SEC Football Unfiltered

Brian Kelly says there’s “no doubt” his 2024 LSU Tigers can contend for a national championship. Pardon us, but we have some doubts. Start with: How much better is LSU’s defense? LSU led the nation last season in scoring while finishing 10-3, but it lost three offensive stars to the NFL Draft's first round, including quarterback Jayden Daniels. The offense is almost bound to regress. To become a true championship contender, the defense must not only be better, it must be substantially better. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams discuss Kelly’s comments about the direction of LSU’s program during Toppmeyer’s wide-ranging in interview with Kelly. Kelly’s tenure started impressively enough, and he thinks LSU is better positioned than at any point since his arrival. That includes better depth, more veterans, and less reliance on youth and newcomers. So, when is that national championship coming? We take a closer look at the realistic timeline. Later in the episode, which SEC quarterback will be the first selected in the 2025 NFL Draft? We examine three candidates. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.

Arch Manning stole the show at Texas' spring game, while Quinn Ewers played sparingly. What does that mean? Well, for first up, let's slow the idea of any Texas quarterback controversy. Ewers didn't play much because he's got a grip on the starting job. This spring game became more focused on developing backup quarterbacks. Manning's 355 passing yards were a sign of abilities and his growth and evidence that Texas possesses more than one talented quarterback. What a luxury. Not even Georgia or Alabama have a backup quarterback like Manning. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams review Manning's spring game, what it means for Texas' season and whether the Longhorns are the top threat to Georgia in the SEC. They also highlight the performance of another backup quarterback, Florida freshman DJ Lagway, and project whether Lagway can help dial down the heat on embattled coach Billy Napier. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.

Georgia's Carson Beck and Alabama's Jalen Milroe rank among preseason Heisman Trophy frontrunners. But, forget awards for a moment. Does one of these quarterbacks have to battle to retain his starting job? At Georgia, that's not the case. Beck remains Georgia's QB1. End of discussion. What about Milroe? A new coaching staff adds uncertainty to the quarterback competition, but, to hear Milroe tell it, he's hitting it off with Kalen DeBoer, and he looked to have a handle on the offense in Alabama's spring game. On today's episode, host Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network is joined by Chase Goodbread of the Tuscaloosa News and the Athens-Banner Herald's Marc Weiszer to recap the spring games for Alabama and Georgia, discuss quarterbacks and set expectations for 2024. What's a realistic bar for DeBoer's first season? What's Georgia's lingering question exiting spring practice? A discussion of those topics and more. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.

John Calipari's whopper buyout saddled him to Kentucky. Not anymore, though, as Calipari prepares to exit out the side door to Arkansas. This looks like a potential win-win-win for Arkansas, Kentucky and Calipari, and one of the nation's biggest basketball jobs is now on the market. Where will Kentucky turn? On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams weigh in on Kentucky's search to replace Calipari. Each host offers two swing-for-the-fences candidates (Bruce Pearl!?!), plus a couple of fallback options. They also touch on the candidacies of Alabama's Nate Oats and Baylor's Scott Drew. Later in the episode, a discussion on the importance of Kalen DeBoer's first Alabama football spring game, and what LSU's Brian Kelly said about the Michigan job. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.

Can we agree Kirby Smart is the SEC's top football coach? A better debate: How to rank SEC schools by football coach plus their men’s basketball coach. Would Georgia remain No. 1 in such a ranking? What about Alabama? Where does Tennessee factor into the mix? On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams rank their top eight SEC schools in terms of football plus men’s basketball coaches. In some instances, the school's football and basketball coach each rank near the top of the SEC. In other cases, one coach does the heavy lifting. The hosts disagree on which school should be No. 1. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.

The ball tipped, and the upsets began. Then the second round tipped, and chalk held strong. Each of the four No. 1 seeds remains in the NCAA Tournament in the Sweet 16, but does that mean we think it'll be all favorites in the Final Four? Nope. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams revisit their March Madness predictions. Three of Toppmeyer's Final Four picks remain in the tournament, while two of Adams' picks went down in the first round after he overvalued the SEC and went all in on Kentucky and Auburn. Clean the slate. Fresh picks ahead ... including a No. 5 seed to the Final Four? Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.

Get your brackets finalized. Decide whether you want to lean into that No. 13 over a No. 4 upset pick. Lock in your Final Four. The Madness is nearly here. With eight SEC teams in the NCAA Tournament, including four that are either seeded No. 2, No. 3 or No. 4, could this be the year the conference produces a national champion for the first time since the 2012 Kentucky Wildcats? On today's episode, Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams are putting the pigskin on the shelf in favor of hoops and America's favorite tournament. They handicap the toughest region, make their Final Four and upset picks, and they agree on which team will be the last one standing from the SEC. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.

In the spirit of March Madness, we're ready to seed the SEC – but here's the twist. We're seeding for football. Now, you might be thinking, "This sure sounds like an SEC football power ranking, doesn't it?" Well, yes. It's exactly that. But, this is the time of seeds, brackets and upsets, so why call this a power ranking? It's seeding, darn it! On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams offer their 2024 power rankings – or seeding, rather. This pecking order is not necessarily reflective of how they see the conference standings. A team's schedule draw will affect the standings. Rather, this seeding is based more on a team's merits. We can agree that Georgia should be the SEC's No. 1 seed and Vanderbilt is a deserving No. 16. In between, though, there are disagreements on the order. Later in the episode, the hosts pivot to hoops with predictions for the SEC Tournament. Stay connected on X with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to the free SEC Unfiltered newsletter: bit.ly/SECUnfiltered

Steve Spurrier weighed in on the state of Florida football under embattled coach Billy Napier, and the HBC's assessment came off as anything but a ringing endorsement. Florida Times-Union columnist Gene Frenette quoted Spurrier questioning the direction of Napier's Gators in a recent column. The most biting quote? “There’s a feeling around the Gators of, 'What the heck are we doing?'” Spurrier said. Yes, indeed: What the heck is going on at Florida? By most appearances, in all kinds of weather, the Gators aren't sticking to together. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams react to Spurrier's comments and assess Napier's standing at UF. Their assessment: Napier faces turbulent times ahead. Later in the episode, the hosts answer Hugh Freeze's question: Why not Auburn? Also, the latest on College Football Playoff expansion talks. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.

The contract originates in the state of Texas, and the deal is a big one. In those two ways, the contracts for Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian and former Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher are similar. Maybe it's true that everything is just bigger in Texas – even the paychecks. Sarkisian's salary now jumps to $10.3 million, while Fisher enjoys his record-breaking $77 million buyout. Peel back the layers, though, and you'll see several arguments against Sarkisian being a Fisher 2.0. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Nick Kelly weigh in on Sarkisian's payday and why it makes sense for Texas. The Longhorns are betting Sarkisian's elevator is still going up. There's evidence to support that. Later in the episode, a status update on the situation at Alabama, where Kalen DeBoer prepares for his first spring practice in the SEC. The hosts identify the three biggest questions facing Alabama in 2024. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.

The 12-team College Football Playoff evolved before it ever debuted. The expanded playoff that's set to launch this season originally had been devised as a 6+6 format. That is, automatic bids for the six-best conference champions, plus six at-large bids. But, after that format got approved, realignment crippled the Pac-12. So, on Tuesday, the CFP Board of Managers voted to change the playoff to a 5+7 format – automatic bids for the five-best conference champions, plus seven at-large bids. The CFP contract lasts another two seasons. For 2026 and beyond, no approved playoff format exists. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams react to this modified 12-team playoff format and speculate as to what might be in store for the playoff beginning with the '26 season. This much seems likely: SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey will have an influential voice in shaping the playoff's future, just as he swung a big stick in determining this 12-team playoff format. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.

The SEC teems with talented quarterbacks in 2024, ranging from proven veterans to ballyhooed freshmen. The quarterback talent only stands to improve with Texas and Oklahoma joining the SEC. Eight of the SEC's soon-to-be 16 teams return their starting quarterbacks, and even a few of those breaking in new starters will be led by familiar faces. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams draft SEC quarterbacks in an attempt to build the best four-quarterback depth chart. Toppmeyer prefers proven talent, while Adams rolls the dice with freshmen. Later in the episode, why the College Football Playoff's decision to keep ESPN as its exclusive TV partner works for the SEC. Plus, the latest on Tennessee's lawsuit against the NCAA. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.

The “Power 2” are super buddies all of a sudden after last week’s announcement that the Big Ten and SEC are forming an advisory group aimed at solving some issues facing college sports. Will this alliance produce a breakaway, at least in football, of the NCAA’s two richest and most powerful conferences? Could the Big Ten and SEC say farewell to the College Football Playoff in a few years and launch their own postseason exclusive to the “Power 2?” Sure, it's possible. Likely? Probably not. At least not in the short-term. If it happened, though, what would be the upside and downside to an SEC/B1G playoff? On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams discuss the idea of a “Power 2” postseason and debate what they like about the possibility and what they dislike. Later in the episode, they unveil their top five SEC quarterbacks for 2024. Their lists feature the same quarterbacks, but in a different order. Finally, a look at the Tennessee vs. NCAA court case. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.

If you couldn't have Kirby Smart coaching your team, which SEC coach would you want? As of a month ago, the answer should have been obvious: Nick Saban. But, the retired GOAT is out of the equation, leaving Smart all alone on the top tier of college football coaches. Within the SEC, who forms the second tier? On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams draft SEC coaches in an attempt to collect the best group of coaching talent. It’s no mystery who’s going off the board first: Smart, the Georgia boss with two national championships to his name. Then, the debate gets interesting. Later in the episode, a discussion of the NCAA investigations of Tennessee and Florida. Should either school be worried about the NCAA's wrath? Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.

The SEC Championship Game stands to acquire some new flavor in 2024. Three times in the past six years, the December clash in Atlanta featured Alabama vs. Georgia. And if Nick Saban had returned as coach in 2024, that theme may well have repeated. But now, after Saban's retirement and the transfer of several prominent players? Eight or nine wins suddenly looks more realistic for Alabama in Kalen DeBoer's debut season than a return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and another date with Kirby Smart. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams highlight the teams best positioned to threaten Georgia for the SEC's top spot in 2024. Hint: The conversation doesn't begin with the Crimson Tide. They also look toward the bottom of the conference, where Vanderbilt is camped out and showing no signs of vacating the basement. But, can a handful of woebegone SEC teams challenge the Commodores for the cellar? Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.

New coach, meet the old coach – the one who’s not leaving, just changing duties. Alabama introduced Kalen DeBoer on Saturday as Nick Saban’s successor, and during his introductory remarks, DeBoer addressed the GOAT in the room (seated in the front row) when he said Saban would retain “100% access” to the Alabama program. Saban, after six national championship’s as the Crimson Tide’s coach, will remain employed by Alabama athletics in an advisory role. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams discuss this uncommon situation and whether Saban’s continuing presence will be an asset or a hindrance for DeBoer. That’s the first of several fact-or-fiction topics they discuss for Alabama’s new coach. They also project whether he'll win a national title with Alabama, and whether Alabama or Texas is better positioned for the future. Also, Saban's retirement calls for a revision of the 2024 SEC power rankings. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.

Who gets to be the man to replace The Man? Who even wants that assignment? The greatest of all time has retired. Nick Saban announced Wednesday that he’s handing off the reins of Alabama football after six national championships with the Crimson Tide and seven overall. Alabama fans mourned the news. Elsewhere in the SEC, there were probably grins. For nearly two decades, Saban and Alabama crushed everyone in their path. Who can continue such dominance? On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams reflect on Saban’s legacy, remember their favorite moments from the coach and handicap potential candidates for the job. The hosts rate each suggested candidate as either love it, like it, or nah, don’t like it. To be sure, some of the nine names considered here are more realistic than others, and the first name on the list – Oregon’s Dan Lanning – already announced Thursday that he’s staying with the Ducks. The search continues. Let’s get to the names! Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.

Michigan won the national championship without having to face Georgia, but would that have mattered? The Wolverines rattled off wins against Ohio State, Alabama and Washington. Cheating allegations aside, they’re deserving champs. And yet … we can’t help but wonder how a Michigan-Georgia national championship would have gone. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams consider who would have won a matchup of those teams. And, while we’re on the subject of hypotheticals, would the Wolverines have beaten a healthy Florida State, if Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis had not gotten hurt? Later in the episode, a look at Alabama's defensive coordinator vacancy and some 'too-early' 2024 Top 25 chatter. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.

Michigan is one victory away from winning a national championship while under separate NCAA investigations into allegations of recruiting violations and impermissible sign-stealing. Hardly the scandals of the century, but enough to cast the Wolverines into the black-hat role. They remain unfazed. The investigations, though, have some wondering whether a Michigan national championship would be deemed illegitimate. Nonsense. The way we see it, if Michigan beats No. 2 Washington on Monday, then the Wolverines are the champs. No need for an asterisk. The College Football Playoff and the AP determine college football’s national champion, not the NCAA. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams reject the idea of Michigan being an illegitimate champion. They also unpack Alabama’s failed final play in its 27-20 loss to Michigan in the Rose Bowl and examine the Crimson Tide’s path forward. If there’s any asterisk necessary on a potential Michigan national championship, it’s that the Wolverines didn’t have to face Georgia. We’re supposed to believe that Georgia, winners of 30 of its last 31 games, isn’t one of the nation’s four-best teams? Later in the episode, a look at the fork in the road facing LSU’s Brian Kelly, who must hire new coordinators and reload on offense, and Nico Mania takes shape at Tennessee. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.

Lane Kiffin is making us reconsider how we think about recruiting classes. Entering Wednesday, the first day of the December signing period, Ole Miss’ 2024 recruiting class ranks No. 21 nationally. Not bad. Not great. And not all that relevant. That’s because Kiffin’s roster-assembly strategy features a strong focus on transfers, which are not factored into recruiting rankings. Ole Miss’ transfer haul ranks No. 1 in the nation. Give the “Portal King” his crown and scepter. He’s done it again. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams examine the dividends of Kiffin’s transfer-focused strategy and what it means for the Rebels. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.