NIL, the transfer portal, coaching changes and high school recruiting were all in full swing this offseason in the SEC. While some days were more sparse than others as far as news goes, it has been an exciting offseason so far.
What are the biggest storylines in SEC Football for the 2024 offseason?
Nick Saban retires
Saban was the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide for 17 years. He won 10 SEC championships and seven national championships between his time at LSU and Alabama.
Saban will inarguably go down as the greatest coach in SEC history. His next step will be broadcasting on the set of ESPN’s College GameDay.
New head coaching hires
Kalen DeBoer, Jeff Lebby and Mike Elko were all hired as head coaches for their respective SEC schools this offseason.
While all three walk into different situations, it will be intriguing after fast forwarding a few years who has their program in the best positions for long-term success.
EA Sports College Football video game series re-emerges
After more than a decade of non-production, the annual EA Sports college football video game series returned with it’s first rendition since 2011 titled “EA Spots College Football 25.”
The game is all the rage amongst video game fanatics and included some great gameplay features such as dynasty mode, Road to Glory and more.
Ole Miss crushes it in the transfer portal
The Ole Miss Rebels coached by Lane Kiffin finished as the top ranked SEC team in the transfer portal and third in the country according to On3. The Rebels’ biggest acquisitions were defensive tackle Walter Nolen, linebacker Chris “Poo” Paul and wide receiver Juice Wells amongst many more.
The success of the Rebels in the transfer portal could help propel them to a national championship in 2024. At the least, it certainly has them as one of the favorites which is rare air for the Rebels program.
Former Florida quarterback Jaden Rashada files a lawsuit
Now Georgia Bulldogs quarterback filed a lawsuit against Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier claiming that Napier promised him a multi-million dollar NIL package while he failed to follow through on. Legal proceedings are on-going and Napier has filed to dismiss the lawsuit, so time will tell.
Bobby Petrino hired as Arkansas’ offensive coordinator
Given Petrino’s past with the Razorbacks after being fired as their head coach back in 2012, this was a surprising hire at the time, but makes sense given that current head coach Sam Pittman is one of the SEC coaches on the hot seat in Fayetteville.
During his time as head coach in Fayetteville, Petrino had two double digit win seasons which is a level of success the Hogs have not seen since. Pittman’s hire of Petrino as offensive coordinator will hopefully pay dividends and return the Hogs back to national prominence.
SEC Media Days
Many story lines happen each year at SEC Media Days, and the 2024 version was no different. Probably the funniest moment was before the even technically even started with Nick Saban when the first year media member forgot his credentials to be let into the event.
Other moments included SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey’s jab at Florida State, Saban picking Georgia to win the SEC and thoughts around the SEC’s newest additions in the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners.