SEC News: Ole Miss hires Beard, NIT field announced

Here are the latest headlines from across the SEC, which includes Ole Miss hiring a new basketball head coach, the field being announced for the 2023 NIT, and more.

Daron Payne signs with Washington Commanders

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Daron Payne has signed a four-year deal worth $90 million with the Washington Commanders, which includes $60 million guaranteed. Payne, a former 2018 first round pick out of Alabama, is coming off his fifth season in Washington, one in which he made his first-career Pro Bowl appearance by compiling 64 tackles, 18 TFL, and 11.5 sacks across 17 games.

Vanderbilt, Florida included in 2023 NIT field

There were two SEC teams included in the field for the 2023 NIT with Vanderbilt and Florida. The Commodores are a No. 2 seed facing Yale in the first round, while Florida is a No. 4 seed facing UCF.

Ole Miss hires Chris Beard as head coach

Announced on Monday afternoon, Ole Miss has hired Chris Beard as their next head basketball coach. Beard led Texas to a 29-13 combined record across the last two years before being let go earlier this season, and prior to his time in Austin, spent five seasons at Texas Tech where he led the Red Raiders to a 112-55 overall record, three NCAA Tournament appearances, and the 2018-19 national runner-up.

4-star OT Marques Easley releases Top 10 schools

There are five SEC teams included in the Top 10 for Marques Easley, with Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas A&M joining other schools such as Florida State, Michigan, Oklahoma, Penn State, and USC. Easley is rated as a four-star offensive tackle in the 2024 class out of Kankakee High School in Illinois.

Jarrett Stidham signs with Denver Broncos

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Jarrett Stidham is signing a two-year, $10 million deal with the Denver Broncos. A former 2019 fourth round pick out of Auburn, Stidham appeared in three games for the Las Vegas Raiders this past season, completing 63.9% of his passes for 656 yards with a 4:3 TD:INT ratio.