2024 SEC Season Preview
College football’s preeminent conference has two power programs entering the fray as two first-timers in an already dominant league. There has been a significant change at the conference’s top as the longtime dynasty seeks redemption under a new coach. Will there be any change as the middle-tier teams gather their resources to make a run in football’s toughest conference? Can Kirby Smart lead his band of Bulldogs back to their perch in Atlanta and beyond? How quickly can Kalen DeBoer get the Tide rolling under his administration after the GOAT retired? Teams will be lurking to knock off the two elite programs, that’s for sure.
Here are the previous conference preview articles linked below:
Onto the most prominent conference in the land!
Alabama (@AlabamaFTBL)
Kalen DeBoer does not have a job that many will envy. The job? Replacing the GOAT after Nick Saban retired. Coach Saban’s last team barely snuck into the playoffs due to some playoff committee shenanigans. They also have multiple draft selections, including several early-rounders, that need to be replaced by DeBoer’s first team. Fortunately, the hero of 4th and 31, Jalen Milroe, returns to lead the Tide offense. Jermaine Burton must be replaced, so the Germie Bernard (Washington), Kobe Prentice, and Kendrick Law trio are slated to play significant roles. The offensive line has reloaded with Kayden Proctor, Tyler Booker, Jaeden Roberts, and Elijah Pritchett to surround Washington transfer Parker Brailsford.
The stop unit has a lot of talent to replace in the secondary, so they brought safety Keon Sabb from Michigan, Wake’s DaShawn Jones, and USC’s Domani Jackson to complement Malachi Moore, a top 3 safety prospect. Jeheim Oatis, Tim Smith, and Tim Keenan III will play the prominent roles up front. Deontae Lawson is the man to watch in terms of linebacker play.
Alabama won’t be wanting for tough competition, that’s for sure. The non-conference schedule is surprisingly enjoyable, with dates against Western Kentucky, USF, and a retooling Wisconsin squad. Georgia, Missouri, and Auburn all have to visit Tuscaloosa, but the Tide have to visit Death Valley and Norman. The Crimson Tide are still the Crimson Tide, so they’ll be in contention for a playoff berth.
Predicted Record: 9-3
Arkansas (@RazorbackFB)
The hogs haven’t been called for Sam Pittman in a couple of years, as his squads have underperformed their talent levels. During the offseason, he made a confounding hire when disgraced former Razorbacks head coach Bobby Petrino returned as the OC. Several transfers departed the program, including quarterback KJ Jefferson and leading rusher Raheim Morris. In their stead, Taylen Green (Boise State) and former Utah running back Ja’Quinden Jackson transferred in. The offensive line got overhauled with Fernando Carmona (SJSU), Addison Nichols (Tennessee), and Keyshawn Blackstock (Michigan State) signing up.
Nine defensive transfers were made to develop some depth behind the starters. The most notable were former Georgia linebacker Xavian Sorey, Jr., and cornerback Doneiko Slaughter from Tennessee. If the defense can come along under DC Travis Williams, they have the offense to compete for a bowl game. Arkansas’ schedule is full of season-defining games, especially early, with contests against Oklahoma State and Auburn. October and November get tricky with Tennessee, LSU, and Ole Miss visiting Fayetteville. Games against Texas and Missouri are challenging to close out the season.
Predicted Record: 6-6
Auburn (@AuburnFootball)
The Plains should have another good team on its hands. Hugh Freeze has a golden chance to seize control over the state of Alabama over their older sibling in Tuscaloosa. The Tigers offense is under complete control by Payton Thorne after Robby Ashford transferred elsewhere. Auburn returns one of the more heralded running backs in the class, Jarquez Hunter. The receiving corps has new faces led by KeAndre Lambert-Smith (Penn State) and Georgia State’s Robert Lewis. True freshman and former five-star recruit Cam Coleman should contribute as well. The offensive line is full of veterans, with a few transfers to round out the outfit.
Coach Freeze did most of his portal damage in the portal, bringing in 11 transfers to replace some key personnel losses. The cornerback room has to be remade since key contributors such as Jaylin Simpson, DJ James, and Nehemiah Pritchett are making their way into the NFL. Eugene Asante transferred from UNC before last season and returns to pace the linebacker room. Keionte Scott and Kayin Lee will have the unenviable task of replacing the NFL-bound trio.
Auburn’s schedule is relatively manageable outside of the three-game gauntlet against Oklahoma, Georgia, and Missouri in the middle of the season. However, the Tigers must travel to Athens and Columbia during that stretch, which isn’t ideal. November eases up somewhat, but the Iron Bowl showdown looms large to close out 2024. There’s enough meat on the bone for Freeze’s team to get to eight wins.
Predicted Record: 8-4
Florida (@GatorsFB)
Billy Napier has had a tough time restoring the Gators’ once-powerful mystique. Entering his third season as the Florida head coach, he needs a big season to retain his job in Gainesville. He’ll have to do with an inconsistent quarterback in Graham Mertz and a receiver corps that’s missing Ricky Piersall. To offset Piersall’s loss, he brought in another Arizona State transfer, Elijah Badger, and a Wisconsin transfer, Chimere Dike. Montrell Johnson, Jr will attempt to replace the immense production of Trevor Etienne as he left for Georgia.
Florida’s defense has lost some key players to the portal, so it will have to rely on pieces that may not be ready for the big time yet. Napier brought in a few transfers, like Washington safety Asa Turner, former five-star Colorado signee Cormani McClain, and South Carolina’s Grayson Howard, to fill the gaps. Jason Marshall, Jr. must step it up and lead the secondary again. The linebackers went through some changes but did return Shemar James.
It will be a severely uphill climb for Napier’s Gators as the schedule gets obscenely brutal, with five consecutive games against top-15 opponents. The beginning isn’t a cakewalk, with matchups against in-state Miami and Texas A&M on the docket. Tennessee awaits in October as well. UCF isn’t a pushover, either. It will be a major surprise if Florida contends for anything other than bowl eligibility.
Predicted Record: 5-7
Georgia (@GeorgiaFootball)
Another year, another title run for the Athenian version of Bulldogs. It seems like Kirby Smart reloads year after year for time immemorial. A certain Heisman favorite and first-round selection returns for Smart in the form of Carson Beck. Lose two good running backs? Throw in standout transfer Trevor Etienne from a rival (Florida) and keep going. The offensive line does have some talent to replace, but they have the horses to do so. Linemen like Earnest Greene III, Tate Rutledge, and Jared Wilson are slated to become starters. The Dogs added Vanderbilt transfer London Humphrey to a solid receiver room that features Dominic Lovett and Dillon Bell. Tight end is another position loaded with game-breaker talents, such as Oscar Delp and Stanford transfer Ben Yurosek.
Georgia’s defense is loaded like usual but with a different cast of characters. They have wave upon wave of talent across all three levels. Top-notch draft prospects like Mykel Williams and Nazir Stackhouse lead the defensive line. The strength of the Dawgs’ defense is in the linebackers, with Smael Mondon, Jr and Jalen Walker receiving immense hype as future early-round selections. Malaki Starks could be the best safety in the country when it’s all said and done.
Georgia does the Yellowhammer State double in consecutive weeks by traveling to Tuscaloosa and hosting Auburn. There will be a few inflection points, particularly during a four-week stretch where they must play Texas, archrival Florida, Ole Miss, and Tennessee. If Georgia can survive that portion with a spotless record, there’s a good chance they will go undefeated. Smart will have his men motivated after a playoff snub last season.
Predicted Record: 10-2
Kentucky (@UKFootball)
Kentucky had a bit of coaching drama for a few hours when Mark Stoops left and returned to the program. After winning the spat with former men’s basketball head coach John Calipari, he’s the big man on campus. The Wildcats do have to replace some great players, but they return a solid roster. Their most significant loss on offense is Ray Davis. Former Buckeyes runner Chip Trayanum will replace him. The highly regarded Brock Vandagriff transferred from Georgia for more playing time and will get it. Dane Key and Barion Brown return as the leading receivers, and Jeremy Maclin’s younger brother, Ja’Mori, will help him after transferring from UNT. The offense line brought in two transfers with Florida ties in tackle Gerald Mincey (Tennessee/UF) and guard Jalen Farmer.
Stoops has a solid defense again, chock full of talented players in all three phases. J.J. Weaver is the name to watch up front as he needs a big season to regain some lost draft stock. Deone Walker should be next in the pipeline of highly-rated Kentucky defensive linemen to get drafted. Kentucky also added Georgia transfer linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson, who comes in with great fanfare. Michigan transfer D.J. Waller, Jr comes in to take over one cornerback spot while returnee Maxwell Hairston mans the other spot. Highly rated Alabama transfer safety Kristian Story was also brought on.
The schedule is kind to the Wildcats, but September features Georgia and Ole Miss so it’s off to a flying start. November is quite interesting with three P4 programs, including SEC title contenders and the rivalry against Louisville. There’s enough defensive talent to carry the day for the offense and fight for a bowl game.
Predicted Record: 7-5
LSU (@LSUfootball)
The Bayou Bengals are loaded for another run at it but will have to replace a significant amount of talent, including multiple first-round selections. Grant Nussmeier is in line to take over for the reigning Heisman winner, Jayden Daniels, who’s off to the Commanders. There isn’t an alpha receiver like Malik Nabers or BTJ, but there are capable replacements. Liberty transfer CJ Daniels has been prolific in his career and likely will be the number one option. A likely first-round pick, left tackle Will Campbell, and former five-star signee Emery Jones, Jr will headline the offensive line. Miles Frazier is another prospect to watch on the talented line as well.
LSU DC Blake Baker continues to make the inexplicable decision to move Harold Perkins to inside linebacker when he’s better suited for an off-ball role. Perkins can play a role similar to what Devin White once did for the Tigers. The defensive line lost the trio of Mehki Wingo, Maason Smith, and Jordan Jefferson, so finding new guys will be imperative. Jacobian Guillory will be counted upon heavily alongside Jalen Lee (Florida). LSU will need better secondary play to have a chance at stopping some people.
The schedule is quirky in that they play both USC and UCLA in September, which isn’t typical for SEC teams. October has three games that could define their season with past SEC West rivals. The annual showdown with Alabama awaits them in November. It will be a tricky month to manage as they close it out with Oklahoma. LSU is capable of contending for a spot in Atlanta again.
Predicted Record: 9-3
Ole Miss (@OleMissFB)
Lane Kiffin might have his best team this season during his time in Oxford. He was one of the portal kings, bringing in a talent-laden class that ranks highly. Quarterback Jaxon Dart returns to lead the potent Rebels offense. Quinshon Judkins is a significant loss after transferring to Ohio State, but Henry Parrish (Miami) and Rashad Amos (Miami, OH) transfers should help complement returnee Ulysses Bentley IV. They added South Carolina transfer Antwane Wells to boost the receiver room, which already has Jordan Watkins and Tre Harris. The offensive line underwent renovations as Diego Pounds (UNC), Nate Kalepo (Washington), and Julius Buelow (Washington) entered the program as likely starters.
Ole Miss did its best portal work on the defensive side of the ball. Former five-star recruit Walter Nolen was the best available and should fill a hole at defensive tackle. How did they top that signing? The Rebels went out and signed standout EDGE Princely Umanmielen from Florida. The transfer of Chris Paul, Jr from Oklahoma boosted the linebacker position. They also added three transfers for the secondary as well. All that should add up to a spicy defense that should improve their chances of competing for an SEC title.
The Rebels’ road into October is manageable. They face lesser teams until they have to play LSU at Death Valley. Their second half is a tough road, with home dates against Oklahoma and Georgia on top of potential trap games against Florida and the Egg Bowl. Ole Miss, with their talent and schedule, should be able to be one of the leading candidates to win the SEC.
Predicted Record: 11-1
Mississippi State (@HailStateFB)
StarkVegas should be alight with offensive fireworks again as the controversial Jeff Lebby was hired to revive the program. Miss State and the entire sport continue to mourn the loss of the legend Mike Leach. Former Baylor quarterback Blake Shapen transferred in to lead the offense after Will Rogers left for Washington. They have remade the offense with multiple transfers like WR Kelly Akharaiyi (UTEP), WR Kevin Coleman (Louisville), and RB Davon Booth (Utah State). The offensive line got several transfers like Makylan Pounders (Memphis), Marlon Martinez (LSU), and Ethan Miner (UNT) to solidify things.
The Bulldogs have some work to do, as they need to replace a lot of talent across all three levels—defensive talents like Decamerion Richardson, Nathaniel Watson, and Jaden Crumedy. UNC transfer Kedrick Bingley-Jones was brought in to help up front, and linebacker Stone Blanton came in from South Carolina to bolster that unit. A trio of transfer corners were brought in to complement Corey Ellington and Isaac Smith. Traveon Wright transfers from Memphis, Montre Miller (West Virginia), and Brylan Lanier (Indiana/Alabama) should help the beleaguered back end.
Hail State’s schedule is demanding from the start, as Texas, Florida, and Arizona State are lined up in September. October will be tough with superpower Georgia; retooling A&M and middling Arkansas will present difficulties for the transitioning Bulldogs. The closing kick doesn’t get any easier as three conference contenders are in consecutive order. Lebby might have a fight on his hands to get to bowl eligibility in year one.
Predicted Record: 6-6
Missouri (@MizzouFootball)
The Tigers enter the 2024 season as legitimate conference title contenders after a surprising run last year. Eli Drinkwitz brings back another talented squad despite heavy personnel losses to the NFL ranks. On offense, they must replace star tackle Javon Foster and running back Cody Schraeder. Quarterback Brady Cook returns to lead a still potent offense. Missouri also returns the Biletnikoff Trophy favorite Luther Borden III and veteran Theo Wease as the leaders. Georgia State transfer Marcus Carroll and Appalachian State’s Nate Noel will attempt to offset the loss of do-it-all Schraeder. SMU transfer Marcus Bryant should solidify left tackle while the line gets another addition with Oklahoma transfer Cayden Green.
Defensively, there’s much to replace with cornerbacks Kris Abrams-Draine, Ennis Rakestraw, LB Ty’Ron Hopper, and EDGE Darius Robinson becoming NFL rookies. They brought in Michigan State transfer Zion Young to replace Robinson to some degree alongside five-star freshman William Nwaneri. The linebackers have depth galore, so that’s a positive. Highly regarded Clemson transfer Toriano Pride, Jr will take one of the vacant cornerback spots.
September will be manageable, but October will be a challenging gauntlet featuring away games to A&M and Alabama. November gets a little easier, but the old-school Big 12 rivalry with Oklahoma sets the tone for the month. The talent and schedule should set up the Tigers to make a run at nabbing a spot in Atlanta.
Predicted Record: 9-3
Oklahoma (@OU_Football)
Oklahoma is another newcomer to the SEC who is ready to take the next step into contention. Brent Venables leads the Sooners into his third season as a head coach with a very talented team. Highly touted passer Jackson Arnold waited his turn to lead the offense, and it’s his job now after Dillon Gabriel transferred (Oregon). Purdue transfer receiver Deion Burks joins a talented receiver room that features Andrel Anthony, Jalil Farooq, and Nic Anderson. The Sooners have to replace a couple of standout linemen, such as Tyler Guyton and Andrew Raym, who are headed to the pros. They brought in Michael Tarquin (Florida), Branson Hickman (SMU), and Febechi Nwaiwi (UNT) to fill in the gaps. Gavin Sawchuck is the latest and greatest Sooners runner.
Danny Stutsman, one of the best off-ball linebacker prospects in the class, will lead the defense. Damonic Williams, a TCU transfer tackle, will anchor in the middle. Oklahoma’s secondary is loaded with playmakers such as cornerback Woodi Washington and safety Billy Bowman.
The conference slate kicks off for the Sooners with a welcome party held by the Volunteers. Whoever did the schedule for Oklahoma did them no favors with a tough November. There are three consecutive matchups against the title favorites, including away dates to Missouri and the season-ender at LSU. An away contest to Ole Miss could be spooky for Oklahoma right before Halloween. The Sooners will be competitive right away but will fall just short.
Predicted Record: 9-3
South Carolina (@GamecockFB
Shane Beamer rejoices as the Gamecocks don’t have to battle the heavyweights of the SEC East any longer. There’s a new starter in Columbia, as Spencer Rattler threatens Derek Carr’s job status in New Orleans. LaNorris Sellers takes over the reins with a battle-tested SEC passer, Robby Ashford, backing him up. The skill positions lost standout receiver Xavier Legette and tight end Trey Knox, so they brought in a trio of transfer receivers. Dalevon Campbell (Nevada/Illinois), Jared Brown (Coastal Carolina), and Louisville’s Ahmari Huggins-Bruce are expected to contribute. South Carolina also has one of the best athletes in the sport, with the behemoth receiver/track star Nyck Harbor. The running back room is primarily made up of transfers, with Raheim Sanders coming in from Arkansas to lead the way. Former UNT runner Oscar Adaway III will also contribute.
Defensively, they must retool a tiny amount and bring in several transfers like Gilbert Edmond (Florida State) and Kyle Kennard (Georgia Tech) to fortify the front. Returnee Debo Williams is a tackling machine at linebacker. Safety Nick Emmanwori will lead the defensive backs, as he’s a solid prospect.
The schedule gets off to a flying start as a home date against LSU follows up a home contest against a tough Kentucky squad. October will be a brutal stretch that includes three conference contenders, including visits to Tuscaloosa and Norman. November doesn’t get much better with dates against Missouri, A&M, and rival Clemson on the docket. There are enough wins on the schedule to go bowling, though.
Predicted Record: 6-6
Tennesssee (@Vol_Football)
Josh Heupel has the Vols on the right track entering his fourth season. 2023 was a step back for the program, finishing third in the East with a nine-win season. His fourth team should be on a similar track, but with some breaks, they could challenge for the conference title. The Vols got a preview of the Nico Iamaleava era in the bowl game, and he takes the place of the Patriots’ Joe Milton. Star running back Jaylen Wright is gone to the NFL, so Dylan Sampson will take his place. Iamaleava will have a star trio of receivers, including Squirrel White, Tulane transfer Chris Brazzell II, and Bru McCoy. LSU transfer Lance Heard was brought in to anchor the offensive line. Guard Cooper Mays and tackle John Campbell, Jr are the returnees that will help Heard.
Tennessee’s defense features the best EDGE prospect in the country, with James Pearce, Jr occupying the nightmares of tackles everywhere. On the other side is Dominic Bailey, who should feed off JPJ and put up great numbers. Omari Thomas and Bryson Eason should buoy the defensive tackle rotation. UT’s cornerback room was bolstered by a pair of transfers, Jermod McCoy (Oregon State) and Jalen McMurray (MTSU).
Schedule
September will feature two prime matchups against a speculative ACC favorite, NC State, and Oklahoma’s introduction to the SEC in Norman. The Third Saturday in October will be a measuring stick for Heupel as Alabama will be led by someone other than Nick Saban for the first time in a long time. Tennessee must venture to rowdy Sanford Stadium to take on the mighty Bulldogs. The Vols will fight for conference supremacy, but with a freshman quarterback and a demanding schedule, it might be too harsh of a mountain to climb.
Predicted Record: 8-4
Texas (@TexasFootball)
After years of trying to throw their weight around in the Big 12, the Longhorns have a new home. Steve Sarkisian’s men have a great chance of winning the SEC in their debut campaign. Texas has to replace significant talents such as T’Vondre Sweat, Byron Murphy II, speed king Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, and Christian Jones. As is usually the case, the ‘Horns have reloaded for another run at the title. Quinn Ewers returns to lead the offense that consists of star transfers like Isaiah Bond (Alabama), Matthew Golden (Houston), and Silas Bolden (Oregon State). Unfortunately, they lost the presumptive running back starter CJ Baxter to a knee injury and freshman Christian Clark to an Achilles tear. Jayden Blue is expected to take over as Jonathan Brooks’ heir apparent.
The offensive line lost Jones to the NFL but counters with one of the best tackles in the country in Kelvin Banks, Jr. Guard D.J. Campbell is another prospect to watch. Sark’s defense returns big man Alfred Collins alongside Bryan Sorrell to help on the line. The linebackers have Anthony Hill, Jr. returning to man the middle alongside UCLA transfer Trey Moore. Texas retooled the secondary with a pair of transfers in San Jose State cornerback Jay’Vion Cole and Clemson safety Andrew Mukuba.
Schedule-wise, the Longhorns did pretty well, but taking on the defending champions in week two will be a marquee game. October will go a long way in determining the fate of the 2024 season with the Red River Rivalry showdown followed by a home game against Georgia. November will provide a stern test against the conference’s top to middle tier. Expect the Horns to compete for a conference title shot.
Predicted Record: 10-2
Texas A&M (@AggieFootball)
Texas A&M has a new (old) friend in town as the head coach after they paid a whopping $75 million to rid themselves of the failed Jimbo Fisher regime. Former A&M DC and Duke head coach Mike Elko takes over a program in tatters. He has some talent to work with, as returning signal caller Conner Weigman leads the way. The receiver room does have to replace Evan Stewart (Oregon) and Ainias Smith (NFL). They have Moose Muhammad III, Noah Thomas, and Jahdae Walker to replenish the production. Louisiana Tech transfer Cyrus Allen will complement the trio. The offensive line is mainly returning intact, but Layden Robinson needs replacing. Towards that end, they brought in Kansas transfer Ar’maj Reed-Adams.
Coach Elko’s stop unit has some lost heavy hitters to the NFL and the portal, but the Aggies have a lot of talent returning. Talents like Purdue transfer EDGE Nic Scourton, LB Solomon DeShields (Pitt), S Trey Jones III (CMU), LB Scooby Williams (Florida), and CB BJ Mayes (UAB). Returning contributors like Tyreek Chappell, Shemar Turner, and DJ Hicks are expected to play more prominent roles. A&M will have some work to do to replace Walter Nolen (Ole Miss) and the Overton brothers (Micah to Arkansas State and LT to Alabama). Elko should have the defense back in business during the 2024 season and beyond.
The schedule isn’t too grueling, but opening against Notre Dame will be an exciting test. Trips to the Swamp and Jerry World could also be challenging games. In October, the Aggies will host two title favorites. Renewing acquaintances with eternal blood rival Texas and traveling to the Plains are questions to answer. The Aggies will be in contention for the top honors until the final stretch in 2024.
Predicted Record: 8-4
Vanderbilt (@VandyFootball)
Vanderbilt fell back to Earth last season after reaching five wins in 2022. Coach Clark Lea enters his fourth season needing to show that the regression isn’t a worrying trend. He brought in a pair from Las Cruces to aid his offense. Former NMSU OC Tim Lester and QB Diego Pavia are in Nashville to expedite the offensive rebuild. The Commodores need some help at receiver with London Humphrey (Georgia) and Will Sheppard (Colorado) off to other programs. They brought another former NMSU Aggie to help with tight end Eli Stowers. Vandy’s offensive line went through a reset with three experienced transfers like Liberty’s Chase Mitchell, Steven Hubbard (UTEP), and Steven Losoya (Miss State). Defensively, they brought Purdue’s EDGE Khordae Sydnor to help the line. The secondary also received assistance with TCU’s Randon Fontenette and Eastern Washington’s Marlon Jones, Jr joining up.
The schedule isn’t too heavy on the conference powers, but the Commodores face tough ones. Vanderbilt has a chance to have a winning September if things break their way. October will be a tough road to travel as they host Alabama and Texas between two hard road dates. There is a good chance they will improve on the 2023 record, but bowl eligibility may be out of reach.
Predicted Record: 4-8
Conference Championship: Ole Miss vs. Georgia
SEC Title Winner: Georgia
Joseph is a veteran writer of many publications past and present. He is a long-time Tennessee Titans fan and draft scout/analyst, along with writing about the league is a passion project. Mr. Yun has been credentialed to the Senior Bowl multiple times. Readers will find he brings the juice with a scout’s eye and analytical mind. Follow me on Twitter @2Yoon2ZeroBlitz for more good stuff!