SEC Media Days, which took place in Dallas, Texas, for the first time in its vast history, ended on Thursday night. Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko made his first national appearance since his November hiring, and the media members in attendance got their first glimpse of the mild-mannered leader who is beginning to slowly but surely shape the program in his image.
With just weeks remaining before the start of the 2024 regular season, those of us who cover the entire SEC landscape have a solid feel of how the inclusion of Texas and Oklahoma will affect the final conference standings, while the retirement of future Hall of Fame head coach Nick Saban places added pressure on new Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer to continue what he has built in Tuscaloosa.
On its face, Texas A&M will continue to fly under the radar due to last season’s chaotic and underwhelming results, as Jimbo Fisher’s dismissal has finally begun to creep toward the periphery. Elko has plenty to prove, and opening his inaugural season vs. Notre Dame will place the Aggies’ under the spotlight, where they can hopefully prove they belong in the conversation for a playoff spot.
After a busy week, here is the official preseason SEC football predictions for all 16 teams.
Vanderbiilt Commodores
2023 record: 2-10 (0-8 SEC)
Points: 293
Accuracy: Agreed: Finishing 0-8 in the conference last season will not provide you any media-based confidence.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
2023 record: 5-7 (1-7 SEC)
Points: 623
Accuracy: Agreed: Jeff Lebby brings in an exciting offensive scheme that should improve the Bulldog’s scoring efforts, but this is a rebuild until further notice.
Arkansas Razorbacks
2023 record: 4-8 (1-7 SEC)
Points: 749
Accuracy: Agreed: Head coach Sam Pittman is hoping that new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino can turn new QB Taylen Green into an SEC-caliber quarterback, and winning at least six games should save his job, for now.
For more Arkansas news and analysis, visit Razorbacks Wire
South Carolina Gamecocks
2023 record: 5-7 (3-5 SEC)
Points: 923
Accuracy: Agreed: Shane Beamer is banking on new QB LaNorris Sellers and WR Nyck Harbor to develop a lethal connection to get back into bowl contention after a poor 2023 campaign.
Florida Gators
2023 record: 5-7 (3-5)
Points: 1146
Accuracy: Mixed: Yes, Florida could finish near the bottom of the conference, but everyone is sleeping on this team, which bodes well for their chances.
For more Florida news and analysis, visit Gators Wire
Kentucky Wildcats
2023 record: 7-6 (3-5 SEC)
Points: 1371
Accuracy: Mixed: Kentucky’s defense should be above average to very good, while new quarterback Brock Vadagriff’s development could tilt this team in either direction.
For more Kentucky news and analysis, visit UK Wildcats Wire
Auburn Tigers
2023 record: 6-7 (3-5 SEC)
Points: 1382
Accuracy: Agreed: Can quarterback Payton Thorne finally look competent in the pocket? Former 5-star freshman WR Cam Coleman should help in that regard, and paired with a solid defense, Auburn could shock some teams.
For more Auburn news and analysis, visit Auburn Wire
Texas A\u0026amp;M Aggies
2023 record: 7-6 (4-4 SEC)
Points: 1684
Accuracy: Disagree: I’m not just opposed to this prediction due to my job title. Texas A&M’s defensive line looks elite on paper, and if the offensive line improves, look for redshirt sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman to slice and dice most secondaries he faces. However, the Aggies could easily finish eight or worse if things go south.
Oklahoma Sooners
2023 record: 10-3 (7-2 Big 12)
Points: 2022
Accuracy: Disagree: Oklahoma is unsurprisingly being overhyped after having to replace the entire offensive line and is set to endure a brutal conference schedule. Sophomore quarterback Jackson Arnold, however, is good enough to lead the Sooners to an eight- or nine-win season.
For more Oklahoma news and analysis, visit Sooners Wire
Tennessee Volunteers
2023 record: 9-4 (4-4 SEC)
Points: 2168
Accuracy: Agreed to Mixed: Not that Josh Heupel has and pressure on him, but this defense is…
Aggies Wire
