Performance survey
1. Georgia: How can you position your bet against an SEC team that has won 30 of its last 31 games and two of its last three national championships?
2. Texas: Yes, this is a high pick for the Longhorns. The potential this season will depend in large part on the experienced leadership of quarterback Quinn Ewers.
3. Alabama: Kalen DeBoer will look to follow a legendary coach but inherits a talented roster. Can he bring some of the magic he developed in Washington?
4. Ole Miss: The Rebels’ roster is huge, with quarterback Jaxson Dart and several new signings from the transfer portal being highlighted. Ole Miss will be a national contender.
5. Oklahoma: OU has arguably the toughest conference schedule, but also has its destiny in its hands and can secure a championship berth. Defense will be important.
People also read…
6. LSU: The Tigers have the potential and the squad to compete in the top group of the conference, but the defense needs to improve.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs are ranked No. 1.
Hakim Wright Sr., AP file
7. Missouri: Can Mizzou build on the momentum of an 11-win season, especially with most of its offensive linemen returning? Quarterback Brady Cook and its top four wide receivers return.
8. Tennessee: The Vols enter the fourth year of the Josh Heupel era with high expectations after a 20-6 record over the past two seasons.
9. Texas A&M: The Aggies will try to rebuild the program under former Duke coach Mike Elko. A&M finished 7-6 last season.
10. Auburn: A talented group of wide receivers will try to take the Tigers beyond last year’s sub-.500 record (6-7).
11.South Carolina: The Gamecocks have a ton of potential this season under fourth-year coach Shane Beamer and could be a team to watch as a spoiler this season.
12.Florida: The Gators’ strong schedule will be difficult to overcome, which may keep coach Billy Napier on the hot seat this season.
13.Kentucky: Quarterback Brock Vandagriff, a former Georgia player, will lead Mark Stoops’ offense. Keep an eye on the offensive and defensive lines.
14.Arkansas: The Razorbacks have finished just 4-12 in the SEC over the last two seasons, and the road isn’t going to get much easier for Sam Pittman’s team this season.
15. State of Mississippi: Former Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby takes over the Bulldogs. The first year will be tough for the rebuild, but give Lebby some time.
16.Vanderbilt: The Commodores have a 2-22 record in SEC play over the last three years.
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers (3)
Jacob Kupferman, AP File
Players in focus
QB Carson Beck, Georgia: The quarterback threw nearly 4,000 yards with 24 touchdowns and only six interceptions last season.
DL James Pearce Jr., Tennessee: An edge rusher who uses size, speed and athleticism to get to quarterbacks.
WR Luther Burden III, Missouri: The wide receiver is a game changer who attacks the defense with his speed.
S Malaki Starks, Georgia: The safety’s versatility and athleticism make him one of the best in the league.
OT Kelvin Banks, Texas: As a lineman with great leverage and length, he is a proven asset to the running game and pass defense.
— Eric Bailey, Tulsa World
Your story lives in the Tulsa World
The Tulsa World editorial team is committed to covering this community with curiosity, tenacity and depth. Our passion for telling Tulsa’s story remains unwavering. Because your story is our story. Thank you to our subscribers who support local journalism. Join them and take advantage of limited-time offers at tulsaworld.com/story.
