Michael Spiers
Rubber To The Road
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Texas A&M has the money, facilities, recruiting base, and fan support to be a national power.
Now it is time to match the resources with results. For all its advantages, the program has just one double digit win season since 1998, and while Mike Elko’s first year brought progress, it also showed how far the Aggies still have to go to reach their ceiling.
Elko, entering his second season, steadied the ship with an 8-5 campaign in 2024, the program’s best in three years, but November defensive breakdowns and a frustrating bowl collapse against USC left a bitter aftertaste.
A&M even had a shot to play for the SEC title before an anemic offensive showing against Texas spoiled the chance.
The good news is that the roster is loaded, the schedule is manageable with no Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, or Ole Miss, and Elko has made key portal additions to fill important holes.
With Collin Klein coordinating the offense and Elko taking back defensive play calling, the Aggies believe they are positioned to break out of the eight-win rut.
Quarterback Marcel Reed, who emerged as a dual threat leader last year, is back after throwing for 1,864 yards, rushing for 543, and keeping turnovers in check. He is now the unquestioned starter.
Reed has great weapons at his disposal. The Aggies hit the transfer portal hard at receiver, landing KC Concepcion from NC State, one of the top wideouts in the country with 124 catches, nearly 1,300 yards, and 16 touchdowns in his first two seasons, and Mario Craver from Mississippi State, a dangerous deep threat.
These additions help form a versatile, speed driven group. At tight end, Texas transfer Amari Niblack and junior Theo Melin Ohrstrom will share duties.
The offensive line could be one of the SEC’s best. All five starters return, led by All SEC caliber tackle Trey Zuhn III, guard Chase Bisontis, and 330 pound mauler Ar’maj Reed Adams. Center Mark Nabou Jr., who missed most of last year with a torn ACL, should reclaim his starting role if healthy.
In the backfield, the Aggies expect the return of star running back Le’Veon Moss, who had 765 yards and 10 touchdowns in just eight games before injury.
Last year’s offense quietly led the SEC in scoring in conference play at 29.4 points per game. With Reed’s growth, the added speed at receiver, and a healthy backfield, that number could climb in 2025.
If A&M is going to jump from good to great, defensive improvement is essential. The Aggies gave up 44 points to South Carolina, 43 to Auburn, and 35 to USC late last year, with missed tackles and busted coverages becoming a recurring problem.
Up front, replacing departed pass rushers Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton is priority one.
Cashius Howell, who led the team with four sacks, returns, with Florida transfer TJ Searcy and Rutgers transfer Damon Hayes vying for big roles.
The interior is anchored by veteran Albert Regis, alongside Tyler Onyedim from Iowa State and promising sophomore DJ Hicks.
The linebackers are a strength. Taurean York led the team with 82 tackles, while Scooby Williams is a rangy, physical presence when healthy.
The secondary, hit by injuries last year, should rebound.
All-SEC corner Will Lee III is back, and nickelback Tyreek Chappell returns after missing most of 2024.
Transfers Julian Humphrey from Georgia and Jordan Shaw from Washington bolster coverage options.
Safeties Dalton Brooks and Bryce Anderson bring experience, though the unit must cut down on giving up explosive runs and deep completions.
Texas A&M has averaged eight wins per year since joining the SEC, and that has become the defining plateau.
With an established quarterback, one of the league’s best offensive lines, upgraded speed at the skill positions, and Elko’s renewed hands on role with the defense, the 2025 Aggies have the look of a team ready to break through.
The path is there. The question is whether A&M finally takes it.
Geaux Tigers
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The 2025 LSU Tigers enter the season with both urgency and optimism.
After consecutive seasons falling short of the College Football Playoff, head coach Brian Kelly faces pressure to turn promise into postseason success. Fortunately for Tiger fans, the pieces might finally be in place.
Despite losing standout talents like left tackle Will Campbell and wide receiver Kyren Lacy, the Tigers return a battle-tested quarterback, a retooled and aggressive defense, and a mix of transfers and rising stars who are ready to bring LSU back to the national spotlight.
Senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is back for his final season and ready to prove he is more than just a bridge between Jayden Daniels and the future of the program.
In 2024, he passed for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns, showing he can compete with the best in the country. However, turnovers and red zone issues hurt in key moments.
With a strong group of receivers and a deep backfield, Nussmeier has everything he needs to lead an offense that scored 24 or more points in all nine of its wins last season. In each of the four losses, they failed to reach that mark.
The offseason loss of Kyren Lacy was a tragic blow, but LSU is still loaded with playmakers at wide receiver. Aaron Anderson returns after a breakout 2024 campaign where he totaled 61 receptions for 884 yards. Transfers Nic Anderson from Oklahoma, Barion Brown from Kentucky, and Destyn Hill from Florida State bring elite speed and big-play ability.
At tight end, Trey’Dez Green and Oklahoma transfer Bauer Sharp will battle for the starting role. Sharp caught 42 passes last season and brings experience to the position.
Sophomore running back Caden Durham returns after rushing for 753 yards and 6 touchdowns. He is expected to take the lead role in a backfield that also features 235-pound power runner Kaleb Jackson.
Replacing a top five NFL Draft pick like Will Campbell at left tackle is no easy task, but Tyree Adams has the size, experience, and potential to take on the role. DJ Chester returns at center, and Braelin Moore, a transfer from Troy, is expected to fill a starting guard spot.
The offensive line ranked among the best in the SEC last season in both sack prevention and run blocking. Despite a few new faces, the expectation remains high.
LSU’s defense improved from 108th to 61st in total yards allowed last season. This year, the goal is to climb even higher and generate more turnovers.
The Tigers were undefeated in games where they recorded an interception and had a losing record when they failed to do so.
Newcomer Patrick Payton from Florida State brings 16 career sacks to the defensive edge and could make an instant impact.
Whit Weeks returns at linebacker after making 125 tackles in 2024. Harold Perkins Jr., one of the most talented defenders in the country, is recovering from an ACL injury and is expected to return to his dominant form.
In the secondary, Virginia Tech transfer Mansoor Delane, DJ Pickett, and Ashton Stamps form a deep cornerback rotation.
LSU has lost five straight season openers since the 2019 national championship season.
This year, they open at Clemson in a game that could shape the narrative for the rest of the season. They also face tough road trips to Alabama, Oklahoma, and Ole Miss, with a critical home game against Florida.
I think that in order to be a serious playoff contender, the Tigers likely need to go at least 4-1 in those five marquee games.
Brian Kelly enters his third year at LSU with a team that looks more physical and complete than in previous seasons. With a seasoned quarterback, explosive skill players, and a defense full of emerging talent, the Tigers have the tools to make a serious run at the College Football Playoff.
If LSU can avoid early stumbles and stay healthy, this could be the season Tiger fans have been waiting for.
Low Country Brawl
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
One of South Georgia’s fiercest high school football rivalries reignites on August 15, as the Camden County Wildcats host the Brunswick Pirates in what has been called the “Lowcountry Brawl”.
Though separated by just 30 miles of I-95, these two powerhouse programs bring decades of pride, passion, and playoff aspirations to their annual clash. This year’s matchup could be one of the most anticipated yet.
The rivalry has seen 12 meetings over the past 20 seasons, with Camden County holding a 9-3 edge.
However, Brunswick has begun closing the gap, winning two of the last three matchups, including a gritty 21-17 victory in 2023 and a 16-10 win in 2022.
Last year’s opener was a shootout, with Camden County rallying from an early 14-3 deficit to defeat Brunswick 51-41.
A string of special teams miscues by the Pirates, which included four consecutive failed punts, allowed Camden to storm back and seize control before halftime. It was a game that showcased the unpredictability and intensity that define this rivalry.
Despite Camden’s historical edge and state championships in 2003, 2008, and 2009, Brunswick’s recent resurgence under Coach Garrett Grady has added new fire to the series.
Coming off a 10-2 campaign and an undefeated region record in 2024, Brunswick enters 2025 with sky-high expectations.
Senior quarterback Grant Moore returns after a stellar junior year, where he threw for 2,525 yards and 22 touchdowns, adding another three scores on the ground.
His top target? None other than Heze Kent, a 6’5”, 265-pound four-star tight end/wide receiver hybrid who recently committed to Florida.
Kent hauled in 16 touchdowns last season and will draw double teams all year, potentially freeing up fellow receiver Waseem Murray, a speedy route-runner primed for a breakout.
In the backfield, Nigel Gardner and Josiah Gibbons form a potent 1-2 punch, combining for over 130 rushing yards per game and 16 touchdowns in 2024.
Defensively, Brunswick leans on senior cornerback Aviyon Addison, a ball-hawk who led the team with four interceptions last season. His leadership and lockdown skills will be tested early against Camden’s explosive passing attack.
After a 7-4 season that saw them rack up over 400 points, Camden County enters 2025 with a retooled but experienced squad and renewed optimism under second-year head coach Travis Roland.
While the Wildcats lost star tight end Elyiss Williams (now at Georgia) and several key linemen, they return six starters on defense and boast one of the region’s most dynamic offenses.
Parks Riendeau is back for his senior season after spending the last two years as the starting quarterback. In 2025, though, he’ll be playing some QB, but also look for him to lineup at running back and receiver due to the arrival of Will Jackson, a true dual-threat quarterback transfer from Florida.
Jackson is already loaded with offers from major Power Five programs.
The Wildcats offense is loaded with elite weapons, including four-star wide receiver Sean Green, who’s already caught the attention of Florida State and Georgia.
Running backs Antwan Williams and Julian Dailey round out a dangerous backfield, while linebacker Xavier Brown (129 tackles in 2024) and cornerback David Coleman Jr. (East Carolina commit) anchor a defense looking to turn potential into production.
Coach Roland’s mission to restore Camden County’s dominance is gaining traction. With depth, leadership, and high-end talent, the Wildcats are a real threat to win Region 1-6A, and this rivalry game to start the season could be a tone-setter.
Beyond the records and star power, this is a game built on pride and legacy. Both schools have sent numerous players to the college and NFL ranks.
Jarrad Davis, Stump Mitchell, and Ryan Seymour represent Camden, while Darius Slay, Tracy Walker, and Justin Coleman each suited up for Brunswick. The pro pedigree further fuels the prestige of this matchup.
As the lights shine bright in Kingsland on August 15, fans can expect another chapter in a storied rivalry where momentum shifts fast, reputations are made, and bragging rights matter all year long.
It’s the Lowcountry Brawl, and it’s must-watch football to kick off 2025.
No Two Ways About It
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
If there is anyone stubborn and talented enough to try and make NFL history as a two-way player, it is Travis Hunter.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ top draft pick is doing something that has not been seriously attempted at the professional level in a very long time. He is playing both offense and defense, lining up at cornerback and wide receiver.
That isn’t just bold. It is a logistical and physical challenge that most players would not even consider. But Travis Hunter is not most players.
Through the first week of Jaguars training camp, the early signs are encouraging. Hunter has split his time almost evenly between offense and defense and he is already flashing big-time ability on both sides of the ball.
On Monday, he caught a touchdown from Trevor Lawrence on a scramble drill, made a diving catch during one-on-one reps, and even threw his body into blocking assignments.
His training camp numbers are solid too. He has been targeted 11 times on offense and caught 10 passes. On defense, he has allowed just two completions on five targets and has broken up three passes.
The Jaguars knew what they were getting.
General manager James Gladstone said from the start that this was not an experiment. This was the plan. They drafted him with the full intention of letting him play both sides of the ball. As Gladstone put it, Hunter helps fix the numbers. He gives you the value of an extra player on the roster.
But is that really sustainable over a full NFL season?
Analyst, and former NFL defensive back, Ryan Clark raised a fair concern this week. He questioned the math behind the idea that one player can fully take on the responsibilities of two.
In his words, one player might be able to give you the impact of one and a half players. But expecting anyone to do the work of two full-time starters at a high level is a stretch.
I think the answer is not to expect Hunter to do everything all the time. The answer is balance and discipline. Hunter does not need to be on the field for 70 snaps every week to be considered a true two-way player.
The Jaguars need to use him like football’s version of Shohei Ohtani. In baseball, Ohtani does not pitch every day. He focuses on his hitting most of the time and takes the mound only every few days.
The same logic can apply to Hunter. Let him start at one position and use him situationally at the other. It is not about proving a point. It is about making a difference when it matters most.
Jaguars head coach Liam Coen seems to understand this. He has said Friday’s scrimmage will serve as an evaluation point.
It’s not about making a final decision. It’s about seeing what the current plan looks like in a real football setting and adjusting from there. The coaching staff has already started tailoring his practice and meeting schedule to fit both roles. That kind of flexibility will be key to making this work.
This is not some side project for Hunter. He is not just dabbling at a second position. He is capable of excelling at both.
He has the footwork, instincts, and football IQ to be a true shutdown corner. And he has the route-running, hands, and vision to be an impact receiver.
Yes, there will be days when it is too much. There will be moments when the physical toll or mental demands catch up to him. But if the Jaguars are careful with how they use him and focus on situations that play to his strengths, Travis Hunter can absolutely succeed.
He might not be two players. But he has a chance to be something even rarer. One of one.
And in the modern NFL, that kind of versatility is priceless.
War Chant
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The 2025 season is shaping up to be a big one for the Charlton County Indians, and with a tough schedule, they won’t have much time to ease into it.
Head Coach Demario Jones enters his second season leading the Tribe, after finishing 5-6 overall in 2024.
The Indians were 2-3 in region play last year and claimed the fourth playoff seed before falling to Lincoln County in the first round of the Single A, Division II state playoffs.
Coach Jones will rely on the return of last year’s leading rusher, Omari Jones. The rising Senior averaged 63.8 yards per game and had six total touchdowns in 2024.
Rising Junior AJ Glover is expected to play QB for Charlton after backing up Ayden Crews, who graduated last spring.
Glover does have some playing experience after seeing action in 5 games last season, going 13 for 31 passing, with 4 touchdowns.
Things get going with a preseason scrimmage against Berrien, but the real action starts on August 15 when the Indians hit the road to face Brantley County.
After that, the Indians get a couple chances to settle in at home. McIntosh comes to Folkston on August 22, and then Jeff Davis visits on August 29.
That Jeff Davis game might come with a little extra edge since the Yellow Jackets were the only team to hold Charlton scoreless in a game last year, so expect the Indians to be fired up for that rematch.
From there, it is back on the road for two more non-region tests. The first is a trip across the Florida line to take on Yulee on September 5.
Then it is off to Toombs County on September 12, another strong program that will not make things easy. Those two games could tell us a lot about where this team stands heading into the most important part of the season.
And then comes region play, where the playoff hopes either get built or broken.
Charlton kicks off Region 2A Division II action on September 26 with a home game against Lanier County, who was winless in the region last year.
But things really heat up in October.
Clinch County comes to town on October 3 and you know the deal. They are always tough and always in the region title conversation. A win here could go a long way toward making a statement.
Then it is another home game; against Irwin County on October 10, and that one is no picnic either.
After a well-timed bye, the Indians head to Brooks County on October 24 for a contest against last year’s region champ. Brooks is a legit contender once again, and getting a win there would be huge.
The regular season wraps up with another road trip on October 31, this time to face Turner County, a team that is hungry to bounce back under their second-year head coach.
Top to bottom, this is a tough slate. The non-region schedule is packed with teams that will push Charlton to get better fast. Once region play starts, there is not a single game they can afford to take lightly. Every Friday night matters.
The key for Charlton will be to win at home, stay healthy, and try to grab one or two of those big ones on the road. If they can do that, they will be right in the thick of the playoff picture in November.
No doubt about it, the road will not be easy, but if this group can grow up quickly and find its identity early, they have a real shot to make some noise. One thing is certain, the 2025 season is going to be a fun and wild ride in Folkston.
Wildcat Reload
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
After a 7-4 campaign in 2024 that included scoring over 400 points but falling short in key region matchups, the Camden County Wildcats are heading into the 2025 season with high expectations and a lot of returning firepower on both sides of the ball.
Head coach Travis Roland enters his second season at the helm with a clearer picture of what he has to work with and what it will take to push the Wildcats deeper into the postseason.
While the team loses some major contributors from last year, there’s plenty of talent waiting to step up and a few key additions that could make Camden County one of the more intriguing teams in Georgia’s loaded Region 1-6A.
The most notable departure is former All-State tight end Elyiss Williams, now competing for playing time at the University of Georgia. Williams was a major part of Camden’s offense in 2024, hauling in 54 receptions for 789 yards and 11 touchdowns. Replacing that production, and his leadership, won’t be easy.
The Wildcats also saw turnover in the trenches, losing offensive linemen Tazio Rosso (now at Louisiana Tech), Anthony Green Jr., and Zach Taylor (now at Cincinnati). That trio helped anchor a line that paved the way for Camden’s high-scoring attack last season.
On defense, the Wildcats will miss Wayne Austell, a relentless outside linebacker who earned back-to-back First Team All-Region honors before signing with Mars Hill University.
Despite some big-name losses, Camden returns six starters on defense, including key playmakers at every level.
Cornerback David Coleman Jr. (verbally committed to East Carolina) gives the Wildcats a true shutdown option on the outside, and linebacker Xavier Brown (committed to Georgia State) is back after racking up an impressive 129 tackles in 2024.
Brown also blocked two field goals and provides the kind of toughness and leadership that every defense needs.
On the line, Jacaryous “Chunky” Holzendorf returns to plug up the middle and pressure opposing quarterbacks.
With a mix of experience and emerging talent, this defense has the potential to be more consistent and disruptive in 2025.
Second year offensive coordinator, Grant Alford, continues to mold Camden’s offense, which racked up 430 points last fall. The unit returns some serious weapons, with some players possibly in new spots.
Parks Riendeau is back for his senior season after spending the last two years as the starting quarterback, but he’ll face competition in camp from Will Jackson, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who transferred in from Winter Park High School in Florida.
Jackson brings a lot of buzz with college offers from the likes of UCLA, Arkansas, and South Carolina.
Regardless of who comes out the quarterback battle, Riendeau is a proven winner with the athletic ability to dominate on the field in other positions, specifically at receiver.
Camden’s signal-caller will also have the luxury of throwing to Sean Green, a four-star wideout and one of the top juniors in the state. Green already holds offers from major programs, including Florida State and Georgia, and is expected to be a game-changer again this fall.
Also returning are running backs Antwan Williams and Julian Dailey, both seniors and proven contributors from last year’s ground game.
With the right balance and improved offensive line play, this unit has the potential to be one of the most dangerous in the region.
Coach Travis Roland took over the program last year with the goal of restoring Camden County to its powerhouse status. Year one had its highs and lows, but with a better understanding of the region and a roster stacked with experience and upside, Roland’s 2025 squad appears poised for a leap forward.
The quarterback room is deeper, the skill talent is legit, and the defense is anchored by veteran leaders. If the Wildcats can fill their gaps on the offensive line and stay healthy, they could be a real threat that I predict to be the Region 1-6A champs in 2025.
Camden County fans have reason to be excited this fall. With the right pieces falling into place, this could be the year the Wildcats take a big step toward reclaiming their spot among Georgia’s elite programs.
Prowling Wildcats
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Richmond Hill Wildcats have been a team on the rise for several years, and even though they compete in what may be the toughest region in all of Georgia high school football, there is no reason to believe that won’t continue.
They opened last season with six straight wins, including a monumental 35 to 14 victory over longtime rival and traditional powerhouse Valdosta High School. After that win, the yellow-and-black Cats catapulted to a ranking of fourth in the state for the 6A classification.
But late-season losses to Lowndes and Colquitt County kept them just short of a playoff spot, finishing the season at 7-3. Even so, the program feels like it’s in a great position to take another big step forward this fall.
Head coach Matt Lezotte, who has been leading the team since 2015, isn’t shy about the goals he has for his team. He wants to win every game this year.
Of course, getting through Region 1-6A is no small task. It’s stacked with talented teams, and Lezotte knows that not everyone is going to make it to the postseason. He said all they can do is focus on the things they can control, especially their effort.
Off the field, the growth in the Richmond Hill area is showing up in the football program.
The school is expanding with a brand-new building and upgraded athletic facilities. Lezotte sees this as the perfect time for a fresh start. He’s focused on carrying the positives forward and not letting last year’s disappointment hold them back.
There will be some new faces leading the way this season. One of the biggest changes is at running back. Joshua Troupe, who had a huge year in 2024 with nearly 140 rushing yards per game and 18 touchdowns, has graduated.
Now it’s Amir Miller’s time. He was Troupe’s backup last year, but the coaching staff is confident he’s ready to take the next step.
Lezotte said Miller is a complete back. He can run with power, catch passes out of the backfield and has the kind of top-end speed that makes him a threat to score any time he touches the ball. At 200 pounds and running a low 4.5 in the 40-yard dash, Miller brings a different dimension to the offense.
While Richmond Hill will still rely on the run game, the passing attack is expected to be more involved this season.
Quarterback Gunner Mobley is back and has a better understanding of the system.
Lezotte praised Mobley for being a smart player who knows the offense and sees the bigger picture. With Miller’s receiving ability and an offensive line that has improved its pass protection, the Wildcats should be more balanced than in years past.
Lezotte said this year’s team might not be as big up front as some of his previous squads, but they’re more athletic and quicker. That could give them an edge in games where speed and movement matter most.
There’s a lot of energy around the program right now. The team’s youth camp over the summer drew its biggest turnout ever, and the community continues to show strong support.
Richmond Hill will get started with a bye week, then open the season at home against Glynn Academy on August 22.
The Wildcats have a tough schedule ahead, including non-region games against teams from Florida like Everglades and Buchholz, plus their loaded region slate featuring Tift County, Camden County, Valdosta, Lowndes, and Colquitt County.
It won’t be easy, but Richmond Hill is confident, motivated, and ready to prove they belong among South Georgia’s best.
The Richmond Hill schedule for 2025 is:
8/22 7:30p Glynn Academy (Brunswick, GA)
8/29 7:00p Everglades (Miramar, FL)
9/5 7:00p New Hampstead (Savannah, GA)
9/12 7:30p @ Wayne County (Jesup, GA)
9/19 7:00p @ Buchholz (Gainesville, FL)
9/26 7:30p @ Tift County (Tifton, GA) *
10/3 7:00p Camden County (Kingsland, GA) *
10/10 7:30p @ Valdosta (Valdosta, GA) *
10/24 7:30p Lowndes (Valdosta, GA) *
10/31 7:30p Colquitt County (Norman Park, GA) *
Region Game *
The New Dawgs
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs are absolutely rolling right now when it comes to recruiting.
June was a huge month, packed with big commitments, and Georgia now sits with the number two ranked 2026 class in the country. And they are not done yet.
In just the last month, Georgia landed 16 new commitments for the 2026 cycle, pushing their total to 26. They also picked up a couple of early pledges for the 2027 class. Out of those 26 players, seven are ranked in the top 100 nationally, and a few others are knocking on the door.
Leading the way is five-star quarterback Jared Curtis, who gives Georgia a strong foundation. But more help could be on the way very soon.
Tight end Kaiden Prothro and running back Derrek Cooper are both top tier prospects who will announce their college decisions on July twelfth. Georgia is right in the mix for both.
Prothro is especially important after the Bulldogs missed out on another top tight end, Mark Bowman. Cooper, meanwhile, has Georgia going head-to-head with Miami, Ohio State, and Texas.
The biggest name still out there for Georgia might be linebacker Tyler Atkinson. He is the top player in the state and the number one linebacker in the country. He has visited Georgia more than any other school and has been a major target for years. Oregon, Clemson, and Texas are still pushing hard, but Georgia looks like it is in a strong position.
One interesting trend in this class is how many family ties are coming into play. The Bulldogs landed Zachariah and Zion Branch, who came over from Southern California.
PJ Dean committed recently and is the younger brother of former Georgia lineman Jared Wilson.
They also added Justice Fitzpatrick, whose brother Minkah is a star in the NFL. Georgia clearly values those family connections and is using them to build chemistry and depth.
Coach Smart has always said he wants players who truly love football. It is not just about rankings or offers or money.
He made that clear again this spring when he said Georgia is focused on guys with fire, passion, and energy. That mindset is helping the Bulldogs stay strong even as college football continues to change around them.
Since Smart took over in 2016, Georgia has never finished lower than fourth in the national recruiting rankings. That consistency continues.
The Bulldogs went into Texas and grabbed defensive back Chace Calicut, then beat out in state rivals Florida and Miami for defensive lineman James Johnson. Georgia is pulling talent from everywhere.
And things are still heating up. July will bring some major decisions, and Georgia is in position to land even more top players. If they do, they could easily take over the top spot in the 2026 rankings from Southern California.
Kirby Smart understands better than anyone that great players build great programs. Even with all the new twists in the sport, Georgia is sticking to what works. Recruit hard. Build relationships. Target kids who live and breathe football. That approach has Georgia sitting near the top once again.
The message is clear. Georgia is not just keeping up in the new era of recruiting. It is setting the pace.
Omaha Kings
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Once again, Omaha turned into a second home for LSU as the Tigers locked up their eighth national championship at the Men’s College World Series.
On a blistering Nebraska Sunday afternoon, with thousands of purple-and-gold faithful singing along to “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” the Tigers held off a red-hot Coastal Carolina team to finish the job. They didn’t just win, they reminded everyone that no program has done it better over the last 40 years.
Sure, the University of Southern California still holds the record for the most titles with 12, and Texas has more total wins in Omaha.
The difference, though, is that those programs peaked decades ago. USC won their last CWS title in 1998.
LSU didn’t even make its first College World Series until 1986. Since then? Eight titles, 22 trips to Omaha, and 2 championships in the last three years. And they’ve done all of that in the middle of the toughest conference in the country.
Skip Bertman started this thing back in the ’80s. Paul Mainieri kept it rolling. Now Jay Johnson has it in overdrive. Johnson has been at LSU just four years and already has two national titles. That’s not just success. That’s dynasty-level stuff.
There were 26 newcomers to the Tigers’ baseball team this past season, but even with a roster full of new faces Johnson found a way to bring them together.
It wasn’t always pretty, and it was absolutely a grind to get through a tough SEC schedule, but once they found their rhythm nobody could stop them.
And it’s not like they’re slowing down. Sure, they’ll lose some big names to the MLB draft in guys like potential number one overall pick Cade Anderson, and Anthony Eyanson, but stars like Derek Curiel, Steven Milam, and Casan Evans are coming back. Don’t be surprised if LSU’s back in the title game again in 2026.
The 2025 tournament also marked the 75th anniversary of the College World Series in Omaha, and it had a little bit of everything.
There was Cinderella magic from Murray State, a fun mix of teams from all over the country, and some real drama in the later rounds.
Coastal Carolina gave LSU all they could handle in the final, even after the Chanticleer’s bloviating head coach, Kevin Schnall, was ejected in the first inning. I could write an entire article about how I feel about him and his bully, tough-guy style of coaching but I’m trying to keep this article positive.
In the end, LSU did what LSU does. The Tigers are the 2025 college baseball National Champions.
And let’s not forget the other crown they claimed in Omaha, the Rocco’s Jell-O Shot Challenge.
Once again, Tiger fans drank the competition under the table, slamming down 52,390 shots. That’s more than five times what Coastal fans managed.
LSU fans now hold the top two totals in the event’s history. Is it silly? Sure. But is it also a sign of how wild and passionate the fanbase is? Absolutely.
Ben McDonald, LSU’s first big baseball star and a former No. 1 overall MLB draft pick, said it best, “LSU just knows how to adapt. They know how to keep up with the times.” And that’s exactly what Jay Johnson is doing. He is navigating the chaos of the transfer portal and NIL while still putting a winning team on the field.
LSU might not have the oldest records in the book, but what they’ve done since the mid-80s is unmatched. They’ve kind of become the Yankees of college baseball. You either love them or love to hate them. Either way, you have to respect what they’ve built.
College baseball has had plenty of great programs, but right now LSU is king. That crown isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Duval Swag
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Jaguars are officially entering a bold new chapter. I don’t think it will be anything like what we’ve seen come out of Duval before.
This team is younger, faster, and more aggressive. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence remains at the center of it all.
The front office and coaching staff have made it clear that 2025 is all about getting the most out of their franchise QB.
The first major sign that things were changing came in the draft, when Jacksonville made waves by trading up to the No. 2 overall pick to grab Travis Hunter.
The rookie from the University of Colorado is an electrifying two-way star who’s expected to line up at wide receiver and cornerback.
The move stunned just about everyone and showed exactly how head coach Liam Coen and new GM James Gladstone plan to run things: bold, fast, and with no fear.
Coen, just 39, brings an offensive style built around balance, speed, and play-action which are all designed to take pressure off Lawrence. He’s paired with 29-year-old offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, who helped build high-powered attacks in Minnesota.
The idea for Lawrence is simple. Get the ball out quick, use the run game to set things up, and let Trevor cook.
To make it all work, the Jaguars made big changes to their offensive line, signing veterans like center Robert Hainsey and guard Patrick Mekari, and drafting Wyatt Milum to add depth. Lawrence may finally have adequate protection and should be able to get the ground game going again.
Lawrence, now healthy after an injury-riddled 2024, has more help than ever. He’s got Hunter as his new top target, second-year wideout Brian Thomas Jr. ready to explode, and free-agent pickup Dyami Brown bringing more deep speed.
The Jags added two rookies, Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr., to the backfield. They both bring serious burst and either could push veterans Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby for touches. Expect a steady rotation to keep defenses guessing.
Behind Lawrence, the quarterback room has also gotten smarter. Nick Mullens and John Wolford know this system well and can help Trevor with the transition. Rookie Seth Henigan might be a project, but the team sees potential there too.
On the other side of the ball, it’s all new. Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile has taken over a unit that struggled big-time last year. He’s bringing a 4-3 system that leans on zone coverage and lets the front seven get after it.
Pass rushers Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen lead the way, with Arik Armstead moving inside where he’s most comfortable.
Second-year tackle Maason Smith is someone the team’s really excited about after flashing late last season. Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun is back to anchor the middle, but the run defense has to get better.
In the secondary Tyson Campbell is the top guy, but he’s got to stay healthy. Jourdan Lewis and Eric Murray bring veteran leadership, and rookie safety Caleb Ransaw could earn a starting spot.
And yes, I think Travis Hunter will get defensive snaps, too. Especially in key passing situations where his ball skills could help generate turnovers, something this team badly needs after finishing last in takeaways in 2024.
Special teams will be as solid as ever. Punter Logan Cooke and long snapper Ross Matiscik both made the Pro Bowl, and kicker Cam Little has a cannon for a leg. That trio gives Jacksonville one of the most reliable special teams units in the league.
Everything’s different in Jacksonville this year, and that’s a good thing. The Jags are faster, younger, and playing with some serious swagger.
If Trevor Lawrence can stay healthy and the new offensive pieces click, this team has a real shot to make noise and go after the AFC South crown.
With all of these changes and a new attitude, I can envision a 2025 season where the Jags could go 9-8 with a shot at the playoffs.
Buckle up, Duval! This could be fun.
