Good morning, SEC fans! To begin your Wednesday, here are some of the biggest news headlines from across the conference on Monday and Tuesday.
5-star CB Ellis Robinson IV to announce commitment February 1
Rated as the No. 1 cornerback in the 2024 class out of IMG Academy in Florida, five-star prospect Ellis Robinson IV will be announcing his commitment on February 1. Robinson will be deciding from a list of finalists that includes Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, LSU, and Miami.
3 SEC teams ranked in latest AP Poll
Released on Monday afternoon, there were only three SEC teams ranked in the latest college basketball AP Poll. Those teams were Alabama (2), Tennessee (4), and Auburn (15).
Georgia QB Stetson Bennett wins 2022 Manning Award
Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett has won the 2022 Manning Award, which is presented to the top quarterback in college football. Across 15 games for the nation champion Bulldogs this season, Bennett completed 68.1% of his passes for 4,127 yards (led SEC) and a 27:7 TD:INT ratio, while also rushing for 205 yards and 10 touchdowns on 57 attempts.
Alabama OC Bill O’Brien named OC of New England Patriots
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien has been named as the new OC of the New England Patriots. O’Brien has been the offensive coordinator at Alabama each of the past two seasons, with the Crimson Tide ranking No. 6 nationally with 39.9 PPG in 2021, as well as No. 4 nationally with 41.1 PPG in 2022.
4-star TE Michael Smith commits to South Carolina
Only days after landing four-star offensive tackle Kam Pringle, South Carolina added another key piece to their 2024 class Tuesday in Michael Smith. Smith is a four-star prospect out of Calvary Day School in Georgia, and is considered one of the top tight ends in the 2024 class.
Tennessee extends head coach Josh Heupel
According to On3’s Brent Hubbs, Tennessee has extended head coach Josh Heupel through January of 2029, which also includes a raise that will pay him $9 million annually. Heupel led the Volunteers to an 11-2 record in his second year in Knoxville during the 2022 season, which was Tennessee’s first 10-win season since 2007.