Good morning, SEC fans. As you begin your Friday morning, here are a few of the biggest headlines from across the conference Thursday.
Texas A&M WR Ainias Smith returning for 2023 season
Texas A&M wide receiver Ainias Smith announced Thursday morning that he would be returning to College Station for the 2023 season. Smith, a senior who has over 1,500+ receiving yards in his Texas A&M career, appeared in only four games due to an injury this past season, compiling 15 receptions for 291 yards and two touchdowns.
Notre Dame OC Tommy Rees emerging as top target for Alabama OC
According to ESPN’s Chris Low, Notre Dame offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has reportedly emerged as the top target for the same position at Alabama. Rees has been the OC at Notre Dame since 2020, and has led the Fighting Irish to a Top 50 scoring offense nationally in every season.
- 2020 – 33.4 PPG (No. 30)
- 2021 – 35.2 PPG (No. 20)
- 2022 – 31.8 PPG (No. 42)
Alabama reportedly extending head coach Nate Oats
According to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, Alabama is reportedly extending basketball head coach Nate Oats through the 2028-29 season. Oats, who is in his fourth season in Tuscaloosa, has led the Crimson Tide to a combined 80-39 record, two NCAA Tournament appearances, and an SEC championship, while also currently having Alabama ranked No. 4 nationally at 19-3 overall (9-0 in SEC).
Auburn included in Top 3 for 4-star QB Walker White
Auburn has been included in the Top 3 for four-star quarterback Walker White, who will be making his decision later today between the Tigers, Baylor, and Clemson. White is considered as the top player in the state of Arkansas in the 2024 class, where the four-star attends Little Rock Christian Academy.
3 former SEC players named 2023 NBA All-Stars
The SEC had three players selected to the 2023 NBA All-Star Game on Thursday night, each of which played at Kentucky. Those three players were Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), and Julius Randle (New York Knicks).