Now we have a 9-game SEC schedule to deal with... (SEC Preview thread 2026)

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

So why do people always freak out over SEC schedules? Why do the CFB experts always call schedules for SEC teams super hard? I think I know why.

Let's say you're a football program, with a rich history. You're in a state that's not very good at other things, like medicine or making alternative gasses. Football is one of the only things you can rely on, and you have a strong alumni base and superstar players from days gone by that can help out because of new NIL laws. Money is being spent there... and I mean a LOT of money. And with that, you feel you got a strong team that can get you precious wins.

Now imagine being in a conference with 15 other schools that's doing the exact same thing you're doing. Who's in the exact same spot as you, and who knows that they NEED to beat your @$$ to keep the lights on.
And THAT'S why the SEC schedules are always hard. It really DOES mean more to the folks down south.

So... are you guys ready to see 16 teams from the south get grilled on this thread?

 

[GatorTheo]

People are probably misled by all the SEC national championships.

 

[blastfromthepast]

So why do people always freak out over SEC schedules? Why do the CFB experts always call schedules for SEC teams super hard? I think I know why.

Let's say you're a football program, with a rich history. You're in a state that's not very good at other things, like medicine or making alternative gasses. Football is one of the only things you can rely on, and you have a strong alumni base and superstar players from days gone by that can help out because of new NIL laws. Money is being spent there... and I mean a LOT of money. And with that, you feel you got a strong team that can get you precious wins.

Now imagine being in a conference with 15 other schools that's doing the exact same thing you're doing. Who's in the exact same spot as you, and who knows that they NEED to beat your @$$ to keep the lights on.
And THAT'S why the SEC schedules are always hard. It really DOES mean more to the folks down south.

So... are you guys ready to see 16 teams from the south get grilled on this thread?

Couple of things.

1. There are anti-SEC threads a dime a dozen here. Just find one of those and jump in.
2. It seems like you have issues with the South in general. Not sure if its political or something else. Flaming a fourth of the country is a not a good look.
3. I actually feel bad for you as each week during college football you post these long, drawn-out prediction posts and nobody really cares.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Couple of things.

1. There are anti-SEC threads a dime a dozen here. Just find one of those and jump in.
2. It seems like you have issues with the South in general. Not sure if its political or something else. Flaming a fourth of the country is a not a good look.
3. I actually feel bad for you as each week during college football you post these long, drawn-out prediction posts and nobody really cares.

Let me respond to those 3 points you made.

1. I am not anti-SEC. I was just putting the people in a situation to understand why football means so much down there. I'm sure that the South has some solid industries outside of football.
2. There was no political motive at all in that post I made. Football makes a shitload of money all across the USA, but especially in the South since the fans there are so passionate about it.
3. I'm genuinely confused about the last one. What's this about people not caring about my prediction posts? Is it the ones I make during the offseason? Or is it the ones I make during the season? Please clarify.

 

[blastfromthepast]

Let me respond to those 3 points you made.

1. I am not anti-SEC. I was just putting the people in a situation to understand why football means so much down there. I'm sure that the South has some solid industries outside of football.

I don't believe that and neither do you. Your last comment even alluded to SEC/South teams getting grilled. Why would you close with that comment if you did not anticipate your post being a magnet for SEC trolls? What is the intent of your post? Seems like you are trying to start a dumpster fire thread with posters flaming the SEC or the South. Is that it?

Let me get this straight, you need to educate people from the South and non-Southerners why football is so important? Are you from the South? How do you know why football is important? Can you start a thread about why the Yankees and Red Sox rivalry means so much? What about Army vs Navy or Manchester United vs Liverpool? Please educate us idiots.

2. There was no political motive at all in that post I made. Football makes a shitload of money all across the USA, but especially in the South since the fans there are so passionate about it.

Again, I don't believe you as your post said something different. Your whole theory makes no sense at all and you are simply trying to get responses. Being from the South, I can tell you that your theory is completely wrong.

3. I'm genuinely confused about the last one. What's this about people not caring about my prediction posts? Is it the ones I make during the offseason? Or is it the ones I make during the season? Please clarify.

What is confusing about it? With all due respect, during the season and Bowl season, you post long winded predictions and breakdowns, and nobody responds. I thought my statement was pretty clear actually.

 

[Xeliou66]

I for one enjoy reading the OPs posts and his previews of the teams. He knows a lot about CFB. I’m not sure what the swipe about southern states not being good at much else was for, that did seem politically motivated (and I say that as someone who’s extreme left wing) but I throughly enjoy the OPs posts.

 

[blastfromthepast]

I for one enjoy reading the OPs posts and his previews of the teams. He knows a lot about CFB. I’m not sure what the swipe about southern states not being good at much else was for, that did seem politically motivated (and I say that as someone who’s extreme left wing) but I throughly enjoy the OPs posts.

Good point. You are more liberal than I am but the shot at southern states in general was uncalled for and confusing.

Seems to be more anti-SEC than anything or more anti-South in general perhaps?

Correct me if I am wrong but the following conferences have southern teams:

SEC
ACC
Big 12
Conference USA
SWAC
Sun Belt

Do ALL of these fans, schools and conferences have issues it seems? Does it just mean more I guess. The OP kinda lost me and is taking an indefensible stance.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

I don't believe that and neither do you. Your last comment even alluded to SEC/South teams getting grilled. Why would you close with that comment if you did not anticipate your post being a magnet for SEC trolls? What is the intent of your post? Seems like you are trying to start a dumpster fire thread with posters flaming the SEC or the South. Is that it?

Again, I don't believe you as your post said something different. Your whole theory makes no sense at all and you are simply trying to get responses. Being from the South, I can tell you that your theory is completely wrong.

To those statements... I really have nothing to say. I sincerely apologize for my comments from earlier; I truly did not intend to insult anyone from the South.

...Maybe I should start a new thread on the SEC, and leave all of the political crap behind.

 

[blastfromthepast]

To those statements... I really have nothing to say. I sincerely apologize for my comments from earlier; I truly did not intend to insult anyone from the South.

...Maybe I should start a new thread on the SEC, and leave all of the political crap behind.

Classy post.

No need to apologize. Let's all just move on.

There are plenty of threads discussing the SEC just so you know. Most end up just being anti-SEC rants.

 

[Xeliou66]

Yeah let’s just move on and do the SEC preview in this thread. I look forward to seeing what the OP has to say about the teams.

 

[ThomasTomasz]

I for one enjoy reading the OPs posts and his previews of the teams. He knows a lot about CFB. I’m not sure what the swipe about southern states not being good at much else was for, that did seem politically motivated (and I say that as someone who’s extreme left wing) but I throughly enjoy the OPs posts.

Agreed, me too. I’ve probably left a like on just about all of his team previews and read them all.

Is it as in-depth as reading a magazine or something? No, but it’s a good resource to point me in the direction if I want to learn more, and it’s someone who I can always message or reply to if I want. Can’t do that with the guys putting out a magazine, without hoping they respond on social media.

 

[ThomasTomasz]

I for one enjoy reading the OPs posts and his previews of the teams. He knows a lot about CFB. I’m not sure what the swipe about southern states not being good at much else was for, that did seem politically motivated (and I say that as someone who’s extreme left wing) but I throughly enjoy the OPs posts.

I wouldn’t say that they aren’t good at anything else. But if you look at professional sports, there are numerous states in the south with powerhouse football programs, and besides a minor league baseball game or two, there is nothing else. So from that perspective, I get it. It’s what you’re doing in the fall, and also during basketball season.

My wife is from South Carolina, and just about everything socially in the fall revolves around SCAR and Clemson football. And when the two intersect? Hold onto your butts. We visited her parents and stayed near Williams-Brice Stadium two years ago when the game was in Clemson, and I felt like I was honestly tailgating at the game with how it was there.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Now that things have (thankfully) died down on this thread, we can get this thread back to what it should be. And that's having fun while previewing SEC teams. And speaking of...

Kentucky

The first preview segment for the Southeastern Conference: The Kentucky Wildcats

Last season: I was a little surprised when Kentucky decided to fire Mark Stoops after the 2025 season. But then again, Kentucky did get 10-win seasons in 2018 and 2021, and things in Lexington had kinda plateaued ever since. Plus, the offense has started to struggle badly.
Enter former Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein, who has made it his mission to bring more fun to Lexington.

Good news: Already, the offense is looking faster than it was under Stoops. The O-line got BIG reinforcements through the portal, tight-end Will Rodriguez is back, and the front-7 on defense should deliver more pressure.

Bad news: For all of his talent, new QB Kenny Minchey has a lack of experience; his next TD will be his first. A lack of experience could also hurt the cornerback spot, and so could the lack of depth the entire team has.

Key games:
9/12 vs. Alabama (After getting his feet wet against Youngstown State, Kenny Minchey will get his 1st real test against the Crimson Tide. Let's pray that the Wildcat defense is ready for this.)
10/3 @ South Carolina (Here's a winnable SEC road game for Kentucky; South Carolina will be coming off their own nightmare game against Alabama before this.)
10/24 vs. Vanderbilt (Last year, Diego Pavia torched the Wildcat defense. Let's see if Kentucky learned their lesson, and how they defend Vandy's new wiz-kid starter Jared Curtis.)
11/14 vs. Florida (Wait. Kentucky gets to host the Florida Gators again? Kentucky should enjoy it; their 38-7 win over the Gators was the most fun they had last last season.)
11/28 vs. Louisville (Trust me. Kentucky WILL do better here than the 41-0 embarrassment they suffered last year.)

Bottom line: For 2026, Kentucky fans are just looking for "proof of concept". You know, a showing of what the future is gonna hold for a CFB team. And if Kentucky gets back to a bowl and/or looks more exciting on the field in 2026, that will be just fine for Wildcat fans.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Vanderbilt

Preview segment: The Vanderbilt Commodores

Last season: Speaking of teams having fun, how about the mighty Vanderbilt Commodores? Take away their bowl game, and 2025 was a non-stop joyride for them! QB Diego Pavia was a Heisman runner-up! They went undefeated at home! They embarrassed the Tennessee Vols in Knoxville! And they got their first 10-win season since 1915! All while that "SEC Shorts" pimp guy became an even bigger hit.
...So now it's 2026. Is Vanderbilt ready to return to the grind?

Good news: Vandy's defense should actually be better than it was last year; the D-line is SUPER deep, and Clemson transfer Ricardo Jones headlines a deadly secondary. A rebuilt O-line looks to have more upside than last year's unit did, and QB Jared Curtis is the best prospect Vanderbilt has snagged in a LONG time.

Bad news: Remember, Jared Curtis is a freshmen. It's gonna be VERY hard for him (at least in 2026) to fill Diego Pavia's shoes as a leader. Also gone from Vandy are other team leaders like Tre Richardson and Eli Stowers.

Key games:
9/19 vs. NC State (The first real test for the 2026 Commodores. The 'Dores defense will do it's part, so let's see how Curtis [or his backup Blaze Berlowitz] runs his offense.)
10/3 @ Georgia (A brutal trip for 2 reasons. One, Georgia is still an uber-talented club. And two, Georgia REALLY wanted that Jared Curtis guy before Vanderbilt snatched him.)
10/10 vs. Ole Miss (Wait. Ole Miss gets a bye week to prepare for the 'Dores? Oh dear...)
11/14 vs. Alabama (Just know that Alabama wants revenge for what happened the last time they went to Nashville.)
11/28 vs. Tennessee (Last year, Vanderbilt had the most fun they had in Knoxville since 1905! ... I think the Vols want payback for that.)

Bottom line: Well, this will certainly be an interesting year in Nashville. Vanderbilt is missing a lot of leaders from last year's super squad, including their folk-hero of a QB. But their defense looks amazing, and they look set for the future with Jared on their side.
Vanderbilt will certainly stay competitive in the SEC in 2026. How many wins will they get? Let's shoot for 7; teams like Georgia and Tennessee are pretty mad at them.

 

[Middawg]

Get a load of this pig shit FPI power ranking.


Even the biggest SEC honk wouldn't agree that 12 SEC teams belong in a Top 25 power ranking.


It's a clown show like this by ESPN that pisses off Big Ten fans because a power ranking with this level of SEC representation likely influences preseason and early season AP voters and rankings at some level.

 

[Xeliou66]

Get a load of this pig shit FPI power ranking.


Even the biggest SEC honk wouldn't agree that 12 SEC teams belong in a Top 25 power ranking.


It's a clown show like this by ESPN that pisses off Big Ten fans because a power ranking with this level of SEC representation likely influences preseason and early season AP voters and rankings at some level.

Auburn and SC have no business in the top 25, and I’m sad to say my Gators probably don’t belong in the top 25 either. Yeah that list is BS

 

[TheRaynestorm]

Now that things have (thankfully) died down on this thread, we can get this thread back to what it should be. And that's having fun while previewing SEC teams. And speaking of...

Kentucky

The first preview segment for the Southeastern Conference: The Kentucky Wildcats

Last season: I was a little surprised when Kentucky decided to fire Mark Stoops after the 2025 season. But then again, Kentucky did get 10-win seasons in 2018 and 2021, and things in Lexington had kinda plateaued ever since. Plus, the offense has started to struggle badly.
Enter former Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein, who has made it his mission to bring more fun to Lexington.

Good news: Already, the offense is looking faster than it was under Stoops. The O-line got BIG reinforcements through the portal, tight-end Will Rodriguez is back, and the front-7 on defense should deliver more pressure.

Bad news: For all of his talent, new QB Kenny Minchey has a lack of experience; his next TD will be his first. A lack of experience could also hurt the cornerback spot, and so could the lack of depth the entire team has.

Key games:
9/12 vs. Alabama (After getting his feet wet against Youngstown State, Kenny Minchey will get his 1st real test against the Crimson Tide. Let's pray that the Wildcat defense is ready for this.)
10/3 @ South Carolina (Here's a winnable SEC road game for Kentucky; South Carolina will be coming off their own nightmare game against Alabama before this.)
10/24 vs. Vanderbilt (Last year, Diego Pavia torched the Wildcat defense. Let's see if Kentucky learned their lesson, and how they defend Vandy's new wiz-kid starter Jared Curtis.)
11/14 vs. Florida (Wait. Kentucky gets to host the Florida Gators again? Kentucky should enjoy it; their 38-7 win over the Gators was the most fun they had last last season.)
11/28 vs. Louisville (Trust me. Kentucky WILL do better here than the 41-0 embarrassment they suffered last year.)

Bottom line: For 2026, Kentucky fans are just looking for "proof of concept". You know, a showing of what the future is gonna hold for a CFB team. And if Kentucky gets back to a bowl and/or looks more exciting on the field in 2026, that will be just fine for Wildcat fans.

KY will always be a cupcake. 4 wins is their ceiling.

 

[Middawg]

Good '26 FPI Reaction Analysis here by Sam.

 

[ThomasTomasz]

Auburn and SC have no business in the top 25, and I’m sad to say my Gators probably don’t belong in the top 25 either. Yeah that list is BS

Teams after 14 probably shouldn’t be in there. Though a poll before any summer practices and training starts is definitely not one to listen to.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Get a load of this pig shit FPI power ranking.


Even the biggest SEC honk wouldn't agree that 12 SEC teams belong in a Top 25 power ranking.


It's a clown show like this by ESPN that pisses off Big Ten fans because a power ranking with this level of SEC representation likely influences preseason and early season AP voters and rankings at some level.

I would have replaced Auburn and South Carolina with Utah and Boise State.