SEC News, Schedule, Analysis - Last Word on College Football https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/category/sec/ College Football Team News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumors Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:06:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 New Quarterback in 2025 Opens up Offense for Alabama Crimson Tide https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/19/alabama-crimson-tide-quarterback/ https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/19/alabama-crimson-tide-quarterback/#respond Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:30:13 +0000 https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/?p=73028 Jalen Milroe certainly had his moments while serving as the starting quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide. 2023, his first year as the starter, was a magical run. It looked to continue in 2024, but after the matchup with the Georgia Bulldogs, he did not look like the same guy.

Head coach Kalen DeBoer has big plans for the offense moving forward. With the ongoing quarterback battle between Austin Mack, Ty Simpson, and Keelon Russell, any of the three will prove a change of pace from Milroe. All three are more pocket passers than runners. While the contrast in styles will be drastic, it could prove to be a boon for the offensive production.

New Quarterback in 2025 Opens up Offense for Alabama Crimson Tide

DeBoer's Thoughts

DeBoer spoke with reporters on Tuesday with practice resuming. One question the coach was asked was how he expected to make up the production lost by quarterback scrambles.

https://twitter.com/aldotcomTide/status/1902133789033165129

"You kind of think, 'Well, the runs Jalen had just translate over to running backs.' But I think a lot of it was the style of offense, too," DeBoer said. "To me, those runs go to the running backs, but they also might be a few more pass attempts that you have that the play-action games gets opened up by more handoffs to the tailback. I see a lot of that kind of developing right now with the play-action game because there are more carries that the running backs have. The system is the same. The concepts are the same. It's just what direction you call more plays when it comes to the style of runs, which are definitely tailback-oriented right now, for sure, than what we saw a year ago."

It is easy to see the plan. Whichever quarterback takes the snaps will be handing the ball off more than we have seen in years past. As usual, the Crimson Tide has a stout running back room. With Jamarion Miller seemingly leading the way, the unit can wreak havoc on opposing defenses. Once the ground game gets established, the defense will begin to cheat up to the line of scrimmage. At that point, the top will come off with the quarterback throwing a play-action pass.

https://twitter.com/EJunkie215/status/1844032913207398803

Quarterback Room Built for This

Any of the three currently in battle for the starting role would do fine as the de facto field general. Russell is an expected superstar, but he is still just a freshman. He could need more time to get acclimated to this level before we see his full potential. Simpson and Mack are veterans of this level of play. Neither has been a starter to this point, but they are farther along in their development.

A field general role could be the way to go. Let the running backs carry the load, then catch the defense sleeping with a deep ball to Ryan Williams. The system has worked in the past. Guys like AJ McCarron, Greg McElroy, and Jake Coker looked like studs in the role. Mac Jones made people believe he could be a starting quarterback in the NFL.

Until one of the quarterbacks shows otherwise, this is the safest path with the highest chance for success. Let Russell develop and acclimate to the college level. Limit the chances of Simpson or Mack turning the ball over. Give formerly 17-year-old superstar Williams more deep opportunities.

It is a tried and true method that has worked for decades. The old ways work, and we could see more of them in 2025.

 

Main Image:  Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The post New Quarterback in 2025 Opens up Offense for Alabama Crimson Tide appeared first on Last Word on College Football.

]]>

Jalen Milroe certainly had his moments while serving as the starting quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide. 2023, his first year as the starter, was a magical run. It looked to continue in 2024, but after the matchup with the Georgia Bulldogs, he did not look like the same guy.

Head coach Kalen DeBoer has big plans for the offense moving forward. With the ongoing quarterback battle between Austin Mack, Ty Simpson, and Keelon Russell, any of the three will prove a change of pace from Milroe. All three are more pocket passers than runners. While the contrast in styles will be drastic, it could prove to be a boon for the offensive production.

New Quarterback in 2025 Opens up Offense for Alabama Crimson Tide

DeBoer’s Thoughts

DeBoer spoke with reporters on Tuesday with practice resuming. One question the coach was asked was how he expected to make up the production lost by quarterback scrambles.

“You kind of think, ‘Well, the runs Jalen had just translate over to running backs.’ But I think a lot of it was the style of offense, too,” DeBoer said. “To me, those runs go to the running backs, but they also might be a few more pass attempts that you have that the play-action games gets opened up by more handoffs to the tailback. I see a lot of that kind of developing right now with the play-action game because there are more carries that the running backs have. The system is the same. The concepts are the same. It’s just what direction you call more plays when it comes to the style of runs, which are definitely tailback-oriented right now, for sure, than what we saw a year ago.”

It is easy to see the plan. Whichever quarterback takes the snaps will be handing the ball off more than we have seen in years past. As usual, the Crimson Tide has a stout running back room. With Jamarion Miller seemingly leading the way, the unit can wreak havoc on opposing defenses. Once the ground game gets established, the defense will begin to cheat up to the line of scrimmage. At that point, the top will come off with the quarterback throwing a play-action pass.

Quarterback Room Built for This

Any of the three currently in battle for the starting role would do fine as the de facto field general. Russell is an expected superstar, but he is still just a freshman. He could need more time to get acclimated to this level before we see his full potential. Simpson and Mack are veterans of this level of play. Neither has been a starter to this point, but they are farther along in their development.

A field general role could be the way to go. Let the running backs carry the load, then catch the defense sleeping with a deep ball to Ryan Williams. The system has worked in the past. Guys like AJ McCarron, Greg McElroy, and Jake Coker looked like studs in the role. Mac Jones made people believe he could be a starting quarterback in the NFL.

Until one of the quarterbacks shows otherwise, this is the safest path with the highest chance for success. Let Russell develop and acclimate to the college level. Limit the chances of Simpson or Mack turning the ball over. Give formerly 17-year-old superstar Williams more deep opportunities.

It is a tried and true method that has worked for decades. The old ways work, and we could see more of them in 2025.

 

Main Image:  Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The post New Quarterback in 2025 Opens up Offense for Alabama Crimson Tide appeared first on Last Word on College Football.

]]> https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/19/alabama-crimson-tide-quarterback/feed/ 0 SEC Tailgate Talk: 2025 SEC Schedule Adjustments Part 1 https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/18/sec-tailgate-talk-2025-sec-schedule-adjustments-part-1/ https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/18/sec-tailgate-talk-2025-sec-schedule-adjustments-part-1/#respond Tue, 18 Mar 2025 13:00:01 +0000 https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/?p=73007 Sometimes, a conversation with friends can spark a thought or idea. The banter among our Last Word on College Football writers is rich. We have strong conference allegiances and stronger opinions. One of our conversations this week centered on scheduling and how to improve it among the conferences. Since this article carries the banner for the SEC, we thought we would take our shot at the idea. Over the next two weeks, we will put on our conference commissioner hat and look at how to reshape the SEC games for our 16 teams. The first installment to the 2025 SEC schedule adjustment will include adding a ninth conference game for each team and creating an ACC vs. SEC challenge.

SEC Tailgate Talk: 2025 SEC Schedule Adjustments

Why the ninth game?

Eight or nine is the modern-day "to be or not to be" question for the SEC. The SEC does not play nine conference games, (neither does the ACC). We've heard the arguments. The SEC is a gauntlet; the schedule is a meat grinder. It will wear you down and spit you out. Nick Saban was a fan; he even argued during the COVID season of 2021 that the league should stay at 10 conference games. Teams in the middle or bottom tier of the league have fought the addition of another conference game. They would rather play the likes of Akron or Old Dominion than travel to Missouri or Florida.

Times change, and the conversations are evolving. Greg Sankey told Paul Finebaum that expansion could be coming but would not come easy. “I’m one who said I really think we ought to be trying to move towards a nine-game conference schedule," Sankey said. "I think that can be positive for a lot of reasons. You watch the interest around conference games. But not if that causes us to lose opportunities.”

Sankey speaks of the loss of opportunities related to bids to the College Football Playoff. Finebaum and the rest of the SEC were hot after Alabama, Ole Miss, and South Carolina were left on the outside looking in after last season. The Playoff is likely expanding and may come with automatic bids. These assurances make an additional ninth game more palatable.

2025 SEC Schedule Adjustments: Additional SEC Conference Game

So, what math did we use to add another conference game to our 2025 SEC Schedule adjustments? This is an easy fix and could add some fluidity to schedule releases. We kept intact the two-year home and away agreements for 2024 and 2025. Then, we used the 2024 conference standings to match up the highest-seeded teams against one another. The only criterion is the teams could not already be playing. That is why No. 1 Texas would play No. 3 Tennessee instead of No.2 Georgia. The Longhorns are scheduled to travel Between the Hedges to face the Bullgods on November 15.

Take a look at the eight additional games listed below. Most of these games involve bad blood between the two schools—see Ole Miss vs. Alabama or South Carolina vs. Florida. We also have an old Southwest Conference clash between Arkansas and Oklahoma. Whether Texas vs. Tennessee is in Austin or Knoxville, that television number is almost guaranteed to exceed 10 million. It seems so easy, so why won't we just make the switch?

Why Pick the ACC to Challenge?

The SEC and ACC already have a longstanding history. Georgia, South Carolina, and Kentucky already have traditional rivalries against their in-state ACC opponents. We liked the idea of adding another P4 game against the SEC teams. When selecting the conference though, we went with media rights over what may have made the most sense, initially.

Sure, everyone wants to see an SEC vs. B1G challenge. These are the two biggest and strongest conferences in college football. The challenge is that these two conferences have competing media rights deals. The SEC just inked a new deal with ESPN that paid big dividends with plenty of eyeballs in 2024. The B1G's primary deal is with Fox, and its rights are shared with NBC and CBS. Mixing media rights adds another layer neither this writer nor the conference probably wants to get into. So, we made what made the most sense. The SEC would partner with the ACC since they both hold ESPN media deals. The B1G and Big 12 could get together since both have media deals with Fox.

SEC vs. ACC Challenge

The SEC vs. ACC challenge could add some spice to the 2025 SEC schedule readjustment. We did not touch the existing rivalries. Instead, we focused on placing teams together based on their standings. The results provide some intriguing matchups. Texas and SMU battle for bragging rights in the Lone Star state. Georgia and Clemson can continue their rivalry, hopefully not in Atlanta but in Athens or at the foot of Howard's Rock.

Looking at the matchups, you could reason that the SEC would likely be favored in 12-13. But these are why the games are played. They not only add another opportunity to brag and a measuring contest at the water cooler but also provide another quality data point that would make the need for AQs for either conference irrelevant. Let the arguments be settled on the field.

  • Texas vs. SMU
  • Georgia vs. Clemson
  • Tennessee vs. Miami (Fl.)
  • Missouri vs. Syracuse
  • Ole Miss vs. Louisville
  • Alabama vs. Georgia Tech
  • LSU vs. Duke
  • South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech
  • Texas A&M vs. Boston College
  • Florida vs. NC State
  • Arkansas vs. Pittsburgh
  • Vanderbilt vs. Virginia
  • Oklahoma vs. UNC
  • Auburn vs. California
  • Kentucky vs. Wake Forest 
  • Mississippi State vs. Stanford

Flordia State gets left out of the mix (Shame), but that kinda sums up its 2024 season. Tune in next week, as we add another conference challenge and also pick what non-conference game each team can keep.

 

Main Image: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

The post SEC Tailgate Talk: 2025 SEC Schedule Adjustments Part 1 appeared first on Last Word on College Football.

]]>

Sometimes, a conversation with friends can spark a thought or idea. The banter among our Last Word on College Football writers is rich. We have strong conference allegiances and stronger opinions. One of our conversations this week centered on scheduling and how to improve it among the conferences. Since this article carries the banner for the SEC, we thought we would take our shot at the idea. Over the next two weeks, we will put on our conference commissioner hat and look at how to reshape the SEC games for our 16 teams. The first installment to the 2025 SEC schedule adjustment will include adding a ninth conference game for each team and creating an ACC vs. SEC challenge.

SEC Tailgate Talk: 2025 SEC Schedule Adjustments

Why the ninth game?

Eight or nine is the modern-day “to be or not to be” question for the SEC. The SEC does not play nine conference games, (neither does the ACC). We’ve heard the arguments. The SEC is a gauntlet; the schedule is a meat grinder. It will wear you down and spit you out. Nick Saban was a fan; he even argued during the COVID season of 2021 that the league should stay at 10 conference games. Teams in the middle or bottom tier of the league have fought the addition of another conference game. They would rather play the likes of Akron or Old Dominion than travel to Missouri or Florida.

Times change, and the conversations are evolving. Greg Sankey told Paul Finebaum that expansion could be coming but would not come easy. “I’m one who said I really think we ought to be trying to move towards a nine-game conference schedule,” Sankey said. “I think that can be positive for a lot of reasons. You watch the interest around conference games. But not if that causes us to lose opportunities.”

Sankey speaks of the loss of opportunities related to bids to the College Football Playoff. Finebaum and the rest of the SEC were hot after Alabama, Ole Miss, and South Carolina were left on the outside looking in after last season. The Playoff is likely expanding and may come with automatic bids. These assurances make an additional ninth game more palatable.

2025 SEC Schedule Adjustments: Additional SEC Conference Game

So, what math did we use to add another conference game to our 2025 SEC Schedule adjustments? This is an easy fix and could add some fluidity to schedule releases. We kept intact the two-year home and away agreements for 2024 and 2025. Then, we used the 2024 conference standings to match up the highest-seeded teams against one another. The only criterion is the teams could not already be playing. That is why No. 1 Texas would play No. 3 Tennessee instead of No.2 Georgia. The Longhorns are scheduled to travel Between the Hedges to face the Bullgods on November 15.

Take a look at the eight additional games listed below. Most of these games involve bad blood between the two schools—see Ole Miss vs. Alabama or South Carolina vs. Florida. We also have an old Southwest Conference clash between Arkansas and Oklahoma. Whether Texas vs. Tennessee is in Austin or Knoxville, that television number is almost guaranteed to exceed 10 million. It seems so easy, so why won’t we just make the switch?

Why Pick the ACC to Challenge?

The SEC and ACC already have a longstanding history. Georgia, South Carolina, and Kentucky already have traditional rivalries against their in-state ACC opponents. We liked the idea of adding another P4 game against the SEC teams. When selecting the conference though, we went with media rights over what may have made the most sense, initially.

Sure, everyone wants to see an SEC vs. B1G challenge. These are the two biggest and strongest conferences in college football. The challenge is that these two conferences have competing media rights deals. The SEC just inked a new deal with ESPN that paid big dividends with plenty of eyeballs in 2024. The B1G’s primary deal is with Fox, and its rights are shared with NBC and CBS. Mixing media rights adds another layer neither this writer nor the conference probably wants to get into. So, we made what made the most sense. The SEC would partner with the ACC since they both hold ESPN media deals. The B1G and Big 12 could get together since both have media deals with Fox.

SEC vs. ACC Challenge

The SEC vs. ACC challenge could add some spice to the 2025 SEC schedule readjustment. We did not touch the existing rivalries. Instead, we focused on placing teams together based on their standings. The results provide some intriguing matchups. Texas and SMU battle for bragging rights in the Lone Star state. Georgia and Clemson can continue their rivalry, hopefully not in Atlanta but in Athens or at the foot of Howard’s Rock.

Looking at the matchups, you could reason that the SEC would likely be favored in 12-13. But these are why the games are played. They not only add another opportunity to brag and a measuring contest at the water cooler but also provide another quality data point that would make the need for AQs for either conference irrelevant. Let the arguments be settled on the field.

  • Texas vs. SMU
  • Georgia vs. Clemson
  • Tennessee vs. Miami (Fl.)
  • Missouri vs. Syracuse
  • Ole Miss vs. Louisville
  • Alabama vs. Georgia Tech
  • LSU vs. Duke
  • South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech
  • Texas A&M vs. Boston College
  • Florida vs. NC State
  • Arkansas vs. Pittsburgh
  • Vanderbilt vs. Virginia
  • Oklahoma vs. UNC
  • Auburn vs. California
  • Kentucky vs. Wake Forest 
  • Mississippi State vs. Stanford

Flordia State gets left out of the mix (Shame), but that kinda sums up its 2024 season. Tune in next week, as we add another conference challenge and also pick what non-conference game each team can keep.

 

Main Image: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

The post SEC Tailgate Talk: 2025 SEC Schedule Adjustments Part 1 appeared first on Last Word on College Football.

]]> https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/18/sec-tailgate-talk-2025-sec-schedule-adjustments-part-1/feed/ 0 SEC Tailgate Talk: 2025 SEC Hot Seat https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/17/sec-tailgate-talk-2025-sec-hot-seat/ https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/17/sec-tailgate-talk-2025-sec-hot-seat/#respond Mon, 17 Mar 2025 13:00:11 +0000 https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/?p=72984 Let's talk about the SEC Hot Seat. Coaching in the SEC  is intense, high-stakes, and relentless. It’s a pressure cooker where success is measured in championships, recruiting dominance, and maintaining a win-or-else mentality. These are not just our perspectives but the facts.  Kirby Smart said as much earlier this week at a Spring ball press conference when he was asked about coaching and turnover in the SEC.

"This league will chew you up and spit you out. This league is brutal when you look across." Smart said. "I'm sitting in an SEC head coach meeting, and there's [Mark] Stoops and I, the most tenured guys, and there's a lot of guys that are in their first three or four years. Then you look at their staffs, and there's tremendous amounts of turnover."

In short, stability is a commodity in the SEC, and the pressure never fades. The 2024 season may have been an anomaly with no head coaching changes, but history tells us that won’t last. That perspective will shape our 2025 SEC hot seat tailgate talk.

SEC Tailgate Talk: 2025 SEC Hot Seat

Hugh Freeze: Auburn Tigers

Hugh Freeze was the answer to the problem that became Bryan Harsin at Auburn. He also leads our SEC host seat list for 2024. Freeze came in at the end of the 2022 season to bring stability and winning back to The Plains. Harsin was a disaster and was a meager 9-12 (4-9 in SEC play) in less than two seasons. Freeze brought a history of winning big at Arkansas State, Ole Miss, and then at Liberty. He is the guy who gave Nick Saban fits and beat him in back-to-back seasons. The results on the field have not measured up. Freeze is 11-14 in two years at Auburn, including a 5-11 record in the SEC. That includes no wins against Georgia or Alabama, two of Auburn's biggest rivals.

Freeze is supposed to be an offensive and quarterback guru. Two years with Payton Thorne makes us question if Freeze has lost his fastball. Thorne is gone, and in comes Oklahoma transfer Jackson Arnold. The former five-star failed to light the world on fire as the Sooner QB. He now heads to The Plains to try to resurrect Freeze's offense. Another disappointing season. Seeing anything less than nine or ten wins could mean Auburn will be back on the search. The buyout is friendly, especially compared to the rest of the names on this list.

Buyout: $20.3 million

Billy Napier: Florida Gators

Florida and Auburn are in similar boats. Teams that have competed and won SEC and national championships. Dan Mullen was fired after three seasons as head coach of the Gators. Mullen took the Gators to two SEC championship games in his short time. All of that success was derailed on a rainy and foggy night when a Gator DB threw a shoe against LSU. After that, the shoes came untied for the Gators. Florida suddenly became non-competitive, and Mullen was soon let go.

Florida beat out LSU for the hottest name in that season's coaching carousel: Billy Napier. Napier was famous in Louisiana for saying, "Scared money, don't make money," in a postgame interview. Napier's time in Florida has been underwhelming, and some could argue that the money is not well spent. Napier's is 15-18 overall with Flordia and just 8-13 in SEC conference play. The Gators missed going bowling and had losing records in each of Napier's first two seasons.

Napier and the Gators showed life at the end of 2024, winning their last four games, including a bowl win, to finish 8-5. Those four wins included wins over LSU, Ole Miss, and Florida State. Much of the success has been attributed to Sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway. Napier's success and ability to stay on the sideline will rest on Lagway's shoulder. The schedule is still daunting. Eight wins probably get Napier another year and would be good enough, and not championships may be the new standard in Gainesville.

Buyout: $26.7 million

Brent Venables: Oklahoma Sooners

'I want to go back. And do it all over again. But I can't go back, I know.' Eddie Money's banger from 1986 (you're welcome for getting that stuck in your head) may very well be the theme song for the 2025 Oklahoma Sooners. Oklahoma was one of the proudest and most successful programs in the Big 12. They were consistently competing and winning conference championships. They were always in the mix for the College Football Playoff. The Sooner learned in 2024 that they're not playing Kansas anymore.  Oklahoma finished the season 6-7 and 13th in the league with a paltry 2-6 conference record.

The results sum up Venables' time as head coach in Norman. Venables' seat may be the hottest of any coach on the 2025 SEC hot seat list. The Sooners continue to backslide and are not showing much promise for 2025. The Sooners tied Arkansas for the most players, 30, to enter the transfer portal. In addition, there continues to be a revolving door for Venables' coordinators. He will take over the play-calling duties on defense and hired Ben Arbuckle from Washington State to take over the offense. Arbuckle brings in quarterback John Mateer to hopefully jumpstart the turnaround. A difficult conference schedule and welcoming in Michigan in Week 2 make the seat grow warmer.

It's a big buyout number in Norma, but what is the cost of turning into Nebraska 2.0 in the SEC?

Buyout: $34.9 million

Brian Kelly: LSU Tigers

A rocking home playoff atmosphere to open the College Football Playoff. They knocked off Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Coming up just short in the national championship game against Ohio State. Not a bad year three at all. Oh wait, that was Marcus Freeman's 2024 season at Notre Dame. The man who replaced Brian Kelly. Kelly left Notre Dame for LSU in 2021, citing a desire to be in an environment with resources to win a national championship, including a dedicated nutrition center, dining hall, and chef for the football program, which he felt was lacking at Notre Dame.

LSU fans must wonder if they should have hired Freeman instead of Kelly. Kelly has been ok at LSU but not great. He is 29-11 at LSU and 17-7 in the SEC in his three seasons. He has an SEC Championship game appearance and had back-to-back 10-win seasons in 2022 and 2023. That may work at Notre Dame, but this is Baton Rouge. LSU demands excellence and championships. Backsliding to 9-4 and missing the College Football Playoff is unacceptable. After not being big-time players in the Portal, Kelly and the Tigers have spent lots of money to bring in more talent to get LSU back on top.

The results must come. Kelly's hefty buyout may keep him safe, but for how long? Winning is a thing at LSU, and their patience is growing thin.

Buyout: $51.7 million

Three Other Names for the 2025 SEC Hot Seat

  • Mark Stoops (Kentucky) had wandering eyes last off-season, heavily flirting with Texas A&M. That makes the 3-9 2024 record and 1-8 SEC record less palatable. A 40+ million dollar buyout likely keeps him in Lexington.
  • Sam Pittman (Arkansas) may be on some lists, but Arkansas should be careful. Pittman has done well in Fayetteville. He has them at 7-9 wins and is in the hunt to go bowling each season. The gamble to find 10 or 11 wins with a new coach is probably more likely to lead to a backslide like at Kentucky or Mississippi State.
  • Jeff Lebby (Mississippi State) is not Mike Leach. Lebby is quiet and has had difficulty getting out of the shadow of Lane in Oxford. The cowbells were largely silent in 2024 and will likely be in 2025. When he was hired, Lebby was Hail State Athletic Director Zak Selmon's top choice. At some point, Lebby will need results, or both may update their LinkedIn profiles to "open to work."

Main Photo: Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The post SEC Tailgate Talk: 2025 SEC Hot Seat appeared first on Last Word on College Football.

]]>

Let’s talk about the SEC Hot Seat. Coaching in the SEC  is intense, high-stakes, and relentless. It’s a pressure cooker where success is measured in championships, recruiting dominance, and maintaining a win-or-else mentality. These are not just our perspectives but the facts.  Kirby Smart said as much earlier this week at a Spring ball press conference when he was asked about coaching and turnover in the SEC.

“This league will chew you up and spit you out. This league is brutal when you look across.” Smart said. “I’m sitting in an SEC head coach meeting, and there’s [Mark] Stoops and I, the most tenured guys, and there’s a lot of guys that are in their first three or four years. Then you look at their staffs, and there’s tremendous amounts of turnover.”

In short, stability is a commodity in the SEC, and the pressure never fades. The 2024 season may have been an anomaly with no head coaching changes, but history tells us that won’t last. That perspective will shape our 2025 SEC hot seat tailgate talk.

SEC Tailgate Talk: 2025 SEC Hot Seat

Hugh Freeze: Auburn Tigers

Hugh Freeze was the answer to the problem that became Bryan Harsin at Auburn. He also leads our SEC host seat list for 2024. Freeze came in at the end of the 2022 season to bring stability and winning back to The Plains. Harsin was a disaster and was a meager 9-12 (4-9 in SEC play) in less than two seasons. Freeze brought a history of winning big at Arkansas State, Ole Miss, and then at Liberty. He is the guy who gave Nick Saban fits and beat him in back-to-back seasons. The results on the field have not measured up. Freeze is 11-14 in two years at Auburn, including a 5-11 record in the SEC. That includes no wins against Georgia or Alabama, two of Auburn’s biggest rivals.

Freeze is supposed to be an offensive and quarterback guru. Two years with Payton Thorne makes us question if Freeze has lost his fastball. Thorne is gone, and in comes Oklahoma transfer Jackson Arnold. The former five-star failed to light the world on fire as the Sooner QB. He now heads to The Plains to try to resurrect Freeze’s offense. Another disappointing season. Seeing anything less than nine or ten wins could mean Auburn will be back on the search. The buyout is friendly, especially compared to the rest of the names on this list.

Buyout: $20.3 million

Billy Napier: Florida Gators

Florida and Auburn are in similar boats. Teams that have competed and won SEC and national championships. Dan Mullen was fired after three seasons as head coach of the Gators. Mullen took the Gators to two SEC championship games in his short time. All of that success was derailed on a rainy and foggy night when a Gator DB threw a shoe against LSU. After that, the shoes came untied for the Gators. Florida suddenly became non-competitive, and Mullen was soon let go.

Florida beat out LSU for the hottest name in that season’s coaching carousel: Billy Napier. Napier was famous in Louisiana for saying, “Scared money, don’t make money,” in a postgame interview. Napier’s time in Florida has been underwhelming, and some could argue that the money is not well spent. Napier’s is 15-18 overall with Flordia and just 8-13 in SEC conference play. The Gators missed going bowling and had losing records in each of Napier’s first two seasons.

Napier and the Gators showed life at the end of 2024, winning their last four games, including a bowl win, to finish 8-5. Those four wins included wins over LSU, Ole Miss, and Florida State. Much of the success has been attributed to Sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway. Napier’s success and ability to stay on the sideline will rest on Lagway’s shoulder. The schedule is still daunting. Eight wins probably get Napier another year and would be good enough, and not championships may be the new standard in Gainesville.

Buyout: $26.7 million

Brent Venables: Oklahoma Sooners

‘I want to go back. And do it all over again. But I can’t go back, I know.’ Eddie Money’s banger from 1986 (you’re welcome for getting that stuck in your head) may very well be the theme song for the 2025 Oklahoma Sooners. Oklahoma was one of the proudest and most successful programs in the Big 12. They were consistently competing and winning conference championships. They were always in the mix for the College Football Playoff. The Sooner learned in 2024 that they’re not playing Kansas anymore.  Oklahoma finished the season 6-7 and 13th in the league with a paltry 2-6 conference record.

The results sum up Venables’ time as head coach in Norman. Venables’ seat may be the hottest of any coach on the 2025 SEC hot seat list. The Sooners continue to backslide and are not showing much promise for 2025. The Sooners tied Arkansas for the most players, 30, to enter the transfer portal. In addition, there continues to be a revolving door for Venables’ coordinators. He will take over the play-calling duties on defense and hired Ben Arbuckle from Washington State to take over the offense. Arbuckle brings in quarterback John Mateer to hopefully jumpstart the turnaround. A difficult conference schedule and welcoming in Michigan in Week 2 make the seat grow warmer.

It’s a big buyout number in Norma, but what is the cost of turning into Nebraska 2.0 in the SEC?

Buyout: $34.9 million

Brian Kelly: LSU Tigers

A rocking home playoff atmosphere to open the College Football Playoff. They knocked off Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Coming up just short in the national championship game against Ohio State. Not a bad year three at all. Oh wait, that was Marcus Freeman’s 2024 season at Notre Dame. The man who replaced Brian Kelly. Kelly left Notre Dame for LSU in 2021, citing a desire to be in an environment with resources to win a national championship, including a dedicated nutrition center, dining hall, and chef for the football program, which he felt was lacking at Notre Dame.

LSU fans must wonder if they should have hired Freeman instead of Kelly. Kelly has been ok at LSU but not great. He is 29-11 at LSU and 17-7 in the SEC in his three seasons. He has an SEC Championship game appearance and had back-to-back 10-win seasons in 2022 and 2023. That may work at Notre Dame, but this is Baton Rouge. LSU demands excellence and championships. Backsliding to 9-4 and missing the College Football Playoff is unacceptable. After not being big-time players in the Portal, Kelly and the Tigers have spent lots of money to bring in more talent to get LSU back on top.

The results must come. Kelly’s hefty buyout may keep him safe, but for how long? Winning is a thing at LSU, and their patience is growing thin.

Buyout: $51.7 million

Three Other Names for the 2025 SEC Hot Seat

  • Mark Stoops (Kentucky) had wandering eyes last off-season, heavily flirting with Texas A&M. That makes the 3-9 2024 record and 1-8 SEC record less palatable. A 40+ million dollar buyout likely keeps him in Lexington.
  • Sam Pittman (Arkansas) may be on some lists, but Arkansas should be careful. Pittman has done well in Fayetteville. He has them at 7-9 wins and is in the hunt to go bowling each season. The gamble to find 10 or 11 wins with a new coach is probably more likely to lead to a backslide like at Kentucky or Mississippi State.
  • Jeff Lebby (Mississippi State) is not Mike Leach. Lebby is quiet and has had difficulty getting out of the shadow of Lane in Oxford. The cowbells were largely silent in 2024 and will likely be in 2025. When he was hired, Lebby was Hail State Athletic Director Zak Selmon’s top choice. At some point, Lebby will need results, or both may update their LinkedIn profiles to “open to work.”

Main Photo: Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The post SEC Tailgate Talk: 2025 SEC Hot Seat appeared first on Last Word on College Football.

]]> https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/17/sec-tailgate-talk-2025-sec-hot-seat/feed/ 0 Gators Kicked Off Spring Practice https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/16/gators-kicked-off-spring-practice/ https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/16/gators-kicked-off-spring-practice/#respond Sun, 16 Mar 2025 13:00:43 +0000 https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/?p=72962 The Gators have now kicked off Spring Practice, with the first practice taking place on March 6th.  Following a routine schedule, practices will be Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This upcoming week, however, is Spring break, and thus, no practices will be held. Head Coach Billy Napier enters the most pivotal season of his coaching career. After a hot finish to last season, expectations are now rising. Florida found its groove late in the season, finishing up with four straight wins. Now entering the Spring, the Gators will be eager to keep the momentum going. The Gators kicked off this offseason by bringing in a top recruiting class, looking for their big breakthrough under Napier.  Returning some key starters, Florida has become a trendy pick to crash the College Football Playoffs. With another daunting schedule ahead, this Spring will give fans an inside look into the validity of this team.

Gators Kicked Off Spring Practice: Practice Notes

5-Star Talent

Cornerback Cormani McClain has not had the college career that many expected of him. The former 5-star spent his first season of college at Colorado with Deion Sanders. However, he decided to enter his name in the transfer portal, arriving in Gainesville last off-season. Playing sparingly, he did register a pick 6 against the Kentucky Wildcats. Now, with Jason Marshall Jr. off to the NFL, a starting spot has opened. Many expect returning starter Devin Moore to man the other corner spot. Dealing with injury issues, he should lead the way as the top cornerback if he can stay on the field. McClain will look to fill the void left by Marshall’s departure. Early returns on his progress indicate that he may indeed be ready to take that next step. Coaches and strength trainers have been raving about his progress both on the field and in the weight room.

Coming out of high school, McClain was one of the most sought-after recruits in the country. After a disappointing start to his career, he appears to be finding his groove once again. One of his biggest knocks was always his size, as many scouts questioned if he was too skinny. So far this offseason, strength coach Tyler Miles stated that he has put on 20 pounds. Rounding out his impressive offseason, McClain also clocked in with a top speed of 23 mph. Taking advantage of these spring workouts, McClain could be in line for a big role in this secondary. Looking like a different player, the Gators are hoping he can lead this young cornerback group. If McClain can have his breakthrough season, Florida could have one of the top secondaries in the SEC.

Young Weapons

As mentioned above, the Gators kicked off the offseason by bringing in a top recruiting class. Specifically, Florida focused on the receiver position, landing one 5-star and two 4-stars. Vernell Brown III, Dallas Wilson, and Naeshaun Montgomery are all looking to make their mark early. All three have received early praise from fellow teammates and coaches. Offensive Coordinator Russ Callaway spoke highly of all the young players. Discussing their work habits, he dictated that they are always ready for the extra reps. With Florida losing its top receiver talent to the NFL, this will be an open competition. Returning Tre Wilson III, behind him the picture is not as clear. This Spring window allows these freshmen the chance to indoctrinate themselves into this offense. If this offense wants to hit its full potential, the freshmen receivers must contribute from day one.

Healthiness a Key Factor

If Florida wants to make a postseason push, they must stay healthy. Last season, the secondary was decimated by injuries. Playing against the Texas Longhorns with mostly backups, the result was as expected. Central to this season is quarterback DJ Lagway. The rising sophomore is a true difference-maker and one of the premier players in all of college football. Last season, he suffered a hamstring injury against the Georgia Bulldogs. Not as severe as many anticipated, he returned to the lineup and spearheaded the Gators' late season push. Now, the Gators are taking his health and availability into full account. Limiting him in throwing drills, Napier does not want to push his star player. Dealing with some shoulder and lower body issues, Florida wants him to move at his own pace. Unfortunately, fans may have to wait a bit longer to see Lagway in a real football setting.

Final Thoughts

As the Gators have kicked off Spring Practice, players are beginning to separate themselves from the pack. Florida has real expectations for this season for the first time in years. They have their quarterback of the future and return some veteran talent. With young players also showing off their skills early, this could be a well-rounded roster. Coach Napier has struggled to break through and take the next step at the University of Florida. This season will certainly be a make-or-break year. With his most talented roster to date, there can be no excuses. As evidenced by the Spring Practices, this team does appear bought in and ready to compete. Injuries will be something to keep an eye on as Florida looks to avoid any season-changing accidents. With Spring Practice underway, fans are getting a small glimpse of the 2025 Florida Gators football team.

Main Photo: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The post Gators Kicked Off Spring Practice appeared first on Last Word on College Football.

]]>

The Gators have now kicked off Spring Practice, with the first practice taking place on March 6th.  Following a routine schedule, practices will be Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This upcoming week, however, is Spring break, and thus, no practices will be held. Head Coach Billy Napier enters the most pivotal season of his coaching career. After a hot finish to last season, expectations are now rising. Florida found its groove late in the season, finishing up with four straight wins. Now entering the Spring, the Gators will be eager to keep the momentum going. The Gators kicked off this offseason by bringing in a top recruiting class, looking for their big breakthrough under Napier.  Returning some key starters, Florida has become a trendy pick to crash the College Football Playoffs. With another daunting schedule ahead, this Spring will give fans an inside look into the validity of this team.

Gators Kicked Off Spring Practice: Practice Notes

5-Star Talent

Cornerback Cormani McClain has not had the college career that many expected of him. The former 5-star spent his first season of college at Colorado with Deion Sanders. However, he decided to enter his name in the transfer portal, arriving in Gainesville last off-season. Playing sparingly, he did register a pick 6 against the Kentucky Wildcats. Now, with Jason Marshall Jr. off to the NFL, a starting spot has opened. Many expect returning starter Devin Moore to man the other corner spot. Dealing with injury issues, he should lead the way as the top cornerback if he can stay on the field. McClain will look to fill the void left by Marshall’s departure. Early returns on his progress indicate that he may indeed be ready to take that next step. Coaches and strength trainers have been raving about his progress both on the field and in the weight room.

Coming out of high school, McClain was one of the most sought-after recruits in the country. After a disappointing start to his career, he appears to be finding his groove once again. One of his biggest knocks was always his size, as many scouts questioned if he was too skinny. So far this offseason, strength coach Tyler Miles stated that he has put on 20 pounds. Rounding out his impressive offseason, McClain also clocked in with a top speed of 23 mph. Taking advantage of these spring workouts, McClain could be in line for a big role in this secondary. Looking like a different player, the Gators are hoping he can lead this young cornerback group. If McClain can have his breakthrough season, Florida could have one of the top secondaries in the SEC.

Young Weapons

As mentioned above, the Gators kicked off the offseason by bringing in a top recruiting class. Specifically, Florida focused on the receiver position, landing one 5-star and two 4-stars. Vernell Brown III, Dallas Wilson, and Naeshaun Montgomery are all looking to make their mark early. All three have received early praise from fellow teammates and coaches. Offensive Coordinator Russ Callaway spoke highly of all the young players. Discussing their work habits, he dictated that they are always ready for the extra reps. With Florida losing its top receiver talent to the NFL, this will be an open competition. Returning Tre Wilson III, behind him the picture is not as clear. This Spring window allows these freshmen the chance to indoctrinate themselves into this offense. If this offense wants to hit its full potential, the freshmen receivers must contribute from day one.

Healthiness a Key Factor

If Florida wants to make a postseason push, they must stay healthy. Last season, the secondary was decimated by injuries. Playing against the Texas Longhorns with mostly backups, the result was as expected. Central to this season is quarterback DJ Lagway. The rising sophomore is a true difference-maker and one of the premier players in all of college football. Last season, he suffered a hamstring injury against the Georgia Bulldogs. Not as severe as many anticipated, he returned to the lineup and spearheaded the Gators’ late season push. Now, the Gators are taking his health and availability into full account. Limiting him in throwing drills, Napier does not want to push his star player. Dealing with some shoulder and lower body issues, Florida wants him to move at his own pace. Unfortunately, fans may have to wait a bit longer to see Lagway in a real football setting.

Final Thoughts

As the Gators have kicked off Spring Practice, players are beginning to separate themselves from the pack. Florida has real expectations for this season for the first time in years. They have their quarterback of the future and return some veteran talent. With young players also showing off their skills early, this could be a well-rounded roster. Coach Napier has struggled to break through and take the next step at the University of Florida. This season will certainly be a make-or-break year. With his most talented roster to date, there can be no excuses. As evidenced by the Spring Practices, this team does appear bought in and ready to compete. Injuries will be something to keep an eye on as Florida looks to avoid any season-changing accidents. With Spring Practice underway, fans are getting a small glimpse of the 2025 Florida Gators football team.

Main Photo: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The post Gators Kicked Off Spring Practice appeared first on Last Word on College Football.

]]> https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/16/gators-kicked-off-spring-practice/feed/ 0 Between the Hedges: Decoding Kirby Smart’s Spring Ball Message https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/16/between-the-hedges-decoding-kirby-smarts-spring-ball-message/ https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/16/between-the-hedges-decoding-kirby-smarts-spring-ball-message/#respond Sun, 16 Mar 2025 17:00:41 +0000 https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/?p=72949 Football is back in Athens. The Dawgs are back on the field. On Tuesday, we got to hear Kirby Smart's Spring ball message. Sure, there was plenty of coach-speak. Smart played all the hits early, showing excitement and praising the effort of his players and coaches. "I'm excited. This group has worked really hard since the end of the year last year. We've had lots of time to spend together as coaches, staff, our school systems have started."

At times, Smart's press conferences can be challenging for the media. It's not just the coach speaking; Smart is calculated. He is unlike Lane Kiffin or Nick Saban, who used the microphone and press conferences as their bully pulpit. Instead, Smart can come off as gruff and a bit annoyed. But regardless of delivery, when Smart speaks, college football listens. We were listening on Tuesday. Here is what came out after reading the tea leaves.

Between the Hedges: Decoding Kirby Smart's Spring Ball Message

G-Day Tradition Continues

Meanwhile, college football is evolving. No, we are not talking about NIL, the Transfer Portal, or Alabama not making the College Football Playoff. Televised Spring ball scrimmages are going the way of the dodo. Some coaches are hiding behind the Transfer Portal. They claim that having a televised scrimmage would put their team out on the open market, ripe to be poached by opposing teams. Smart found this argument flawed and convenient. "Everybody wants to talk about that and make it about the portal and make it about this decision to not ever have Spring games based on the fluidity of players," Smart said. "I don't know that that's every coach's reason. There's a lot of coaches that didn't like the Spring game before the portal ever came about."

Unlike their SEC counterparts in Austin, Tuscaloosa, and most recently, Baton Rouge, G-Day will be the traditional Red and Black scrimmage, just the way Smart feels it should be. "I like Spring games. I want to have a Spring game. I think it's important because you allow kids to play that don't typically get to play. You sometimes allow fans to enjoy an experience in Athens that they normally wouldn't get." G-Day 2025 will be held at Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, April 12. The game will be televised or streamed on ESPN or the SEC Network.

Roster Turnover

Spring is a time to get the new faces in Athens comfortable with their teammates and acclimated to the Georgia way of doing things. Furthermore, college football has evolved. Traditionally, Spring was an opportunity to give the early enrollees a long look before the Fall. In the age of the Transfer Portal, college football rosters are constantly churning. Smart's Spring ball message gave some specific insights into what he and other coaches must deal with in 2025 regarding roster management.

"It feels like more new players than ever before, which I think I say that every year. But the numbers don't say that it's more new guys, but it certainly feels like that. We're averaging about 33 percent new per year, which you'd like for that number back in the old days to be 20-25 percent new every year." Smart said. "But it's turning over more and quicker, which we have less turnover than most places. We pride ourselves on retention and stability."

Although, don't cry too hard for Smart and the Dawgs. The roster churn isn't as strong as in other places in the SEC. Arkansas and Oklahoma had 30 players enter the Portal after the season, the most in CFB. Teams like Ole Miss and Vanderbilt have benefited from the Portal and are using it to restock and build their rosters. Smart has used the Portal at Georgia, but he reminded us that Georgia's foundation is not in the Transfer Portal. "The foundation of this program is built through high school programs and bringing good kids into the program that can become good football players."

Defending the Staff

While the roster was in flux, the coaching staff from last season will remain intact in 2025. 2025 will be Smart's tenth season in Athens, and it will be the first time he will not see any churn in his coaching staff. Georgia succeeded in 2024, winning the SEC Championship and making the College Football Playoff. But losing three games (all by double digits) hasn't set well with this writer and many Georgia fans. Smart had none of that smoke when it came to his staff, which was why there were no changes in personnel after the season.

"Yeah, to be honest with you, I don't get into it much. I worked in a place for ten years before I came here, and it's my tenth Spring. So, that's 20 years that I really don't pay much attention to anything outside." Smart said. "I've got a lot of confidence in this organization, the foundation we've built. I've got the best staff in the country, and I have no doubt about that. I've got one of the most experienced SEC staffs there is."

While nobody can doubt the experience of Smart's staff, the results in 2024 from the offense and defense merit raising eyebrows. The defense, Smart's calling card, ranked just 30th in the nation in yards allowed per play. The offense wished they could have finished with a ranking in the 30s. Instead, they were 50th in the nation in yards per play, far from the standard that Dawg fans have come to expect from Smart's teams. Smart's response? Trust the staff. "We have a great foundation. We're built to last. We don't have to worry about year in, year out, tons of change. I think this league will chew you up and spit you out."

On SEC Scheduling

Smart's Spring ball message also centered around Georgia's schedule. Greg Sankey has talked about moving from eight to nine conference games. Smart got questions about the SEC schedule. Georgia had one of the toughest in the SEC. The Dawgs were on the road in Tuscaloosa, Austin, and Oxford last year and finished just 1-2 in those games.  Smart spoke of the challenge of conference play in the SEC and the grind it takes on all teams, not just Georgia. "The norm is it's going to be challenging for everybody. I mean, the two, three, four, five power conferences, you're going to play better and more competition, which is going to make things more challenging.  I don't run or shout from that."

Ultimately, Georgia's non-conference schedule in 2025 lightens up as they see Clemson fall off the schedule from 2024. Will the Dawgs schedule big-time opponents in the nonconference in the future? Smart's answer was a bit more fuzzy.

"I think the mature view of this and the 10,000-feet view of this is we're in a different climate than we were previously. We're in a different scheduling model than we were previously." Smart said."The addition of Clemson on top of the people in our league, on top of the schedule that we had, I don't make any excuses about it. It's going to be really hard. I mean, we repeat that schedule next year with the exception of Clemson out-of-conference game, so it's not going to get any easier."  If Georgia schedules them, I hope they are in Sanford or another college football stadium.

Stay tuned next week as we look at the Georgia offense Between the Hedges.

Main Photo: Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The post Between the Hedges: Decoding Kirby Smart’s Spring Ball Message appeared first on Last Word on College Football.

]]>

Football is back in Athens. The Dawgs are back on the field. On Tuesday, we got to hear Kirby Smart’s Spring ball message. Sure, there was plenty of coach-speak. Smart played all the hits early, showing excitement and praising the effort of his players and coaches. “I’m excited. This group has worked really hard since the end of the year last year. We’ve had lots of time to spend together as coaches, staff, our school systems have started.”

At times, Smart’s press conferences can be challenging for the media. It’s not just the coach speaking; Smart is calculated. He is unlike Lane Kiffin or Nick Saban, who used the microphone and press conferences as their bully pulpit. Instead, Smart can come off as gruff and a bit annoyed. But regardless of delivery, when Smart speaks, college football listens. We were listening on Tuesday. Here is what came out after reading the tea leaves.

Between the Hedges: Decoding Kirby Smart’s Spring Ball Message

G-Day Tradition Continues

Meanwhile, college football is evolving. No, we are not talking about NIL, the Transfer Portal, or Alabama not making the College Football Playoff. Televised Spring ball scrimmages are going the way of the dodo. Some coaches are hiding behind the Transfer Portal. They claim that having a televised scrimmage would put their team out on the open market, ripe to be poached by opposing teams. Smart found this argument flawed and convenient. “Everybody wants to talk about that and make it about the portal and make it about this decision to not ever have Spring games based on the fluidity of players,” Smart said. “I don’t know that that’s every coach’s reason. There’s a lot of coaches that didn’t like the Spring game before the portal ever came about.”

Unlike their SEC counterparts in Austin, Tuscaloosa, and most recently, Baton Rouge, G-Day will be the traditional Red and Black scrimmage, just the way Smart feels it should be. “I like Spring games. I want to have a Spring game. I think it’s important because you allow kids to play that don’t typically get to play. You sometimes allow fans to enjoy an experience in Athens that they normally wouldn’t get.” G-Day 2025 will be held at Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, April 12. The game will be televised or streamed on ESPN or the SEC Network.

Roster Turnover

Spring is a time to get the new faces in Athens comfortable with their teammates and acclimated to the Georgia way of doing things. Furthermore, college football has evolved. Traditionally, Spring was an opportunity to give the early enrollees a long look before the Fall. In the age of the Transfer Portal, college football rosters are constantly churning. Smart’s Spring ball message gave some specific insights into what he and other coaches must deal with in 2025 regarding roster management.

“It feels like more new players than ever before, which I think I say that every year. But the numbers don’t say that it’s more new guys, but it certainly feels like that. We’re averaging about 33 percent new per year, which you’d like for that number back in the old days to be 20-25 percent new every year.” Smart said. “But it’s turning over more and quicker, which we have less turnover than most places. We pride ourselves on retention and stability.”

Although, don’t cry too hard for Smart and the Dawgs. The roster churn isn’t as strong as in other places in the SEC. Arkansas and Oklahoma had 30 players enter the Portal after the season, the most in CFB. Teams like Ole Miss and Vanderbilt have benefited from the Portal and are using it to restock and build their rosters. Smart has used the Portal at Georgia, but he reminded us that Georgia’s foundation is not in the Transfer Portal. “The foundation of this program is built through high school programs and bringing good kids into the program that can become good football players.”

Defending the Staff

While the roster was in flux, the coaching staff from last season will remain intact in 2025. 2025 will be Smart’s tenth season in Athens, and it will be the first time he will not see any churn in his coaching staff. Georgia succeeded in 2024, winning the SEC Championship and making the College Football Playoff. But losing three games (all by double digits) hasn’t set well with this writer and many Georgia fans. Smart had none of that smoke when it came to his staff, which was why there were no changes in personnel after the season.

“Yeah, to be honest with you, I don’t get into it much. I worked in a place for ten years before I came here, and it’s my tenth Spring. So, that’s 20 years that I really don’t pay much attention to anything outside.” Smart said. “I’ve got a lot of confidence in this organization, the foundation we’ve built. I’ve got the best staff in the country, and I have no doubt about that. I’ve got one of the most experienced SEC staffs there is.”

While nobody can doubt the experience of Smart’s staff, the results in 2024 from the offense and defense merit raising eyebrows. The defense, Smart’s calling card, ranked just 30th in the nation in yards allowed per play. The offense wished they could have finished with a ranking in the 30s. Instead, they were 50th in the nation in yards per play, far from the standard that Dawg fans have come to expect from Smart’s teams. Smart’s response? Trust the staff. “We have a great foundation. We’re built to last. We don’t have to worry about year in, year out, tons of change. I think this league will chew you up and spit you out.”

On SEC Scheduling

Smart’s Spring ball message also centered around Georgia’s schedule. Greg Sankey has talked about moving from eight to nine conference games. Smart got questions about the SEC schedule. Georgia had one of the toughest in the SEC. The Dawgs were on the road in Tuscaloosa, Austin, and Oxford last year and finished just 1-2 in those games.  Smart spoke of the challenge of conference play in the SEC and the grind it takes on all teams, not just Georgia. “The norm is it’s going to be challenging for everybody. I mean, the two, three, four, five power conferences, you’re going to play better and more competition, which is going to make things more challenging.  I don’t run or shout from that.”

Ultimately, Georgia’s non-conference schedule in 2025 lightens up as they see Clemson fall off the schedule from 2024. Will the Dawgs schedule big-time opponents in the nonconference in the future? Smart’s answer was a bit more fuzzy.

“I think the mature view of this and the 10,000-feet view of this is we’re in a different climate than we were previously. We’re in a different scheduling model than we were previously.” Smart said.”The addition of Clemson on top of the people in our league, on top of the schedule that we had, I don’t make any excuses about it. It’s going to be really hard. I mean, we repeat that schedule next year with the exception of Clemson out-of-conference game, so it’s not going to get any easier.”  If Georgia schedules them, I hope they are in Sanford or another college football stadium.

Stay tuned next week as we look at the Georgia offense Between the Hedges.

Main Photo: Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The post Between the Hedges: Decoding Kirby Smart’s Spring Ball Message appeared first on Last Word on College Football.

]]> https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/16/between-the-hedges-decoding-kirby-smarts-spring-ball-message/feed/ 0 2025 Kentucky Spring Preview: Secondary https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/13/2025-kentucky-spring-preview-secondary/ https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/13/2025-kentucky-spring-preview-secondary/#respond Thu, 13 Mar 2025 22:29:40 +0000 https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/?p=72893 We are well into the month of March and for many it's the most wonderful time of the year. Not only is March Madness going on but spring practice is underway around the country. Of course Kentucky is no exception. Mark Stoops has a ton of new players on the roster as the UK head man tries to forget a disappointing 4-8 season. We've been going position by position through the roster. Recently our focus was on defense, more specifically the defensive line and linebackers. As the title suggests it's the defensive backfield with our 2025 Kentucky Spring Preview: Secondary.

Big Shoes To Fill

Overall the secondary doesn't have many faces to replace in 2025. However, one notable player who's gone is Maxwell Hairston. The All-SEC cornerback only played in seven games due to injury. He still managed 19 tackles, and an interception that he returned for a touchdown.

A healthy Hairston wowed scouts at the NFL Combine and ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. thinks he's a first round pick. In fact, many mock drafts have him going in round one.

In addition to Hairston, the Cats also lost safeties, including Zion Childress and Kristian Story. Childress ranked fourth on the team with 62 tackles while Story added 27.

Tons Of Returning Depth

As we mentioned earlier, the secondary is one spot on the defense where the Cats have a lot of experience returning. As a result, they only brought in one new player through the transfer portal. As we continue with our 2025 Kentucky Spring Preview: Secondary, let's start with the cornerbacks.

Your likely starters are JQ Hardaway and DJ Waller Jr.  In his third year at Kentucky, Hardaway is coming off his best season. In 2024 the senior made 47 tackles, had four pass breakups, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. He'll be counted on as a leader on defense.

Waller was a big transfer pick up last season coming from then National Champion Michigan. However, he struggled partly due to injury and inconsistent play. Appearing in seven games, Waller made 13 tackles and had two passes defended. He'll need to take a big step forward this year.

Waiting In The Wings

Terhyon Nichols made a big impact during his freshman season. Playing in eight games the Cincinnati native led the team with five pass breakups to go along with 10 tackles. He could be a breakout candidate in 2025.

Former Ohio State transfer Jantzen Dunn missed the final five games last year due to injury. There's certainly a recurring theme in the secondary from last year, unable to stay healthy. Nasir Addison and Quay'Sheed Scott are two other players looking to crack the rotation.

UK does have three other players adding additional depth. The lone transfer is Kevis Thomas, who comes to Lexington from Maryland. He appeared in 14 games over two years with the Terrapins making 23 tackles. Quavo Marshall missed all of 2024 due to injury while incoming freshman DeMarcus Gardner had 42 tackles and four interceptions as a high school senior. Three of those he returned for touchdowns.

That's your cornerback room for the Wildcats. Continuing on with our 2025 Kentucky Spring Preview: Secondary, let's move to the safeties.

Going With What They Have

One of the interesting things is Kentucky didn't go after an experienced safety in the portal. That means the guys on the roster need to have big years. Jordan Lovett returns for his final year in Lexington. A season ago he was second on the team with 63 tackles and tied for the team lead with two interceptions. Ty Bryant is the starter at the other safety position. The junior's 46 tackles placed him sixth on the squad. In addition, he had an interception and two forced fumbles.

Behind those two starters UK has some players looking to crack the rotation. Cam Dooley played mostly on special teams during his freshman year, making four tackles. He's your number three cornerback in the spring. Former Michigan signee Jaden Smith redshirted last year and could end up as a backup to Alex Afari Jr. at the linebacker position.

Martels Carter Jr. ranks as the third best player in Kentucky coming from perennial power Paducah Tilghman. Expectations are high and Carter Jr. should see action from day one. Finally, Kentucky has Dyllon Williams, a former Missouri commit who flipped to the Cats back in October.

Final Thoughts

Despite losing three players the Kentucky secondary looks like one of the strongest groups on the team. Even so, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Cats go after a cornerback, safety or both in the second transfer portal. As the staff learned last year, you can never have too much depth.

Thanks for checking out our 2025 Kentucky Spring Preview: Secondary here at Last Word On College Football. Next time out we'll look at the special teams.

Main Image: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The post 2025 Kentucky Spring Preview: Secondary appeared first on Last Word on College Football.

]]>

We are well into the month of March and for many it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Not only is March Madness going on but spring practice is underway around the country. Of course Kentucky is no exception. Mark Stoops has a ton of new players on the roster as the UK head man tries to forget a disappointing 4-8 season. We’ve been going position by position through the roster. Recently our focus was on defense, more specifically the defensive line and linebackers. As the title suggests it’s the defensive backfield with our 2025 Kentucky Spring Preview: Secondary.

Big Shoes To Fill

Overall the secondary doesn’t have many faces to replace in 2025. However, one notable player who’s gone is Maxwell Hairston. The All-SEC cornerback only played in seven games due to injury. He still managed 19 tackles, and an interception that he returned for a touchdown.

A healthy Hairston wowed scouts at the NFL Combine and ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. thinks he’s a first round pick. In fact, many mock drafts have him going in round one.

In addition to Hairston, the Cats also lost safeties, including Zion Childress and Kristian Story. Childress ranked fourth on the team with 62 tackles while Story added 27.

Tons Of Returning Depth

As we mentioned earlier, the secondary is one spot on the defense where the Cats have a lot of experience returning. As a result, they only brought in one new player through the transfer portal. As we continue with our 2025 Kentucky Spring Preview: Secondary, let’s start with the cornerbacks.

Your likely starters are JQ Hardaway and DJ Waller Jr.  In his third year at Kentucky, Hardaway is coming off his best season. In 2024 the senior made 47 tackles, had four pass breakups, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. He’ll be counted on as a leader on defense.

Waller was a big transfer pick up last season coming from then National Champion Michigan. However, he struggled partly due to injury and inconsistent play. Appearing in seven games, Waller made 13 tackles and had two passes defended. He’ll need to take a big step forward this year.

Waiting In The Wings

Terhyon Nichols made a big impact during his freshman season. Playing in eight games the Cincinnati native led the team with five pass breakups to go along with 10 tackles. He could be a breakout candidate in 2025.

Former Ohio State transfer Jantzen Dunn missed the final five games last year due to injury. There’s certainly a recurring theme in the secondary from last year, unable to stay healthy. Nasir Addison and Quay’Sheed Scott are two other players looking to crack the rotation.

UK does have three other players adding additional depth. The lone transfer is Kevis Thomas, who comes to Lexington from Maryland. He appeared in 14 games over two years with the Terrapins making 23 tackles. Quavo Marshall missed all of 2024 due to injury while incoming freshman DeMarcus Gardner had 42 tackles and four interceptions as a high school senior. Three of those he returned for touchdowns.

That’s your cornerback room for the Wildcats. Continuing on with our 2025 Kentucky Spring Preview: Secondary, let’s move to the safeties.

Going With What They Have

One of the interesting things is Kentucky didn’t go after an experienced safety in the portal. That means the guys on the roster need to have big years. Jordan Lovett returns for his final year in Lexington. A season ago he was second on the team with 63 tackles and tied for the team lead with two interceptions. Ty Bryant is the starter at the other safety position. The junior’s 46 tackles placed him sixth on the squad. In addition, he had an interception and two forced fumbles.

Behind those two starters UK has some players looking to crack the rotation. Cam Dooley played mostly on special teams during his freshman year, making four tackles. He’s your number three cornerback in the spring. Former Michigan signee Jaden Smith redshirted last year and could end up as a backup to Alex Afari Jr. at the linebacker position.

Martels Carter Jr. ranks as the third best player in Kentucky coming from perennial power Paducah Tilghman. Expectations are high and Carter Jr. should see action from day one. Finally, Kentucky has Dyllon Williams, a former Missouri commit who flipped to the Cats back in October.

Final Thoughts

Despite losing three players the Kentucky secondary looks like one of the strongest groups on the team. Even so, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Cats go after a cornerback, safety or both in the second transfer portal. As the staff learned last year, you can never have too much depth.

Thanks for checking out our 2025 Kentucky Spring Preview: Secondary here at Last Word On College Football. Next time out we’ll look at the special teams.

Main Image: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The post 2025 Kentucky Spring Preview: Secondary appeared first on Last Word on College Football.

]]> https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/13/2025-kentucky-spring-preview-secondary/feed/ 0 Alabama Crimson Tide Fans Should Not Sleep on Ty Simpson https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/14/alabama-crimson-tide-ty-simpson/ https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/14/alabama-crimson-tide-ty-simpson/#respond Fri, 14 Mar 2025 13:00:41 +0000 https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/?p=72910 Every position for the Alabama Crimson Tide is seemingly filled but one. A quarterback battle for the ages rages on this Spring. With new five-star recruit Keelon Russell, transfer stud Austin Mack, and long-tenured Tidesman Ty Simpson, it is far from decided. While most have clamored for the nod to go to Russell, Simpson has shown this Spring that he is not to be slept on.

Alabama Crimson Tide Fans Should Not Sleep on Ty Simpson

The Path So Far

Simpson is a former five-star recruit. Hailing from Westview High School in Martin, Tennessee, he has bided his time as the backup throughout his tenure on the roster.

https://twitter.com/SSN_Alabama/status/1471520928005824521

Simpson has been highly touted since his time as a recruit. However, he has yet to receive a fair shake, with Bryce Young on the roster his freshman year and Jalen Milroe serving as a starter in the last two.

The senior has seen the field during his time with Bama in a limited capacity. Coming mostly in out-of-reach games, Simpson has made 50 pass attempts and 22 rushing attempts over the last three years. With no starts under his belt, it has been hard for the quarterback to find a groove through the air. He still has 381 yards passing, with 131 yards on the ground and three rushing touchdowns.

Turning Heads This Spring

Russell may now hold the hype that Simpson once commanded. That has not stopped the battle veteran from turning heads with his performance so far this Spring. It has come in a small sample size to this point, but the senior has seen a shift in his favor for the starting nod.

Even former Crimson Tide players of the same position have made their voices heard. In a recent episode of the podcast "Always College Football," Greg McElroy sang praises of Simpson's efforts to this point in the Spring.

“I believe the gap exists right now between Ty Simpson and everybody else,” McElroy said. “But how big is that gap?”

“One thing that I’ve been really interested in with Ty Simpson is how does he develop as a leader.” McElroy continued. “I was told by the staff two years ago that he was the best quarterback on the roster. The problem is that at that point, some things needed to be ironed out with his confidence. What he could get away with, what he can do at this level, what he can’t do at this level."

https://twitter.com/ClintRLamb/status/1899904613115134376

Simpson's confidence as a runner has been ever present. But with the lack of consistent time on the field, that confidence has failed to translate to his passing game to this point.

The world bore witness to what Alabama is capable of with a dual-threat quarterback. And last year, Milroe did not even perform to the best of his ability in the passing game. Simpson has the talent to make things work through the air and on the ground. With offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb leading the offense and head coach Kalen DeBoer at the helm, a dual threat can terrorize opposing defenses.

Last Chance for Simpson?

2025 will be Simpson's senior year and fourth with the program. The quarterback battle is far from decided. If it does go to Simpson, it will be the culmination of all of the work he has put in with the team over the years. However, the nod could go to Russell or even to Mack. If it does, it could spell the end of Simpson's bid for a starting role. A talent like Russell will not ride the bench for more than one season.

Simpson has continued to show his commitment to the program. Even through a coaching change, Simpson has stayed true. That alone does not earn a player a starting job, but it can certainly help their odds.

For Simpson, those odds are split between him and two others vying for the job. However, if he can keep turning heads this Spring, his patience may finally pay off.

Main Photo: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The post Alabama Crimson Tide Fans Should Not Sleep on Ty Simpson appeared first on Last Word on College Football.

]]>

Every position for the Alabama Crimson Tide is seemingly filled but one. A quarterback battle for the ages rages on this Spring. With new five-star recruit Keelon Russell, transfer stud Austin Mack, and long-tenured Tidesman Ty Simpson, it is far from decided. While most have clamored for the nod to go to Russell, Simpson has shown this Spring that he is not to be slept on.

Alabama Crimson Tide Fans Should Not Sleep on Ty Simpson

The Path So Far

Simpson is a former five-star recruit. Hailing from Westview High School in Martin, Tennessee, he has bided his time as the backup throughout his tenure on the roster.

Simpson has been highly touted since his time as a recruit. However, he has yet to receive a fair shake, with Bryce Young on the roster his freshman year and Jalen Milroe serving as a starter in the last two.

The senior has seen the field during his time with Bama in a limited capacity. Coming mostly in out-of-reach games, Simpson has made 50 pass attempts and 22 rushing attempts over the last three years. With no starts under his belt, it has been hard for the quarterback to find a groove through the air. He still has 381 yards passing, with 131 yards on the ground and three rushing touchdowns.

Turning Heads This Spring

Russell may now hold the hype that Simpson once commanded. That has not stopped the battle veteran from turning heads with his performance so far this Spring. It has come in a small sample size to this point, but the senior has seen a shift in his favor for the starting nod.

Even former Crimson Tide players of the same position have made their voices heard. In a recent episode of the podcast “Always College Football,” Greg McElroy sang praises of Simpson’s efforts to this point in the Spring.

“I believe the gap exists right now between Ty Simpson and everybody else,” McElroy said. “But how big is that gap?”

“One thing that I’ve been really interested in with Ty Simpson is how does he develop as a leader.” McElroy continued. “I was told by the staff two years ago that he was the best quarterback on the roster. The problem is that at that point, some things needed to be ironed out with his confidence. What he could get away with, what he can do at this level, what he can’t do at this level.”

Simpson’s confidence as a runner has been ever present. But with the lack of consistent time on the field, that confidence has failed to translate to his passing game to this point.

The world bore witness to what Alabama is capable of with a dual-threat quarterback. And last year, Milroe did not even perform to the best of his ability in the passing game. Simpson has the talent to make things work through the air and on the ground. With offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb leading the offense and head coach Kalen DeBoer at the helm, a dual threat can terrorize opposing defenses.

Last Chance for Simpson?

2025 will be Simpson’s senior year and fourth with the program. The quarterback battle is far from decided. If it does go to Simpson, it will be the culmination of all of the work he has put in with the team over the years. However, the nod could go to Russell or even to Mack. If it does, it could spell the end of Simpson’s bid for a starting role. A talent like Russell will not ride the bench for more than one season.

Simpson has continued to show his commitment to the program. Even through a coaching change, Simpson has stayed true. That alone does not earn a player a starting job, but it can certainly help their odds.

For Simpson, those odds are split between him and two others vying for the job. However, if he can keep turning heads this Spring, his patience may finally pay off.

Main Photo: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The post Alabama Crimson Tide Fans Should Not Sleep on Ty Simpson appeared first on Last Word on College Football.

]]> https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/14/alabama-crimson-tide-ty-simpson/feed/ 0 What To Look for in Oklahoma Sooners Spring Football Program https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/13/what-to-look-for-in-oklahoma-sooners-spring-football-program/ https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/13/what-to-look-for-in-oklahoma-sooners-spring-football-program/#respond Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:00:32 +0000 https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/?p=72818 The winds are reaching highway speeds, severe thunderstorms are all the rage, and the sun is finally coming back to the plains, which means it must be the start of Oklahoma Sooners spring football! The Sooners are looking for a strong start to 2025. Plus, with so much turnover in the transfer portal, there's a lot of talent hungry for now vacant top spots.

What To Look for in Oklahoma Sooners Spring Football Program

Position Battles and More for Oklahoma Football

Like many teams around the nation, the Sooners are choosing to forgo a spring football game this year. Between concerns over talent poaching, and how devastating the transfer portal was for the Sooners in particular, it's an understandable move. That's not going to stop them from putting in the work, though.

Offensive Coordinator Ben Arbuckle, who now has total control over the offense, is already off to a good start. Arbuckle will need to really put his side of the roster through the ringer this spring. This includes managing position battles. The most important of them all, undoubtedly, is going to come from the quarterback room.

A general lack of experience, and a mishandling by Seth Littrell, kept Michael Hawkins Jr. from the top spot last year. After some time off, he's ready to hit the field again and earn the starting position. Unfortunately, though, he's going up against the man who was the 2024 leading national scorer with 22.3 points per game.

Is John Mateer the Next Big Thing?

After failing to plan for a post-Dillon Gabriel team, Head Coach Brent Venables isn't making the same mistake. For his efforts, he's been rewarded with Washington State's John Mateer. Not only was Mateer a leading scorer per game, he was also one of many leaders in touchdowns last year.

Currently he's looking for a repeat, or better, this year. Mateer will even have some real talent to throw to, while getting some much needed protection from new tight ends. This is something to look forward to, especially because his receivers are primarily coming from the FCS level. Keep in mind, these aren't guys who 'weren't good enough' for the FBS level. These receivers have fought and clawed their way to the top, which means nobody is looking to prove themselves quite like these guys.

In the first practice of the year, Mateer is showing off a strong arm and an accuracy that Jackson Arnold could have used last year. Yes, it's just a practice, and a lot can change from now to August, but there's something here. If he can avoid injury, Mateer may just become the heir-apparent to the Sooners dynasty.

Is the Defense Really Getting Worse?

While Mateer and Arbuckle work to rebuild the offense from the ground up, the defense is still trying to come up with a plan. The turnover year is hitting at the worst time as graduation has taken the best of the best, such as Danny Stutsman, and is replacing them with whoever is next in line. Adding to these woes is the, frankly, chaotic reshuffling of the defensive staff.

Kendall Daniels, the former Oklahoma State linebacker, is where Venables is hanging all of his hopes. Daniels will also likely be the defensive captain. Daniels will likely see action as a linebacker and as an edge rusher. With his experience and impressive ability to jump off the line, Daniels has to be the buoy upon which the rest of the defense will have to hold onto in order to stay afloat.

The defensive line is looking to stay strong, though, and that's where it may count the most. Players such as R Mason Thomas, Damonic Williams, and Jayden Jackson are all returning. Kip Lewis will also be starting at defensive back. If they can figure out what to actually do with all this talent, it's looking to be another stellar year for Sooners' defense.

Last Thoughts on the Sooners Spring Football Program

The aspect to really focus on in this year's Sooners spring football program is that we honestly don't know what's going to happen. Uncertainty can generate a lot of buzz, it can generate hype, and it can generate interest. In Oklahoma, however, all of that uncertainty is generating nothing but anxiety.

The practices are solid, but the potential for disaster is just way too high. On offense we're looking at another quarterback battle and trying to bridge together SEC recruits and FCS standouts. The defense as a whole is just another big question mark in a long list of uncertainties for Oklahoma. Could it be great? Sure, but last year's roster was supposed to be great too.

So, what are we needing to look for in the Sooners' Spring football program? Ultimately, it's some kind of assurance that 2025 won't be a repeat of the high stakes gamble last year's team was. So far we don't have it, and it'll be up to Venables, Mateer, and Arbuckle to provide it in the coming months.

Main Image: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

 

The post What To Look for in Oklahoma Sooners Spring Football Program appeared first on Last Word on College Football.

]]>

The winds are reaching highway speeds, severe thunderstorms are all the rage, and the sun is finally coming back to the plains, which means it must be the start of Oklahoma Sooners spring football! The Sooners are looking for a strong start to 2025. Plus, with so much turnover in the transfer portal, there’s a lot of talent hungry for now vacant top spots.

What To Look for in Oklahoma Sooners Spring Football Program

Position Battles and More for Oklahoma Football

Like many teams around the nation, the Sooners are choosing to forgo a spring football game this year. Between concerns over talent poaching, and how devastating the transfer portal was for the Sooners in particular, it’s an understandable move. That’s not going to stop them from putting in the work, though.

Offensive Coordinator Ben Arbuckle, who now has total control over the offense, is already off to a good start. Arbuckle will need to really put his side of the roster through the ringer this spring. This includes managing position battles. The most important of them all, undoubtedly, is going to come from the quarterback room.

A general lack of experience, and a mishandling by Seth Littrell, kept Michael Hawkins Jr. from the top spot last year. After some time off, he’s ready to hit the field again and earn the starting position. Unfortunately, though, he’s going up against the man who was the 2024 leading national scorer with 22.3 points per game.

Is John Mateer the Next Big Thing?

After failing to plan for a post-Dillon Gabriel team, Head Coach Brent Venables isn’t making the same mistake. For his efforts, he’s been rewarded with Washington State’s John Mateer. Not only was Mateer a leading scorer per game, he was also one of many leaders in touchdowns last year.

Currently he’s looking for a repeat, or better, this year. Mateer will even have some real talent to throw to, while getting some much needed protection from new tight ends. This is something to look forward to, especially because his receivers are primarily coming from the FCS level. Keep in mind, these aren’t guys who ‘weren’t good enough’ for the FBS level. These receivers have fought and clawed their way to the top, which means nobody is looking to prove themselves quite like these guys.

In the first practice of the year, Mateer is showing off a strong arm and an accuracy that Jackson Arnold could have used last year. Yes, it’s just a practice, and a lot can change from now to August, but there’s something here. If he can avoid injury, Mateer may just become the heir-apparent to the Sooners dynasty.

Is the Defense Really Getting Worse?

While Mateer and Arbuckle work to rebuild the offense from the ground up, the defense is still trying to come up with a plan. The turnover year is hitting at the worst time as graduation has taken the best of the best, such as Danny Stutsman, and is replacing them with whoever is next in line. Adding to these woes is the, frankly, chaotic reshuffling of the defensive staff.

Kendall Daniels, the former Oklahoma State linebacker, is where Venables is hanging all of his hopes. Daniels will also likely be the defensive captain. Daniels will likely see action as a linebacker and as an edge rusher. With his experience and impressive ability to jump off the line, Daniels has to be the buoy upon which the rest of the defense will have to hold onto in order to stay afloat.

The defensive line is looking to stay strong, though, and that’s where it may count the most. Players such as R Mason Thomas, Damonic Williams, and Jayden Jackson are all returning. Kip Lewis will also be starting at defensive back. If they can figure out what to actually do with all this talent, it’s looking to be another stellar year for Sooners’ defense.

Last Thoughts on the Sooners Spring Football Program

The aspect to really focus on in this year’s Sooners spring football program is that we honestly don’t know what’s going to happen. Uncertainty can generate a lot of buzz, it can generate hype, and it can generate interest. In Oklahoma, however, all of that uncertainty is generating nothing but anxiety.

The practices are solid, but the potential for disaster is just way too high. On offense we’re looking at another quarterback battle and trying to bridge together SEC recruits and FCS standouts. The defense as a whole is just another big question mark in a long list of uncertainties for Oklahoma. Could it be great? Sure, but last year’s roster was supposed to be great too.

So, what are we needing to look for in the Sooners’ Spring football program? Ultimately, it’s some kind of assurance that 2025 won’t be a repeat of the high stakes gamble last year’s team was. So far we don’t have it, and it’ll be up to Venables, Mateer, and Arbuckle to provide it in the coming months.

Main Image: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

 

The post What To Look for in Oklahoma Sooners Spring Football Program appeared first on Last Word on College Football.

]]> https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/13/what-to-look-for-in-oklahoma-sooners-spring-football-program/feed/ 0 Is Suntarine Perkins the Unquestioned Leader of the Ole Miss Defense? https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/09/is-suntarine-perkins-the-unquestioned-leader-of-the-ole-miss-defense/ https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/09/is-suntarine-perkins-the-unquestioned-leader-of-the-ole-miss-defense/#respond Sun, 09 Mar 2025 16:00:18 +0000 https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/?p=72815 The Ole Miss defense has undergone a major shift over the course of roughly four years. What was once a bottom feeder in the SEC, as well as the country, has quietly improved tremendously. Last year, they were one of the nation's best defenses. The Rebels finished second in scoring defense, as well as 14th in total defense. On top of that, they led the FBS in sacks per game (4.0). But now they face a unique task of rebuilding that unit. After losing multiple pieces from last year's defense, Ole Miss is in desperate need of a leader on that side of the ball. Expect that leader to ultimately be Suntarine Perkins.

Is Suntarine Perkins the Unquestioned Leader of the Ole Miss Defense?

Among the numerous losses to the Rebels' defense are Walter Nolen, Princely Umanmielen, and Trey Amos. Also gone are Jared Ivey and Chris "Pooh" Paul, both expected to be mid-round draft picks. With last year's leaders gone, a huge opportunity has opened for Perkins to become the unquestioned leader of the Ole Miss defense.

So who is Perkins, and why are all eyes on him to take the next step forward in 2025?

Suntarine Perkins High School Career

As a high schooler at Raleigh High School, Perkins quickly made a name for himself as a star on both sides of the ball. During his high school career, he racked up over 5,000 all-purpose yards, including rushing for 2,078 yards as a senior. On the defensive side, he totaled 267 tackles during his four years at Raleigh. As a senior, he led Raleigh to its first ever state title. In the state title game, he ran for 331 yards and four touchdowns. He also put up six tackles and an interception on defense. Weeks later, he was named MVP of the annual Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game. In that contest, he totaled 10 tackles, with three coming for loss.

All of this was enough for him to unanimously be considered a four-star prospect by all of the major recruiting outlets. He was rated as the top player in the state of Mississippi in 2022, and was also rated as the nation's second best linebacker, according to 247Sports. In the end, he decided to stay home and attend Ole Miss, over offers from Alabama, Georgia, and Texas, among others.

Ole Miss Career, To This Point

Perkins is now two years into his Ole Miss career. As a freshman, he appeared in all 13 games, and started in two of them. He finished that season with 38 total tackles, along with 3.5 sacks. The sack tally was good enough for third on the team in 2023.

Then last year, as a sophomore, is where he really started to make a major impact. He once again appeared in all 13 games for the Rebels, starting in eight contests. He racked up 60 total tackles, with 32 solo. Perkins also finished tied for the team lead in sacks (10.5) and tackles for loss (14). The sack number was good enough for second in Ole Miss single-season history. On top of those numbers, he also recovered two fumbles, and intercepted one pass on the year. All of that proved to be enough for him to be named third team All-SEC for the 2o24 season.

What to Expect From Perkins in 2025?

After a solid sophomore year, and now expected to be the leader of the defense in 2025, expectations for Perkins' junior year are much higher than they have been previously. With the Rebels' leading linebacker and leading edge rusher both going pro, both positions he would typically line up at will have holes he can fill. That being said, expect him to be an every week starter come August.

Listed at 6'1" and 210 pounds, Perkins is lighter than what we've grown accustomed to seeing from SEC linebackers, much less edge rushers. However, his unique blend of speed and athleticism allows him to get after the quarterback effectively, or drop into coverage if needed.

Now, entering his third year in Pete Golding's system, expect him to take that next step forward for Ole Miss. This means not only being the leader for the defense on the field, but being an outspoken leader for the Rebels off the field, as well.

Main Image: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The post Is Suntarine Perkins the Unquestioned Leader of the Ole Miss Defense? appeared first on Last Word on College Football.

]]>

The Ole Miss defense has undergone a major shift over the course of roughly four years. What was once a bottom feeder in the SEC, as well as the country, has quietly improved tremendously. Last year, they were one of the nation’s best defenses. The Rebels finished second in scoring defense, as well as 14th in total defense. On top of that, they led the FBS in sacks per game (4.0). But now they face a unique task of rebuilding that unit. After losing multiple pieces from last year’s defense, Ole Miss is in desperate need of a leader on that side of the ball. Expect that leader to ultimately be Suntarine Perkins.

Is Suntarine Perkins the Unquestioned Leader of the Ole Miss Defense?

Among the numerous losses to the Rebels’ defense are Walter Nolen, Princely Umanmielen, and Trey Amos. Also gone are Jared Ivey and Chris “Pooh” Paul, both expected to be mid-round draft picks. With last year’s leaders gone, a huge opportunity has opened for Perkins to become the unquestioned leader of the Ole Miss defense.

So who is Perkins, and why are all eyes on him to take the next step forward in 2025?

Suntarine Perkins High School Career

As a high schooler at Raleigh High School, Perkins quickly made a name for himself as a star on both sides of the ball. During his high school career, he racked up over 5,000 all-purpose yards, including rushing for 2,078 yards as a senior. On the defensive side, he totaled 267 tackles during his four years at Raleigh. As a senior, he led Raleigh to its first ever state title. In the state title game, he ran for 331 yards and four touchdowns. He also put up six tackles and an interception on defense. Weeks later, he was named MVP of the annual Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game. In that contest, he totaled 10 tackles, with three coming for loss.

All of this was enough for him to unanimously be considered a four-star prospect by all of the major recruiting outlets. He was rated as the top player in the state of Mississippi in 2022, and was also rated as the nation’s second best linebacker, according to 247Sports. In the end, he decided to stay home and attend Ole Miss, over offers from Alabama, Georgia, and Texas, among others.

Ole Miss Career, To This Point

Perkins is now two years into his Ole Miss career. As a freshman, he appeared in all 13 games, and started in two of them. He finished that season with 38 total tackles, along with 3.5 sacks. The sack tally was good enough for third on the team in 2023.

Then last year, as a sophomore, is where he really started to make a major impact. He once again appeared in all 13 games for the Rebels, starting in eight contests. He racked up 60 total tackles, with 32 solo. Perkins also finished tied for the team lead in sacks (10.5) and tackles for loss (14). The sack number was good enough for second in Ole Miss single-season history. On top of those numbers, he also recovered two fumbles, and intercepted one pass on the year. All of that proved to be enough for him to be named third team All-SEC for the 2o24 season.

What to Expect From Perkins in 2025?

After a solid sophomore year, and now expected to be the leader of the defense in 2025, expectations for Perkins’ junior year are much higher than they have been previously. With the Rebels’ leading linebacker and leading edge rusher both going pro, both positions he would typically line up at will have holes he can fill. That being said, expect him to be an every week starter come August.

Listed at 6’1″ and 210 pounds, Perkins is lighter than what we’ve grown accustomed to seeing from SEC linebackers, much less edge rushers. However, his unique blend of speed and athleticism allows him to get after the quarterback effectively, or drop into coverage if needed.

Now, entering his third year in Pete Golding’s system, expect him to take that next step forward for Ole Miss. This means not only being the leader for the defense on the field, but being an outspoken leader for the Rebels off the field, as well.

Main Image: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The post Is Suntarine Perkins the Unquestioned Leader of the Ole Miss Defense? appeared first on Last Word on College Football.

]]> https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/09/is-suntarine-perkins-the-unquestioned-leader-of-the-ole-miss-defense/feed/ 0 SEC Tailgate Talk: 2031 SEC Expansion Wishlist https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/09/sec-tailgate-talk-2031-sec-expansion-wishlist/ https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/2025/03/09/sec-tailgate-talk-2031-sec-expansion-wishlist/#respond Sun, 09 Mar 2025 13:00:43 +0000 https://lastwordonsports.com/collegefootball/?p=72824 Let's leave 2025 for a minute and look at our 2031 SEC Expansion Wishlist. That seems like the new date for the next round of conference realignment. The ACC secured a temporary reprieve from its execution sentence. The new agreement put an end to the internal disputes and power struggles between Florida State, Clemson, and the ACC conference offices. The financial penalty for leaving the conference has been significantly reduced as part of the settlement. While the grant of rights remains in effect until 2036, starting next year, the exit fee will be $165 million. This fee will decrease by $18 million annually, reaching $75 million by the 2030-31 season. ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips hailed the agreement as a victory for conference unity.

"Today's resolution begins the next chapter of this storied league and further solidifies the ACC as a premier conference." Phillips said."The settlements and the ACC's continued partnership with ESPN allow us to focus on our collective future -- including Clemson and Florida State -- united in an 18-member conference demonstrating the best in intercollegiate athletics."

That is wishful thinking at best. The Doomsday Clock has now been set in motion. It is no longer a matter of if but when the ACC will go the way of the Big 12, Pac-12, and other conferences ripped apart by conference realignment. The ACC's loss stands to be the SEC's game. Before the ACC crumbles, let's take a look at the 2031 SEC Expansion wishlist.

SEC Tailgate Talk: 2031 SEC Expansion Wishlist

When putting together our wishlist, we broke the ACC down into categories. Category one is Hard Pass. These schools don't move the needle in the ACC now; what could they possibly bring to the SEC? The second category is the ACC schools within the SEC footprint. These schools already have a rivalry, but do they really have enough to intrigue or entice the SEC to bring them into the family? Notre Dame gets its own category because, although it is "Independent," it does have a pretty intertwined relationship with the SEC. At the end of the article, we will provide you with the #1 team on our wishlist. You thought Texas and Oklahoma were big. Hold onto your hats...

Hard Pass

Teams:

  • Boston College
  • Cal
  • Duke
  • North Carolina State
  • Southern Methodist University
  • Stanford
  • Syracuse
  • Virginia Tech
  • Wake Forest

Insights: 

This is half of the current ACC. Outside of Syracuse, none of these schools really carry the banner as their state's preeminent collegiate institution. Cal and Stanford were discarded and bought on clearance when the Pac-12 disbanded. BC and Syracuse belong back in the Big East rather than the Southeastern Conference. SMU has ponied up and bought their way into the P4. But let's be honest: the SEC doesn't need a third Texas school, especially one that small. NC State and Va Tech will look great in the Big 12 or whatever is left of the ACC after the next round of expansion. Same for Duke and Wake Forest, maybe the new look ACC or the Big 12's focus on basketball will be useful.

Schools within the SEC Footprint

Teams:

  • Louisville
  • Clemson
  • Florida State
  • Georgia Tech
  • Louisville
  • Miami "The U"

Insights:

Six schools in the ACC are already located within the SEC footprint. Many have annual or existing relationships within the SEC, making it seemingly a smoother fit and transition. But, looking at the list, ask yourself: what teams really get you that excited? Georgia has no shortage of Clean, Old Fashioned Hate for the Wramblin' Wreck, but they hardly seem a fit. Louisville seemed like it was ready to cook athletically, but now it seems a better fit in the Big 12 or new-look ACC.

Miami and Florida State have gotten a lot of buzz, but it's hardly 1990 anymore. There is plenty of buzz and sizzle around both programs but very little steak. Look at the issues that Oklahoma has had in its transition to the SEC. The Sooners were dominant and excelled in the Big 12. Florida State and Miami have spent more time running their mouths than accomplishing anything on the field.

Clemson makes the most sense—sorry, South Carolina. Their fan base and athletic department are adjacent to the SEC. They may still struggle in the transition, but they would be a much more natural fit in the SEC than any of the other five teams.

New Footprints

Teams:

  • North Carolina
  • Virginia

Insights:

North Carolina and Virginia are interesting. They are shiny and pretty; they are also desired greatly by the Big Ten and Tony Petitti. Adding both schools would expand the footprint, but in reality, it may be more like adding another Vanderbilt. A high-achieving academic school that struggles to put out a football team that can compete on a year-in and year-out basis. At question for Greg Sankey is: what is the value of real estate? SEC games in North Carolina and Virginia help to expand the footprint and establish a consistent foothold in new territories. For this, we may take a flyer and take both teams. This acquisition, though, would be based on fair and equal compensation from a media rights deal. Neither school merits a current SEC school "giving up" money to bring in Carolina or UVA.

Notre Dame

Here come the Irish? Wait, aren't we talking about the ACC? Notre Dame is not "technically" in the ACC in football. They have a scheduling alliance, playing at least five ACC schools a year. Notre Dame is an Independent, and the bet on itself paid out this year. They hosted the first-ever home playoff game this year. South Bend brought in $20+ million in revenue just from that game. The payout for making the national championship didn't have to be divided with anyone and basically paid their "House Settlement" revenue share with players coming up.  Notre Dame is also able to have a seat at the table for discussions around the Playoff and is given just as much voice as the ACC or Big 12 when it comes to making decisions.

Still, it begs the question: should Notre Dame join the SEC? This feels like a segment that turns into an afternoon conversation on Finebaum. The short and long answer is No. From Notre Dame's perspective, it just doesn't add up. Assuming their power and financial agreements around the playoff continue, the Irish have no reason to move. From the SEC's perspective, Notre Dame again would be a nice to have. They have a passionate fan base, an athletic department with plenty of money, and is a TV ratings juggernaut. Sankey won't beg or ask Notre Dame to join, he just has to wait. Like he did with Texas and Oklahoma.

#1 on the 2031 SEC Expansion Wishlist

Let's go big game hunting. If the SEC wants to make a statement with an addition in 2031. They don't have to look to the ACC or South Bend. Instead, their sights should be set on Ohio State. Yep, you read that right. What school outside the SEC is most like the SEC? Ohio State. The Big Ten media rights agreement with Fox comes up in 2030. If the SEC is going to tip the scales in conference realignment and truly make the best conference, then the gangster move is to bring Ohio State into the SEC. More than Clemson, North Carolina, or Virginia, Ohio State would set the SEC on its own. Is it a long shot? Yep. But, we aren't counting out Sankey. It Just Means More.

Main Image: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The post SEC Tailgate Talk: 2031 SEC Expansion Wishlist appeared first on Last Word on College Football.

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Let’s leave 2025 for a minute and look at our 2031 SEC Expansion Wishlist. That seems like the new date for the next round of conference realignment. The ACC secured a temporary reprieve from its execution sentence. The new agreement put an end to the internal disputes and power struggles between Florida State, Clemson, and the ACC conference offices. The financial penalty for leaving the conference has been significantly reduced as part of the settlement. While the grant of rights remains in effect until 2036, starting next year, the exit fee will be $165 million. This fee will decrease by $18 million annually, reaching $75 million by the 2030-31 season. ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips hailed the agreement as a victory for conference unity.

“Today’s resolution begins the next chapter of this storied league and further solidifies the ACC as a premier conference.” Phillips said.”The settlements and the ACC’s continued partnership with ESPN allow us to focus on our collective future — including Clemson and Florida State — united in an 18-member conference demonstrating the best in intercollegiate athletics.”

That is wishful thinking at best. The Doomsday Clock has now been set in motion. It is no longer a matter of if but when the ACC will go the way of the Big 12, Pac-12, and other conferences ripped apart by conference realignment. The ACC’s loss stands to be the SEC’s game. Before the ACC crumbles, let’s take a look at the 2031 SEC Expansion wishlist.

SEC Tailgate Talk: 2031 SEC Expansion Wishlist

When putting together our wishlist, we broke the ACC down into categories. Category one is Hard Pass. These schools don’t move the needle in the ACC now; what could they possibly bring to the SEC? The second category is the ACC schools within the SEC footprint. These schools already have a rivalry, but do they really have enough to intrigue or entice the SEC to bring them into the family? Notre Dame gets its own category because, although it is “Independent,” it does have a pretty intertwined relationship with the SEC. At the end of the article, we will provide you with the #1 team on our wishlist. You thought Texas and Oklahoma were big. Hold onto your hats…

Hard Pass

Teams:

  • Boston College
  • Cal
  • Duke
  • North Carolina State
  • Southern Methodist University
  • Stanford
  • Syracuse
  • Virginia Tech
  • Wake Forest

Insights: 

This is half of the current ACC. Outside of Syracuse, none of these schools really carry the banner as their state’s preeminent collegiate institution. Cal and Stanford were discarded and bought on clearance when the Pac-12 disbanded. BC and Syracuse belong back in the Big East rather than the Southeastern Conference. SMU has ponied up and bought their way into the P4. But let’s be honest: the SEC doesn’t need a third Texas school, especially one that small. NC State and Va Tech will look great in the Big 12 or whatever is left of the ACC after the next round of expansion. Same for Duke and Wake Forest, maybe the new look ACC or the Big 12’s focus on basketball will be useful.

Schools within the SEC Footprint

Teams:

  • Louisville
  • Clemson
  • Florida State
  • Georgia Tech
  • Louisville
  • Miami “The U”

Insights:

Six schools in the ACC are already located within the SEC footprint. Many have annual or existing relationships within the SEC, making it seemingly a smoother fit and transition. But, looking at the list, ask yourself: what teams really get you that excited? Georgia has no shortage of Clean, Old Fashioned Hate for the Wramblin’ Wreck, but they hardly seem a fit. Louisville seemed like it was ready to cook athletically, but now it seems a better fit in the Big 12 or new-look ACC.

Miami and Florida State have gotten a lot of buzz, but it’s hardly 1990 anymore. There is plenty of buzz and sizzle around both programs but very little steak. Look at the issues that Oklahoma has had in its transition to the SEC. The Sooners were dominant and excelled in the Big 12. Florida State and Miami have spent more time running their mouths than accomplishing anything on the field.

Clemson makes the most sense—sorry, South Carolina. Their fan base and athletic department are adjacent to the SEC. They may still struggle in the transition, but they would be a much more natural fit in the SEC than any of the other five teams.

New Footprints

Teams:

  • North Carolina
  • Virginia

Insights:

North Carolina and Virginia are interesting. They are shiny and pretty; they are also desired greatly by the Big Ten and Tony Petitti. Adding both schools would expand the footprint, but in reality, it may be more like adding another Vanderbilt. A high-achieving academic school that struggles to put out a football team that can compete on a year-in and year-out basis. At question for Greg Sankey is: what is the value of real estate? SEC games in North Carolina and Virginia help to expand the footprint and establish a consistent foothold in new territories. For this, we may take a flyer and take both teams. This acquisition, though, would be based on fair and equal compensation from a media rights deal. Neither school merits a current SEC school “giving up” money to bring in Carolina or UVA.

Notre Dame

Here come the Irish? Wait, aren’t we talking about the ACC? Notre Dame is not “technically” in the ACC in football. They have a scheduling alliance, playing at least five ACC schools a year. Notre Dame is an Independent, and the bet on itself paid out this year. They hosted the first-ever home playoff game this year. South Bend brought in $20+ million in revenue just from that game. The payout for making the national championship didn’t have to be divided with anyone and basically paid their “House Settlement” revenue share with players coming up.  Notre Dame is also able to have a seat at the table for discussions around the Playoff and is given just as much voice as the ACC or Big 12 when it comes to making decisions.

Still, it begs the question: should Notre Dame join the SEC? This feels like a segment that turns into an afternoon conversation on Finebaum. The short and long answer is No. From Notre Dame’s perspective, it just doesn’t add up. Assuming their power and financial agreements around the playoff continue, the Irish have no reason to move. From the SEC’s perspective, Notre Dame again would be a nice to have. They have a passionate fan base, an athletic department with plenty of money, and is a TV ratings juggernaut. Sankey won’t beg or ask Notre Dame to join, he just has to wait. Like he did with Texas and Oklahoma.

#1 on the 2031 SEC Expansion Wishlist

Let’s go big game hunting. If the SEC wants to make a statement with an addition in 2031. They don’t have to look to the ACC or South Bend. Instead, their sights should be set on Ohio State. Yep, you read that right. What school outside the SEC is most like the SEC? Ohio State. The Big Ten media rights agreement with Fox comes up in 2030. If the SEC is going to tip the scales in conference realignment and truly make the best conference, then the gangster move is to bring Ohio State into the SEC. More than Clemson, North Carolina, or Virginia, Ohio State would set the SEC on its own. Is it a long shot? Yep. But, we aren’t counting out Sankey. It Just Means More.

Main Image: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The post SEC Tailgate Talk: 2031 SEC Expansion Wishlist appeared first on Last Word on College Football.

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