The Sooners kick off the season against FCS-level Illinois State Redbirds, which should allow them to refine their systems before facing Power Four opponents.
One could argue Illinois State deserves a higher ranking than the Kent State Golden Flashes. They are perennial bottom-feeders — not just in the MAC but the entire nation.
I’m as big of a K.C. Keeler fan as the next college analyst, but it will take time for him to turn the Temple Owls into a competitive football team.
Even if Penn State transfer Beau Pribula emerges as an efficient passer, roster turnover could keep the Tigers from competing for a top spot in the SEC.
Payton Thorne was a problem for the Auburn Tigers, but the problem could still be at head coach (Hugh Freeze). Regardless, Oklahoma transfer Jackson Arnold joins the squad after being benched last season and has quite the arsenal around him.
Shane Beamer has the South Carolina Gamecocks humming, with QB LaNorris Sellers leading the offense and EDGE Dylan Stewart headlining the defense.
Time will tell if the Ole Miss Rebels can remain successful without Jaxson Dart at the helm, but Lane Kiffin should continue to produce fireworks in Oxford.
Remember Sellers vs. Mateer? Let me introduce you to DJ Lagway vs. Mateer. The Florida Gators’ former five-star shined toward the end of last season, leading the program to four straight wins.
Nico Iamaleava led the Tennesee Volunteers to a College Football Playoff berth in his first season as a starter. Does Year 2 hold even more success?
For the first time since 2007, the Alabama Crimson Tide finished a season with less than 10 wins (9-4). Kalen DeBoer’s seat is already heating up, so he re-upped with former longtime OC Ryan Grubb, who spent a year as the play-caller for the Seattle Seahawks.
Out-of-conference games typically don’t bring much excitement, with SEC squads opting to play lower levels of competition to boost their record. But the Sooners are taking on the Michigan Wolverines in Week 2.
The Texas Longhorns made back-to-back CFP semifinal appearances with Quinn Ewers at the helm. If Arch Manning lives up to the hype generated by his last name, Steve Sarkisian’s squad could finally get over the hump.
