Southern Sports Edition
Tide To Roll?
By: Colin Lacy
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Entering last year, the questions for the Alabama Crimson Tide revolved around all of the “new” in T-Town.
This time a year ago, the Tide were preparing to embark on the first season under Head Coach Kalen DeBoer after Coach Nick Saban retired following the 2023 season.
Although a relatively successful 2024 season that saw a 9-4 record and just missing the first 12 team College Football Playoff, entering 2025, there’s a similar feeling of trying to feel out the “new. New quarterback, new offensive coordinator, new year for Alabama.
The biggest news coming out of Tuscaloosa in the offseason was a quick change, after one year, for Kalen DeBoer at offensive coordinator.
When DeBoer took over for Bama in 2024, he hired Nick Sheridan who had previously been an OC at Indiana before spending two years with DeBoer at Washington as a tight ends coach.
While the offense in 2024 had flashes with Jalen Milroe at quarterback, there seemed to be something missing or off all season. That led to the change at coordinator to a familiar name that has been associated with Kalen DeBoer.
Ryan Grubb leads the Tide offensive unit in 2025. Grubb spent two magical years with DeBoer at Washington as his offensive coordinator as Michael Penix Jr. and Rome Odunze helped lead the Huskies to a national championship game appearance.
Although Grubb takes over the title and play-calling duties, DeBoer made it a point to keep Sheridan on staff as a co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
The group that Sheridan will be leading this year in the quarterback room is going through a lot of “new” too.
With Jalen Milroe now battling for a job with the Seattle Seahawks, one of the biggest question marks has been who takes the snaps for the Tide in 2025.
Many expected throughout the off-season that Ty Simpson would turn into QB1 and Coach DeBoer announced that Ty Simpson would indeed be the starting quarterback for Alabama to start the year.
Simpson is a familiar name for the “Roll Tide-ers” after joining the program in 2022 but has only seen 16 career games since then.
Simpson has only recorded 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.
While Simpson isn’t the elusive playmaker that Milroe has been the past few years for Bama, many believe he doesn’t have to be.
Between Ryan Williams, who you may have heard a time or two was only 17 years old last year as a freshman phenom, along with a couple of transfers to the receiving corps, Simpson seemingly only needs to have a firm grasp on the offense and a good distributor to get the ball in the hands of playmakers.
The season doesn’t start slowly for the new pieces for Alabama as the Tide opens the season with a road trip to Tallahassee to take on Florida State.
While the Seminoles had an abysmal season in 2024 (2-10 record and only one ACC win against Cal), Mike Norvell is expected to lead a much-improved team into Doak Campbell Stadium against the Crimson Tide.
So, while there’s a lot of new inside the gates of Bryant-Denny Stadium, the offense has an astounding number of great leaders on staff and weapons on the field for the “new” to turn into household names quickly in T-Town.
Brantley County Herons Coach’s Show w David Shores August 14 2025
Jason Bishop Show August 14 2025
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Hook Em Horns
By: Jeff Doke
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Texas Longhorns enter the 2025 college football season with sky-high expectations, poised to contend for both the SEC Championship and a national title.
Coming off back-to-back College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal appearances and a 13-3 record in 2024, head coach Steve Sarkisian’s fifth season at the helm has the program buzzing with anticipation.
With a talented roster, a favorable SEC schedule, and a new quarterback in Arch Manning, the Longhorns are projected as the preseason No. 1 team in the AP Poll, a testament to their reloaded roster and championship aspirations.
The biggest storyline for 2025 is the ascension of redshirt sophomore Arch Manning to QB1, succeeding Quinn Ewers, drafted this spring by the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.
Manning, a former five-star recruit with a storied football lineage, showed flashes of brilliance in 2024, completing 61 of 90 passes for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions across 10 games, including starts against Louisiana Monroe and Mississippi State.
His dual-threat ability—evidenced by 108 rushing yards and four scores—draws comparisons to Texas legend Vince Young.
Coach Sarkisian praises Manning’s work ethic, noting his dedication in the film room and weight room as key to his development. However, with only two starts under his belt, Manning’s ability to handle the pressure of a grueling schedule will be critical.
Behind him, the quarterback depth includes transfer Matthew Caldwell, redshirt freshman Trey Owens, and 4-star freshman KJ Lacey, providing insurance should injuries arise.
Despite losing 12 players to the 2025 NFL Draft, including four of five offensive linemen and key defensive starters, Texas has reloaded with the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class and impactful transfers.
The offensive line, a major question mark, will rely on senior center Cole Hutson to anchor a rebuilt unit. The departure of left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., a top-10 NFL Draft pick, leaves big shoes to fill, but Sarkisian remains optimistic about the group’s potential.
At running back, Quintrevion Wisner (1,064 yards in 2024) and CJ Baxter, returning from a torn ACL, form a dynamic duo.
Sophomore wide receiver Ryan Wingo is expected to emerge as Manning’s primary target after a strong freshman campaign.
Defensively, junior linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (113 tackles, 8.0 sacks in 2024) and senior safety Michael Taaffe (78 tackles, 10 pass breakups) anchor a unit that ranked third nationally in yards allowed (284.3 per game) last season.
Transfers like defensive tackles Travis Shaw and Cole Brevard, along with sophomore edge rusher Colin Simmons, bolster a reloaded defensive line.
Texas faces one of the toughest schedules in college football, starting with a blockbuster road game against defending national champion Ohio State on August 30.
A rematch of the 2024 CFP semifinal, where Texas fell 28-14, this game will test Manning’s readiness against an elite Buckeye defense.
Other key matchups include a trip to Georgia on October 18, a revenge game after two losses to the Bulldogs in 2024, and the renewed Lone Star Showdown against Texas A&M on November 28.
The Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma in Dallas on October 11 adds further intensity. However, Texas avoids Alabama, LSU, and Ole Miss, giving them a favorable SEC slate.
Vegas has them at a 9.5 win total, with likely wins against San Jose State, UTEP, Sam Houston, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt, and 50/50 games against Florida, Kentucky, and Arkansas. Splitting the Ohio State and Georgia games could position Texas for an 11-1 record and a return to the CFP.
To reach their national title goal, Texas must address 2024’s shortcomings: nine penalties and two turnovers against Ohio State, red zone struggles (scoring under 80%), and too many tackles for loss allowed by the offensive line.
Cleaning up these “little things” will be crucial, as will the development of young talent under pressure. With Manning’s potential, a stout defense, and Sarkisian’s proven leadership, the Longhorns have the pieces to go all the way. Expect Texas to compete for the SEC title and make a deep CFP run, potentially bringing a championship back to Austin for the first time since 2005.
Texas is poised for a 10-2 or 11-1 season, likely dropping one of the Ohio State or Georgia games but dominating their remaining slate. With a favorable SEC draw and elite talent, the Longhorns are set to return to the CFP, with a strong chance to compete for the national championship.
Camden County Wildcats Coach’s Show w Travis Roland August 11 2025
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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.
Toothless Gators?
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
After an encouraging 8–5 2024 campaign and a dominant Gasparilla Bowl win—Billy Napier and the Florida Gators are positioned for meaningful advancement in 2025.
With Napier entering his fourth season (19–19 overall), the program exudes renewed belief and confidence.
Sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway emerged as a transformational presence in 2024.
Taking over mid-season, he posted a 6–1 record, including marquee wins over LSU, Ole Miss, and rival Florida State.
His dual-threat capabilities—combined with high-level recruiting pedigree—set the stage for a breakout season. Veteran observers, such as RJ Young, have Florida’s win total odds poised just above 7.5, signaling expectations of moderate improvement.
Florida’s 2025 slate is undeniably daunting, featuring road trips to LSU, Miami, Texas A&M, and Georgia, along with a home game against Texas.
Media projections place them third in the SEC behind Texas and Georgia, while coach Billy Napier confidently asserts that the team “can compete with any team in the nation”.
Across online forums, conservative fan projections cluster around 8 to 10 wins, with key losses expected against LSU, Texas, Ole Miss, or Georgia.
With Lagway’s development, Wilson’s emergence, and improving cohesion under Napier, Florida seems set to outperform 2024’s 8-win tally.
But the Gators’ gauntlet of a schedule realistically caps their ceiling—unless they pull big upsets.
Projected record: 9–3 regular season.
Potential losses: LSU (road), Texas or Texas A&M (depending on momentum), Georgia (tough SEC clash).
A likely SEC bowl berth, with a dark horse shot at a New Year’s Six game if they can steal one marquee upset.
Not so fast, Florida under Billy Napier does not have a marquee road win in his entire tenure.
With DJ Lagway under center, the Gators will have a chance in every game. Without DJ Lagway, Florida is a 5 to 6 win team.
Currently Lagway is nursing an ankle and shoulder injury. He has not been available in scrimmages and is limited during seven on seven drills.
This is a make or break season for Billy Napier and my prediction is: break.
I predict the Gators will go seven and five. Napier’s reign as head coach will come to an end.
Florida fans tune in for a competitive, rollercoaster season and on the other side of it: a big leap forward or another step back.
Eagles To Soar?
By: Colin Lacy
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
As Clay Helton enters year four in Statesboro at the helm of the Georgia Southern Football program, one of the big themes (at least heading into the season) is consistency.
2025 will mark the first time since 2019 that Georgia Southern will begin the year with the same Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, Defensive Coordinator and Director of Strength and Conditioning that they began the previous year with.
The other piece of consistency for Helton heading into 2025 is at quarterback. 2025 will mark the first time in Helton’s tenure that Georgia Southern returns the starting quarterback from a year ago with JC French slated to command the Eagle offense.
2024 wrapped up for the Blue and White with an 8-5 record and an appearance in the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl against Sam Houston State.
In his first season as the field general, French completed a Georgia Southern record 65.6% of his passes while racking up over 2,800 yards and connecting for 17 touchdowns.
The former transfer from Memphis put a huge emphasis on the nutrition and conditioning programs in the offseason and has shed over 8% body fat and dropping about 15 pounds.
The Eagles bring back two key pieces of the backfield with running backs OJ Arnold and David Mbadinga returning after not going through spring ball due to rehabbing injuries but look to be full go when boot meets ball in 2025.
Arnold was the second leading rusher a year ago after the leading rusher, Jalen White, signed a free-agent deal with the Green Bay Packers.
Georgia Southern will lean on a number of returners on both sides of the ball but also brought in 17 transfers to the program.
Two guys that really impressed in the spring and look to make an impact defensively are Brendan Harrington (transferring in from rival App State), and Brandon Tyson (transferring from Elon) in the linebacker room.
The Eagles will open the 2025 season in a unique way. Clay Helton will return to familiar territory as the Eagles get the season going on a ten-day west coast trip that begins at Fresno State on August 30th.
The team will stay in California the following week as Southern will then face the USC Trojans in week 2 the following Saturday.
Coach Helton spent a combined 11 years (from 2010-2021) in Southern California as an assistant coach, interim head coach twice and Head Coach of the Trojans from 2015-2021.
After the left-coast swing, the Eagles open the home slate against Jacksonville State who burst on the scene in their first year as a member of Conference USA and appeared in the Cure Bowl last season.
With conference road trips coming to JMU, Arkansas State, App State, and Marshall, the Eagles welcome Southern Miss, Georgia State, Coastal Carolina, and ODU to Allen E. Paulson Stadium this season.
Georgia Southern showed flashes of greatness last season in the 8-5 campaign and again carry consistency into the new year.
It seems that year four under Coach Helton is set to be a jumping point for Georgia Southern in getting the program back to not only Sun Belt prominence, but also national excellency that Coach Helton has talked about since arriving in Statesboro.
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