He should help the Gamecocks inch forward in Shane Beamer’s second season, but not quite into the top 25. South Carolina (Athlon ranking: Unranked) – Quarterback Spencer Rattler is the single most impressive transfer addition in the SEC, and he addresses a massive need. My skepticism of Ole Miss is tied to it being unproven at quarterback and linebacker.
Count me among those who think Kiffin’s “Portal King” strategy will prove effective. Count coach Lane Kiffin among those who wonder how the volume of transfers will affect team chemistry. Ole Miss (Unranked) – The Rebels may be the SEC’s most boom-or-bust team, due to a transfer-laden lineup. However, a brutal schedule that includes nonconference tests against Cincinnati and BYU keeps me from stumping for a loftier projection. Quarterback KJ Jefferson is a stud, and transfer wide receiver Jadon Haselwood and linebacker Drew Sanders should be particularly impactful. 22) – I’m as optimism as anyone about Arkansas’ sleeper-team prospects. Outside of Alabama in the SEC Championship, though, I don’t see any regular-season stumbling blocks.Īrkansas (No. Still, Georgia will endure a noticeable step back, particularly on defense, after such sweeping exits. Credit Kirby Smart’s steadfast recruiting success for that. 3) – Georgia is one of the few programs that could lose 15 players to the NFL Draft and make the playoff the following season. Oh, and the Tide added five high-impact transfers. Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young is joined by linebacker Will Anderson, whom I rate as college football’s best player. This is one of Saban’s most-loaded teams. 1) – Offseason narratives about Nick Saban’s dynasty being vulnerable amid an era of name, image and likeness deals will look foolish after Alabama goes undefeated. The return of running back John Emery (from academic inligibility) and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (from injury) will accelerate the offense. So will an important haul of transfers that should boost the offensive line and secondary, in particular. But win a lot of games? Kelly does that regularly.
LSU (Athlon ranking: Unranked) – Brian Kelly has not proven he can win the big game. Plus, are we sure the Aggies are sound at quarterback? They have a three-deep battle, but I’m unconvinced that will produce a star. OK, so let’s revisit this in 2023, when those ballyhooed recruits are drier behind the ears. The Aggies suffered some notable attrition off last year’s eight-win team, and some of the bullishness surrounding A&M is linked to its No. 5) – Preseason flattery for the Aggies is customary, and more often than not, Texas A&M’s performance doesn’t live up to the hype. Tennessee’s offense is good enough to outscore poor to mediocre competition, but the Vols’ defense hasn’t proven up to positioning UT for success against good teams. 18) – This is a smidge lofty for the Vols, who should remain an offensive juggernaut but must replace their best three players off an already suspect defense.
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