CJ Vogel

You know it is the offseason when hypothetical rankings are the subject of conversation, but this is part of why I love college football as much as I do. My personal rankings of the SEC from today, February 9. I will present a case for each school with a brief summary of why their ranking made sense to me. These rankings won't please everybody, which means it's only a matter of time before I get an AP vote, right? Anyways, to the rankings of the SEC from more than 200 days away from kickoff. 1. Georgia Kirby Smart's squad comes in as the top dog in these rankings, pun absolutely intended. Of course, Carson Beck returning for UGA gains all of the headlines, however the return of Nazir Stackhouse and Will Brinson on the iDL give the Dawgs an edge over Texas or anyone else for that matter. Georgia added former UF running back Trevor Etienne in the offseason and the offense returns 76% of its production from a year ago per ESPN's Bill Connelly. I like the Dawgs to start the year. 2. Texas A third year quarterback behind an offensive line that returns four of five starters from a year ago. Let's not forget Sarkisian is the only College Football Playoff coach from 2023 to return to the same school. The ability to stop the run will be the biggest question mark in my eyes. However, Texas should be able to score with the likes of anyone in the country. Blue and Baxter lead the RB room and the talks of the portal additions at wide receiver have been the highlight of the offseason in Austin. 3. Ole Miss I absolutely love what Ole Miss has done this offseason. Perhaps a top five roster in college football? Adding Walter Nolen from the portal is the biggest win of the offseason for anyone in my eyes. Lane Kiffin also added former Manor standout Princely Umanmeilen (7.0 sacks) from Florida to pair with Jared Ivey (5.5 sacks) on the edges for the Ole Miss defense, both of whom are 6-feet-5-inches and 260-plus pounds. Offense will rarely be an issue under Kiffin and when you are able to snag former UNC OL Diego Pounds and two members of Washington's Joe Moore Award winning line, Julius Buelow and Nate Kalepo, the trenches are a massive strength for the Rebels in 2024. 4. Alabama The new era in Tuscaloosa may not be as rocky as some might expect. Listen, Kalen DeBoer has won every where he has been as a head coach. While Jalen Milroe may not be his prototypical match at quarterback, DeBoer will find a way to use mismatches to his advantage. The WR room of Ryan Williams, Jalen Hale, Kobe Prentice and Kendrick Law are enough to get by even after losing Bond and Niblack. The trench talent still remains in Tuscaloosa as well. To me, 9–3 is a safe bet. 5. Missouri Alright, it is time to fully respect what Eli Drinkwitz is doing at Mizzou. Albeit a very nasty game, a win over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl to end the 2023 season signifies a lot of momentum remains in Columbia. Over 79% of offensive production returns in 2024, with RB Cody Schrader (1,627 yards and 14 TD) being the largest departure obviously. QB Brady Cook is back for the Tigers, as is Theo Wease, Mookie Cooper and All American Luther Burden. 6. Tennessee It is officially Nico Iamaleava season on Rocky Top and I am all for it. The bowl game was a good taste of what Iamaleave could bring, but let's see it for a full season. The Vols added TE Holden Staes and Tulane standout WR Chris Brazzell to the offense which will return Bru McCoy as well. Landing former LSU OL Zalance Heard was one of the biggest offensive linemen portal wins of the offseason. Six departures out of the DB room brings a bit of a question mark, however, I am big fan of Oregon State transfer CB Jermod McCoy. 7. Oklahoma I juggled with where to put Oklahoma for quite a long time. New offensive coordinator, new defensive coordinator, first-time starting QB and a brand new offensive line lead me to pause. A tough hill to climb while entering the SEC. I expect Venables' defense to lead the conversation in Norman this season. Billy Bowman Jr. and Danny Stutsman return and I love what Oklahoma has brought in on the defensive line and edges. My question is will Arnold and the OL be consistent enough to let the elite group of wide receivers impact games as we know they can. 8. LSU If the defense is not better than a year ago, LSU could be in some deep trouble once again. No longer is there a Heisman at the quarterback position to mask the deficiencies on the defensive side of the ball from a year ago. A brand new defensive coaching staff should be provide an improvement, but until then, I am not expecting LSU to be contending at this time. 9. Texas A&M Winning early for Mike Elko is going to be an important task, especially with how well Texas is cruising at the moment. When Conner Weigman is healthy, I think he has top-3 ability in the SEC. Though for A&M in 2024, my question belongs in the trenches and if the personnel brought in by the staff fits what they want to do. There will be 40 new players on campus come the fall, with 23 of them coming from the portal. Lots of turnover for the new era. 10. Auburn This is a must-win season for Hugh Freeze in Auburn. If it is not a must-win, it is at least a must-show improvement from a year ago. The issue is, I question if they have the quarterback to do so. Can Fr. QB Walker White unseat Payton Thorne? That will be interesting to me. Otherwise, I like what Auburn did in the portal and the Tigers are adding a pair of five-star wide receivers as well. Still, I see too many questions offensively. 11. Kentucky This is a team I am most prepared to be wrong about. I like Kentucky and I love the culture Mark Stoops has instilled for his program. Former five-star QB Brock Vandagriff should take over the reigns for the departed Devin Leary. Keeping Barion Brown was as big as any portal addition, though I love former UNT WR Ja'Mori Maclin here. Kentucky ranks 102nd in returning production per ESPN's Bill Connelly. 12. Florida The toughest schedule I have seen for a college football team could not have come at a worse time for Billy Napier. Asking Graham Mertz, who wasn't terrible in 2023, to overcome that feat is just too tall for me. But with where Florida sits right now, it won't matter anyways. The Gators got whooped in the portal and do not see a lot of help coming in, despite a small handful of recruiting victories. 13. South Carolina No more Spencer Rattler for the Gamecocks in 2024. QB LaNorris Sellers is the man penciled in to start for next season. I question who will be available to throw the ball to for Norris. WR Juice Wells transferred to Ole Miss and WR coach Justin Stepp just took the job at Illinois. It could be an upsetting season for the Gamecocks this fall unless some serious portal work is done in April. 14. Mississippi State First year under Jeff Lebby might not produce the results the Miss State fanbase is hoping for. There will be an adjustment period to getting the adequate talent on campus for Lebby and his crew. Right now, I just don't see Mississippi State having the talent to compete. The biggest question mark to me for a Lebby scheme is can you play complementary football, in year one of a new system that is a tall task. 15. Arkansas I was amazed Pittman kept his job in Fayetteville this offseason. It certainly does not help that QB KJ Jefferson (UCF) and RB Rocket Sanders (South Carolina) departed for the portal this offseason. Maybe Bobby Petrino is the fix? But it feels like nothing more than a prayer for dying head coaches in the SEC. 16. Vanderbilt Vandy is recruiting better and will have solid talent on the roster this year. They have been more competitive in recent seasons as well, but at the end of the day, they are still Vanderbilt and lack the dogs in the trenches that make game altering plays. That's the biggest issue and until they address that, it will remain an issue in 2024. View full news

The final segment of the In The Pipeline series takes a deeper look at the revamped secondary. Whether it be via the portal or the high school ranks, the Texas secondary room has turned a new leaf as the move to the SEC nears. One thing is for sure: Texas added a ton of athleticism and speed in these position rooms since January 1. Cornerbacks On Roster: Terrance Brooks, Malik Muhammad, Gavin Holmes, Warren Roberson, Wardell Mack, Santana Wilson, Kobe Black Coming Soon: TBD For 2024: What was a bit of a question mark in 2023, now becomes a strength of the team in 2024. Texas should not have to wait very long to name their starting cornerback duo for next season as both Brooks and Muhammad return. Gavin Holmes was solid in his rotational snaps a year ago, there is no shortage of confidence from him as well which is a great sign to push the competition envelope. I expect we see Warren Roberson in 2024, the staff likes his athleticism. Where the freshmen group fits in is interesting to me. Lots of length and speed joining the room, but which of the bunch is physically ready and mentally prepared for college ball? The spring will give us a better idea. Beyond: Terry Joseph's room has reloaded the depth necessary at corner. Texas also likes to rotate at this spot and get a number of guys snaps in just about every situation during the season which bodes well for getting youngsters acclimated. Right now, the vision is very bright for 2025. It is no guarantee that Brooks departs or returns, but either way, there will be capable bodies and what should be a CB1 in Muhammad by the time he becomes a junior. The 2025 recruiting cycle is interesting to me, if Texas can land Dorian Brew, the rich get richer, however if not, where does that next envelope-pusher come from for the competition of the room? STAR On Roster: Jahdae Barron, Jaylon Guilbeau, Austin Jordan Coming Soon: TBD For 2024: How big was it that Jahdae Barron opted to return for the Texas defense? I'll answer that: huge. Barron received solid draft grades, right around the 5th or 6th round is where I had heard he was expected to go, however he comes back to Austin looking to carry out a fully healthy campaign for one last go-round. The addition of Andrew Mukuba provides versatility to the secondary, but I see Barron remaining close to the ball where his IQ makes the biggest difference in his game. We saw a lot of Guilbeau his freshman season before injury derailed his development. Does he stick around after spring ball? I like Austin Jordan, but wonder what impact he will have during his time on campus. Beyond: When Jahdae departs, this position becomes a bit of a question mark for me. Which of the freshmen get run at STAR this spring? That might be the indicator of what happens here if I am being honest. I would like to think Jaylon Guilbeau finds his role here and thrives. He has great instincts around the football and will be entering his senior season in 2025, but I question his health overall. Jordon Johnson-Rubell projects as a deep safety, his size is not a great match here, but I love his football IQ and think he could play that Quandre Diggs-nickel role if asked. A bit of a question mark moving forward. One thing I would love to see is Jelani McDonald take over this role. He already fits the build of a hybrid safety and linebacker and at STAR you get the best of both worlds with his skillset. Safety On Roster: Derek Williams, Michael Taaffe, Andrew Mukuba, Jelani McDonald, Xavier Filsaime, Jordon Johnson-Rubell Coming Soon: TBD For 2024: Yes please! This is a fun unit. There is a tremendous combination of experience and youth combined with plus athleticism and an increased level of speed on the field. Adding Andrew Mukuba to the roster was huge. A three-year starter with big time accolades helps the Longhorns add a piece they were missing here. Derek Williams is my pick to join him in the starting lineup for the beginning of the season. Taaffe will get run as will freshman Xavier Filsaime. How much? That is to be determined because that role will not be handed over easily with Jelani McDonald in the way. Regardless, a healthier and more complete looking DB room entering 2024. Beyond: I would expect Mukuba to depart after the season and potentially Taaffe. Best part of this room is its youth. We have talked about is expected to be an improved on-field product next season, though what isn't mentioned is the youth in which this room is expected to take in. Derek Williams, Xavier Filsaime, Jelani McDonald and Jordon Johnson-Rubell as the safeties over the next 2-3 years sounds like a dream for Blake Gideon. Development will be key, but there is plenty of raw talent to build upon at the moment. View full news

It's viewed as the RB of the defense. Injuries and wear and tear are significantly higher at LB than other positions, so that makes a lot of sense.

Will get Jerry’s thoughts here as well, but the five I have my eyes closest in 2025 are Bo Barnes, Pettijohn, Cunningham, Javar Thomas and Nasir Wyatt out of Mater Dei. It’ll be interesting to see how the cards play out. But a very strong ‘25 crop. Don’t forget Kamauryn Morgan at SOC for EDGE too

Big one to win early. Feels to me that Jackson isn't one to play the recruiting game.

My goodness..

Time to move to the remainder of the front seven on the defensive side of the ball. Earlier today I spoke about the future of the trenches for the Texas program – and yes, I did remember Sydir Mitchell was on roster for those wondering. For this piece, a look at the edge rushers and linebackers. Two positions that have seen an increase in production, and project to be amongst the strength of the Texas defense for the upcoming years. Should be a fun rabbit hole to dive into. Defensive Ends On Roster: Trey Moore, Ethan Burke, Barryn Sorrell, Trey Moore, J'Mond Tapp, Justice Finkley, Colton Vasek, Tausili Akana, Billy Walton, Colin Simmons, Zina Umeozulu Coming Soon: Lance Jackson For 2024: On paper, this unit should see an increase in production from a year ago. UTSA transfer joins the room as does five-star EDGE Colin Simmons. Both guys figure to crack the rotation at early on this season. Where Texas can really see an increase in on-field success is with the returning vets, Barryn Sorrell and Ethan Burke. There is plenty of experience and big moments from the both of them, but finding consistency will be key. Texas will toss in Finkley and Tapp for extra depth to this room as well. What kind of steps will we see taken from Vasek, Akana, Walton and Umeozulu? Remains to be seen. Beyond: Building off that final sentence above, the future here is very bright, especially when you add in 2025 commit Lance Jackson out of Pleasant Grove, TX. Colin Simmons is the star of this group moving forward. He is the highest rated prospect on the defensive end spot in 15 years. But who else joins him in the production category? Right now, I look at Colton Vasek as someone that can eventually take that leap, he is bendier than Burke with a 6-foot-5 frame of his own, but when will we see him fully healthy? How soon can Akana and Waltotn get up to speed physically? I think we are all awaiting the light to flick on for J'Mond Tapp and Justice Finkley, but by 2025 will it be too late? It is a great issue to have, as the iron makes stronger iron as we all know. Depth won't be an issue here, but finding the one or two additional gamechangers is the key. Linebackers On Roster: Anthony Hill Jr., David Gbenda, Kendrick Blackshire, Morice Blackshire, Derion Gullette, S'Maje Burrell, Liona Lefau, Tyanthony Smith Coming Soon: Anthony Williams For 2024: I wouldn't say the linebacker group is a concern for me, but it is a spot where I will have questions that will need answering in the spring session. Of course, Anthony Hill Jr. is a special player. That won't come as a surprise to anyone who watched a possession of Texas football last fall. But where does Texas go after that at LB? David Gbenda is the experienced piece in the room, but as we saw in 2023, is he ready for a full slate of snaps? I question how often you can keep Gbenda and Blackshire on the field in obvious passing downs which leads me to someone like Liona Lefau potentially coming in to the rotation full time. The staff likes Mo Blackwell a lot, but his role seems to be refined solely to those aforementioned passing downs. Feels like Texas may be at a crossroads of personnel tipping tendency here at LB, unless someone can take that next step – potentially Lefau? Beyond: I have mentioned Lefau's name plenty here. But I do see him being a multi-year starter for the Longhorns in the middle of the defense. My biggest question coming out of HS was Lefau's size – he is firmly in the 6-foot-1 range and carries 230 pounds relatively well at the moment. He can play. One guy that is worth mentioning now and should have been mentioned above is Derion Gullette. This spring will be really key for Gullette to prove he can play at this speed and level now that he is fully healthy. I like both Burrell and Smith at the back end of this list and believe one of the two will be a starter to pair next to Gullette or Lefau way down the road in 2026. Also, Texas is in pursuit of a loaded 2025 linebacking class, will be interesting to see who joins this room after the 2024 season. View full news

I don't think so. Hutson, Robertson, Cruz each have better body types there as well.

If Bledsoe can come along, the addition of him, Mitchell, January and Bryant will be encouraging. It will be a good base for Texas to work with for 2025.

Sydir will be a big piece of this defensive line.

AD Mitchell dropping that far would be a huge surprise, but I think every player who is drafted in that scenario would be thrilled with where they ended up.

TCU fans cannot be happy to see this news on a Wednesday morning.

National Signing Day threw a wrench into the schedule of the In The Pipeline series we have going on, but have no fear, we are doubling up today on the posts for this series. Thus far, quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end have been covered for the 2024 season and beyond. As we progress down the roster, we arrive to the biggest (literally) group on roster – the offensive line and defensive line. Focusing solely on interior guys for the defensive side of the ball. So, let's get to it. Offensive Line On Roster: Banks-Conner-Majors-Campbell-Williams | Hutson, Umeozulu, Goosby, Chatman, Kirkland, Robertson, Stroh, Cojoe, Baker, Kibble, Cruz Coming Soon: Potentially 4-5 in 2025 For 2024: The offensive line took a noticeable step forward in 2023 with the core of the lineup returning for a second year together. As we sit more than 200 days away from the opening kickoff, it is looking like the offensive line will once again be making a move in the right direction as a result of continuity in the starting group. Four of five starters from a year ago return, plus I believe big Cam Williams is a shoe-in for the right tackle spot. Now, there are interesting theories to ponder about right now at left guard and right tackle. Could there be some movement there to shore up depth? Potentially. We will see this spring what kind of push Texas gets from Cole Hutson and Neto Umeozulu, two guys with playing experience. But regardless, the offensive line is set up beautifully for a third year Quinn Ewers and a stable of running backs eager to get their first full share of touches. Beyond: You can expect to see Jake Majors, Hayden Conner and Kelvin Banks depart following the 2024 season. Texas will be able to boast about their first 1st round offensive lineman drafted since the ice age with Banks. Luckily, attrition has yet to be an issue for the Longhorns here (*knock on wood*). Daniel Cruz and Connor Robertson will battle for the center spot. At the tackle spot, it is expected a third year Trevor Goosby will be the favorite to take over left tackle with a returning Cam Williams at right tackle. Think about that for a second, Texas' tackle duo for the 2025 season could average 6-feet-7-inches and over 335 pounds. Not too bad. I would think DJ Campbell returns for 2025 unless he lights the world on fire this fall, which leads to one of Umeozulu or Hutson to man the right guard spot. By all accounts, an experienced offensive line remains. Toss in five-star Brandon Baker into the mix as well somewhere and the pipeline is tremendous. Defensive Line: On Roster: Alfred Collins, Vernon Broughton, Tiaoalii Savea, Sydir Mitchell, Aaron Bryant, Jaray Bledsoe, Alex January, Melvin Hills Coming Soon: Brandon Brown For 2024: Well, this will be an interesting spot for the 2024 Longhorns. I, for one, am not as bearish on this group as many. Yes, Texas will likely need to add a piece to this room before the season begins – that is best case scenario. But I do feel like this group won't be a glaring weakness with the current pieces in the room. Now, how will they perform? I guess that is up to Coach Baker and his preparation for the unit as a whole. But there is experience here. Alfred Collins was a plus on the D-Line last year and Vernon Broughton's strength has been stopping the run. Add in Savea who has nearly 550 snaps of live action over the last two seasons, and there is a quality depth spot there. The biggest question to me is how often you can rely on Aaron Bryant who found his way into the rotation for the Sugar Bowl. January on campus early helps as well. If, and I want to get ahead of this, Texas finds an extra gear with Jaray Bledsoe, I will be comfortable with this unit in year one in the SEC. It won't be a plus, but it will be enough to not lose games this fall. Beyond: This group will be needing some portal work in 2024 after the season. Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton will depart after the season and the cupboard isn't exactly stocked. A big recruiting class is needed, but it won't bridge the gap quickly. Most of us are rather excited about what Alex January can bring to the table here as well. Texas is going to need to do some real work to reconstruct the defensive line room for 2025 and beyond. Luckily, if Jaray Bledsoe can add the necessary weight, he can be a real contributor for the Longhorns in the meantime. But until then, Kenny Baker will have his work cutout for him. View full news

Former Texas analyst and TCU head coach Gary Patterson has found a new home in the state of Texas — Waco. Patterson has been hired by Baylor HC Dave Aranda to join the program as a senior level consultant. Quite the conundrum for both fan bases as both have a long history rooting for and against Patterson in the TCU-Baylor rivalry. View full news

Believe it or not, I am not a coffee guy

How about 2025 lol, it's early for me.

Javar Thomas Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19343775/64e8d4f84deb260bc08b141a

At the very end of the contact window, Steve Sarkisian and Jeff Banks made a trip down to Houston to visit in-person with 2025 LB Javar Thomas. The 6-foot-3 linebacker at Aldine Nimitz HS saw his recruitment grow in the month of January with offers from UNLV, Washington, Colorado State and Houston. Texas also got involved in Thomas' recruitment when they officially tossed their hat in the ring last Friday on the visit from Sarkisian and Banks. Despite having visited campus on January 20 for the Junior Day, Thomas told me it was a total surprise when the offer arrived from the Texas staff. Continuing the trend of lengthy, long-levered linebacker prospects, Thomas is a prime candidate to see return to campus in March for a second unofficial of the year. View full news

Big fan of Sanders' game in the secondary.