Five SEC football storylines to watch

It simply means extra within the SEC and 2024 is primed to be some of the noteworthy years in convention historical past. The SEC did not simply increase, it added two of the best soccer packages within the nation. Oklahoma and Texas are in, Nick Saban is gone and the School Soccer Playoff has expanded. Buckle up, this must be enjoyable.

Listed here are the 5 largest storylines to observe in 2024.

1. How does Alabama fare with Kalen DeBoer as head coach?

For 17 years, Nick Saban dominated as Alabama’s head coach. He gained six nationwide championships and 9 SEC titles earlier than retiring after the 2023 season. In his place is former Washington head coach, Kalen DeBoer. 

DeBoer led Washington to the nationwide championship recreation in 2023 and earned quite a few Nationwide Coach of the Yr Awards. However he is by no means held a job as large as this. Following in Saban’s footsteps isn’t any straightforward job. 

As anticipated, a number of gamers departed this system after Saban retired, however the Tide’s 15 commits nonetheless earned this system a No. 3 total rating by 247 Sports activities. Journeys to Wisconsin, Tennessee, LSU and Oklahoma dot the 2024 schedule.

2. Are Texas and Oklahoma prepared for the SEC?

Oklahoma gained 14 Massive 12 championships and Texas gained 4 from 1996 to 2023. The remainder of the convention mixed to win 10. The 2 colleges have been the cream of the crop in a good Massive 12, however what’s going to issues appear to be within the SEC? Texas is picked to complete second, whereas Oklahoma is picked eighth. For each colleges, the transfer additionally renews a number of rivalries with outdated convention foes.

3. Is Missouri prepared for an encore?

The Tigers have been a shock story final season, ending 11-2 and defeating Ohio State within the Cotton Bowl. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz and his crew are dark-horse contenders to win the SEC and seize a CFP spot, however they’ll want quarterback Brady Prepare dinner and large receiver Luther Burden III to be at their greatest. It is also crucial the Tigers fill the hole left by graduated operating again Cody Schrader.

4. Can Mike Elko get Texas A&M again on observe?

Texas A&M employed former head coach Jimbo Fisher in hopes he might make them a nationwide championship, however issues by no means labored out that means. Aside from a 9-1 season in 2020, Fisher’s Aggies have been principally mediocre, tormented by poor offensive play. 

A&M parted methods with Fisher in 2023 and employed former Duke head coach Mike Elko in his place. Elko served as A&M’s defensive coordinator earlier than his time at Duke. He did nicely within the switch portal with a category ranked fourth within the nation. 

5. Will Georgia return to the highest?

The Bulldogs missed the School Soccer Playoff final season after back-to-back nationwide championships. This 12 months, quarterback Carson Beck is a Heisman contender and head coach Kirby Sensible is bringing within the top-rated recruiting class. 

Saban’s departure additionally makes Sensible the clear-cut greatest coach within the convention. Journeys to Alabama, Texas and Ole Miss spotlight the schedule.