Instead, it has everything to do with the 2027 season and one of the top safety prospects in the class. Four-star safety Junior Tu’upo is a 6-foot-2, 195-pounder who isn’t just 1 of the top safeties available for next season, he’s an Alabama product, currently starring at Thompson High School in Alabaster.

On Sunday night, Tu’upo told On3’s Hayes Fawcett that he’s narrowed his list of collegiate choices to 5 schools, with Alabama being 1 of them, so Tu’upo is obviously in the mix for the Crimson Tide, who hope to keep the top talent in-state. But Alabama will not only have competition for Tu’upo within the SEC, it’ll be pressed by its bitter in-state rival, too.

That’s because Tu’upo also has Auburn as 1 of his final 5, so the Tide and Tigers will be fighting for the current 23rd-ranked safety in the Class of 2027, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

But Tu’upo might just leave the state of Alabama but still land in the SEC, with Texas also among his final 5 collegiate choices. If Tu’upo does leave SEC country and the state of Alabama, it would seem he would end up in the Big Ten, with defending national champion Indiana and fellow Big Ten powerhouse Oregon filling out his final 5 list.

Tu’upo is currently the 246th-ranked player overall in the Class of 2027 and he’s the No. 11 player in the state of Alabama, according to those 247Sports Composite rankings.

While SEC programs like Alabama and Texas scramble to sign Tu’upo for the 2027 season, the Tide and Horns will also be battling each other for the SEC crown in 2026. Here is what the Kalshi market is currently saying about the odds for Bama, Texas and the rest of the conference’s elite to capture the SEC trophy in December:

Prediction Markets

College Football SEC Championship Winner (2026)

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Texas

24%

Georgia

23%

LSU

15%

Texas A&M

12%

Alabama

11%

Florida

11%

Missouri

10%

Oklahoma

10%

Arkansas

6%

Vanderbilt

3%

Predict

The post Alabama, Texas listed among SEC favorites for elite Class of 2027 safety appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Branch was released on bond shortly after being booked, but a police report was not immediately available. Later on Sunday, more details emerged surrounding his arrest.

NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero posted a portion of the report from Athens-Clarke County (Ga.) police on social media. Branch was arrested while standing on a public sidewalk for not moving far enough when a police officer asked him to move:

A male, later identified as Zacharia [sic] Branch, continued to stand on the sidewalk without making an attempt to move. I continued to give Zacharia Branch verbal commands to move from blocking the sidewalk and advised that if he did not, he would receive a citation for blocking the sidewalk. Zacharia Branch smirked, then stepped backwards and to the right, then remained standing upon the public sidewalk, so as to obstruct, hinder, and impede free passage upon the sidewalk as well as impede free ingress/egress to or from the adjacent places of business.

Branch faces charges of obstructing public sidewalks/streets – prowling and obstruction of a law enforcement officer, both misdemeanors. After being held for over two hours, he was released after posting bonds totaling $39.

Branch was back in Athens for Georgia’s annual G-Day game. His younger brother, Zion, a Bulldogs safety, is entering his second year with the program.

The post Details emerge surrounding arrest of former Georgia WR Zachariah Branch appeared first on Saturday Down South.

As far as firsts go, major milestones are still ahead. Nevertheless, Saturday offered a tease at what is to come for Stein.

“I got emotional running out of the tunnel,” Will Stein said after his unofficial debut at Kroger Field for the Wildcats’ spring game. “I know it wasn’t a real game, but when I ran on the field, I definitely felt it. It was, like, a lot, like a wave running over me.”

The Blue team offense beat the White team defense in the exhibition, 23-18. With several projected contributors either held out or sporting non-contact jerseys, Stein said the goal of the scrimmage was to get out clean.

For the most, that’s what happened. But the lack of theatrics didn’t seem to dull the experience for the Louisville native.

“I’ve never ran out of that tunnel like that, so that was really cool and unique,” he said. “When the fight song plays, it literally got me emotional. It was just a really cool moment for me.”

The first of many.

Prediction Markets

College Football SEC Championship Winner (2026)

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Texas

24%

Georgia

23%

LSU

15%

Texas A&M

12%

Alabama

11%

Florida

11%

Missouri

10%

Oklahoma

10%

Arkansas

6%

Vanderbilt

3%

Predict

The post Will Stein reflects on his Kentucky debut at Kroger Field appeared first on Saturday Down South.

That effort vaulted him into serious NFL consideration, one Brazzell and hundreds of others hope comes true during next week’s 2026 NFL Draft.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. is so high on Brazzell that he lists the former Vol, along with Georgia’s Zachariah Branch, as his two favorite wide receivers available in his pre-draft breakdown of the players at each position who will outperform their draft slots.

Here is what Kiper said about Brazzell:

Brazzell might come off the board slightly after Branch — think late Round 2 or sometime during Round 3. But he has all the traits coaches want. He’s 6-foot-4 and 198 pounds. He runs a 4.37-second 40. He has a wide catch radius and knows how to adjust to poorly thrown balls to still make the grab. And the stats spell out all that: Brazzell caught 62 passes for 1,017 yards and nine TDs last season, averaging 16.4 yards per reception.

Brazzell finished 2025 with 62 receptions for 1,017 yards. His 4-year total, which included 2 seasons at Tulane, featured 136 catches for 2,072 yards and 16 touchdowns.

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft begins Thursday (8 pm ET, ESPN/ABC) in Pittsburgh and runs through Saturday.

Prediction Markets

Who will be drafted in Round 1?

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Kadyn Proctor

94%

Jermod McCoy

88%

KC Concepcion

82%

Keldric Faulk

75%

Colton Hood

66%

Ty Simpson

62%

Cashius Howell

23%

Caleb Banks

17%

Christen Miller

16%

R Mason Thomas

15%

Predict

The post Mel Kiper Jr. highlights Chris Brazzell II as one of favorite WRs appeared first on Saturday Down South.

According to arrest logs, Branch was booked shortly after 1 a.m. local time Sunday morning. He was released on bonds totaling $39 hours later.

A full police report of the incident had not yet been released at the time of publication.

The standout receiver was back in Athens this weekend for the Bulldogs’ spring game. He is hoping to hear his name called early in the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins next Thursday.

Branch led the Bulldogs with 81 receptions for 811 yards and 6 touchdowns last season. It was his first and only season with the program after spending 2 years with USC prior.

In Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft for ESPN, Branch was projected to be taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 53rd overall pick in the second round. Most projections list Branch as a Day 2 selection.

Georgia declined to comment on the incident when reached by DawgNation. It’s unclear if or how the incident will impact his draft stock so close to the start of the event.

The post Former Georgia receiver Zachariah Branch arrested in Athens appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Among the draft hopefuls is former Florida center Jake Slaughter, who was a Rimington Trophy finalist in 2025, along with earning All-SEC first team and second-team All-American honors while starting all 12 games for the Gators.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. is so high on Slaughter that he lists the former Gator as his favorite center in the class in his pre-draft breakdown of players who will outperform their draft spots.

Here is what Kiper said about Slaughter:

I like everything about Slaughter’s game. He has a lot of experience – 33 starts and over 2,000 snaps at the pivot – and comes battle-tested, having played in the SEC. And he has allowed only six pressures and three sacks over all that time. At 6-foot-5 and 303 pounds, Slaughter can drive defenders out of the way to open rushing lanes, and he shows good lateral agility and footwork. I really love his awareness on stunts. Overall, Slaughter is just a really good, consistent football player, and I’d expect him to go in Round 4.”

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft begins Thursday (8 pm ET, ESPN/ABC) in Pittsburgh and runs through Saturday.

Prediction Markets

Who will be drafted in Round 1?

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Kadyn Proctor

94%

Jermod McCoy

88%

KC Concepcion

82%

Keldric Faulk

75%

Colton Hood

66%

Ty Simpson

62%

Cashius Howell

23%

Caleb Banks

17%

Christen Miller

16%

R Mason Thomas

15%

Predict

The post Mel Kiper Jr. labels Florida’s Jake Slaughter his favorite center in 2026 NFL Draft appeared first on Saturday Down South.

“I don’t know how long he’s out. You never know how long it is with the ACL,” Smart said to reporters after the G-Day festivities in Athens. “George [Pickens] was able to come back and play – he had a similar injury. You never put a timetable on it. He doesn’t want to put a timetable on it. He wants to do what he can to recover and get better.”

Williams was injured toward the end of a Georgia’s April 14 workout, a setback that typically costs the player between 6 and 9 months. Williams recovering on the aggressive end of that timetable could put his return smack in the middle of the Bulldogs’ rigorous 2026 SEC slate.

Williams transferred from Auburn just months ago, where he piled up six tackles for loss and two sacks in his sophomore campaign. The Bulldogs were counting on Williams to bolster a lackluster pass-rushing attack that ranked dead last in the SEC in tackles for loss per game (4.21) and sacks per game (1.43).

Georgia opens the 2026 season Sept. 5 at home vs. Tennessee State and begins the SEC journey Sept. 19 at Arkansas.

The post Kirby Smart gives update on injured pass rusher Amaris Williams appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The Wildcats coach talked after Saturday’s spring game about wanting to engage more with Big Blue Nation – revamping how the team takes the field before Saturdays in the fall.

Currently, the team arrives at the nearby Joe Craft Football Training Center amid celebratory Wildcats fans. But Stein, who replaces Mark Stoops at the helm of the program, wants to turn that tradition into one that happens inside the 61,000-seat stadium itself.

“I want to get dressed in our locker room over there, you know? Before the game,” Will Stein told reporters Saturday. “Come off the field, run all the way up into the crowd center, have their space in there. And have a nice long Cat Walk through the crowd then come in the tunnel and run out. Be able to dab up some fans, some young kids. Engage the fans and players that way.

“That’s on my mind. So I’m going to ask for that.”

Stein played collegiately at Louisville and was the offensive coordinator at Oregon for three seasons before Kentucky tapped him for the job. The Wildcats open the 2026 season Sept. 5 at home against Youngstown State before opening SEC play at home Sept. 12 against Alabama.

RELATED: The 2026 NFL Draft is quickly approaching. Bet on the first-round action using this BetMGM bonus code.

The post Will Stein wants to revamp Cat Walk before Kentucky games appeared first on Saturday Down South.

This week, former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson gave Indiana’s defense a backhanded compliment. Indiana’s defensive coordinator responded to that perceived slight on social media, which then angered Alabama fans and prompted another (snarkier) response from the IU assistant.

Indiana beat Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl last season. Simpson completed just 12 of his 16 passes for 67 yards before exiting with an injury. Yet, on the Downs 2 Business podcast this week, Simpson said Indiana’s defensive gameplan was as basic as can be.

“I was like, they don’t do much. I was like, they do the same thing every down,” Simpson said. “When I got the ball, I knew exactly what was going to hapen. They just didn’t mess up, bro. They were in the exact same spot they were supposed to be. They were so well-coached. It was so much different than the SEC. The SEC will play man, they’ll do these unorthodox coverages because that’s kind of how it is.

“That game was crazy to me, of course I got hurt so that was a bummer. I just knew what they were going to do. We couldn’t really run the ball. We didn’t really throw. It was so crazy to me how it happened.”

Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines saw the clip floating around social media and took exception with the characterization of IU’s defense.

“Adorable,” he said Friday night. “We also, saw everything they were doing, on every single snap… It’s just that we exploited those cues. And didn’t get frozen and crushed by them.”

After waves of Alabama fans jumped into Haines’s mentions to say Simpson was simply complimenting the Hoosiers, Haines doubled-down on Saturday evening.

“That’s all it took to break your entire fanbase? Wow.. maybe I should’ve just said ‘Boo.’ No apologies, no compliments,” Haines tweeted. “Grow up folks. He had a bad take and I said the painful truth. Bounce back better.”

Can we get a nonconference game on the docket between these two programs? Soon? That might get in the way of IU playing powerhouses UMass, Indiana State, and Kennesaw State, though.

Like our coverage? Make SDS a preferred source in your searches!

The post Indiana defensive coordinator spars with Alabama fans over Ty Simpson comment appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Pick your favorite NFL mock draft — whether it be Todd McShay, Daniel Jeremiah… any of them, really — and you’ll probably find they have 8 or sometimes 9 SEC guys taken in the first round. There are no guaranteed top 10 picks among those 8 or 9 players, and the majority of them are projected to be selected in the 20s.

For reference, last year’s draft saw 15 SEC players taken in the first round, and the past 5 first rounds have averaged 12 SEC picks. (And if you’re wondering, LSU‘s Mansoor Delane has the best odds to be selected in the top 10, hovering around 58% on Kalshi.)

Prediction Markets

Players Drafted Top 10 in 2026?

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Fernando Mendoza

99%

Arvell Reese

98%

David Bailey

97%

Jeremiyah Love

96%

Sonny Styles

92%

Carnell Tate

80%

Caleb Downs

80%

Rueben Bain Jr.

63%

Francis Mauigoa

62%

Mansoor Delane

53%

Predict

Even the SEC’s biggest draft storyline is a little tired at this point. Ty Simpson could go in the first round, sure, but it appears much more likely that he’ll be selected on Day 2 with Fernando Mendoza being the clear QB1 in this draft and a strong class coming up on the horizon in 2027.

But even with the first-round headcount down and only a few elite names being thrown around, there’s a ton of value coming out of the SEC this year — in the first round and beyond. Here are 5 SEC sleepers who aren’t getting enough love heading into draft week, in no particular order.

Brenen Thompson — WR, Mississippi State

• Best Fit: Kansas City Chiefs

This is an Andy Reid guy if I’ve ever seen one. Despite the fact that speedsters like Thompson don’t always work out in the NFL, I think this Mississippi State product will be different.

Thompson ran a combine-leading 4.26 in the 40, which should come as no surprise whatsoever if you’ve seen him play. Not only is he fast, he’s an excellent route runner (underrated, I may add) and proved he can match up with physicality at the line of scrimmage by putting up numbers against SEC secondaries. He had 6 receptions for 76 yards and a pair of touchdowns against Texas and fellow future 2026 draftee Malik Muhammed, and averaged 85 yards receiving against Georgia and Ole Miss.

The knock on Thompson is his size. He’s 170 pounds soaking wet and stands at 5-foot-9, which has him listed as a consensus Day 3 prospect. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kansas City targets him at No. 109; that is, assuming someone doesn’t like him enough to take him earlier.

KC Concepcion — WR, Texas A&M

Best fit: Carolina Panthers

Yes, I realize KC Concepcion is (correctly) considered a first-round prospect in many NFL mock drafts. I wouldn’t really call the Texas A&M standout a sleeper, admittedly, but I’ll stand by the notion that he’s getting nowhere near the love he should be.

There are so many teams that could use a player like Concepcion that I’d be shocked if he got to 24, where several (here’s an example) mock drafts have him going to Cleveland. The Panthers immediately come to mind, not only because Bryce Young could desperately use some help on offense, but because Carolina could use his talents as a returner. The Panthers managed the 2nd-fewest kick return yards and 6th-fewest punt return yards in 2025.

Some win-win potential there for whoever ends up drafting him.

R Mason Thomas — Edge, Oklahoma

Best fit: New England Patriots

R Mason Thomas’s draft stock is all over the place. I’ve seen him as high as the teens and as low as Round 3, but I’d be ecstatic if my my team drafted him with a late first-round pick.

On the surface, I understand the hesitation. The Sooners standout has very short arms and, as a result, there are worries about his abilities as a run defender against NFL athletes. What some haven’t considered, however, is that R Mason Thomas is a junkyard dog and a game-wrecker who will gladly pin his ears back and go to war every single snap. Don’t overthink this, NFL GMs.

The Patriots and Seahawks both need a violent rusher off the edge, and I could see either grabbing Thomas off the board at 31 or 32.

Oscar Delp — Tight End, Georgia

Best fit: Denver Broncos

Using college statistics as a gauge to assess NFL-readiness is ill-advised, but I wouldn’t blame you for taking pause with Oscar Delp’s underwhelming 20 receptions and 1 touchdown throughout all of 2025. It begs the question: Why did Delp not get the ball considerably more than he did his last year at Georgia?

A lot of folks are picking Eli Stowers as their TE2 in this draft, but I can’t help but think Delp will have a better NFL career. He’s further along as a blocker and has some impressive speed for a guy who stands at 6-foot-5, 245 pounds. Delp is a sneaky gifted athlete. Better yet, the Broncos are in need of a strong TE to make Bo Nix’s life easier, and Delp fits Denver like a glove.

Jalon Kilgore — Safety, South Carolina

Best fit: Chicago Bears

It’s hard not to let out a hearty “football guy” when watching Jalon Kilgore light dudes up at South Carolina. He can guard tight ends and receivers and plays about as physical as any player in the 2026 class.

Kilgore is flying under the radar because of this year’s excellent safety class. Caleb Downs is considered the jewel of the cycle, but Dillon Thieneman and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren are projected first-round guys as well. Kilgore is likely to fall to Day 2, and he fits perfect for a Bears team looking to replace Kevin Byard and JaQuan Brisker from a year ago. Philadelphia at No. 54 makes a ton of sense, too.

The post 5 SEC sleepers and their best (realistic) fits entering the 2026 NFL Draft appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Indeed, No. 5 Georgia was on one Saturday night — especially in the final innings. The Bulldogs scored an incredible 26 runs to down the Razorbacks 26-14, including 11 runs in the 9th inning alone.

Michael O’Shaughnessy had himself a truly special outing on Saturday, accounting for 8 RBIs by himself with a pair of home runs, including a Grand Slam in the 9th inning. Ryan Wynn also finished as a member of the two-shot club — blasting a 2-run shot in the 3rd with the cherry on top, the 26th run, added in the 9th. But as great as O’Shaughnessy and Wynn were, Dan Jackson was even better.

The Georgia star tied a Bulldogs record with 3 home runs on the day, accounting for 6 RBI with 4 total hits. Jackson’s bat directly contributed Georgia’s first 4 runs of the evening.

Georgia’s win on Saturday smashed an SEC record with 9 home runs across a single league contest. In doing so, the Bulldogs collected the series victory over the Razorbacks after losing Game 1 Thursday and evening the score in Game 2 on Friday.

If you’re wondering, the last time Georgia played Arkansas in football (2021) ended with a final score of 37-0, which is less than the combined score of this matchup.

The post Georgia baseball catches fire, scores 26 runs to down No. 16 Arkansas appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Lamons is a good one, too. He hails from Brooks County high school in Quitman, Georgia, which is located just north of the Florida state line, and stands at 6-4, 215 pounds. Lamons ended up choosing the Tigers over the likes of Florida, Alabama and Florida State, to name a few.

Interestingly, Lamons was previously committed to Texas A&M before stepping away from the Aggies pledge in July of 2025.

Recruiting services are divided regarding Lamons, perhaps because they can’t quite decide what position he’ll play in college. Despite being rated as the No. 11 TE in the 2027 cycle by 247Sports’ composite rankings, Lamons was also heavily recruited as a wide receiver. 247Sports composite also ranks Lamons as the No. 244 overall prospect and the No. 27 prospect out of Georgia.

As mentioned earlier, Auburn now holds 2 commitments in its Class of 2027. Alongside Lamons, the Tigers have secured a pledge from 4-star defensive lineman Donivan Moore.

Prediction Markets

College Football SEC Championship Winner (2026)

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Texas

24%

Georgia

23%

LSU

15%

Texas A&M

12%

Alabama

11%

Florida

11%

Missouri

10%

Oklahoma

10%

Arkansas

6%

Vanderbilt

3%

Predict

The post Auburn receives A-Day commitment from 4-star TE out of Georgia appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Rivals reported that the 6-foot-4 Fields chose Texas over offers from Ole Miss, Tennessee, Miami and Georgia. He is the nation’s No. 196 overall athlete in the 247 Sports Composite rankings and the 20^th-ranked edge rusher in the 2027 class.

Fields, who plays at Brookhaven (Miss.) High School, recorded 45 solo tackles and 26 tackles for loss as a junior in 2025. Of those 26 TFL, a team-best 16 went for sacks as the Panthers went 12-3.

Fields is the ninth hard commitment for Texas in the 2027 cycle and second edge rusher, joining 4-star edge Cameron Hall.

The Longhorns entered 2025 with College Football Playoff aspirations but finished 10-3 and just out of the 12-team CFP field. Texas did finish strong, notching an 27-17 upset victory over rival No. 3 Texas A&M in the regular season finale and a 41-27 win against No. 18 Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

Texas begins the 2026 season Sept. 5 at home against Texas State and welcomes Ohio State to Austin for a huge rematch on Sept. 12. The Longhorns’ SEC schedule begins Sept. 26 at Tennessee.

Prediction Markets

College Football SEC Championship Winner (2026)

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Texas

24%

Georgia

23%

LSU

15%

Texas A&M

12%

Alabama

11%

Florida

11%

Missouri

10%

Oklahoma

10%

Arkansas

6%

Vanderbilt

3%

Predict

The post Texas adds commitment from 4-star edge out of Mississippi appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The former USF standout, who transferred to Auburn to join his former coach Alex Golesh, wasn’t exactly sharp – going just 7-of-14 for 85 yards with two interceptions. In fact, Brown was outshined by Oregon State transfer Tristan Ti’a, who finished 15-of-20 for 179 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception.

“I didn’t think Byrum saw it great today,” Golesh said to reporters after the workout at Jordan-Hare Stadium. “Where his game has come in the last 15 practices, he was efficient in what he had to do, but he didn’t see it great today… Mentally, he was fine. Composure, he was fine. Didn’t see it well.”

Brown passed for 3,158 yards and 28 touchdowns last season for USF and transferred from Tampa to Auburn following a Bulls tenure that included 7,690 passing yards, 2,265 rushing yards and 92 total touchdowns.

Auburn fired Hugh Freeze in midseason en route to a 5-7 record before hiring Golesh. The Tigers open the 2026 season with four straight home games – beginning Sept. 5 with Baylor. The SEC slate starts Sept. 19 at home vs. Florida.

The post Alex Golesh offers critique of Byrum Brown’s spring game performance appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Sanford, who was named a 2026 captain earlier in the week, went down with an apparent lower-leg injury in the first half – with a cast placed on his injury before being carted off the field.

“He got injured, lower body,” Texas A&M coach Mike Elko told reporters after the game. “We will figure it out.”

Fellow Aggies linebacker Noah Mikhail also discussed Sanford’s injury.

“Daymion (Sanford) is a one-of-a-kind type of player. Losing someone like that is really tough on the whole team, especially as linebackers,” Mikhail said. “We went and prayed in the huddle. We are hoping we can get him back as soon as possible.”

Bethel-Roman, on the other hand, departed Saturday’s game in the first quarter with an apparent arm injury, though Elko said post-practice that “Ashton will be fine.”

Sanford has racked up 52 solo tackles and 94 total stops in his Texas A&M career, adding 3½ sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. Bethel-Roman caught 24 passes for 503 yards and five touchdowns last season as the Aggies advanced to the College Football Playoff.

The post Mike Elko comments on spring game injuries of Daymion Sanford, Ashton Bethel-Roman appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Junior running back Nate Frazier limped off the Sanford Stadium field after the first play Saturday, receiving medical attention before spending the rest of the scrimmage on the sideline.

Following the G-Day festivities, Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart discussed Frazier’s injury with reporters.

“Precautionary. He had an ankle injury in the last game,” Smart said, referring to an injury Frazier sustained in the Sugar Bowl against Ole Miss. “He re-aggravated it on the first play and we shut him down after that.”

Georgia’s Red team, consisting of the Bulldogs’ first-team offense and second-team offense, beat the Black team 27-17.

Frazier rushed for 947 yards on 173 carries and six touchdowns in 2026. His two-year stats in Athens include 1,819 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns.

Counting Frazier, Georgia listed 13 players who were either injured Saturday or sustained an injury at some point in spring practice that kept them out of G-Day.

Georgia captured the SEC championship in 2025 and finished the season with a 12-2 record – ultimately falling to Ole Miss 39-34 in the CFP quarterfinals in New Orleans. The Bulldogs begin the 2026 season Sept. 5 at home against Tennessee State and also play a non-conference home game Sept. 12 against Western Kentucky before SEC play opens Sept. 19 at Arkansas.

Prediction Markets

College Football SEC Championship Winner (2026)

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Texas

24%

Georgia

23%

LSU

15%

Texas A&M

12%

Alabama

11%

Florida

11%

Missouri

10%

Oklahoma

10%

Arkansas

6%

Vanderbilt

3%

Predict

The post Kirby Smart gives injury update on starting running back Nate Frazier appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Thankfully, it appears the parachuter is okay after a rough collision with the video board, which was captured in the video below by a user at the spring game. According to a few reporters on-scene for the game, the parachuter was stuck dangling from the video board for well over 10 minutes.

It appears strong winds made landing more difficult than previously anticipated. Here’s a look at the scene and crash:

Further reports, such as the one below, indicate the individual was indeed rescued safely by the fire department.

Obviously, this is not a fantastic omen for the start of the James Franklin era at Virginia Tech. The Hokies, after years of mediocrity, hired the former Penn State head coach after he and the Nittany Lions parted ways following an anticlimactic 2025 season.

The Hokies have been reeling since Frank Beamer left following the 2015 season. Justin Fuente had a few good years at the start of his tenure, but Virginia Tech has failed to win 8 games in one season dating back to an 8-5 finish in 2019.

Here’s an update from Virginia Tech:

The post Virginia Tech delays spring game after pregame parachuter crashes into video board appeared first on Saturday Down South.

After the scrimmage to conclude Kentucky’s spring session, Stein was asked about why Saturday’s workout wasn’t made available via broadcast.

“You never know who is in the stands. We are close (in proximity) to a lot of (programs),” Stein said. “That’s just a fact. We huddled a lot, we hid our signals, we didn’t do any special teams.

“Because, I mean, shoot, you can go on YouTube and look up spring football games around the country watch what spring ball look like on other schools. … That’s why we wanted to keep it really simple. The playbook was minimal on both offense and defense.”

Like our coverage? Make SDS a preferred source in your searches!

Stein takes over Kentucky’s program after Mark Stoops was let go following a 13-year run in Lexington. It is Stein’s first head coaching job, as he served as offensive coordinator for three seasons in Oregon before landing the UK job.

Kentucky (5-7 overall, 2-6 SEC in 2025) opens Stein’s first season Sept. 5 at home against Youngstown State before beginning conference play Sept. 12 at home against Alabama.

Prediction Markets

College Football SEC Championship Winner (2026)

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Texas

24%

Georgia

23%

LSU

15%

Texas A&M

12%

Alabama

11%

Florida

11%

Missouri

10%

Oklahoma

10%

Arkansas

6%

Vanderbilt

3%

Predict

The post Will Stein talks secrecy around spring game: ‘You never know who is in the stands’ appeared first on Saturday Down South.

That’s when talented wide receiver Isaiah Horton decided to bolt from Tuscaloosa and transfer to SEC rival Texas A&M. It was a double whammy of sorts for Elko, taking the Nashville native away from the Crimson Tide and bringing him to College Station to add to the offensive mix along with star quarterback Marcel Reed.

There is potential star power for Horton, too, and that was on display Saturday afternoon during the Maroon & White Spring Game at Kyle Field. Horton, who broke out individually last fall at Alabama, catching 42 passes for 511 yards and 8 touchdowns, continued that momentum with his new program on Saturday, with style points.

The 6-foot-4, 208-pounder who launched his college career at Miami made quite the first real impression with the Aggies faithful. On the final snap of the first quarter of Saturday’s spring game, Horton slid along the sidelines to make a phenomenal catch. The pass came from Brady Hart, it was good for a gain of roughly 35 yards, and it served notice that Horton might just be in for a banner fall in College Station.

Elko took notice of the play, of course, and he raved to reporters about Horton’s spring game performance in general.

“Those balls were thrown into tight coverage, and he came down with contested catches over the DB,” Mike Elko said. “He has had a great spring, and we expect him to be a major player for us this fall.”

Adding Horton to the Aggies’ passing game this fall will surely bolster Texas A&M’s ability to contend for an SEC title. Here is what the Kalshi market is currently saying about the Aggies’ chances to lift the SEC championship trophy in December:

Prediction Markets

College Football SEC Championship Winner (2026)

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Texas

24%

Georgia

23%

LSU

15%

Texas A&M

12%

Alabama

11%

Florida

11%

Missouri

10%

Oklahoma

10%

Arkansas

6%

Vanderbilt

3%

Predict

The post Mike Elko lays out big expectations for Isaiah Horton after impressive spring game appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Two days after being ruled eligible for the 2026 season, Heinecke sprinted out of the tunnel at Owen Field with a flourish and a renewed fire, with 50 Cent’s “Many Men” blaring on the stadium loudspeaker, of course.

He received a standing ovation from the Sooner faithful, who now know they’ll have Heinecke back in the fold this fall after his breakout 2025 season. Before Oklahoma fans were treated to the spring game, they had a glorious chance to welcome back a fan favorite who was perilously close to not being able to wear a Sooner uniform again.

In Thursday’s official ruling by Cleveland County judge Thad Balkman, he said the NCAA “failed to consider the totality of the case” when it initially denied Heinecke a chance to return for the 2026 season. That was according to a report by SoonerScoop’s George Stoia, and when Balkman chose to grant Heinecke an injunction, it paved the way for the Tulsa native to be able to return for another season in Norman.

Heinecke can likely be penciled into the starting lineup for the Sooners this fall, after an incredible 2025 season that saw him rack up 74 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss and 3 sacks.

On Saturday, all of the joy and relief came to fruition for Heinecke, for his teammates and for the fans, who got to welcome him back during the spring game to those familiar sounds of 50 Cent.

With Heinecke returning to seriously bolster Oklahoma’s defense this fall, the Sooners’ chances to compete for an SEC title are that much better. Here is what the Kalshi market is currently seeing for Oklahoma and the rest of the SEC contenders to raise that conference trophy in December:

Prediction Markets

College Football SEC Championship Winner (2026)

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Texas

24%

Georgia

23%

LSU

15%

Texas A&M

12%

Alabama

11%

Florida

11%

Missouri

10%

Oklahoma

10%

Arkansas

6%

Vanderbilt

3%

Predict

The post Owen Heinecke makes dramatic entrance at Oklahoma’s spring game after winning eligibility case appeared first on Saturday Down South.

During Saturday afternoon’s Maroon & White Spring Game at Kyle Field, senior Daymion Sanford, one of Texas A&M‘s best returning defensive players and possibly its best returning linebacker, had to be carted off the field with a lower-leg injury. The exact nature of Sanford’s injury wasn’t known yet, but anytime a cart is needed during the otherwise laid-back nature of a spring game, it can’t be considered an innocent situation.

The 6-foot-2, 222-pound in-state product who was born in Katy, Texas, was injured with a little less than 2 minutes left in the 2nd quarter of the spring game. With such little time remaining on the clock, the first half was cut short while Sanford was tended to by medical personnel.

Sanford piled up 57 total tackles, 25 of them solo, during the 2025 season, helping the Aggies reach the College Football Playoff. He added 3.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery and 1 interception, strong production all over the field that Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko was counting on again for the 2026 season.

At this moment, that prospect depends on just how serious Saturday’s injury was and if Sanford will miss significant time.

While Texas A&M hopes for the best going forward with Sanford, the Aggies will be trying to compete for an SEC championship this fall, with or without Sanford. Here is what the Kalshi market currently thinks of Texas A&M’s chances to raise that SEC title trophy in December:

Prediction Markets

College Football SEC Championship Winner (2026)

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Texas

24%

Georgia

23%

LSU

15%

Texas A&M

12%

Alabama

11%

Florida

11%

Missouri

10%

Oklahoma

10%

Arkansas

6%

Vanderbilt

3%

Predict

The post Texas A&M linebacker Daymion Sanford carted off the field with lower-leg injury appeared first on Saturday Down South.

On the final snap of the first quarter in Texas A&M’s spring game, Horton made a great sliding catch along the sidelines. The fifth-year senior showed his hands late to prevent the defender from making a play on the ball and hauled in the pass from quarterback Brady Hart for a gain of roughly 35 yards.

Like our coverage? Make SDS a preferred source in your searches!

Horton joined Texas A&M, in part, to replace the production of soon-to-be NFL Draft pick KC Concepcion. The departed wideout, who earned All-American honors (All-Purpose/Return Specialist) last season, led the Aggies receptions (61), yards (919) and touchdowns (9). Horton, along with Ashton Bethel-Roman and Terry Bussey, are presumably competing for starting spot(s) beside Mario Craver.

Horton’s strong snare didn’t come on a throw from starting quarterback Marcel Reed, but impact plays like that will help him earn trust in the Texas A&M offense.

The Aggies begin the 2026 season versus Missouri State on Sept. 5.

RELATED: Did you know Underdog is legal in Texas? Here’s an Underdog review to help answer any questions you may have about one of the best DFS sites in 2026!

The post Isaiah Horton makes incredible grab during Texas A&M’s spring game appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The Rebels did it again on Saturday afternoon, getting a commitment from 4-star prize Keysan Taylor, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound EDGE rusher from Rockford, Ill. Instead of staying close to his roots in Big Ten country, Taylor is heading south to Oxford to play for Pete Golding, who will be kick-starting his head coaching stint this fall at Ole Miss.

Taylor told On3’s Hayes Fawcett of his plans to be front and center in 2027 for Golding’s second seasons in Oxford. Not only did Ole Miss continue building that defensive line in its 2027 class, with Taylor already being the Rebels’ third D-line commit for 2027, but Golding also plucked Taylor out of the Midwest at the expense of some SEC rivals.

With Vanderbilt and Kentucky also being in the mix for Taylor, Ole Miss ultimately won out as it tries to build on last season’s trip to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Taylor can’t help the Rebels until the 2027 season, but he’ll be joining fellow 4-star defensive line recruits Ben’Jarvius Shumaker and Jamarkus Pittman soon enough in Oxford.

Taylor’s commitment on Saturday gives Ole Miss 6 commits for the 2027 cycle. In addition to his 4-star rating, Taylor is the 329th-ranked player overall in the Class of 2027, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Those Composite rankings also put Taylor as the No. 28 EDGE rusher in the class and the 12th-ranked player from the state of Illinois.

While Taylor is sure to help Ole Miss during the 2027 season, the Rebels will be trying to climb the SEC mountain and win a conference crown this fall. Here is what the Kalshi market is currently saying about Ole Miss’s chances to win an SEC championship in 2026:

Prediction Markets

College Football SEC Championship Winner (2026)

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Texas

24%

Georgia

23%

LSU

15%

Texas A&M

12%

Alabama

11%

Florida

11%

Missouri

10%

Oklahoma

10%

Arkansas

6%

Vanderbilt

3%

Predict

The post Ole Miss lands commitment from 4-star pass rusher in class of 2027 appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The SEC powerhouse is looking to get back onto the mountaintop of college football after winning those national titles in 2021 and 2022, and Georgia is also looking to remain on that SEC mountaintop this fall after winning conference crowns in 2024 and 2025.

The road to all of those possibilities truly gets going on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET, when Team Black faces Team Red. The scrimmage will be telecast on SEC Network+, and a few hours before kickoff the G-Day rosters were unveiled.

While Smart and his coaching staff are naturally hoping to escape the day without any major injuries, they will also hope for some surprise performances from newcomers as well as some solid showings by Georgia mainstays. Those mainstays are headlined by returning starting quarterback Gunner Stockton, who will lead Team Red’s offensive attack on Saturday.

Standout running back Nate Frazier will line up behind Stockton for Team Red, with the California product hoping to build on a 2025 season that saw Frazier rush for 947 yards and 6 touchdowns. Isiah Canion will also be part of Team Red as the Georgia Tech transfer wide receiver looks to make a strong first impression with the Bulldog faithful.

Meanwhile, Team Black’s roster on Saturday will be headlined by standout safety KJ Bolden. He’ll be joined on Team Black by fellow safety Zion Branch, while defensive back Ellis Robinson also puts on that Team Black uniform to make it a top-heavy roster when it comes to the secondary.

Here are the full Team Red and Team Black rosters for Saturday afternoon:

Smart has led Georgia to 4 SEC titles since he took over in Athens in 2016, and he’ll be trying to lead the Bulldogs to an SEC championship 3-peat after taking the crown in 2024 and 2025. Here is what the Kalshi market is currently saying about the odds for Georgia to do just that come December:

Prediction Markets

College Football SEC Championship Winner (2026)

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Texas

24%

Georgia

23%

LSU

15%

Texas A&M

12%

Alabama

11%

Florida

11%

Missouri

10%

Oklahoma

10%

Arkansas

6%

Vanderbilt

3%

Predict

The post Georgia announces rosters for 2026 G-Day appeared first on Saturday Down South.

According to On3’s Hayes Fawcett, Kentucky has landed 4-star safety Tristin Hughes. The Rocky River, OH native chose the Wildcats over Virginia Tech, Michigan and Penn State.

Hughes, who stands 5-foot-11, 190 lbs., according to 247 Sports, is the No. 351 overall player in 247 Sports’ Composite rankings of the 2027 recruiting class. He’s the No. 21 safety and No. 14 player from Ohio, based on the same rankings.

Stein, in his first offseason as Kentucky’s head coach, now has 10 commitments for 2027. The highest-profile recruit he has landed is QB Jake Nawrot, who was seen as the No. 2 QB in the class before committing to the Wildcats. He is now slotted as the No. 64 player and No. 5 QB in the country, based on 247 Sports’ Composite rankings.

RELATED: Looking join a new sportsbook? Use BetMGM bonus code SOUTH1550 to get access to a first-bet offer when you join!

Kentucky currently has the country’s ninth-best 2027 recruiting class, according to the 247 Sports’ Composite. The Wildcats will face the Youngstown State Penguins in their first game under Stein on Sept. 5.

The post Kentucky beats out multiple top programs for 4-star safety recruit appeared first on Saturday Down South.

According to On3’s Brett McMurphy, the Poinsettia Bowl is making a comeback. Last played in 2016, its return — and the addition of a bowl game in Puerto Rico — negate the loss of the Detroit Bowl and LA Bowl.

The Poinsettia Bowl is played in San Diego, CA. It was originally created in 1952 as an armed forces championship game, but lasted just 4 seasons. Miraculously, it was revived in 2005 (after a 49-year layoff) as a game between a Mountain West team and at-large foe.

Like our coverage? Make SDS a preferred source in your searches!

The biggest matchup in Poinsettia Bowl history featured No. 11 TCU and No. 9 Boise State in 2008. Andy Dalton’s Horned Frogs prevailed 17-16 over Kellen Moore’s Broncos in the affair. According to McMurphy, the Poinsettia Bowl could feature the champions of the Mountain West and newly re-formed Pac-12.

The last Poinsettia Bowl pitted BYU against Wyoming. The Cougars defeated the Cowboys, 24-21, behind Jamaal Williams’ 210 rushing yards. Wyoming QB Josh Allen threw for 207 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in the loss.

Prediction Markets

College Football SEC Championship Winner (2026)

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Texas

24%

Georgia

23%

LSU

15%

Texas A&M

12%

Alabama

11%

Florida

11%

Missouri

10%

Oklahoma

10%

Arkansas

6%

Vanderbilt

3%

Predict

The post Former college football bowl game to return to lineup in 2026, per report appeared first on Saturday Down South.

This comes after the bowls in Detroit, Bahamas, and LA were cancelled after last season.

In October 2025, the HBCU Puerto Rico Bowl was supposed to take place in Mayaguez for a Division II game featuring Kentucky State and Franklin Pierce. However, it was cancelled due to poor field conditions. This new Puerto Rican Bowl has no affiliation with the HBCU game. A location for the Puerto Rican Bowl has yet to be determined.

RELATED: Chalkboard Fantasy is a great option if you’re looking for a new DFS site! Use Chalkboard promo code SOUTH to get started with one of the best DFS apps on the market!

Dates for bowl games aren’t expected to be unveiled until the summer. In total, there’ll be 41 bowl games for the 2026, in addition to the four on-campus games for the College Football Playoff.

Puerto Rico has produced some NFL talent, including head coach Ron Rivera as well as Isiah Pacheco, Victor Cruz, Kiko Alonso, Jon Feliciano, Robert Quinn, and Gavin Escobar. Rivera is a two-time NFL Coach of the Year. Pacheco helped the Kansas City Chiefs capture back-to-back Super Bowl titles during his first two pro seasons (2022-2023).

Prediction Markets

College Football Playoff Qualifiers 2026

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Notre Dame

88%

Ohio St.

79%

Oregon

76%

Georgia

70%

Texas Tech

70%

Texas

69%

Indiana

67%

Miami (FL)

65%

LSU

45%

Ole Miss

40%

Predict

The post Puerto Rico to host college football bowl game for first time ever, per report appeared first on Saturday Down South.

AU calls it the largest and most significant capital project in Auburn Athletics and Jordan-Hare Stadium history. Friday’s announcement notes that the project’s multi-use design for the facility will be geared toward not only the student experience and football gamedays, but a 365-day activation.

The Jordan-Hare North project includes more than 3,000 new premium seating and club experiences. It will also expand campus dining options with the introduction of Shug’s Food Hall and conference and event spaces, retail venues, student activity spaces, and meeting rooms.

Prediction Markets

College Football SEC Championship Winner (2026)

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Texas

24%

Georgia

23%

LSU

15%

Texas A&M

12%

Alabama

11%

Florida

11%

Missouri

10%

Oklahoma

10%

Arkansas

6%

Vanderbilt

3%

Predict

Shug’s Food Hall will use Auburn’s old north end zone scoreboard, set to the time and score before the legendary Kick Six.

Auburn University announced upgrades to Jordan-Hare Stadium’s north end zone including the new Shug’s Food Hall — a modern food court which will feature Auburn’s old scoreboard from the north end zone on the ceiling.

The scoreboard will include the final seconds and score… pic.twitter.com/BS1nXp1uHi

— Auburn Tigers | AL.com (@aldotcomTigers) April 17, 2026

The food hall won’t be the only reference to one of the most celebrated plays in Auburn football history. The project includes the Kick Six Field Suites and the Kick Six Field Club, among the numerous new seating options.

Introducing the Kick Six Field Suites.

Steps from the action—private indoor suite, adjacent terrace, and access to a shared club lounge. Built for energy, flexibility, and connection at field level. pic.twitter.com/TmRuUlHGYz

— Auburn Tigers (@AuburnTigers) April 17, 2026

Introducing the Kick Six Field Suites.

Steps from the action—private indoor suite, adjacent terrace, and access to a shared club lounge. Built for energy, flexibility, and connection at field level. pic.twitter.com/TmRuUlHGYz

— Auburn Tigers (@AuburnTigers) April 17, 2026

Construction on the new project begins this summer, ahead of Alex Golesh‘s first season, with full completion targeted for 2029.

“This is an unbelievable day for the Auburn Family. I want to thank the Board of Trustees, President Roberts and John Cohen for their leadership and vision in making this happen,” Golesh said via the program announcement. “The Jordan-Hare North Project will be an elite space that serves the entire Auburn community 365 days a year. Jordan-Hare is the best gameday environment in the country, and this project is going to take that experience to a completely different level. It’s a great time to be an Auburn Tiger. War Eagle!”

The post Auburn announces approval of massive Jordan-Hare North project appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Ah’Mari Stevens originally pledged to play for the Miami Hurricanes. He told Hayes Fawcett of On3 that he is now committed to LSU.

Like our coverage? Make SDS a preferred source in your searches!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hayes Fawcett (@hayesfawcett3)

Out of Hollywood (Florida) Chaminade-Madonna High School, Stevens is listed at 6-feet and 170 pounds. On the 247Sports Composite, Stevens is rated 4-stars, the No. 32 player in the state of Florida, No. 42 wide receiver and No. 334 prospect overall in the Class of 2027.

Prediction Markets

College Football Playoff Qualifiers 2026

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Notre Dame

88%

Ohio St.

79%

Oregon

76%

Georgia

70%

Texas Tech

70%

Texas

69%

Indiana

67%

Miami (FL)

65%

LSU

45%

Ole Miss

40%

Predict

Stevens was an early commitment for Miami in the 2027 cycle. He pledged to the Hurricanes on Jan. 13, 2025. Since then, however, he other schools, including Texas, Georgia, Florida, continued to show interest.

There were signs that Stevens wasn’t sure to land in Coral Gables when he scheduled visits at LSU, Georgia and Texas. On Friday, he decided to announce his intentions to play for the Tigers.

With Stevens on board, LSU now has 3 commitments for 2027, the first full cycle for Lane Kiffin‘s staff. Fans can get a preview of what he brings to Baton Rouge by checking out his highlights in the video below, via Hudl:

The post LSU lands 2027 commitment from 4-star Florida WR previously pledged to Miami appeared first on Saturday Down South.

“The injuries really set him back this year,” Kelly said earlier in the week when making an appearance on the CBS Sports news desk. “Staying healthy is going to be really important. If he does, he’s going to deliver the ball to playmakers.”

Prior to the 2025 season, Nussmeier was being talked about as a first-round NFL Draft pick. Some even wondered if he could build on his breakout 2024 campaign and become the first quarterback taken.

That obviously did not happen. The only consistency in Nussmeier’s game last fall was the presence of injuries. He threw for 1,927 yards and 12 touchdowns against 5 picks in 9 games before being shut down for the year.

Nussmeier threw 35 times for just 168 yards in the loss to Texas A&M that officially ended Kelly’s tenure. Two weeks later, he threw 21 times for 121 yards in what was his final game as a Tiger.

Now, Nussmeier is projected to be a third-round pick. Maybe that’s a blessing in disguise. First-round selections for quarterbacks carry a tremendous amount of weight. Passers taken in later rounds are generally afforded more time to learn before being leaned on.

Kelly said he’s excited to see what the future holds for the son of an NFL coordinator.

“He has an incredible football IQ and he has an incredible off-platform throwing ability,” Kelly said. “He doesn’t just need to be a three-step drop. He can throw it sidearm, he can move, he can escape. I just love the kid and can’t wait to see what happens in the NFL.”

The 2026 NFL Draft begins on April 23 in Pittsburgh. The second and third rounds take place on April 24. The draft concludes with the final 4 rounds on April 25.

Prediction Markets

Third quarterback drafted in 2026?

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Drew Allar

46%

Garrett Nussmeier

39%

Ty Simpson

24%

Carson Beck

11%

Cole Payton

11%

Taylen Green

8%

Diego Pavia

4%

Cade Klubnik

1%

Luke Altmyer

1%

Predict

The post Ex-LSU coach Brian Kelly lobbies for Garrett Nussmeier ahead of NFL Draft appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The former Alabama quarterback checks boxes, but his experience is lacking. He only started 1 season with the Crimson Tide. And yet former Mizzou quarterback Chase Daniel thinks Simpson is still the most pro-ready passer in the entire class.

“He’s probably the most pro-ready, in terms of starting from Day 1, just because of the style of offense Alabama ran,” Daniel said on ESPN’s NFL Live on Friday. “Lots of personnel, lots of shifts, lots of motions, all these things. When you really look at him, physically, he’s got it. But he only started 15 games. I love what he brings to the table, and his football IQ is off the charts.”

Simpson ranked second among all SEC passers last season in yardage, throwing for 3,567 yards. He also ranked second in touchdown passes, with 28. He completed 64.5% of his throws with just 5 interceptions in 15 games.

He ended the season 21st in Total QBR.

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft begins on April 23. Fans can trade on Simpson’s future on Kalshi ahead of the draft.

Prediction Markets

Team to pick Ty Simpson in 2026 NFL Draft?

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Arizona

53%

New York J

15%

Los Angeles R

13%

Miami

12%

Pittsburgh

6%

Cleveland

5%

Philadelphia

3%

Minnesota

2%

Indianapolis

1%

Las Vegas

1%

Predict

The post Chase Daniel says Ty Simpson is the ‘most pro-ready’ QB in 2026 NFL Draft appeared first on Saturday Down South.

In 2025, Alabama had only 3 players picked across the first 2 days of the draft.

The 2026 NFL Draft might be even leaner.

Earlier this week, ESPN’s Field Yates published his own ranking of the top 150 prospects in this year’s draft class. Alabama had just 4 players listed in the ranking: offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor (No. 14), quarterback Ty Simpson (29), wide receiver Germie Bernard (54), and edge LT Overton (111).

By comparison, Georgia had 7 players in Yates’ top-150 ranking. Texas A&M had 8 players listed. Auburn had 4.

Quite a bit of attention is on Simpson, a player many consider the second-best quarterback in this year’s class. Will Simpson be picked in the first round? A pretty lengthy Alabama streak is on the line if he doesn’t.

Alabama has had multiple first-round picks in the same draft class for 9 straight years. The last time Alabama had fewer than 2 first-round picks was 2016, when Ryan Kelly went 18th to the Colts and another Alabama player didn’t come off the board until pick No. 41.

(That was the Derrick Henry draft. The former Alabama runner went 45th, then went on to make every other team regret their decision to pass him by.)

The 2026 NFL Draft begins on April 23. Fans can trade on Simpson’s draft slot at Kalshi.

Prediction Markets

Team to pick Ty Simpson in 2026 NFL Draft?

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Arizona

53%

New York J

15%

Los Angeles R

13%

Miami

12%

Pittsburgh

6%

Cleveland

5%

Philadelphia

3%

Minnesota

2%

Indianapolis

1%

Las Vegas

1%

Predict

The post 2026 NFL Draft: Just 4 Alabama players included in top-150 ranking appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Offensive tackle Monroe Freeling leads the way at No. 11. The 6-foot-7, 315-pounder, Yates’ No. 2 offensive tackle, wrapped up his third and final season with the Bulldogs by bringing in second-team All-SEC honors.

“With only 18 starts, Freeling is a greener prospect than almost any other player so far in this ranking,” Yates said. “I am bullish that Freeling has as much upside as any offensive lineman in this class; he has all the skills to be a longtime left tackle.”

Linebacker CJ Allen came in at No. 45 overall, making him Yates’ third-rated player at the position.

“The quarterback of Georgia’s defense in 2025, Allen is a slightly undersized inside linebacker,” Yates said. “He is a cerebral, standout communicator who has good range and strong instincts that show up often in run defense.”

One other player ranked in Yates’ top 50: defensive tackle Christen Miller, the No. 4 DT.

“Miller has excellent power to hold his ground, stay square and take on double-teams. He’s a stout, selfless run defender who made life better for linebackers behind him,” Yates wrote.

Here’s the full list of Georgia players in Yates’ top 150:

11. Monroe Freeling, OT

45. CJ Allen, LB

48. Christen Miller, DT

55. Zachariah Branch, WR

72. Oscar Delp, TE

114. Daylen Everette, CB

138. Colbie Young, WR

The post ESPN’s Field Yates places 7 Georgia players among top 150 NFL Draft prospects appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Trae Proctor, a tight end out of American Heritage High School in Plantation, Fla., has flipped his commitment from Auburn to the Wildcats. He announced the news on his X account on Thursday evening.

Proctor is the ninth 2027 player to commit to the Wildcats program, a group currently ranked by 247Sports as No. 11 in the country. He’s also the fourth player in the past week-plus to pledge to Kentucky. On April 8, Mobile, Ala. cornerback Miguel Wilson made the call for the Wildcats. Two days later, fellow Alabama product Elijah Brown (Prattville), a defensive lineman, verballed to the program. That was followed by Jake Nawrot, the nation’s No. 6 quarterback, on April 12.

As a junior at Southridge High School in Miami, Proctor made 30 catches for 604 yards and 11 touchdowns in 12 games. In January, he pledged to Auburn to become part of Alex Golesh’s initial recruiting class as head coach. Three months later, he is now in the fold for the Wildcats.

Below, you can take a look at Proctor’s highlights, from Hudl:

The post Kentucky flips 2027 tight end from fellow SEC program appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Ultimately, that didn’t happen, meaning more resources freed up for other players.

“Arch could have dragged us over the coals for six million, seven million, whatever he wanted. That’s an extra five million that I can go get a Cam Coleman, go get a Hollywood Smothers and go get a Rasheem Biles,” Sarkisian told On3’s Chris Low.

Manning still got paid, naturally. Low noted that the Texas QB is “believed to be making $2M.” Coupled with NIL deals, he is reportedly making just north of $5 million, making him the most valuable college athlete in the country.

On the field, Manning’s first season as the starter behind center got off to a shaky start before a late-season turnaround. In the end, it wasn’t enough to get the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff for a third straight season.

With Biles, Coleman, and Smothers in the fold on Steve Sarkisian‘s team in 2026 — and a confident Manning that could be a top prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft — the Longhorns hope they are well-positioned to not just return to the CFP, but win it altogether.

Here’s the latest Kalshi market on which 12 teams will make the Playoff:

Prediction Markets

College Football Playoff Qualifiers 2026

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Notre Dame

88%

Ohio St.

79%

Oregon

76%

Georgia

70%

Texas Tech

70%

Texas

69%

Indiana

67%

Miami (FL)

65%

LSU

45%

Ole Miss

40%

Predict

The post Steve Sarkisian says Arch Manning took pay cut when signing with Texas out of high school appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Darius Snow, who years ago was recruited by the Longhorns before opting to attend his father’s alma mater, has committed to Texas, his agent told CBS Sports’ Chris Hummer, Matt Zenitz, and Cody Nagel on Tuesday. It will be Snow’s seventh and final year of eligibility.

Snow, the son of former Michigan State basketball star and NBA veteran Eric Snow, was a three-star recruit in the class of 2020 — when Tom Herman was leading the program. In fact, he had the Longhorns among his finalists. He ultimately followed in his father’s footsteps and signed with the Spartans.

Snow played in six games in 2020, but that season didn’t count toward his eligibility due to COVID-19. In 2021, he posted 87 tackles while eventually emerging as a starter in the Spartans’ backfield. After seeing time in just one game in 2022 due to injury, he redshirted, but missed all but four games in 2023.

After 29 tackles in 12 games in 2024, Snow returned in 2025 for a sixth year of eligibility and made 34 tackles. Due to his abbreviated 2023 season, he was able to secure a medical redshirt for one last go-around in the college ranks. He’ll spend that final season close to home as a member of the Longhorns.

Snow marks the 21st player to transfer to Texas during this recruiting cycle. That’s easily the most incoming transfers in the Steve Sarkisian era. As the Longhorns look to book a third trip to the College Football Playoff in four seasons, Kalshi is taking action on which 12 teams will make the field.

Prediction Markets

College Football Playoff Qualifiers 2026

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Notre Dame

88%

Ohio St.

79%

Oregon

76%

Georgia

70%

Texas Tech

70%

Texas

69%

Indiana

67%

Miami (FL)

65%

LSU

45%

Ole Miss

40%

Predict

The post Texas lands B1G transfer linebacker entering seventh year of eligibility appeared first on Saturday Down South.

“We are grateful for today’s decision. This is a fair outcome for a young man who handled this process with integrity and resilience,” Benndy said in a statement. “We’re proud to stand with Owen and look forward to supporting him as he returns to competition in a Sooner uniform.”

The NCAA argued that the season Heinecke spent on the Ohio State men’s lacrosse roster (2021) before walking on to the Sooners’ football roster as a PWO should have counted against his eligibility. After the Tulsa native redshirted in 2022 and saw limited playing time in 2023 and 2024, he emerged as one of the conference’s top LBs in 2025.

That should have been the end of his college career, with the NCAA originally ruling against his appeal for a sixth and final year in February. Heinecke and his legal team, though, continued to pursue the matter. On Thursday, he — and the Sooners — received the good news they were waiting for.

Heinicke’s return means that an anchor in Oklahoma‘s defense from its College Football Playoff appearance in 2025 is back in the fold. And while he was projected as a late-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, he could be a player in high demand come 2027.

Can Heinicke and the Sooners return to the CFP in 2026? Kalshi is taking action on who will make up the 12-team field.

Prediction Markets

College Football Playoff Qualifiers 2026

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Notre Dame

88%

Ohio St.

79%

Oregon

76%

Georgia

70%

Texas Tech

70%

Texas

69%

Indiana

67%

Miami (FL)

65%

LSU

45%

Ole Miss

40%

Predict

The post Oklahoma AD Roger Denny releases statement on Owen Heinecke’s eligibility ruling appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The Indiana head coach, though, cleared the air on just how much his own program is paying.

During an interview with Front Office Sports, Alabama general manager Courtney Morgan stated that some teams across the country are paying upwards of $40 million in efforts to position themselves to win a national championship. That’s not really a surprise as that’s been a number that’s been thrown around in some corners for a while.

That’s not quite the number Indiana paid, however. And the notoriously blunt Cignetti made that clear when responding to a post on X that stated that the Hoosiers “for a fact” didn’t spend that much.

“Correct. Not even close,” Cignetti said.

That’s not to say that Indiana isn’t willing to offer big money. Fernando Mendoza held a reported NIL valuation of $2.6 million. Days before the Hoosiers won their national championship, Mark Cuban donated an increased amount over his 2025 contribution to fund his alma mater’s war chest.

Indiana will have a massive target on its back in 2026 as it looks to win its consecutive national championship. Can the Hoosiers run it back, or will another team ultimately emerge? Kalshi is taking action on who will make up the 12-team College Football Playoff field in 2026.

Prediction Markets

College Football Playoff Qualifiers 2026

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Notre Dame

88%

Ohio St.

79%

Oregon

76%

Georgia

70%

Texas Tech

70%

Texas

69%

Indiana

67%

Miami (FL)

65%

LSU

45%

Ole Miss

40%

Predict

The post Curt Cignetti responds to reports of CFB teams spending up to $40 million on roster appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Under the proposal, FBS schedules would be standardized to 14 weeks beginning with the 2027 season. The season would begin on the Thursday of what is now designated Week 0 and end on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The recommendation is not yet an official change to the season. The Division I Cabinet will meet in June and decide on the proposal.

Teams have to apply for an exception to play during Week 0 under the current rules.

In a press release, the NCAA argued its proposed change would open up 2 bye weeks for teams instead of 1, maintain flexibility for any future postseason changes, and ensure standalone weekends for the Army-Navy game as well as conference championships.

Scheduling concerns have been a major sticking point for college football’s power brokers when discussing the College Football Playoff. Expanding the CFP in any way that would add additional rounds of games would lengthen an already elongated season, or put conference title games on the chopping block.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning said last postseason that an ideal schedule would see every team begin the season in Week 0 and have the national championship on Jan. 1.

The 2026-27 CFP championship game is set to be played on Jan. 25, 2027.

Like our coverage? Make SDS a preferred source in your searches!

The post NCAA recommends shifting start of season to Week 0 appeared first on Saturday Down South.

That official ruling was handed down by Cleveland County judge Thad Balkman on Thursday afternoon. According to SoonerScoop’s George Stoia, Balkman said the NCAA “failed to consider the totality of the case” when initially denying Heinecke eligibility for 2026.

As a result, Balkman decided to grant the injunction, effectively making Heinecke eligible for another season of college football.

This is massive news for the Sooners, as Heinecke is a likely starter at linebacker for Oklahoma in 2026 now that he’s been ruled eligible. Heinecke had a breakout 2025 campaign that saw him record 74 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 3 sacks.

Like our coverage? Make SDS a preferred source in your searches!

Heinecke began his college career as a lacrosse player at Ohio State in 2021. He then transferred to Oklahoma and did not play during the 2022 season. He played 13 games in 2023 and 2024, mostly on special teams and as a reserve linebacker before taking on a larger role last fall.

Oklahoma coach Brent Venables was among those who testified on Heinecke’s behalf during the hearing.

Heinecke will re-join an Oklahoma defense that projects to be among the nation’s best in 2026. Last season, the Sooners allowed just 4.28 yards per play, which ranked No. 4 nationally.

Prediction Markets

College Football SEC Championship Winner (2026)

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Texas

24%

Georgia

23%

LSU

15%

Texas A&M

12%

Alabama

11%

Florida

11%

Missouri

10%

Oklahoma

10%

Arkansas

6%

Vanderbilt

3%

Predict

The post Judge rules on Owen Heinecke’s eligibility case appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Speaking at the SBJ’s World Congress of Sports event this week, FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks argued that an expanded Playoff field — one that is double the size of the current field — would actually make the sport’s regular season more enjoyable. Critics of further expanding the CFP say doing so would devalue the regular season, which is among the most consequential in all of sports.

“One of the big knocks against college football is in the first 3 weeks. It’s actually hard to find great games,” Shanks said, per SBJ’s Ben Portnoy. “If you don’t get penalized for playing those big non-conference games early and there’s a bigger pool of teams that can get into a [24-team] playoff, the schedule gets better in September because you won’t be penalized for playing great games.”

Texas jumps to the front of the conversation here. The Longhorns played Ohio State to open the 2025 season in a colossal clash of proverbial titans. Texas lost that game, and when it was shut out of the CFP, Texas officials suggested that Week 1 fixture was solely to blame.

The Texas argument: If teams aren’t rewarded for playing challenging schedules, teams won’t play challenging schedules.

Shanks’ argument seems to be one in the same.

It is, to an extent, arguing semantics. A 24-team Playoff might lead to bigger brands playing each other in the first 3 weeks of the regular season. That doesn’t necessarily guarantee the games will be good. South Carolina and Virginia Tech played a marquee early-season game last fall and those programs combined to lose 17 regular-season games. Clemson played LSU in a slop fest. Alabama played Wisconsin in a Week 3 game that featured a 35-7 score going into the fourth quarter.

And if the sting of losing a game like Texas-Ohio State is removed from the equation, the game isn’t as good because the stakes aren’t as important. It becomes more exhibition than anything else.

More matchups between big brands in the nonconference slate also means fewer buy games. While those don’t move the needle for television partners, they’re often the lifeblood of smaller schools who rely on the extra money. Those games also help the home team get some game experience for younger players.

Additionally, and most importantly, fans don’t have the appetite for an expanded Playoff field.

The post FOX exec argues 24-team CFP would make the regular season better appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The Wildcats flipped 3-star tight end recruit Trae “Tank” Proctor away from Auburn, according to a report from recruiting insider Steve Wiltfong.

This is a significant addition for the Wildcats. Proctor is ranked No. 761 among all players and No. 41 among tight ends in the class of 2027, per 247Sports Composite rankings.

Like our coverage? Make SDS a preferred source in your searches!

Proctor is listed at 6-foot-4, 213 pounds. He attends American Heritage High School (Fla.), which is one of the nation’s top producers of high school recruits. Other alumni include former Alabama defensive back Patrick Surtain Jr., former Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner and current Miami star wide receiver Malachi Toney, among many others.

Proctor adds to a growing recruiting class that’s set to arrive in Lexington following the 2026 season. Kentucky‘s recruiting has taken a big step forward since the hiring of Will Stein, particularly in the transfer portal.

Kentucky’s 2027 recruiting class now includes 9 prospects. The group is led by 4-star quarterback Jake Nawrot, who committed to the Wildcats earlier this week. Overall, Kentucky’s 2027 recruiting class ranks in the top 15 nationally, per 247Sports Composite rankings.

Here are some highlights from Proctor’s junior season of high school football:

The post Kentucky flips highly-touted TE recruit away from Auburn appeared first on Saturday Down South.

According to The Guardian, a criminal information document indicating Davis has agreed to a plea deal, state that he and CJ Evins, “obtained at least thirteen fraudulent loans totaling more than $19,845,000.” The Guardian’s article states that the CI document lists 3 of 13 loans.

Like our coverage? Make SDS a preferred source in your searches!

Davis and Evins are said to have impersonated Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku in a loan for $4.025 million, Green Bay Packers defensive back Xavier McKinney in a loan for $4.35 million and Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. in a loan for $3.3 million.

“Beginning no later than in or around May 2023 and continuing through in or about October 2024, the defendant, Luther Davis, and CJ Evins, executed a scheme to fraudulently obtain millions of dollars in loans from multiple lenders, including, but not limited to, Aliya Sports and All Pro Capital Funding, by impersonating professional football players and falsely claiming those players were seeking multi-million dollar Loans,” federal prosecutors stated in the charges against Davis and Evins.

Davis and Evins’ scheme reportedly had several stages. The pair would register at the Georgia Secretary of State companies with names closely related to the impersonated player’s name or initials. They then would open bank accounts for the fake companies and also create related email accounts.

The next step involved obtaining fake identification documents. Upon contacting loan brokers, the duo would provide fraudulent documents, including fabricated personal financial statements and bank statements for the fake companies. Davis, per prosecutors, appeared at virtual loan closings using wigs and makeup to disguise himself as the athletes he was impersonating.

“Unbeknownst to the broker and the lender, none of the players who were supposedly receiving the loans attended any of these closings,” the criminal information document reads, per The Guardian. “Rather, defendant Davis dressed in disguise and impersonated the players, providing fake identification documents to convince the notary.”

Davis was part of Nick Saban‘s 2007 class at Alabama. He played 4 seasons for the Crimson Tide, helping UA win the BCS national championship for the 2009 season.

Prediction Markets

College Football Playoff Qualifiers 2026

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Notre Dame

88%

Ohio St.

79%

Oregon

76%

Georgia

70%

Texas Tech

70%

Texas

69%

Indiana

67%

Miami (FL)

65%

LSU

45%

Ole Miss

40%

Predict

The post Former Alabama player charged with fraud for allegedly impersonating multiple NFL players in loan scam appeared first on Saturday Down South.

On the football side, there’s very little separation between coaches No. 2 and No. 8. All but 1 of my top 8 coaches have a College Football Playoff appearance on their résumé. The order of that group could look drastically different a year from now depending on what happens in 2026.

For men’s basketball, the tiers are a little bit more defined. There’s a clear top 4 followed by another tier that mostly features coaches who are still searching for their crowning achievement.

Ranking the best SEC football and men’s basketball coaches

Before digging into the rankings, a couple of notes about my process that carry over from last week’s rankings. To start, I ranked all 16 head coaches in both sports individually based on a variety of criteria. I considered accolades at their current schools as well as what they accomplished at prior stops. 

When melding the rankings together to make this list, I weighed football and basketball rankings equally. In instances where there was a tie in average ranking, I gave the nod to the school with the higher-ranked football coach (football Just Means More, after all). 

Here are my top 8 SEC football and men’s basketball coach pairings:

8. Missouri

Football coach: Eli Drinkwitz

Men’s basketball coach: Dennis Gates

If there’s one coach I’m probably higher on than the public consensus, it’s Eli Drinkwitz. Do you know how hard it is to win 10+ games at a program like Missouri in a league like the SEC in back-to-back years? If you’re not a blue-blood, it’s extremely difficult. If you exclude the SEC programs that have won national championships this century (Alabama, Auburn, Florida, LSU, Texas and Georgia), it’s only been accomplished by a handful of coaches: Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss), Gary Pinkel (Missouri), Steve Spurrier (South Carolina), Bobby Petrino (Arkansas) and Phillip Fulmer (Tennessee). That’s not a bad list to add your name to. The 2025 campaign was a small step back for Mizzou, but the Tigers weren’t far off from top-10 wins over Vanderbilt (loss by 7) and Alabama (loss by 3). I think Mizzou is here to stay as a top-25 program as long as Drinkwitz is in charge and it shouldn’t be too much longer before the Tigers make their CFP debut. 

Dennis Gates is somewhat puzzling. He’s been at Mizzou for 4 seasons, 3 of which have been solid-to-good. The outlier was a true catastrophe — an 0-18 finish in SEC play in 2023. That season, combined with Mizzou not making it to the second weekend under Gates yet, means he checks in at No. 9 in the basketball-only rankings. That may be unfair given that Mizzou has matched Kentucky’s conference-play record over the past 2 years (20-16) with a fraction of the resources. But I still think the range of possible outcomes over the next few years is very wide — everything from “leaves for a blueblood job” to “fired” is on the table over the next 2-3 seasons. 

7. Texas A&M

Football coach: Mike Elko

Men’s basketball coach: Bucky McMillan

If I were to redo this exercise a year from now, I think there’s a chance I’d have Texas A&M in the top 3. I’m exceptionally high on both Mike Elko and Bucky McMillan. Let’s start with Elko, who pulled off the miracle of going 9-7 in ACC play at Duke prior to his move to College Station. That record may not seem spectacular, but remember he was taking over a Duke program that had won 1 of its previous 18 conference games prior to Elko’s arrival. Duke also was forced to play with a backup quarterback for much of the 2023 season due to an injury to Riley Leonard. Since getting to Texas A&M, the Aggies have exceeded expectations with a 12-4 record in SEC play, which is their best stretch of conference results (by winning percentage) since leaving the Big 12. 

McMillan has only been in high-major college basketball for 1 year, but the early returns are promising. The Aggies went 11-7 during SEC play this season, but just as important, their process was excellent. McMillan puts a big emphasis on analytically-optimized offense, which translated to Texas A&M being No. 2 in 3-point attempt rate and No. 1 in average 2-point attempt distance during conference play. It wasn’t perfect, but it was just Year 1. McMillan’s teams had similar offensive profiles at Samford, where his tenure peaked with an NCAA Tournament berth in 2024 (the program’s first since 2000). 

6. Georgia

Football coach: Kirby Smart

Men’s basketball coach: Mike White

This is an admittedly harsh ranking for Georgia. For the record, I have Kirby Smart at No. 1 in my football-only rankings, so the Bulldogs land at No. 6 purely because of where men’s basketball coach Mike White is ranked. There’s not much I need to add about Smart beyond what his résumé says: 2 national championships, 4 SEC Championships and 3 SEC Coach of the Year awards. He’s done all of that in just 10 seasons on the job. He’s by far the most accomplished coach in the SEC and it would be borderline impossible to argue that any other coach in this league is better than Smart. 

I’ve got Mike White ranked 12th out of the SEC’s 16 men’s basketball coaches. That’s partially because the league has a lot of great coaches right now in that sport. It’s also because White has generally fallen short despite a couple of good seasons at UGA in recent years. He missed the NCAA Tournament in his first 2 years in Athens, which is nothing to be ashamed of. The bigger problem is his 1 second weekend appearance in 7 years at Florida. The Gators were a juggernaut before he got there and have been at the top of the sport ever since he left. 

5. Florida

Football coach: Jon Sumrall

Men’s basketball coach: Todd Golden

Jon Sumrall is a difficult coach to rank. He’s won big at Troy and Tulane, but we’ve seen coaches excel at that level before and it doesn’t always translate to the highest levels of college football. But the record speaks for itself — 28-4 in conference play across 4 total seasons as a head coach. I thought hiring Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner was one of the sharpest moves of the offseason that went a little under-the-radar if you weren’t paying attention. I think there’s reason for optimism that Sumrall will be regarded as a top-half SEC coach in the near future. 

The reason why Florida cracks the top 5 on this list is Todd Golden, my No. 1 ranked coach for men’s basketball. He’s won a national championship and has led the Gators to a No. 1 seed in each of the past 2 seasons. I gave him the edge over Rick Barnes for the No. 1 spot, although I do think Barnes has a pretty solid case given his longevity and recent success (3 straight Elite Eight appearances). Golden is also only 39 years old so he has a chance to be at the top of the SEC coaching pyramid for quite some time. 

4. Texas

Football coach: Steve Sarkisian

Men’s basketball coach: Sean Miller

The 2026 campaign is arguably the most important of Steve Sarkisian’s career. It will almost certainly be his last season coaching Arch Manning and expectations are sky-high in Austin and nationally for the Longhorns this fall. That’s especially true after Texas began last year as the preseason No. 1 team before missing the CFP entirely. Still, Sarkisian is clearly a top-5 SEC head coach as he’s regarded as an excellent offensive play-caller and has led Texas to a couple of CFP semifinal appearances. Another big point in Sarkisian’s favor: a 5-1 head-to-head record against his rivalry counterparts Brent Venables and Mike Elko.

Sean Miller is still trying to generate momentum in Austin, but the former Arizona and Xavier coach still has a résumé that favorably compares to most of the coaches in this league. Although a trip to the Final Four has proven to be elusive, Miller has been to the Sweet 16 an impressive 9 times (including a vacated 2017 season at Arizona). That ranks 9th among all active head coaches. 

Prediction Markets

Predicting AP No. 1 team (Week 1)

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Texas

38%

Ohio St.

37%

Notre Dame

16%

Oregon

10%

Indiana

9%

Georgia

3%

Predict

3. Tennessee

Football coach: Josh Heupel 

Men’s basketball coach: Rick Barnes

Josh Heupel deserves a lot of credit for getting Tennessee out of the wilderness. From 2008 through 2021, the Volunteers didn’t win 6 SEC games a single time. Heupel brought competency to Knoxville pretty much overnight, accomplishing that feat twice in his first 4 years on the job. I’m not sure how high Tennessee’s ceiling is with Heupel — Vols fans are still chasing 2022 as their best post-Fulmer team. But he has restored Tennessee as a high-level program. He’s beaten Alabama twice and made the College Football Playoff once. I think there are probably more trips to the CFP in his future, too. 

Rick Barnes’ basketball teams at Tennessee haven’t always been the most aesthetically-pleasing to watch. But Barnes wins. He’s ripped off 3-straight Elite Eight appearances at a Tennessee program that’s only reached that stage 4 times in its history. The Final Four is proving to be elusive, but if Barnes can’t get the Volunteers over the hump, it may be a while longer before they find someone who can. This is one of the best college basketball coaches of his generation and he’s continued to have success in the NIL era when many of his counterparts have either retired or lost effectiveness.  

2. LSU

Football coach: Lane Kiffin

Men’s basketball coach: Will Wade

I have Lane Kiffin at No. 3 in my football-only rankings as he embarks on this LSU journey. He just put together the best 5-year stretch in the history of Ole Miss football. Prior to Kiffin’s arrival, Ole Miss had won 10+ games in a season just 7 times. Kiffin rattled off 4 such seasons in 5 years, including an 11-win campaign in 2023 and 11 more wins in 2025 before he bolted to Baton Rouge (Ole Miss then won 2 more games for a school-record 13 victories). I settled on Kiffin here because he’s won way above what you’d expect at Ole Miss given its history. But now that he’s at LSU, a place known for winning national titles, holding on to a top-3 spot will be much tougher. 

When I first sat down to do this exercise, I expected to have Will Wade outside the top 10. His shine has worn off significantly since his first stint in Baton Rouge given the NCAA scandal and his chaotic exit from NC State. But his résumé is pretty undeniable. Two NCAA Tournament appearances at VCU (including 1 first-round win). Three trips to the Big Dance at LSU, including a Sweet 16 berth. Two more March Madness games at McNeese. And then in 2025-26, he led NC State to another NCAA Tournament appearance. The results in March haven’t been great — he’s only been to the Sweet 16 once. But Wade is clearly an impactful regular season coach and has won everywhere he’s been. 

1. Alabama

Football coach: Kalen DeBoer

Men’s basketball coach: Nate Oats

In my opinion, this is clearly the best combo of football and men’s basketball coaches in the SEC. Kalen DeBoer has maybe fallen a bit below expectations in 2 years at Alabama, but not drastically below. He won a CFP game this year as a road team and missed the postseason in Year 1 by the margin of Clemson upsetting SMU in the ACC Championship Game. DeBoer also previously made the National Championship Game at Washington and was excellent at his prior stops, too. We’ve yet to see what DeBoer can do with an elite quarterback in Tuscaloosa. Perhaps Keelon Russell or Austin Mack make that leap this year and we see what the ceiling of a DeBoer-led blueblood really is. 

What Nate Oats has done at Alabama is remarkable. He wins in the regular season and he wins in March, often without elite NBA prospects (Brandon Miller aside). Oats has produced 5 of Alabama’s 13 Sweet 16 appearances all-time in the last 6 years. He’s also made the Elite Eight twice and led the Crimson Tide to their only Final Four berth in 2024. Oats is an elite talent evaluator who understands how to leverage pace and 3-point shooting better than just about any coach in the country. He’s not perfect — Oats’ defenses are often mediocre and they don’t force turnovers at a high rate. He’s also struggled to find centers who can run the floor with his guards in transition while also being complementary half-court contributors on both ends. But his style wins in college basketball and I think, at some point, he’ll figure out how to mask those flaws and produce a national champion. 

Prediction Markets

College Football SEC Championship Winner (2026)

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Texas

24%

Georgia

23%

LSU

15%

Texas A&M

12%

Alabama

11%

Florida

11%

Missouri

10%

Oklahoma

10%

Arkansas

6%

Vanderbilt

3%

Predict

The post Ranking the SEC’s best football, men’s basketball coach pairings (Part 2) appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Here’s a look at the teams:

Texas A&M players had a significant hand in picking these teams for these rosters. Team captains for the 2 sides picked a trio of players each while the roster of the rosters were filled out by the coaching staff.

Quarterback Marcel Reed and safety Dalton Brooks served as captains of the White team. The Maroon team was led by wide receiver Terry Bussey and linebacker Daymion Sanford.

Star pass rusher TJ Searcy was the first pick of the draft and will play for Team Maroon. Team White’s first pick of the draft was also a pass rusher — defensive end Mario Jones.

Texas A&M released video from the draft process:

Texas A&M is in the midst of a crucial spring practice period. The Aggies are looking to take another step forward this upcoming season after reaching the College Football Playoff in 2025.

Prediction Markets

College Football SEC Championship Winner (2026)

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Texas

24%

Georgia

23%

LSU

15%

Texas A&M

12%

Alabama

11%

Florida

11%

Missouri

10%

Oklahoma

10%

Arkansas

6%

Vanderbilt

3%

Predict

The post Texas A&M announces rosters for 2026 spring game appeared first on Saturday Down South.

That’s per a report from DawgCentral’s Graham Coffey, who says Williams suffered the injury “towards the end” of Georgia‘s spring practice on Tuesday.

This is devastating news for a Bulldogs defense that was counting on Williams to provide pass rushing production in 2026. Previously at Auburn, Williams racked up 6 tackles for loss and 2 sacks during his sophomore season with the Tigers in 2025.

Pass rushing was a weakness for Georgia last fall and it’s shaping up to be an area of concern once again. In 2025, the Bulldogs ranked dead last in the SEC in tackles for loss per game (4.21) and sacks per game (1.43).

Prediction Markets

College Football SEC Championship Winner (2026)

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Texas

24%

Georgia

23%

LSU

15%

Texas A&M

12%

Alabama

11%

Florida

11%

Missouri

10%

Oklahoma

10%

Arkansas

6%

Vanderbilt

3%

Predict

Elsewhere on the depth chart, Georgia does return outside linebacker Quintavius Johnson as a key starter from a year ago. The Bulldogs may now require more production from a player like Isaiah Gibson, who is entering his second season with the Bulldogs after signing as a 5-star prospect in the class of 2025.

Despite this injury, Georgia will be expected to compete for its third straight SEC Championship next fall.

Georgia’s spring game is scheduled for this Saturday.

Like our coverage? Make SDS a preferred source in your searches!

The post Georgia reportedly loses key pass rusher to season-ending injury appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The Aggies have landed a commitment from 4-star receiver Jaden Upshaw. According to On3’s Hayes Fawcett, Upshaw picked Texas A&M over offers from programs such as Florida, Miami, Alabama and others.

“Ain’t nothing better than an Aggie,” Upshaw told On3.

Upshaw is a massive addition for Texas A&M in the class of 2027. He’s currently a 4-star prospect, but could reach 5-star status by the end of the cycle as he’s regarded as one of the top-pass catcher in this class. He’s ranked as the No. 64 overall player and the No. 11 wide receiver in the nation for the 2027 cycle, per 247Sports Composite rankings.

Like our coverage? Make SDS a preferred source in your searches!

Upshaw is listed at 6-foot-1, 196 pounds. He attends Lee County High School in Leesburg, Georgia.

There’s still several months left in the 2027 recruiting cycle, but the Aggies are off to a great start. Led by Mike Elko, Texas A&M now has 12 commitments in the 2027 recruiting cycle.

The group ranks No. 2 nationally, per 247Sports Composite rankings.

Prediction Markets

College Football SEC Championship Winner (2026)

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Texas

24%

Georgia

23%

LSU

15%

Texas A&M

12%

Alabama

11%

Florida

11%

Missouri

10%

Oklahoma

10%

Arkansas

6%

Vanderbilt

3%

Predict

The post Texas A&M lands commitment from elite WR in class of 2027 appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The Longhorns star quarterback has not been able to be a full participant during spring practice in 2026. But it’s not the end of the world, insists Manning and head coach Steve Sarkisian, who has maintained all along this spring that it was Texas’ plan to scale back Manning’s usage.

Hearing that from Sarkisian is one thing for the Longhorn faithful, but how about hearing it from Manning himself? That’s exactly what happened on Wednesday during Manning’s media session, when he said that if Texas had a football game to play on Wednesday — if there were somehow regular-season college football games on Wednesdays in April — he would absolutely be able to play.

“I feel 100% right now,” Manning told reporters. “We’re taking it slow, but if we had a game today, I would play.”

Manning’s reassurance of a passionate fan base came in the leadup to Saturday’s Fan Day in Austin. Although Manning likely won’t be a big part of what takes place on the field on Saturday, Fan Day will feature a glorified practice for Texas fans who want an early sneak peek at the 2026 Longhorns.

While the Longhorns don’t have a game “today” that Manning insists he could play in, that first game that counts will be here in less than 5 months, when Texas hosts Texas State on Sept. 5. Then Ohio State will arrive in Austin for a rematch of last year’s season-opening loss in Columbus.

That’s when Manning will really take center stage to start his second year at the helm. For now, he’s laying low during the spring, as Sarkisian and his quarterback stick to the long-term plan.

Texas fell short of the College Football Playoff last year in Manning’s first season as the starter. Here is what the Kalshi market is currently saying about Texas and the other top teams in the mix to make the Playoff in 2026:

Prediction Markets

College Football Playoff Qualifiers 2026

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Notre Dame

88%

Ohio St.

79%

Oregon

76%

Georgia

70%

Texas Tech

70%

Texas

69%

Indiana

67%

Miami (FL)

65%

LSU

45%

Ole Miss

40%

Predict

The post Arch Manning says he could play right now if Texas had a game appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Howell started the year strong and finished with 11.5 sacks, good for second in the SEC behind Colin Simmons of Texas (12). Now Howell is preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, which kicks off on Thursday, April 23, in Pittsburgh.

Howell is getting some Round 1 buzz as the event approaches, and ESPN’s Matt Miller is among those who think he’ll hear his name called in the first 32 picks.

Miller explained in a draft preview piece on ESPN on Wednesday that Howell would be the perfect fit at No. 26 for the Buffalo Bills:

The Bills lost AJ Epenesa and Joey Bosa in free agency and Bradley Chubb, 30, has questions surrounding his health. Buffalo needs another rusher, and Howell was consistently productive off the edge at Texas A&M and is a viable speed rusher who produced 11 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss last season. A stand-up rusher in college, Howell’s first-step quickness would be welcomed in Buffalo, where the two existing starters off the edge are larger, longer and more powerful rushers.

The Bills need to figure out their defense in order to supplement what dynamic QB Josh Allen and the offense provide. Adding a guy like Howell to the pash-rush unit would be a step in the right direction.

Will Howell go in Round 1? Here’s what the latest Kalshi market says about some big-name SEC guys:

Prediction Markets

Who will be drafted in Round 1?

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Kadyn Proctor

94%

Jermod McCoy

88%

KC Concepcion

82%

Keldric Faulk

75%

Colton Hood

66%

Ty Simpson

62%

Cashius Howell

23%

Caleb Banks

17%

Christen Miller

16%

R Mason Thomas

15%

Predict

The post ESPN’s Matt Miller predicts which team will take Cashius Howell in Round 1 of 2026 NFL Draft appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Smith was never shy about speaking out during his illustrious football career, and now the 46-year-old gives his hot takes on his podcast, 89 with Steve Smith Sr. Appearing alongside football insider James Palmer, Smith said this last week about the Georgia quarterback despite Stockton leading the Bulldogs to the College Football Playoff last season in his first year as the starter:

I am really perplexed, confused, delusional and just straight up frustrated because let’s just get straight down to it. I don’t know the young man’s name and I don’t want to, because the way I’ve watched him play quarterback, I’m irritated. Goodness gracious, quarterback play from the Georgia Bulldogs, uh, awful. Dog doo-doo. As a wide receiver, I’m going on strike. I’m not working or running a route until I get a better quarterback. And holler at your boy when you get it. I’m out of here.

After Smith fired the first salvo in a big way, it was Smart’s turn to back his quarterback. On Tuesday, Smart made an appearance on Atlanta sports radio station 680 The Fan and did his own unleashing on exactly how he feels about Stockton.

“Do your homework. You know, like, do a little more homework,” Kirby Smart said. “I think if you look at small sections of it, there’s things he can do better. You look at the total body of work he has, it’s been really good, and I think it’s only gonna get better with experience.”

But Smart didn’t stop there.

“You know, I don’t really know Steve Smith personally,” Smart said. “I’ve got nothing to respond to him. I don’t really worry about what he says. I worry about, do we win football games and do we produce.”

Smart hopes Stockton can make Smith eat his words this fall by leading the Bulldogs back to the College Football Playoff. Here is what the Kalshi market is currently saying about the odds of that happening in 2026:

Prediction Markets

College Football Playoff Qualifiers 2026

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Notre Dame

88%

Ohio St.

79%

Oregon

76%

Georgia

70%

Texas Tech

70%

Texas

69%

Indiana

67%

Miami (FL)

65%

LSU

45%

Ole Miss

40%

Predict

The post Kirby Smart backs Gunner Stockton after Georgia QB ripped by Steve Smith appeared first on Saturday Down South.