The 2024 season ought to be an enchanting one for the SEC. Its membership will swell for the primary time since 2012, and simply the second time for the reason that flip of the century, with Texas and Oklahoma set to formally take part July. 

Due to the elevated energy of the convention, the SEC looks like a digital shoe-in to place a number of groups within the expanded 12-team Faculty Soccer Playoff area. Even so, spots are going to come back at a premium, and the extent of competitors simply bought considerably harder for the SEC’s myriad playoff hopefuls. 

Internally, convention stalwarts like Alabama underwent loads of change. Legendary coach Nick Saban retired, making approach for a brand new regime in Tuscaloosa for the primary time in nearly twenty years. Ex-Washington boss Kalen DeBoer is ready to steer the Crimson Tide on this time of immense transition, with championship expectations ever-present round considered one of school soccer’s premier packages. 

Forward of a extremely anticipated 2024 marketing campaign, every SEC college took the sphere in March and April for his or her respective spring apply slates. Most capped the spring window with an exhibition recreation, giving us a peak at what groups appear like in a simulated recreation setting. On condition that the final couple of months supplied the primary actual motion of this athletic cycle, there’s a lot to overreact to now that every SEC crew has put a bow on its spring apply slate. 

Alabama

Crimson Tide going through hassle alongside the defensive entrance: Due to current stars like Will Anderson Jr. and Dallas Turner, we have grown accustomed to the Crimson Tide churning out elite cross rushers on a constant foundation. Alabama’s spring recreation confirmed that DeBoer and Co. have work to do in that space. Not one of the Crimson Tide’s edge rushers actually stood out, although they have been going in opposition to a shorthanded and largely inexperienced Alabama offensive line that was breaking in two new offensive tackles. 

The protection did get first rate sack totals, however that was largely because of the truth that the quarterback wasn’t stay — a defender merely wanted to get within the neighborhood of a sign caller to be credited with a sack. Even then, quarterback Jalen Milroe had 65 sack-adjusted yards speeding, together with a 35-yard landing, whereas backup Ty Simpson added 58 yards of his personal. That brings up one other regarding sample: although Alabama’s defensive inside is stuffed with veterans, and potential starter Jaheim Oatis was out with an harm, the road bought pushed off the ball approach too typically and allowed frequent chunk performs within the run recreation. 

The offense might be higher regardless of main losses: Arkansas misplaced the soul of its offense when quarterback KJ Jefferson and operating again Raheim Sanders hit the switch portal. That left new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino scrambling to seek out replacements for the Razorbacks’ two most necessary gamers from the previous few seasons. Surprisingly, if the spring recreation is any indication, Arkansas might be simply high-quality. Greater than high-quality, in reality. Even with Jefferson and Sanders (who did miss half the yr because of harm) current final season, the Razorbacks fielded one of many SEC’s most ineffective offenses. 

Quick-forward to April, and Petrino’s unit appeared like a well-oiled machine with an nearly totally new solid taking the sphere. Boise State switch quarterback Taylen Inexperienced match proper in, finishing 17 of his 22 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns. Ex-Utah operating again Ja’Quinden Jackson, a 6-foot-2 and 228-pound tank harking back to Arkansas operating backs of yore, ran rampant with a minimum of 80 mixed yards and three complete touchdowns in comparatively restricted motion. These two are the brand new duo to look at in Fayetteville, and that might translate into large numbers for the Hogs. 

WR Cam Coleman will lead the crew as freshman: Auburn’s offense was hampered by inconsistent quarterback play and an absence of high quality receivers final season. Nobody on the crew completed with greater than 400 yards receiving. Seeing a transparent want, coach Hugh Freeze labored laborious this offseason to utterly revamp the place. He labored the switch portal to herald a pair of instant-impact gamers in Robert Lewis (Georgia State) and Sam Jackson V, a transformed quarterback from California who bought first-team reps within the spring. 

Nevertheless it’s a real freshman that already seems to be just like the Alpha of the group. Former five-star prospect Cam Coleman, the No. 5 total participant within the Class of 2024, was the very best participant on the sphere in Auburn’s spring recreation. He simply brings a unique dynamic to this offense along with his 6-foot-3 body, his large pace and athleticism, and his contested catch potential. Do not be stunned if, by season’s finish, Coleman is properly out in entrance of Auburn’s different receivers regardless of his restricted expertise on the collegiate degree. 

Extra: Auburn WR depth chart projection after KeAndre Lambert-Smith transfers in

QB DJ Lagway wants a task this season: Graham Mertz was quietly nice for Florida final yr. He was environment friendly as a passer with command of the offense, and he elevated the play of these round him with correct throws and sound decision-making. He is again for an additional yr in Gainesville, and his beginning spot ought to be comparatively safe, however freshman quarterback DJ Lagway has to see the sphere. If nothing else, he may give Gators trustworthy purpose to hope in regards to the future after a few lackluster years beneath coach Billy Napier. The No. 3 prospect nationally and No. 1 quarterback within the Class of 2024 lived as much as the billing in his unofficial Florida debut, finishing 12 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns. Each of his landing throws completely jumped out of his arm and zipped into a decent window to the large receiver. Lagway can be a wonderful rusher, so maybe Florida can get artistic with some packages to get him on the sphere early on into his profession. 

The Bulldogs’ passing assault will end top-3 nationally: Carson Beck is a recognized commodity after a breakout 2023 season with the Bulldogs. Due to his 3,941 yards passing, the Bulldogs completed simply exterior of the top-10 with 305.3 yards passing per recreation. Regardless of the lack of stalwarts like tight finish Brock Bowers and large receiver Ladd McConkey, Georgia goes to take it to a different degree this yr. Its insane depth at large receiver was on show within the spring recreation, with former Missouri switch Dominic Lovett stealing the present as he reeled in a number of circus catches. Dillon Bell, Rara Thomas and Miami switch Colbie Younger are all reliable weapons. Freshman Anthony Evans brings elite pace to the group and might carve out a distinct segment due to his toolset. It is likely to be missing in star energy, however this Georgia offense has loads of punch.

The crew’s pass-catchers will make QB Brock Vandagriff a success: On paper, Vandagriff is ideal for what Kentucky likes to do on offense. There’s some concern about his inexperience, although, given the truth that the previous top-50 prospect tried simply 21 passes in three seasons at Georgia. Although there is likely to be some rising pains as a first-year starter, Kentucky’s deep receiving corps will be sure that Vandagriff has success in his first yr. The Wildcats have steadily constructed one of many SEC’s most spectacular teams of receivers. The 6-foot-3 Dane Secret is a gradual hand who led the Wildcats in receiving final season. Barion Brown is a dynamic play-maker with game-breaking pace when he has the ball in his arms. Texas A&M switch Raymond Cottrell Jr. has loads of upside as a former blue-chip prospect, whereas North Texas’ Ja’Mori Maclin ought to proceed Kentucky’s stretch of fantastic play from the slot place. There’s sufficient items right here for a really potent passing assault. 

LSU will go 2-0 in opposition to California’s Large Ten faculties: LSU boasts a singular schedule in 2024 with a very difficult nonconference slate. The Tigers need to play not one, however two of California’s premier packages in USC and UCLA, newcomers to the Large Ten. Luckily for LSU, it would not need to journey to both crew’s stadium. The Tigers open the yr in opposition to the Trojans in Las Vegas at a really perfect time as USC might be breaking in each a brand new quarterback following Caleb Williams’ departure and a brand new defensive path after coach Lincoln Riley moved on from longtime collaborator Alex Grinch. Three weeks later, LSU welcomes a UCLA crew that’s shifting ahead after coach Chip Kelly’s offseason departure. These are prime alternatives for the Tigers to make an early season assertion and construct momentum in the direction of a loaded convention slate. 

The Rebels will push for an SEC title: Ole Miss did not have a correct spring recreation, so it is laborious to attract any main takeaways from largely closed off spring apply periods. Nonetheless, this Rebels crew has the expertise to compete on a nationwide stage. Quarterback Jaxson Dart is again to run the offense, and he has an arsenal of weapons to which he can unfold the ball. To offset the lack of star operating again Quinshon Judkins, Ole Miss has loaded up on a secure via the switch portal and lately nabbed a dedication from ex-New Mexico rusher Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who had 1,000 yards speeding final season. 

The protection bought higher by way of the portal as properly. Former Texas A&M defensive lineman Walter Nolen and Florida edge rusher Princely Umanmielen vastly enhance a defensive entrance that bought overwhelmed at instances final season. Ole Miss additionally performs a particularly favorable schedule. The Rebels dodge Alabama, the most important thorn of their facet from the previous few years, and get each Oklahoma and Georgia at house. With the convention’s new format, Lane Kiffin’s squad can brunt one loss and nonetheless make it to Atlanta — and certain much more.

The Bulldogs will miss out on a bowl recreation: Jeff Lebby goes to face some rising pains in his first yr as coach. The Bulldogs gained a single SEC recreation final season and misplaced a number of starters to each the switch portal and NFL Draft, together with one of many convention’s greatest linebacker duos in Jett Johnson and Nathaniel Watson, plus record-holding beginning quarterback Will Rogers. 

Although Rogers’ anticipated substitute, Baylor switch Blake Shapen, carved up Mississippi State’s secondary within the spring recreation, it is laborious to see him as a high-impact starter on the SEC degree after his profession at Baylor. The offense has some expertise and the offensive line seems to be strong, however that spring recreation dredged up some critical questions in regards to the protection. The entrance seven could not get a complete lot of push on the line of scrimmage, and the secondary appeared misplaced at sure factors. Mississippi State most likely is not constructed to play catch-up on a schedule that options street video games in opposition to Texas, Georgia, Tennessee and Ole Miss. 

Missouri 

The Tigers will make the Faculty Soccer Playoff: Its window is actually now. Missouri will doubtless solely benefit from the duo of quarterback Brady Cook dinner and large receiver Luther Burden for yet one more season, so they could as properly make the most of it. Outdoors these two, Missouri has loads of expertise at receiver, an offensive line that plugged its lacking items with a switch haul that features Cayden Inexperienced, a top-15 total prospect in 247Sports’ switch rankings, and changed the outgoing Cody Schrader with a probable secure of operating backs highlighted by one other pair of transfers in Marcus Carroll (Georgia State) and Nate Noel (Appalachian State). The Tigers will doubtless be a minimum of slight favorites in 10 video games on their schedule, which suggests they will need to steal a win in opposition to both Alabama or Oklahoma to really feel actually good about their probabilities of making the 12-team area. That ought to be doable for this darkhorse squad. 

Oklahoma

The offensive line might be high-quality: The discuss surrounding Oklahoma’s spring apply slate orbited across the offensive line, for good purpose. The Sooners have to interchange 5 gamers uwith beginning expertise up entrance and break in a first-year beginning quarterback in former five-star Jackson Arnold. All of this coincides with Oklahoma’s transfer to the SEC, the place successful alongside the road of scrimmage is paramount if a crew hopes to have any success. With that in thoughts, the Sooners hit the portal throughout the winter window and introduced in 4 potential starters to mesh with returning gamers pushing for greater roles. The primary crew that Oklahoma placed on the sphere in its spring recreation did job regardless of lacking key gamers because of harm. The unit ought to see additional enchancment when SMU switch Branson Hickman joins the crew over the summer time. 

LaNorris Sellers would be the beginning QB: Coach Shane Beamer will not decide to it till nearer to the season, nevertheless it’s clear who might be operating South Carolina’s offense this fall. Sellers, a former three-star prospect out of Florence, South Carolina, appeared properly forward of his opponents within the Gamecocks’ spring recreation. He accomplished 9 of 11 passes for 70 yards and rushed for an additional 38 yards. On the primary drive of the sport, he related on all 4 of his cross makes an attempt and capped issues off with a speeding landing. The 6-foot-3 and 240-pound Sellers has wonderful athleticism and a powerful arm. If how he carried out within the spring is any indiction, he may give defenses matches in 2024. 

Tennessee

The defensive position might be among the many nation’s greatest: Tennessee’s protection has steadily improved over the primary few years beneath coach Josh Heupel, although it is nonetheless a piece in progress. A giant purpose for that regular climb is the improved play of the defensive entrance, mentored by considered one of school soccer’s greatest place coaches in SEC veteran Rodney Garner. That improvement will hits its peak in 2024. The Vols boast one of many deepest and most skilled defensive position rooms in the whole nation. Sort out Omari Thomas is a big-bodied run-stuffer, whereas fellow inside standout Omarr Norman-Lott brings some disruption to the center. Oh, and there is edge rusher James Pearce Jr., who tied for the SEC lead with 10 sacks final season and has the potential to be a top-five decide within the 2025 NFL Draft with immense athleticism and a deep instrument bag of cross rush strikes. There are different gamers with beginning expertise behind these names, and with such an in depth rotation, Tennessee’s entrance seven has all of the potential on this planet. 

Texas 

QB Arch Manning is able to go: Manning will not need to go this season — Quinn Ewers is firmly entrenched as Texas’ starter — however be it because of unexpected circumstances in 2024 or past as soon as the beginning job opens up, Manning confirmed that he’ll be capable to stay as much as the lofty billing typically related along with his identify. He accomplished 19 of his 26 passes for 355 yards and three touchdowns in Texas’ spring recreation, unquestionably his most spectacular efficiency in a Longhorns uniform but. He had two separated 75-yard landing throws, together with one to DeAndre Moore that traveled a minimum of 50 yards via the air. It is time to get this hype practice rolling down the tracks as soon as extra. 

Texas A&M 

Mike Elko will match Jimbo Fisher’s greatest regular-season win complete: This is not essentially the very best bar to clear. Fisher by no means gained greater than eight video games in a full common season throughout his time with the Aggies, and issues actually took a dip in recent times, culminating in Texas A&M’s expensive (actually) firing of Fisher. After a whirlwind teaching search, the Aggies brass landed on Elko, a former Texas A&M defensive coordinator and Duke’s coach, as Fisher’s substitute. Elko instantly went to work rebuilding a Texas A&M roster that misplaced a variety of expertise within the wake of Fisher’s termination and netted the No. 2 class in 247Sports’ Crew Switch Rankings. 

On prime of that, the Aggies return beginning quarterback Conner Weigman who, when wholesome, has proven upside as the most effective signal-callers within the SEC. Elko gained eight regular-season video games in his first yr at Duke and led the Blue Devils to a 7-5 file final season regardless of coping with some main accidents, so there’s loads of purpose to suppose that he can obtain much more with the talent-base accessible to him by teaching at Texas A&M. 

The Commodores can have the SEC’s worst passing assault: This regardless of a sturdy quarterback switch haul that options two former starters from different packages. The Commodores have been really fairly efficient shifting the ball via the air final yr, ending forward of the likes of Alabama, Kentucky and Auburn 223.7 passing yards per recreation. However each of Vandy’s highest-upside quarterbacks in AJ Swann and Walter Taylor transferred out of Nashville to fill backup spots elsewhere. Vanderbilt’s three main receivers — Will Sheppard, London Humphreys and Jayden McGowan — all left by way of the portal as properly. The Commodores have tried to make use of the portal of their favor to cease the bleeding. New Mexico State switch Diego Pavia is a gradual hand at quarterback, whereas Utah switch Nate Johnson brings one other dimension to the offense along with his speeding potential. However there’s simply not a lot purpose for optimism round this Vanderbilt offense given what it has to interchange.