SEC News: Pirates extend Reynolds, Baseball Legends Class announced

Good morning, SEC fans! Ahead of the NFL Draft beginning later tonight, let’s take a look at some of the conference’s top headlines from Tuesday and Wednesday, which features the Pittsburgh Pirates extending a former Vanderbilt star, the SEC Baseball Legends Class being announced, and more.

Bryan Reynolds signs extension with Pittsburgh Pirates

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, outfielder Bryan Reynolds agreed to an eight-year extension with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday. Reynolds, a former 2016 second round pick out of Vanderbilt, is currently in his fifth MLB season with the Pirates, a span in which he holds a career slash-line of .282/.359/.484 across 515 games from 2019-23, with the one-time All-Star also holding career marks at the moment of 79 HR and 257 RBI.

Florida EDGE Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr. enters transfer portal

Florida edge rusher Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr. entered the transfer portal Tuesday. Powell-Ryland had a breakout 2022 season with the Gators a year ago, compiling 29 tackles, six TFL, and three sacks, while also ranking No. 3 in the SEC with three forced fumbles.

Alabama to play in 2023 Emerald Coast Classic

Announced on Wednesday, Alabama will be playing in the 2023 Emerald Coast Classic, which will take place later this year on November 24-25. The four-team field also includes Ohio State, Oregon, and Santa Clara alongside the Crimson Tide.

2023 SEC Baseball Legends Class announced

The 2023 SEC Baseball Legends Class was announced Wednesday, which features four names: Auburn’s Frank Thomas, Georgia’s Derek Lilliquist, Kentucky’s Joe Blanton, and LSU’s Todd Walker.

5 SEC teams included in Top 8 for 4-star EDGE Jordan Ross

There were five SEC teams included in the top eight finalists for Jordan Ross released Wednesday, with Alabama, Florida, Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee being joined by Oregon, Texas, and USC. Ross is a highly-rated four-star edge rusher from the 2024 class out of Vestavia Hills High School in Alabama where he is one of the state’s top players.