2025 SEC faculty soccer projections, preview

Final we noticed the SEC on the gridiron, it was underachieving dramatically.

Nicely, kind of. SEC groups went 8-7 in bowl/playoff season, falling brief towards the unfold by only one.6 factors per recreation (which is to say that the spreads had been fairly correct on common). However they underachieved by greater than that towards Large Ten groups, and for the second straight season — gasp! — an SEC group did not win the nationwide title. The league nonetheless comfortably had the most effective common SP+ ranking within the nation thanks primarily to the small variety of genuinely unhealthy groups, however it definitely did not end the 2024 season in an excellent temper.

With the Large Ten’s Penn State and Ohio State, Notre Dame, and the ACC’s Clemson all taking a look at potential top-5 hype, there is a respectable probability that the SEC’s title-free run reaches three years. However attempt to maintain again your sympathy tears — the league nonetheless has at the very least three of essentially the most proficient groups within the nation and the biggest number of upper-middle-class groups with goals of 10-2 data and playoff at-large bids. In Arch Manning, LaNorris Sellers, DJ Lagway, Marcel Reed and possibly Austin Simmons, it has essentially the most fascinating set of younger quarterbacks within the sport. It has essentially the most under-pressure Alabama head coach in a era. It has Diego Damn Pavia. And if final yr is any indication, it may need a number of extra stunning, playoff-turning upsets too.

This league by no means lacks for expertise, grievance or storylines. I do not see why that might change in 2025. Let’s preview the SEC!

Each week via the summer time, Invoice Connelly has been previewing one other FBS convention, finally together with all 136 FBS groups. The previews embrace 2024 breakdowns, 2025 previews and team-by-team capsules. Listed below are the MAC, Conference USA, Mountain West, Sun Belt, AAC, Indie/Pac-12, ACC, Big 12 and Big Ten previews.

2024 recap

The 2024 SEC race was an ideal battle of ceiling versus flooring. Texas and Georgia had the excessive flooring, dropping solely to SP+ top-10 groups and grinding out wins, typically by margins smaller than anticipated. (Texas underachieved towards SP+ projections in seven of its final 10 video games, Georgia in 4 of its final six.) Alabama and Ole Miss, in the meantime, put collectively a few of the most spectacular single-game performances of the season — Kalen DeBoer’s Crimson Tide beat Missouri 34-0 and LSU 42-13 in back-to-back weeks, whereas Ole Miss pummeled South Carolina 27-3 and have become the primary group since 2019 LSU to beat Georgia by greater than 17 factors (28-10).

That ridiculously excessive ceiling is why Bama and Ole Miss completed increased than Texas and Georgia within the last SP+ rankings. However each missed the School Soccer Playoff as a result of they had been additionally able to dropping to 4-8 Kentucky, 6-7 Oklahoma and 7-6 Vanderbilt. Granted, the latter two had been statistically unlikely defeats — Ole Miss had a 76% postgame win expectancy* for its 20-17 loss to Kentucky, whereas Bama was at 99% for its (superb) 40-35 loss to Vandy — however they occurred.

(* Postgame win expectancy appears in any respect the predictive stats {that a} given recreation produces — the issues that get fed into the SP+ rankings themselves — tosses them into the air and says, “With these stats, you might have anticipated to win this recreation X% of the time.)

Elsewhere, Tennessee rode sensible protection to a CFP bid, and different hopefuls South Carolina (misplaced three of 4 early within the season), LSU (misplaced three in a row), Texas A&M (misplaced 4 of 5 to finish it) and Missouri (a 3-3 midseason stretch) seemed the half at instances however fell brief due to funks.

Continuity desk

The continuity desk appears at every group’s returning manufacturing ranges (offense, protection and total), the variety of 2024 FBS begins from each returning and incoming gamers and the approximate variety of redshirt freshmen on the roster heading into 2025. (Why “approximate”? As a result of faculties typically make it very tough to establish who redshirted and who did not.) Continuity is an more and more tough artwork in roster administration, however some groups pull it off higher than others.

Solely the Large 12 has a greater returning manufacturing common than the SEC, which, in a universe with (legally) well-paid gamers, is one thing you’ll most likely count on. The Large 12 ended up with the benefit due to its big variety of sturdy returning QBs — who carry important weight within the returning manufacturing method — however the SEC has the best common of each returning begins and incoming FBS begins. That is going to be an awfully seasoned league in 2025.

2025 projections

Of the 5 groups that completed within the SP+ high 10 final season, 4 rank 81st or worse in returning manufacturing, however the fifth, Bama, ranks within the high 30. That’s by far the cleanest, best solution to clarify why the Crimson Tide begin out on high right here. After all, it is wanting as if Texas is more likely to begin out No. 1 within the preseason polls, however as a result of there is no “Arch Manning is about to take The Leap” think about these projections, the Horns are merely top-5.

Nationally, there are eight groups projected inside a landing of the No. 1 rating in SP+, and the SEC has solely three of them. (The Large Ten additionally has three, whereas Clemson and Notre Dame are additionally concerned.) That certainly means the SEC would not precisely have overwhelming odds of manufacturing a nationwide champion. However as I informed SEC followers when the league was successful titles practically each season, that is not the best measure of league energy. Alabama successful six titles with the most effective coach of all time did not precisely say a lot about how good Mississippi State or South Carolina was, proper? However whereas the SEC has let its title grip slip, the easy proven fact that it has 10 of the projected high 17 groups (and 12 of the highest 25) drops some fairly clear hints relating to which convention has the most effective total depth. (I talked extra in regards to the results of that depth in this piece.)

I all the time gush about how huge open and unpredictable the Large 12 is, and justifiably so, however “Nobody has a greater than 1-in-6 probability of successful the convention title, and 10 groups have at the very least a 1-in-20 probability” is fairly dang huge open and unpredictable! If Texas’ Manning is pretty much as good as individuals count on, then the Longhorns’ odds clearly get a giant bump, however on paper this race might go about 100 methods.

10 finest video games of 2025

Listed below are the ten video games — eight in convention play, plus two of the most important nonconference video games of 2025 — that characteristic (A) the best mixed SP+ rankings for each groups and (B) a projected scoring margin underneath 10 factors.

Texas at Ohio State (Aug. 30) and LSU at Clemson (Aug. 30). I’ve so many questions on every of those 4 groups, and I am so completely happy that they’ve principally paired off with one another to assist reply them. Toss in Alabama at Florida State in between the midday ET kickoff in Columbus and the night kickoff in Clemson and you have your self a strong SEC headliner for every time slot on the primary Saturday of the season.

Georgia at Tennessee (Sept. 13). The Bulldogs and Volunteers meet in September for the primary time since 2018. Good. I like my UGA-Tennessee video games early, after they can spark the biggest potential existential crises.

Alabama at Georgia (Sept. 27). A rematch of the second-best game of 2024*. Other than Ohio State-Michigan, no recreation did a greater job of reminding us that massive faculty soccer video games will nonetheless be big and pleasant even when the nationwide title stakes are dampened by a much bigger playoff.

(* Bama will get a rematch of the finest recreation of 2024 the subsequent week when Vandy involves city.)

LSU at Ole Miss (Sept. 27). Is it too late to redraw the schedules? Between the Bama-Georgia and Oregon-Penn State fundamental occasions and an undercard of LSU-Ole Miss, Indiana-Iowa, TCU-Arizona State and USC-Illinois (and, on high of every little thing else, South Dakota at North Dakota State), Week 5 may truly be too large! Goodness.

Texas at Florida (Oct. 4). Texas benefited from a comparatively simple slate (comparatively talking) in 2024, with simply three regular-season opponents ending within the SP+ high 20. But when Florida and Oklahoma enhance as projected this fall, the Horns are taking a look at 5 such video games, solely considered one of which is in Austin. That is the alternative of simple.

Ole Miss at Georgia (Oct. 18). Ole Miss may need loved the only finest efficiency of the common season in final yr’s 28-10 walloping of the Dawgs. That the Rebels turned proper round and misplaced to Florida, finally eliminating them from CFP competition, needs to be one of many largest on-field regrets of the final 50 years in Oxford.

Alabama at South Carolina (Oct. 25). South Carolina started turning its season round with a near-comeback win over Bama in 2024. This would be the Gamecocks’ third straight recreation towards a projected top-20 group, so the season may need already gone in a pair totally different instructions by the point Bama will get to city.

LSU at Alabama (Nov. 8). Bama crushed LSU in Baton Rouge final season, then pulled an Ole Miss and fell sufferer to a devastating upset two weeks later. Contemplating the expectations and strain each of those groups are coping with, this recreation might have playoff stakes and/or scorching seat stakes. Or each?

Texas at Georgia (Nov. 15). Georgia was the one SEC hurdle Texas could not clear final season. There’s clearly an opportunity this would be the first of two UGA-UT matchups in a four-week span.

Convention title (and, due to this fact, CFP) contenders

Head coach: Kalen DeBoer (second yr, 9-4 total)

2025 projection: Second in SP+, 9.8 common wins (6.0 within the SEC)

Heading into Week 13 final yr, Alabama was chugging proper alongside. Kalen DeBoer’s first Crimson Tide group was 8-2, second in SP+ and, regardless of losses to Vanderbilt and Tennessee, seventh within the CFP rankings. After which, virtually in a single day, the offense vanished.

Alabama offense, first 10 video games: 39.5 factors per recreation, 6.8 yards per play, 1.7% turnover fee, 8.3 yards per dropback

Alabama offense, final 3 video games: 14.7 factors per recreation, 4.8 yards per play, 5.1% turnover fee, 6.0 yards per dropback

The pairing of DeBoer with quarterback Jalen Milroe appeared awkward from the beginning, just because Milroe was the polar reverse of Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. — with whom DeBoer’s Huskies reached the nationwide title recreation in 2023 — in all methods good (much more cellular and explosive) and unhealthy (much more sack- and mistake-prone). It labored for a lot of 2024, then it abruptly did not work in any respect.

Milroe is off to the NFL, and Ryan Grubb, Washington’s 2023 offensive coordinator, is again in tow after a yr within the professionals. Probably beginning quarterback Ty Simpson was the nation’s No. 2 dual-threat quarterback prospect in 2022, and he confirmed strong wheels in ripping off a 78-yard should’ve-been-a-touchdown run in rubbish time towards Chattanooga in 2023. (He additionally confirmed the improper form of Milroe similarities in one way or the other taking 5 sacks in simply 15 dropbacks towards South Florida that very same yr.) Splitting the distinction between Penix and Milroe, and shedding a few of the damaging performs that doomed Milroe late in 2024, might take Bama fairly a great distance.

Simpson — or, if Simpson falters, sophomore Dylan Mack or five-star freshman Keelon Russell — will definitely have strong weapons round him. After an unimaginable begin to his freshman yr (544 receiving yards at 28.6 per catch in his first 5 video games), Ryan Williams managed simply 321 yards at 11.1 per catch the remainder of the best way, however he was nonetheless excellent for a first-year participant. Williams, senior Germie Bernard and Miami switch Isaiah Horton will cleared the path at receiver, whereas high-upside children like Jalen Hale, Rico Scott and, maybe, transformed nook Jaylen Mbakwe try and carve out niches. At working again, strong seniors Jam Miller and Louisville switch Dre Washington will vie for carries with sophomores Richard Young and Daniel Hill. And a doubtlessly spectacular offensive line, led by left deal with Kadyn Proctor and heart Parker Brailsford, might assist to show a great talent corps into an excellent one.

The protection ought to already be nice. Final season the Tide ranked fifth in factors allowed per drive, combining top-20 effectivity (success fee) and big-play prevention (yards allowed per profitable play) with elite pink zone play and turnover capabilities. Better of all, of the 19 gamers who noticed 200-plus snaps, 13 return. The backbone of the protection — senior tackles LT Overton and Tim Keenan III, linebacker Deontae Lawson and safeties Keon Sabb and Bray Hubbard — has large expertise and identified high quality, and on the skin, nook Domani Jackson and sophomores comparable to edge rusher Qua Russaw and corners Zabien Brown and Cam Calhoun (a Utah switch) have flashed elite upside. If coordinator Kane Wommack can work out the way to higher rush the passer, quarterback may be the one query mark this group has.

Quarterback is terribly vital, although, and Georgia exhibits up on the schedule by the top of September. Simpson has to not solely be prepared however prepared rapidly. That is not how issues all the time work out.

Head coach: Kirby Sensible (tenth yr, 105-19 total)

2025 projection: Fourth in SP+, 9.8 common wins (5.9 within the SEC)

I talked about ceilings and flooring above and the way Georgia and Texas reached the SEC championship recreation primarily as a result of they prevented the low lows that befell different contenders. In Georgia’s case, we obtained an ideal instance of how a excessive flooring can be just right for you.

The Bulldogs completed sixth in SP+ (their worst rating since 2020), tenth on offense (worst since 2020) and ninth on protection (worst since 2018). The Dawgs had been clearly a few steps off the place they had been whereas going 42-2, with three straight top-2 SP+ finishes, from 2021 to 2023. And but, they dominated within the pink zone, prevented third-and-longs, dominated on fourth downs when needed and performed nice particular groups. They’d the depth to account for many of the accidents that got here their method, they usually beat Texas twice — as soon as by way of a comeback engineered by backup quarterback Gunner Stockton after Carson Beck’s season-ending damage — and received the SEC on this supposed down yr. Stockton could not lead the Dawgs previous Notre Dame within the CFP quarterfinals, however it’s fairly clear Georgia’s down years stay higher than most groups’ nice years.

There’s cause to surprise if Georgia is in for an additional considered one of these “down” years. Kirby Sensible nonetheless recruits an absurd variety of blue-chippers and, due to this fact, has top-of-the-line roster bases within the nation. And whereas he definitely hasn’t used the switch portal to nice impact like rival coaches, he did usher in fairly confirmed entities in working again Josh McCray (Illinois), edge rusher Elo Modozie (Military) and possibly nickel Adrian Maddox, together with bodily spectacular — if comparatively unproven — gamers comparable to receivers Zachariah Branch (USC) and Noah Thomas (Texas A&M), defensive deal with Josh Horton (Miami) and safeties Jaden Harris (Miami) and Zion Branch (USC). I am guessing Georgia’s flooring will nonetheless be as excessive as anybody’s.

I wrestle to see many items which may enhance over final yr, nonetheless. Sophomore working again Nate Frazier may very well be prepared for a star flip, with the bull-like McCray offering a scary change of tempo, and if the brand new safeties are strong, the secondary might enhance a bit, even when it is not as elite as previous Georgia secondaries. Particular groups ought to stay superior too, with the return of kicker Peyton Woodring and punter Brett Thorson and the addition of Zachariah Department as a scary return man.

The incoming receivers’ per-route numbers, nonetheless, principally match these of the starters who simply left; Beck did not get sufficient from his receiving corps final yr, and there is no assure Stockton will. Regardless of this, Beck nonetheless completed eighth in Whole QBR with 3,485 passing yards and 28 TDs, and Stockton must play awfully nicely to match that. In the meantime, final yr’s high 4 offensive linemen are gone, as are seven of the ten defensive linemen and linebackers who noticed 300-plus snaps. The entrance seven’s manufacturing dipped in 2024, and now it is double-dipping within the turnover division.

Irrespective of what number of holes Georgia has, there are numerous blue-chippers vying to fill them. That would work out fantastically. Nevertheless it’s simpler to see a repeat of 2024 than a return to 2021-23 in Athens this yr. With the precise breaks, that may very well be sufficient to immediate one other SEC title run or extra. Nevertheless it additionally leaves the door open for different contenders.

Head coach: Steve Sarkisian (fifth yr, 37-17 total)

2025 projection: Fifth in SP+, 9.6 common wins (6.3 within the SEC)

Studying the tea leaves and sussing out the traditional knowledge, it positive looks like Texas goes to be the No. 1 group within the preseason polls. And I get it. There actually is an opportunity that Arch Manning is pretty much as good as we’ve been assuming he’d become for years, and if he’s, then nothing else issues all that a lot.

The Longhorns have solely a few final yr’s key receivers returning — DeAndre Moore Jr. and sophomore Ryan Wingo — and whereas each battled ups and downs in 2024, their upside is clear. So is that of big-time freshmen like Kaliq Lockett and Jaime Ffrench. Manning could have a powerful set of working backs at his disposal, with main rusher Quintrevion Wisner returning and sophomore C.J. Baxter, a key 2023 piece, again from damage. And whereas the road is changing 4 starters, together with unimaginable left deal with Kelvin Banks Jr., Manning’s athleticism and Manning-esque smarts would make their jobs simpler up entrance. The protection has holes to refill entrance, however it should be good it doesn’t matter what, and if Manning is dominating, the Horns could have extra margin for error on that facet.

As I requested in my Ifs List, nonetheless, what if Manning is merely superb? What if he flashes epic upside — like he did towards UTSA, finishing passes of 75, 51 and 36 yards and ripping off a 67-yard landing run in lower than 30 snaps — but additionally will get fooled at instances, like he did towards Louisiana-Monroe (and in cameos towards Georgia and Florida)? What if he wants an unproven receiving corps to bail him out and an unproven offensive line to guard him extra?

What if, towards a harder schedule than final season, the offense will get held within the 17-point vary a few instances and the protection has to make extra stops than common? The again eight will definitely do its job, because of the most effective linebacking corps within the nation — Anthony Hill Jr. (15.5 TFLs final yr) is otherworldly, as are edge rushers Trey Moore and Colin Simmons — and a secondary that includes nook Malik Muhammad, security Michael Taaffe and nickel Jaylon Guilbeau. However what a couple of line of defense that misplaced 5 of final yr’s high six and is double-dipping turnover like Georgia’s entrance seven? Can senior Ethan Burke and a load of incoming switch tackles, together with the mammoth Travis Shaw (North Carolina) and Cole Brevard (Purdue), get the push required? And if the damage bug bites greater than it did final yr, when the Horns ranked fourth in lineup stability, will that wreck what already seems to be tenuous depth in some areas?

I’ve much more questions on Texas than I do the everyday (anticipated) No. 1 group, however it might end up that the solutions match the hype. Steve Sarkisian has slowly constructed fairly the juggernaut, and Manning is a Manning. Regardless, we barely have to attend one other month to start out getting solutions. Having Texas at Ohio State in Week 1 completely guidelines.

Head coach: Brian Kelly (fourth yr, 29-11 total)

2025 projection: Ninth in SP+, 8.5 common wins (5.2 within the SEC)

In three years at LSU, Brian Kelly has had three top-15 offenses, the most effective offensive participant within the nation (Jayden Daniels in 2023) and the most effective defensive participant within the nation (Harold Perkins Jr. late in 2022). His Tigers have crushed three top-10 groups, they usually’ve spent components of all three seasons within the AP high 10.

They’re additionally 0-3 in season openers, they’ve misplaced to 3 unranked groups they usually’ve misplaced 4 video games by at the very least 20 factors. Their offenses have been constantly good, however they’ve averaged only a 36.3 rating in defensive SP+ and 73.3 in particular groups. When Kelly arrived in Baton Rouge, he instantly restored LSU’s top-15ish credentials after down seasons on the finish of the Ed Orgeron period. However the Tigers had been tenth in SP+ in 2022, eleventh in 2023 and fifteenth in 2024. That is good, however it’s not transferring in the precise course.

This yr might additional the stagnation, however the Tigers stay actually near a breakthrough. Garrett Nussmeier threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns final season, taking few sacks and distributing the ball fantastically — seven gamers caught at the very least 20 passes, with three between 55 and 61. Of the seven major receivers, slot man Aaron Anderson, wideout Zavion Thomas and working again Caden Durham return. They’re joined by some doubtlessly enjoyable transfers in Nic Anderson (Oklahoma) and Barion Brown (Kentucky). Plus, tight finish Trey’Dez Green hinted at nice issues as a freshman, and if bowl standout Chris Hilton Jr. ever achieves consistency, he will be scary: He has averaged 21.2 yards per catch in his profession, however he has caught solely 31 balls in components of 4 seasons.

Nussmeier was superior on third-and-longs, however he needed to be as a result of the run recreation wasn’t giving him a lot assist. Durham averaged a implausible 3.8 yards per carry after contact, however he confronted contact rapidly, and now his line is changing 4 starters. Together with two transfers, six linemen have beginning expertise, however it should be a particularly younger group.

After stumbling to 52nd in defensive SP+ in 2023, LSU rebounded to thirty fourth in Blake Baker‘s first season as coordinator. That is fairly good contemplating Perkins made it simply 4 video games earlier than getting injured for the season, however it’s not adequate for title competition. If Perkins and Whit Weeks, one other disruptive linebacker who suffered a critical damage final season, are 100% wholesome on the similar time, that is top-of-the-line linebacking duos within the nation. Kelly tried to signal each defensive finish within the portal and got here away with Florida State’s Patrick Payton, amongst others, plus a 10-TFL deal with in Bernard Gooden (USF). The secondary returns nook Ashton Stamps (13 move breakups) and an energetic trio of transfers in nook Mansoor Delane (Virginia Tech), security A.J. Haulcy (Houston) and nickel Tamarcus Cooley (NC State). Baker likes to assault. What number of instances LSU will get burned within the course of will decide the course of the season.

The schedule is loaded with journeys to Clemson, Ole Miss, Alabama and Oklahoma, however when LSU is cooking, the Tigers can romp via any schedule. It is simply been a short time since they cooked.

Head coach: Lane Kiffin (sixth yr, 44-18 total)

2025 projection: eleventh in SP+, 8.9 common wins (5.1 within the SEC)

On one hand, I used to be fairly happy with Ole Miss lacking the playoff. I’m pleased with the concept losses matter — even actually shut ones (they misplaced three by 13 mixed factors) and statistically unlikely ones.

Then again, rattling, Ole Miss was actually, actually good final yr. Per SP+, this was the most effective Insurgent group since 1963, with its finest offense since 1971 and its finest protection since 1966. Lane Kiffin channeled John Vaught final season, however the Rebels got here up simply in need of a playoff shot. Blow an opportunity to make a giant title run with a squad like that, and chances are you’ll find yourself regretting it for fairly some time.

Ole Miss offensive gamers made 143 begins final season; these answerable for simply 31 return: slot receiver Cayden Lee (12 begins), deal with Diego Pounds (9), tight finish Dae’Quan Wright (six) and deal with Jayden Williams (4). Amongst 17 incoming transfers, working again Damien Taylor (Troy) and receivers De’Zhaun Stribling (Oklahoma State) and Harrison Wallace III (Penn State) ought to be strong instantly, and younger former blue-chippers in working again Kewan Lacy (Missouri) and receiver Caleb Odom (Alabama) have apparent upside. With 2024 LSU switch Logan Diggs wholesome and able to roll, the talent corps ought to be strong. I do not see any assured stars among the many incoming linemen, although.

Crucial participant on the offense is not truly a switch, although. Granted, Kiffin signed three new QBs, together with considered one of my favorites, Division II star Trinidad Chambliss (2,925 passing yards and 1,019 dashing yards at Ferris State final yr). However the job is sophomore Austin Simmons‘ to lose.

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Ole Miss’ Austin Simmons on new position: ‘I really feel older than my age’

As Simmons now holds the title as beginning quarterback for the Rebels, the 19-year-old faculty graduate explains how his expertise prepares him to be the chief within the locker room.

Simmons is a redshirt sophomore who completed highschool two years early and already earned his undergrad diploma (and pitched for the baseball group as a freshman). He was fairly good in a tiny pattern final season — he went 5-for-6 for 64 yards filling in for Jaxson Dart within the large win over Georgia — and if he is superior, the Rebels can be too.

Pete Golding’s protection loved an unimaginable breakthrough final season, leaping from twenty third to 3rd in defensive SP+, however of the 18 gamers with 200-plus snaps, solely 4 return. The entrance six is thrilling — outdoors linebacker Suntarine Perkins (10.5 sacks, 10 run stops) is dynamite, sophomore deal with Jamarious Brown is tremendous energetic for his measurement (6-foot-1, 315 kilos) and linebacker transfers Jaden Yates (Marshall) and Andrew Jones (Grambling) had been main playmakers at their final college. However the secondary can be solely transfer-dependent. Corners Ricky Fletcher (South Alabama) and Jaylon Braxton (Arkansas) and safeties Kapena Gushiken (Washington State), Wydett Williams Jr. (ULM) and Sage Ryan (LSU) might all be good, however the hit fee must be about 100% amongst them.

By SEC requirements, the Rebels’ schedule is once more manageable, however it wasn’t the massive video games that damage Ole Miss final yr. If Simmons clicks, and the brand new protection would not fall off an excessive amount of, possibly they’re going to get an opportunity to proper 2024’s wrongs.

Head coach: Josh Heupel (fifth yr, 37-15 total)

2025 projection: thirteenth in SP+, 8.8 common wins (5.0 within the SEC)

Tennessee had suffered three dropping seasons in 4 years (and, one way or the other, eight in 13) earlier than Josh Heupel took over. He has already loved two top-10 finishes with no dropping seasons. Higher but, his two top-10 groups had been utterly totally different from each other: Per SP+, the 2022 group was pushed by the Vols’ finest offense since 1940, and final yr’s was pushed by their finest protection since 1999.

The 2025 Vols will possible even be defense-first. Defensive coordinator Tim Banks deploys an enormous rotation, and at the very least 12 of the 25 guys with 150-plus snaps return, together with one of many SEC’s finest run-stopping defensive ends (Joshua Josephs), considered one of its most energetic 300-pounders (Bryson Eason), the group’s main tackler (Arion Carter) and as much as three beginning defensive backs.

Why “as much as 4” DBs? As a result of the standing of star cornerback Jermod McCoy stays unknown after a January ACL tear. The Vols will not be at their finest till/except he is 100%. They ranked sixth in lineup stability final yr, however 2025 instantly obtained off to a poor begin with McCoy’s damage.

The offense was nonetheless strong in 2024, slipping solely to twenty third in offensive SP+, however the large performs have undoubtedly vanished via the years.

Opponents have slowly adjusted to Heupel’s fast offense and appear principally to be giving the Vols the Patrick Mahomes remedy at this level (allow them to have no matter they need near the road of scrimmage and kind a cloud within the again to forestall the large gashes).

Of final yr’s starters, solely receiver Chris Brazzell II, tight finish Miles Kitselman (who was injured within the spring) and left deal with Lance Heard return. The Vols basically traded quarterback Nico Iamaleava to UCLA for Joey Aguilar within the spring. Iamaleava was the much more extremely touted recruit, however Aguilar, who transferred from Appalachian State to UCLA final winter, is a much better scrambler and takes far fewer sacks. (He additionally throws extra picks.)

Studying a 3rd offense in lower than a yr is not optimum, and if Aguilar is not in control, redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger might take over. The Vols are most likely wonderful at working again, the place sophomores DeSean Bishop and Peyton Lewis might replicate new Cleveland Brown Dylan Sampson’s manufacturing, however sophomore Mike Matthews and redshirt freshman Braylon Staley each may begin after combining for 10 catches final yr, whereas the second string is plagued by freshmen and, doubtlessly, Carter, who performed on either side of the ball within the spring. It is a related story up entrance, the place the two-deep will encompass Heard, transfers Wendell Moe Jr. (Arizona) and Sam Pendleton (Notre Dame) and an meeting line of redshirt freshmen and sophomores. It feels just like the Vols might find yourself with their finest protection and worst offense but within the Heupel period.

A few breaks away from a run

Head coach: Mike Elko (second yr, 8-5 total)

2025 projection: fifteenth in SP+, 7.7 common wins (4.5 within the SEC)

It wasn’t LaNorris Sellers, it wasn’t DJ Lagway, and it wasn’t Michael Van Buren Jr. or Michael Hawkins Jr. both. Who was the most effective freshman quarterback within the SEC final yr, per Whole QBR? Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed.

A four-star true freshman from Nashville, Tennessee, Reed first crammed in for an injured Conner Weigman, then took Weigman’s job outright after main a virtually good second-half efficiency towards LSU. He wasn’t essentially the most explosive passer, he scrambled a bit an excessive amount of and opponents baited him into extra errors late within the season. However among the many 17 SEC QBs with at the very least 150 dropbacks, he ranked fourth in success fee with the third-lowest sack fee. He saved the Aggies transferring ahead along with his arm and his legs (633 non-sack dashing yards).

The run recreation can be completely dynamite with Reed and seniors Amari Daniels and Le’Veon Moss (mixed: 1,426 yards and 18 TDs final yr) and sophomore Rueben Owens working behind an unlimited line that returns final yr’s high six, 5 of whom are seniors (common measurement: 6-6, 333 kilos). A&M will completely maul opponents that do not have a adequate defensive entrance.

When Reed has to move, he’ll lean on a brand new receiving corps that misplaced final yr’s high 5 targets. He ought to have a wonderful possession choice in NC State slot switch KC Concepcion, however he’ll want a number of children to return via, like sophomore (and former top-20 prospect) Terry Bussey, all-or-nothing Mississippi State switch Mario Craver and less-tested choices like redshirt freshmen Ashton Bethel-Roman and Izaiah Williams and freshman Jerome Myles.

The Aggies protection was spectacularly all-or-nothing final season: Of their previous 5 video games, they allowed 44, 3, 43, 17 and 35 factors. That is how issues go once you cease 39% of snaps at or behind the road of scrimmage (eighth nationally) however rank 119th in yards allowed per profitable play. The secondary is the place many of the booms and busts originated — the Ags had been fourth in completion fee allowed however 121st in yards allowed per profitable dropback — and expertise ought to assist to tamp down the glitches. Beginning safeties Dalton Brooks and Marcus Ratcliffe and nook Dezz Ricks had been all freshmen or sophomores, and they need to enhance alongside senior nook Will Lee III. I really like the addition of nickel Jordan Shaw (Washington), one other sophomore with playmaker instincts.

The Aggies ranked simply eighty fifth in sack fee regardless of strong work from second-round NFL draft decide Nic Scourton, however the addition of switch ends Dayon Hayes (Colorado), T.J. Searcy (Florida) and Samuel M’Pemba (Georgia) might assist in that regard. Large deal with Albert Regis and linebackers Taurean York and Scooby Williams made double-digit run stuffs final season; if the move rush improves a hair, the protection will too.

Head coach: Shane Beamer (fifth yr, 29-22 total)

2025 projection: seventeenth in SP+, 7.2 common wins (4.1 within the SEC)

Shane Beamer makes recollections. He has struggled to construct momentum at South Carolina, bouncing from forty eighth to nineteenth to 51st to 14th in SP+. His Gamecocks have misplaced 9 video games by at the very least 21 factors. However he completed his first season by christening the mayo bath tradition, and his Gamecocks beat No. 5 Tennessee and No. 7 Clemson back-to-back late in 2022. Final season, after a 3-3 begin, they received six in a row and obtained two highlight-reel touchdowns from LaNorris Sellers to beat Clemson once more.

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Spotlight: Sellers seals scintillating South Carolina win at Clemson

QB LaNorris Sellers scores on a 20-yard landing run with 1:08 remaining to clinch the No. 15 Gamecocks’ 17-14 highway win over the Tigers within the Palmetto Bowl.

South Carolina has been so everywhere in the map underneath Beamer that both a cost into the highest 10 or a .500 season would not be a shock.

From a pure leisure standpoint, you may wish to root for the top-10 cost as a result of that might imply Sellers took a spectacular leap. He took too many sacks final yr and completed forty second in Whole QBR, however his nice performs had been unreal. The Clemson recreation was indicative: He took three sacks, dedicated two turnovers and led only one scoring drive in South Carolina’s first eight possessions however ripped off the 2 sensible runs to win the sport. With any consistency by any means, he’d be scary.

The remainder of the group is retooling. The offense misplaced its main rusher (Raheim Sanders) and receiver (tight finish Joshua Simon) and full inside offensive line, whereas the protection misplaced practically its complete entrance six outdoors of finish Dylan Stewart.

Stewart is implausible — he had 11 TFLs and 6.5 sacks as a real freshman — however he is the one identified amount, and the one semi-proven move rusher arriving by way of the portal is Campbell’s George Wilson. The secondary was younger, aggressive and typically error-prone in 2024, however it returns 5 of final yr’s high seven, together with excellent nickel Jalon Kilgore, and added strong corners in Brandon Cisse (NC State) and Myles Norwood (Ball State).

The 6-3, 240-pound Sellers will kind an imposing backfield with switch working backs Rahsul Faison (Utah State) and Isaiah Augustave (Colorado), and the offensive line can be large, albeit patched along with transfers. The receiving corps is semi-proven at finest. Former star recruit Nyck Harbor is ridiculously imposing (6-5, 235) and grew barely extra constant late in 2024, however he has been extra athlete than receiver to this point.

After a considerably manageable begin, South Carolina will play seven projected top-21 groups in its last 9 video games. That brutal stretch will most likely preclude the Gamecocks from making a critical run on the CFP, however when Beamer and Sellers are concerned, something is feasible.

Head coach: Eliah Drinkwitz (sixth yr, 38-24 total)

2025 projection: twenty first in SP+, 7.7 common wins (4.0 within the SEC)

In case you have sturdy quarterback play, you may correctly execute a great two- or four-minute drill, and with a powerful kicker who can bomb in clutch discipline objectives, you are most likely going to win extra shut video games than you lose. Missouri had all these issues in 2023 (whereas rating tenth in SP+) and 2024 (nineteenth), however successful 21 mixed video games required a 10-1 document in one-score finishes. With strong QB play, the Tigers may very well be a top-25 group once more on paper, and the schedule is pleasant by SEC requirements. However nobody wins 90% of their shut video games eternally.

Drinkwitz did a pleasant job of principally including a switch for each starter misplaced. Both Penn State switch Beau Pribula or former blue-chipper Sam Horn will fill Brady Prepare dinner’s footwear at quarterback. As Drew Allar‘s backup at Penn State, Pribula threw largely brief, good passes and saved PSU on schedule along with his ft, however he by no means actually needed to showcase his arm or make large performs in crunch time. We’ll see how that goes.

Drinkwitz additionally added Louisiana-Monroe working again Ahmad Hardy. Amongst 32 backs with 200-plus carries, Hardy ranked sixth in yards per carry after contact (3.7) and first in compelled missed tackles per contact (0.33), and he was a freshman taking part in on an outmanned group.

With final yr’s high two receivers gone, Drinkwitz added 900-yard transfers in Kevin Coleman (Mississippi State) and Xavier Loyd (Illinois State), and with 5 of the highest seven linemen gone, in come 5 transfers, together with key left deal with Johnny Williams IV (West Virginia). The offense could have a number of beginning expertise, however most of it got here elsewhere.

On protection, issues look awfully sound for coordinator Corey Batoon. Mizzou has ranked twenty fourth or higher in defensive SP+ for 3 straight seasons and returns seven starters. The move rush was key to having the No. 5 third-down protection in FBS, and dropping finish Johnny Walker Jr. hurts in that regard, however returnee Zion Young and a number of defensive finish transfers, led by Damon Wilson II (Georgia), ought to supply strong choices. And if the push is nice, the secondary may very well be implausible; it returns 5 of final yr’s high six, together with disruptive nickel Daylan Carnell, and provides 4 starters from elsewhere, together with well-traveled security Jalen Catalon (UNLV). The offense’s fundamental job may very well be to regulate the ball, keep away from errors and attempt to hand the sport to a wonderful protection. Come to consider it, that additionally appears like a fairly good close-game recipe.

Head coach: Billy Napier (fourth yr, 19-19 total)

2025 projection: 14th in SP+, 7.0 common wins (3.9 within the SEC)

I talked about loads of lucky groups above, however who wasn’t very lucky in 2024? The Florida Gators. They had been 134th out of 136 teams in lineup stability.

They began three totally different quarterbacks, three working backs, 10 receivers and tight ends, seven offensive linemen, 11 defensive linemen, three linebackers and 12 defensive backs. Amongst all these starters had been tons of freshmen and sophomores. However one way or the other, regardless of the fixed shuffling and a schedule that featured seven of the nation’s high 15 groups per SP+, the Gators proved extremely resilient. They misplaced their first 5 video games towards high opponents throughout a 4-5 begin, however they beat LSU and Ole Miss in November, then smoked Florida State and Tulane to spherical out an encouraging eight-win marketing campaign.

If you happen to survive accidents and shuffling, you come out on the opposite facet with a splendidly skilled group. Of the 49 gamers who began at the very least as soon as on offense or protection, 29 return. The offense boasts a pair of potential all-conference linemen (deal with Austin Barber and heart Jake Slaughter), together with ESPN BET’s present No. 6 Heisman favourite, quarterback DJ Lagway. Lagway was inconsistent in typical freshman methods, working himself into strain often, throwing a decide each 21.3 passes and producing a substandard completion fee. However he additionally averaged a whopping 16.7 yards per completion. He was a significant big-play outlier.

Lagway has loads of acquainted faces round him, together with fellow sophomores in main rusher Jadan Baugh and receivers Eugene Wilson III and Aidan Mizell. Wilson was a star within the making however missed most of final season. This is not the league’s deepest talent corps, however it’s fairly harmful. And along with Slaughter and Barber up entrance are 4 others who began at the very least one recreation.

The protection had an enormous position to play in 2024’s success. The Gators pulled a strong bend-don’t-break routine, forcing sufficient turnovers and pink zone stops to make it work. Contemplating accidents and common inexperience, that is spectacular. There aren’t many surefire stars right here — finish Tyreak Sapp and nickel Sharif Denson are the closest issues, and with extra snaps blue-chip sophomore Myles Graham may develop into one — however the depth is excellent.

I am fairly excessive on this group, however the schedule nonetheless has seven projected top-15 groups. The Gators drew the brief straw within the present SEC scheduling rotation, and it might value them standing as a CFP contender.

Head coach: Hugh Freeze (third yr, 11-14 total)

2025 projection: twenty fifth in SP+, 6.9 common wins (3.6 within the SEC)

On paper, Hugh Freeze’s 2024 Auburn Tigers had been simply in regards to the least lucky group you may ever see. They had been a hundred and twenty fifth in turnovers luck, and based on the postgame win expectancy measure I mentioned close to the highest of this piece, they managed to lose video games with postgame win expectations of 94%, 76% and 61%. SP+ noticed an 8-4 group that by chance went 5-7, and that tends to virtually assure enchancment the subsequent season. However should you truly watched Auburn, the breakdowns had been so dependable — right here comes one other pink zone breakdown, right here comes one other missed discipline objective, right here comes one other turnover — that it was tough to see the losses as mere poor fortune.

Perhaps no group within the nation, due to this fact, combines uncooked upside with excessive burden of proof like Auburn.

There’s potential all over the place you look. Blue-chip sophomore receivers Cam Coleman and Malcolm Simmons return after combining for 1,049 yards and 11 TDs, they usually’re joined by portal standout Eric Singleton Jr. (Georgia Tech). Longtime working again Jarquez Hunter is gone, however returnee Damari Alston and switch Durell Robinson (UConn) are explosive. And the offensive line returns 4 starters and provides two extra in tackles Mason Murphy (USC) and Xavier Chaplin (Virginia Tech).

On protection, finish Keldric Faulk grew to become a star in 2024, and corners Kayin Lee and Jay Crawford mixed for 18 passes defended. Freeze additionally added two of my Group-of-5 portal favorites in edge rusher Chris Murray (Sam Houston) and nook Raion Strader (Miami-Ohio).

Discover I have never stated the phrase “quarterback” on this capsule but. Freeze hasn’t gotten what he wants from the place, and he principally flipped the whole QB room: All 4 gamers who took snaps final yr are gone, and three transfers — Jackson Arnold (Oklahoma), Ashton Daniels (Stanford) and Tanner Bailey (South Carolina) — and blue-chip freshman Deuce Knight are in. Arnold, the No. 3 prospect within the 2023 recruiting class, is the presumptive favourite; he does every little thing with most urgency and depth, and he ran throughout Alabama in OU’s upset win. However he additionally appears to lack endurance when trying to move, and that created some awfully unhealthy habits when he was coping with breakdowns from a poor Oklahoma line. By the top of the season, his pocket consciousness and inside clock had been utterly damaged. That is laborious to repair, however he’ll at the very least get some favorable reads in Freeze’s RPO-heavy system.

Freeze has been recruiting nicely and will go away final yr’s crippling errors prior to now if — IF — he has a quarterback.

Head coach: Brent Venables (fourth yr, 22-17 total)

2025 projection: sixteenth in SP+, 6.9 common wins (3.5 within the SEC)

The final time Oklahoma had a three-year document this unhealthy, the Sooners received the nationwide title the next season. They jolted from their late-Nineties slide to go 13-0 in 2000 with a classy offense and a speedy, aggressive protection. Brent Venables was the defensive co-coordinator for that run; now he is the pinnacle coach attempting desperately to arrest a slide. OU has gone 6-7 in two of his three seasons. It took till final season to get the protection up and working — per SP+, the Sooners had their finest protection since 2009. However the offense utterly fell aside, dragged down by its worst line in ages, a scarcity of wholesome talent corps standouts and inexperienced quarterbacks who fell into unhealthy habits.

The protection ought to be implausible once more. The road is loaded with seniors like finish R Mason Thomas and deal with Gracen Halton, and Venables made a few enjoyable additions in finish Marvin Jones Jr. (Florida State) and deal with Siolaa Lolohea (Utah State). It is a related story at linebacker, the place Kendal Daniels (Oklahoma State) joins standouts Kip Lewis and Kobie McKinzie. The largest difficulty final yr was occasional big-play breakdowns within the again, however after surviving plenty of accidents, the secondary returns six gamers with beginning expertise and potential stars in safeties Robert Spears-Jennings and Peyton Bowen and nickel Kendel Dolby.

Even towards a schedule that includes 9 projected top-25 groups (!), the protection will give the Sooners an opportunity in most video games. The offense’s enchancment will decide whether or not they can truly win a number of. Venables introduced each offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and quarterback John Mateer over from Washington State. It is not laborious to see why.

Mateer threw for 3,139 yards and rushed for 1,032 not together with sacks. He can scramble into hassle typically, which may be a difficulty if the road hasn’t improved — Venables did signal three OL transfers — however the talent corps has been utterly restocked with working again Jaydn Ott (Cal) and eight new move catchers. Not one of the 4 new FBS transfers blow me away on paper, however JaVonnie Gibson (Arkansas-Pine Bluff) is considered one of 4 immensely explosive smaller-school transfers. The Arbuckle offense leans closely on slot receivers, and if returnee Deion Burks can keep wholesome, he might submit big numbers. Even only a top-30ish offense, this can be a top-15ish group. The ridiculous schedule will put a ceiling on the win complete, however the bar for enchancment is not notably excessive.

Simply in search of a path to 6-6

Head coach: Sam Pittman (sixth yr, 30-31 total)

2025 projection: thirty eighth in SP+, 5.1 common wins (2.5 within the SEC)

Sam Pittman’s Arkansas group would not stand nonetheless. In 2021, the Razorbacks surged from 3-7 to 9-4. In 2023, they collapsed to 4-8. Final fall noticed a promising rebound to 7-6 and twenty fourth in SP+, however a 1-3 document in one-score finishes saved the thrill tamped down a bit. In 2025, each the offense and protection begin over to a level.

The Razorbacks improved from 56th to fortieth in offensive SP+ in Bobby Petrino’s first season again in Fayetteville as offensive coordinator. Risky quarterback Taylen Green returns after throwing for 3,154 yards and dashing for 838 (not together with sacks); he takes too many sacks and is a continuing turnover menace, however he makes numerous large performs as nicely. His line returns three starters and provides three power-conference transfers, however the talent corps is sort of utterly new. Sophomore working again Braylen Russell is the one noteworthy returnee, and Pittman added 9 switch move catchers and two working backs. New receiver O’Mega Blake (Charlotte) was possibly essentially the most all-or-nothing receiver in FBS final season, averaging 24.8 yards per catch with a barely 50% catch fee. If different newcomers like Raylen Sharpe (Fresno State) and Ismael Cisse (Stanford) can present strong possession choices, Inexperienced ought to have what he wants.

Travis Williams’ protection improved to thirty fifth in defensive SP+ final yr, with a sturdy run protection and issues on the again with an injury-laden secondary. Linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr. is excellent (100 tackles, 15 run stops), and large deal with Cameron Ball is a keeper, however of the 18 gamers with 200-plus snaps, they’re two of solely six returnees. And past nook Julian Neal (Fresno State) and possibly edge rusher Phillip Lee (Troy), Pittman did not signal many surefire portal standouts. It would take Williams some time to determine his finest lineup.

With eight projected top-25 opponents, Arkansas is the third of the “brief straw” groups with Florida and Oklahoma. Inexperienced is a must-watch QB, for causes good and unhealthy, and Blake might make the Hogs’ offense much more explosive. However I am unsure they’ve the protection to beat the schedule.

Head coach: Mark Stoops (thirteenth yr, 77-73 total)

2025 projection: forty third in SP+, 4.7 common wins (1.9 within the SEC)

The final time Kentucky slipped beneath .500 (5-6 in 2020), Mark Stoops made an impressed offensive coordinator rent (new Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen), fielded the most effective offense of his tenure, received 10 video games and, per SP+, fielded Kentucky’s finest total group since 1977. 4 years later, the Wildcats want one other shot within the arm. The protection has slipped a bit, the offense collapsed to 89th in offensive SP+ in Coen’s absence and UK went simply 4-8 in 2024. Stoops saved offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan, as an alternative making an attempt a portal-based rebound. Two former FCS stars may dictate the destiny of this system.

If the offense is nice once more, it can imply redemption for Hamdan and quarterback Zach Calzada. The previous Texas A&M and Auburn quarterback returns to the SEC after throwing for six,342 yards in two seasons at Incarnate Phrase. He’ll get assist from sturdy backs — burly transfers Dante Dowdell (Nebraska) and Seth McGowan (New Mexico State) be a part of speedy sophomore Jamarion Wilcox — and a transformed line, however the receiving corps is a query mark. Incoming receivers Kendrick Law (Alabama) and Troy Stellato (Clemson) will attempt to provide effectivity and unencumber all-or-nothing deep threats Ja’Mori Maclin and J.J. Hester (Oklahoma).

The protection has been merely good and never elite for a few years, and of the 9 guys with 200-plus snaps within the entrance six, seven are gone. The return of senior deal with Josaih Hayes from an Achilles damage ought to assist, however I am most intrigued by the addition of the most effective defender in FCS, South Dakota’s Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace. He had 18.5 TFLs final season, and he is obtained implausible measurement (6-4, 265 kilos). The secondary misplaced an excellent nickel in Zion Childress however returns veteran safeties Jordan Lovett and Ty Bryant and nook JQ Hardaway.

Cease me should you’ve heard this one earlier than, however the schedule is not going to assist UK’s rebound try. The Wildcats are semi-comfortable favorites in solely three video games and play eight towards projected top-25 groups. If Calzada is strong and Humphrey-Grace shines, bowl eligibility is feasible, however one other 10-win rebound is sort of definitely not within the playing cards.

Head coach: Clark Lea (fifth yr, 16-33 total)

2025 projection: fifty fifth in SP+, 4.7 common wins (1.6 within the SEC)

The New Mexico State gambit labored!

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Diego Pavia offers electrical postgame interview after Vandy’s gorgeous upset of Alabama

Diego Pavia credit his teammates for Vanderbilt’s historic upset of Alabama earlier than getting mobbed by his household on the sphere.

Needing a lift in each toughness and playmaking, Clark Lea imported the previous head coach (Jerry Kill), offensive coordinator (Tim Beck), quarterback (Diego Pavia) and tight finish (Eli Stowers), amongst others, from the most effective NMSU group in many years. They delivered. Pavia grew to become one of many SEC’s largest personalities, the protection leaped from 124th to 59th in defensive SP+ (with minimal NMSU help) and the Commodores upset Bama for the primary time in 40 years and loved their first successful season in 11. Pavia evidently loved the expertise a lot that he sued to return again for an additional yr. And won.

This is the place I’ve to be a Debbie Downer and level out that Vandy ranked seventh in turnovers luck and 11th in close-game fortune final season and may take care of comeuppance in each regards. Pavia’s willingness to each take and inflict hits is extremely endearing, however it additionally meant that he spent a great portion of 2024 banged up and solely considerably efficient. He will get Stowers, wideout Junior Sherrill and RB Sedrick Alexander again, and Lea added a big-play receiver switch in Tre Richardson (Washburn). However the line misplaced 4 starters and obtained thinned out sufficient that Lea had to herald seven transfers.

The protection ought to enhance additional. Of the 16 gamers with 200-plus snaps, 12 return, and I like new additions in deal with Mason Nelson (Western Michigan) and edge rusher Keanu Koht (Alabama). Actually, the most important loss for the protection may be punter Jesse Mirco. The Commodores benefited from main discipline place benefits that allowed their common bend-don’t-break act to prosper — 118th in success fee allowed, forty second in yards allowed per profitable play — and Mirco averaged 48.0 yards per punt.

If turnovers and close-game bounces (and discipline place) flip towards Vandy, the downsides can be fairly apparent. However the Commodores return sufficient of final yr’s key gamers to doubtlessly create some extra recollections regardless.

Head coach: Jeff Lebby (second yr, 2-10 total)

2025 projection: 71st in SP+, 3.8 common wins (1.0 within the SEC)

Close to the underside of every of those previews, I normally encounter a group that (A) stunk final yr and (B) returns no one. Their preview simply turns into a listing of transfers. With Mississippi State bottoming out final season underneath first-year coach Jeff Lebby, you’d have figured the Bulldogs had been candidates for a complete roster culling. However whereas Lebby introduced in additional transfers than anybody within the SEC and added double-digit jucos as nicely, he additionally held on to twenty gamers who began at the very least as soon as final season. Granted, not one of the returnees might stop the Bulldogs from struggling their worst document since 2003, however some continuity might be higher than none, proper?

The offense was terribly inefficient final season, however it was much less so earlier than Blake Shapen suffered a season-ending shoulder damage. He scrambles into hassle like many others on this convention, however he is strong, and he’ll profit from a powerful pair of backs in Davon Booth and dynamic switch Fluff Bothwell (South Alabama), considered one of 2024’s finest freshman backs. The offensive line returns two starters and welcomes 4 from different FBS faculties, and whereas the receiving corps has little identified high quality, it has amount with two major returnees (tight finish Seydou Traore and wideout Jordan Mosley) joined by eight transfers.

The MSU protection bent far an excessive amount of and compelled far too few turnovers to tug an honest bend-don’t-break routine (133rd in success fee allowed). Lebby centered most of his portal work on the entrance six and landed potential upgrades in deal with Will Whitson (Coastal Carolina) and linebacker Jalen Smith (Tennessee), amongst others, and the addition of 4 new 300-pounders cannot damage. If the push up entrance improves, the secondary may very well be strong with energetic security Isaac Smith and three of final yr’s high 4 corners returning.

The bar’s fairly low right here, each as a result of MSU was comfortably the league’s worst group final yr and since there weren’t too many surefire upgrades. However the mixture of newcomers and returning expertise ought to create higher depth, at the very least, and hey, it isn’t laborious to enhance on 2-10.