.
Monday night will be the culmination of the 2024 college football season with the College Football Playoff National Championship Game between Ohio State and Notre Dame.
While the SEC did makeup a quarter of the inaugural twelve team field with Georgia (#2 seed), Texas (#5 seed), and Tennessee (#9 seed), the premier conference in college football combined for 2 wins in the bracket (both coming from Texas).
So, what have the two teams that will battle for the top spot in college football done to overpower the SEC?
Now most may say that that is an outlandish statement, but when you look at the bracket, Notre Dame and Ohio State combined to eliminate every SEC team in this field.
There is something about both of these two teams that stands out that was a glaring issue in the Southeastern Conference all season long. High-level quarterback play.
Both the Buckeyes and Irish have used the transfer portal in a big way, but especially at the signal-caller position.
After Sam Hartman made his way as an un-drafted free agent with the Commanders, Notre Dame went out and got a graduate transfer that had burst on the scene the last few years while piloting the Duke Blue Devils in Riley Leonard.
The Fairhope, Alabama native had last season cut short because of injury with the Blue Devils (coincidentally he was injured against Notre Dame) and has grown into Irish OC Mike Denbrock’s offense as the season has gone.
The Irish began the year with an impressive 23-13 victory in College Station against Texas A&M (again as coincidence would have it, against Leonard’s former Blue Devil Head Coach Mike Elko).
The following week would prove to be the low point in the season by falling to Northern Illinois 16-14. Since then, Leonard and the Irish have rattled off 13 straight wins including CFP wins over Georgia and Penn State. Leonard has thrown for over 2,600 yards and 19 passing touchdowns and adding 16 more scores on the ground.
On the flipside of the card, Ohio State has been steady (aside from the rivalry loss to Michigan at the end of November) with a 13-2 record this year behind another graduate transfer quarterback.
Much like Notre Dame, the Buckeyes have found success with Will Howard after transferring from Kansas State. Howard isn’t as mobile as Leonard but has dazzled the Big 10 Conference to the tune of just shy of 3,800 yards through the air and 33 touchdowns to only 10 interceptions.
Through the season names of Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, and Carson Beck have dominated the “best quarterback in college football” conversation, but you’d be hard pressed to find a quarterback that has played better than either one of these field generals in Leonard and Howard, and I truly believe that is the reason the SEC isn’t represented in the biggest game on the college football schedule (and many are disappointed in the SEC showing in the CFP).
Quarterback play hasn’t been at the level that is has in the past. Many thought that Carson Beck for the Georgia Bulldogs was going to be a first-round pick entering the season.
As the weeks would play out, he would be good at times and show flashes, but never took the game to the next level which culminates in his transfer to Miami after he had declared for the NFL draft for a week.
Don’t get me wrong, there were good quarterbacks in the league. Jaxson Dart with Ole Miss had a good season in Oxford, Brady Cook at Missouri may have proven to be one of the most important players in the SEC to their team in the Mizzou performances when he was injured, and Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee) Jalen Milroe (Alabama) and Quinn Ewers (Texas) were all good, but nobody had the breakout season that “wow’ d” everyone.
Strangely the most impressive quarterback performance of the season may have come from Gainesville and DJ Lagway coming in as a true freshman, and after an injury to incumbent starter Graham Mertz, Lagway took the reins.
Granted there were some growing pains with Lagway, but by the end of the season, may have been the most impressive quarterback in the SEC.
All of that said, as strange as it feels to not have a SEC team playing for a championship on Monday IN ATLANTA, the finale of the CFP will showcase two pretty impressive offensive commanders for the Irish and Buckeyes.
From The Jump
By: Charlie Moon
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
I’m not crazy, but…..Pat McAfee (yes, the same one permeating ESPN now) and long-time sports radio legend Colin Cowherd, had a major role in the country in introducing college football in the South, as the dominating national force.
Let me reset it for you. An undefeated, #2-ranked West Virginia was hosting long-time NFL coach Dave Wannstedt’s 4-7 Pittsburgh Panthers. The Mountaineers were 28.5-point favorites. WVU’s Pat McAfee missed not one, but two field goals.
To be fair, it was under 30 degrees and very windy. Pitt ran the ball out of the back of their own end zone as time expired and won 13-9.
My brother, Chad and our friends were going crazy. We called our parents, who were at some loud party in Athens. Why? Because the Dawgs, ranked #3, were going be in the BCS Championship game!
Then….they weren’t. Why? Long story short, the Dawgs were jumped by Florida, pitted against the Buckeyes on January 8, 2007.
Some can argue it began way before that. But that was the defining moment when a 7-point favored mighty Ohio St was supposed to show the country the Big Ten ruled the country.
But then SEC power and speed was on display and the country got to see just what pundit Colin Cowherd had been saying for a decade on his then ESPN radio show.
He had been saying for a decade that the SEC was already better than everyone, by a mile – and it would start showing soon. Most folks just shewed him off like they do now. But the guy knows his stuff.
One particular show hinged on one aspect. To most football purists, it was the craziest thing they’d ever heard.
It made perfect sense to me, though. He was talking about how the 90s saw the birth of 7-on-7 off-season football tournaments, similar to what happened with AAU basketball, and what we now deem “travel ball.”
Football showcase camps were popping up nationwide, and where were most of those camps? Yep, you guessed it.
The South. After all, why would a kid want to go to a March showcase event in lovely, icy St. Paul, Minnesota? So…. more kids from all regions, were coming down South.
His next point had nothing to do with football, but it rang clear. He talked about more kids visiting colleges down South, during these camps, and what did they see?
I can almost remember his exact words, but for emphasis, let’s quote it anyway.
“Imagine a kid from Syracuse, New York coming down south and visiting a college campus in sunny Florida. What do you think he saw? Yep, the college co-eds. And what do you think he thought? Do I want to stay in cold Syracuse, or go where the campuses are filled with sun and gorgeous co-eds?”
I get it, there are many reasons why college football in the South has been great for so long, well before 2007. But Cowherd’s argument was nearly a decade ahead of its time. College football in the South had been better for a long time, but it hadn’t yet dominated on a national scale.
In that 2007 BCS Championship Game, it was clear. The Gators were bigger, stronger and the biggest factor???…..speed!
The speed difference wasn’t even close. Gator defensive lineman were chasing down speedy Ohio State QB Troy Smith and running backs in the backfield all night long. Ohio State receivers could never break away from Gator DBs.
Sure, this game wasn’t a 1-game tell-all. And Pat McAfee and Colin Cowherd surely didn’t invent football in the south.
But they both had a say in what might be the turning point of the southern college football show on display for the country.
SEC Dominance
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Kirby Smart wrapped up practice Tuesday at The University of Georgia. The College Football Playoff rankings just released, naturally interviewers asked Smart if the expanding field to 12 this year changed his curiosity.
“I could care less,” Smart said. “Because what is a quality win and a quality loss right now; they’ve been known to change their mind before it comes.”
The format may be different and the field may be bigger, but Georgia has experienced this before. Texas did last year. Tennessee did two years ago. Alabama and LSU have plenty of experience with it. At this point, everyone knows the deal by now.
Smart and SEC commissioner Greg Sankey may not love Georgia’s rank at third, behind two Big Ten teams, while the Bulldogs are second in the AP and coaches polls.
There are seven SEC teams in the top 25, by far the most of any conference (in second place: the Big Ten. With four). That’s an important note for a couple of reasons:
With four in the top 12 (Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, Alabama) and a few in striking distance (No. 14 Texas A&M, No. 15 LSU, No. 16 Ole Miss), this sets up more SEC teams to make the playoffs in the future.
Second, more SEC teams will have more chances for ranked wins, or their ranked losses might not seem as bad to the rankings.
Georgia bought itself a lot of room with its win at Texas, giving it a second ranked win, and its only loss came at Alabama. It would seem the Bulldogs need only get a split of the next two games at Ole Miss and Tennessee and they would be in. Even if UGA lost both games, they would have an argument.
Texas and Tennessee also have one loss but a little less leeway.
Texas is clearly in if they win out, although losing at Texas A&M in the regular-season finale would make things dicey.
The Longhorns don’t have a win over any team in the Top 25. Vanderbilt, ranked in the AP, didn’t make the CFP rankings.
Tennessee is all set if they win out because an 11-1 record with a win at Georgia is a strong argument.
If The Vols are competitive at Georgia and lose, 10-2 with two road losses but a win against Alabama may be enough to get it done. Of course, the regular-season finale at Vanderbilt isn’t a sure win.
Texas A&M, meanwhile, is not in the field right now — 14th — but the assignment seems straightforward: Win out, including the Texas game, and the Aggies are close enough to feel good about their chances.
Important caveat: winning out is no guarantee; it depends heavily on what happens elsewhere. As Smart pointed out, the committee is known to change their mind.
Alabama at LSU this week: The loser has a third loss, which puts its Playoff hopes to sleep, while the winner is in great shape. But is the loser truly done and the winner truly in?
Alabama would have three losses to ranked teams LSU, Tennessee and Vanderbilt, if it could sneak into the CFP Top 25 with one ranked win (Georgia) and some others that might check off as good.
LSU may need this win more. It has a loss to unranked USC and the other to Texas A&M. Their best win right now is against Ole Miss.
Then there’s Ole Miss, which is almost certainly done if it loses to Georgia this week. But if Ole Miss wins, that would give it something a ranked win and winning out would mean a 10-2 record.
Still, it has a home loss to Kentucky, and other than the Georgia game, there isn’t much impressive on the resume. So, Lane Kiffin’s team would seem at the mercy of the committee and things falling its way elsewhere.
There are so many important games left and too many data points left to draw any grand conclusions. Nobody from the SEC is definitely in yet, and seven teams still have a realistic shot.
That number figures to go down after this weekend. The question is whether it continues going down over the coming weeks or the SEC ends up with a half-dozen candidates for only so many spots.
Mixed Bag
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Week 1 of the 2024 SEC season was a mixed bag for one of the nation’s most dominant conferences.
While many SEC teams took care of business in nonconference matchups, the conference struggled in high-profile games against ranked opponents. The SEC went 1-3 against ranked teams, raising questions about its early-season strength and readiness for top competition.
The standout victory of the weekend was Georgia’s 34-3 dismantling of No. 14 Clemson.
The No. 1 Bulldogs looked every bit the part of a national championship contender, dominating both sides of the ball, once they settled in.
Georgia’s running back depth stood out, rushing for 169 yards against Clemson’s NFL-talent-loaded defensive front.
Freshman RB Nate Frazier emerged as a future star, leading the backfield with 84 yards and a touchdown.
Despite the impressive win, Georgia’s offense had a slow start, punting on three of its first five drives, struggling to convert scoring opportunities.
Clemson couldn’t keep up with Georgia’s depth in the second half, but the sluggish first half could be an issue against stronger offensive teams later in the season.
Elsewhere in the conference, however, the results were less encouraging.
Florida suffered a 41-17 blowout loss to No. 19 Miami.
The Gators struggled offensively, with quarterback Graham Mertz leaving due to injury. Freshman DJ Lagway showed flashes of promise, but the offensive line’s struggles, giving up three sacks and allowing constant pressure, were a significant problem. Florida’s defeat leaves the team searching for answers.
Texas A&M also fell short, losing 23-13 to No. 7 Notre Dame.
While the Aggie defense did well to limit Notre Dame’s quarterback, Riley Leonard, to just 158 passing yards, the offense faltered.
Quarterback Conner Weigman struggled with decision-making, throwing two costly interceptions. Texas A&M had opportunities to make a statement in head coach Mike Elko’s debut, but missed chances and mistakes cost them the game.
LSU continued its recent trend of struggles in season openers, losing 27-20 to No. 23 USC in Las Vegas.
The Tigers, despite being favored, failed to capitalize on key moments and displayed a lack of discipline. Costly penalties, including an unsportsmanlike conduct foul and a targeting penalty, contributed to LSU’s defeat.
The Tigers also struggled with tackling, allowing USC’s running backs to break free for extra yards on multiple occasions.
LSU’s wide receiver depth remains a strength, but the team’s defensive and disciplinary issues need to be addressed quickly.
On the positive side, most of the SEC teams dominated their nonconference matchups, though many of these victories came against inferior competition.
Alabama cruised to a 63-0 victory over Western Kentucky, with new head coach Kalen DeBoer’s aggressive defense making a strong debut.
Arkansas posted a 70-0 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, with Utah transfer Ja’Quinden Jackson leading the Razorbacks’ rejuvenated ground game.
Auburn’s offense also shined in a 73-3 win over Alabama A&M, showcasing an explosive new-look passing attack led by freshmen receivers.
Tennessee, Mississippi State, and Missouri all secured comfortable wins, with Tennessee defeating Chattanooga 69-3, Mississippi State routing Eastern Kentucky 56-3, and Missouri shutting out Murray State 51-0.
SEC newcomers Oklahoma and Texas also started their seasons with dominant wins. Oklahoma dismantled Temple 51-3, while Texas blanked Colorado State 52-0.
There were some close calls in the conference, though. South Carolina narrowly escaped with a 23-19 win over Old Dominion, thanks to timely defensive plays from edge rushers Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart.
Vanderbilt, meanwhile, earned a hard-fought 34-27 overtime victory against Virginia Tech, with quarterback Diego Pavia providing a much-needed spark for the Commodores.
Kentucky’s 31-0 victory over Southern Miss was notable for being one of the shortest games in recent history, as it was called off with 9:56 left in the third quarter due to weather.
Quarterback Brock Vandagriff, who transferred from UGA, impressed in his first significant action, completing 12 of 18 passes for 169 yards and three touchdowns, despite the shortened game.
As the SEC moves forward into Week 2, teams will look to build on their successes and correct the issues that emerged in the opening week.
For some, like Georgia and Alabama, the season is off to a strong start. But for others, particularly those who lost marquee matchups, there is work to be done to meet the high expectations of the SEC.
SEC Media Days
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
If you are a die-hard fan of collegiate sports just like I am, then you certainly feel the current doldrums. The College World Series is over. The volleyball, softball and tennis seasons are in the books. July can feel so empty.
But just when it feels that all hope is lost, we can count on college football Media Days to turn our attention to the unofficial start of the football season, or at least the “talking season”.
With the start of the 2024 college football season just around the corner, the excitement is building as the SEC gets ready for its annual Media Days from July 15-18 in Dallas.
This year’s event is extra special since it’s the first time Texas and Oklahoma will be part of the mix. Each of the 14 schools is sending three players, making up a total of 42 athletes.
Interestingly, 11 quarterbacks will be there, but Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, South Carolina, and Kentucky decided not to send their QBs. Instead, many schools are spotlighting their defensive talent, with 10 linebackers and nine defensive linemen on the list.
SEC Media Days is one of the biggest preseason events where players and coaches chat about their expectations and plans for the upcoming season.
Some of the standout players attending include Alabama’s Jalen Milroe (QB), Arkansas’s Taylen Green (QB), Auburn’s Payton Thorne (QB), Florida’s Graham Mertz (QB), Georgia’s Carson Beck (QB), and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier (QB). On the defensive side, players to watch include Alabama’s Malachi Moore (DB), Auburn’s Keldric Faulk (DE), Florida’s Shemar James (ILB), and Georgia’s Mykel Williams (DL). Each school is bringing a mix of talent that highlights their strengths and sets the stage for a competitive season.
The coaches will also be there to talk about their teams. Brian Kelly of LSU will start things off on Monday, followed by Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss), Shane Beamer (South Carolina), and Clark Lea (Vanderbilt). On Tuesday, we’ll hear from Kirby Smart (Georgia), Eliah Drinkwitz (Missouri), Brent Venables (Oklahoma), and Josh Heupel (Tennessee). Wednesday’s lineup includes Kalen DeBoer (Alabama), Billy Napier (Florida), Jeff Lebby (Mississippi State), and Steve Sarkisian (Texas). The event wraps up on Thursday with Sam Pittman (Arkansas), Hugh Freeze (Auburn), Mark Stoops (Kentucky), and Mike Elko (Texas A&M).
Besides the formal sessions, the vibe around Media Days is always electric. Fans, media, and analysts are eager to hear from the key players and coaches about their strategies, challenges, and outlooks for the season.
This year’s event promises plenty of buzz and storylines as teams gear up for what’s expected to be an intensely competitive season.
The SEC Network will have extensive coverage all four days. With live broadcasts and analysis, viewers can expect to get insights into each team’s preparations and prospects. Special editions of SEC Now and other shows will provide a platform for expert opinions, predictions, and behind-the-scenes looks at the event.
In short, the 2024 SEC Media Days in Dallas will be a major event featuring a strong lineup of quarterbacks and defensive players from all 14 schools, extensive media coverage, and a stellar roster of coaches ready to discuss the upcoming season. This year’s event highlights the evolving dynamics of the SEC, especially with Texas and Oklahoma joining in, promising an exciting preseason narrative for college football fans.
Get ready for an action-packed week of football talk, star players, and coach insights as the SEC sets the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable 2024 season.
SEC QB1
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Six quarterbacks were taken in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, tying the 1983 class, which included Hall of Famers John Elway, Jim Kelly and Dan Marino.
Despite the college landscape’s losses, SEC Football will have no shortage of talent at QB1 in the 2024 campaign.
From veteran transfers to young standouts, countless QBs are hungry for their shot at glory in the upcoming season. Here are my top 5 SEC quarterbacks heading into 2024-25.
- Garrett Nussmeier (LSU): Nussmeier’s only start last season came in LSU’s victory over Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
In the win, Nussmeier exploded with talent: 31 completions, 395 passing yards and 3 touchdowns. I feel confident Nussmeier can replicate this success next season in an expanded role.
LSU is going to score a lot of points, and, it’s [Nussmeier’s] team now. He knows that. Brian Kelly knows that. Everyone in that locker room knows that. And, I think we got a preview of it during the bowl game.
- Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee):Nico Iamaleava finished last season with 28 completions for 2 touchdowns and no interceptions.
During Tennessee’s 35-0 win over Iowa (Cheez-It Citrus Bowl), Iamaleava completed 12-of-his-19 pass attempts for 151 yards and a touchdown. He also had three scores on the ground. I believe Iamaleava might realize his full potential this season.
- Jalen Milroe (Alabama):Jalen Milroe finished this past season with 2,718 yards passing, 23 touchdowns and just 6 interceptions.
He was also a significant threat on the ground, collecting 468 rushing yards and a team-high 12 touchdowns on the ground.
While Nick Saban is no longer leading the Crimson Tide, My prediction is Milroe will continue to roll over his opponents.
Milroe and Kalen DeBoer, to me, are a lot like the french fry and milkshake combo. It sounds like two things that are very different wouldn’t go well together. I think that’s Kalen DeBoer and Jalen Milroe. You don’t think they’re supposed to go together and then you try it and you’re like, Oh, wow, this is phenomenal.
- Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss):Jaxson Dart led one of the most dangerous offenses in the nation last season.
In 2023, the 6-foot-2 QB recorded 233 completions for 3,364 passing yards and 23 touchdowns while only tossing 5 picks. I am forecasting these numbers will grow in the upcoming season.
1B. Quinn Ewers (Texas):Quinn Ewers threw for 3,161 yards and 21 touchdowns across 11 games as a redshirt sophomore last season, leading Texas to its first College Football Playoff appearance in program history.
Expect even more jaw-dropping statistics from Ewers this year.
Ewers, I think has the ability to have the best statistical performance out of anybody on this list this season. He has figured out what works in college football. The light bulb is on. It’s not blinking. It’s beaming.
1A. Carson Beck (Georgia):Carson Beck finished this past season ranked third nationally and first in the SEC in passing yards (3,941), as well as fourth in the nation in completion percentage (.724).
For his efforts, he was named a Coaches All-SEC Second Team selection. Obviously, I anticipate more accomplishments for Georgia’s QB1.
I have the highest level of confidence that [Beck] is going to execute his job at the highest level every single Saturday..
The Bottom Half
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
That’s right everyone, it’s time for my bottom half ranking the head coaches for the 2024 SEC season.
A few of these coaches are new coaches and others are on the Hot Seat waiting to be fired.
No. 9 Mike Elko, Texas A&M: Elko is 16-9 in two seasons as Duke’s head coach, leading the Blue Devils to one of their best seasons in school history in 2022.
He got the Texas A&M job because of his coaching (and player development) acumen, plus a personality that should play well with the Aggies’ fickle booster base.
No. 10 Hugh Freeze, Auburn: Freeze remains the most difficult coach to rank in the SEC. How do you weigh his accomplishments previously at Ole Miss (two wins over Nick Saban) versus his recent results at Liberty and Auburn? The history is not promising.
No. 11 Brent Venables, Oklahoma: Venables bounced back from a tough first season as a head coach, guiding the Sooners to a 10-win season in advance of the program’s move to the SEC.
A bad loss to UCF squandered a chance to play for the Big 12 Championship, but Venables did beat Texas in Red River and fixed a bad Oklahoma defense.
No. 12 Shane Beamer, South Carolina: After two straight seasons of exceeding expectations under Beamer, the Gamecocks regressed to the mean in 2023 — going 5-7 with a slew of frustrating losses.
South Carolina dealt with all sorts of injuries last year (particularly at OL and with wideout Juice Wells), but the team ultimately wasted a solid season from quarterback Spencer Rattler.
Beamer has had a bunch of staff turnover, this offseason, too.
No. 13 Sam Pittman, Arkansas: Pittman is a beloved character in college football, but the shine has worn off the Pit Boss’ star since he led the Razorbacks to a surprising 9-4 season in 2021.
Like Napier, Pittman must win now or else he probably won’t be on this list next spring.
No. 14 Jeff Lebby, Mississippi State: Lebby finds himself last in the 2024 SEC head coach rankings solely because he hasn’t been a head coach previously.
The guy he replaced Zach Arnett was ranked at the bottom of this list last spring, too, but here’s guessing Lebby will have a much longer stay in Starkville.
No. 15 Billy Napier, Florida: No head coach in the SEC faces more pressure than Billy Napier in 2024, and the stakes were raised earlier this month when Steve Spurrier openly said, “There’s a feeling around the Gators of ‘What the heck are we doing?’”.
Napier is just 11-14 in two seasons with the Gators. He secured a signature win over Utah in his debut as UF’s head coach, but pretty much everything since the 2022 opener has gone wrong.
Florida’s defense has been a disaster for two seasons.
No. 16 Clark Lea, Vanderbilt: The expectation was that Lea would receive a long leash to rebuild his alma mater in his image, but the results have been so dire (2-22 in SEC games in three seasons), that suddenly the former Vandy fullback is facing pressure to deliver more wins.
Not looking great for Vandy.
I believe 3 coaches on this list are on the Hot-Seat: Shane Beamer, Sam Pittman and Billy Napier.
All 8 of these coaches have something to prove. Last year, I ranked Eli Drinkwitz at 14, so who on my bottom half will rise and who will be fired?
