Credit: Phil Ellsworth / ESPN
Previewing the 2024 SEC Football Season
Published: Tuesday, July 23, 2024
by Kyle Ferreira
In the SEC, it just means more… power.
The SEC has long dominated college football, consistently producing NFL talent, boasting electrifying atmospheres, and upholding deep-rooted traditions. Financially, academically, and athletically, this conference stands above the rest.
With new powerhouses joining, roster changes, and fresh coaching hires, excitement abounds in the South.
Welcoming the Red River Rivalry
The summer of 2021 marked a seismic shift in college football. Oklahoma and Texas announced their departure from the Big 12 to the SEC, setting off a wave of conference realignments.
As these teams join the SEC, they face new challenges. The Sooners will need time to adjust to their new starting quarterback, Jackson Arnold. Texas, however, is poised for success, with quarterback Quinn Ewers returning and a talented roster eyeing a conference title and playoff return for the Longhorns.
The anticipation builds for their rivalry game, slated for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff on October 12.
Replacing the GOAT
The departure of the sport’s greatest coach is always significant. Following Alabama’s Rose Bowl loss to Michigan in January, Nick Saban announced his retirement, leaving a high-profile vacancy.
Enter former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer. With a 104-12 record and a history of success—from NAIA Sioux Falls to Washington’s College Football Playoff appearance—DeBoer is set to continue the winning tradition at Alabama.
The question remains: Does DeBoer share Saban’s fondness for oatmeal creme pies?
Come to Ole Miss
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin is not just recruiting; he’s making headlines. Despite losing 25 players after winning the Peach Bowl in December, Kiffin stayed upbeat, spending his offseason playing pickleball and recording TikToks with his daughter.
In the latest recruiting cycle, Kiffin signed 36 players, including 24 via the transfer portal. Their portal class, ranked No. 1 by 247 Sports, features former five-star defensive end Walter Nolan from Texas A&M.
With a manageable schedule and strong home opponents, Ole Miss is poised to contend for the conference title, despite ranking fourth in the SEC Media Poll.
Kyle Ferreira can be reached atkyle.ferreira@student.shu.edu
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