#30 South Carolina
This is a very important year for the Gamecocks. It seems like they have had the pieces to win, but they just can’t seem to put everything together. Coming into this year, I think head coach Shane Beamer has to show that he can win competitive games. It feels like it has been a long time coming when you look at the players they have.
For example, they have LaNorris Sellers, who may not be the “best” quarterback in college football, but certainly has all the talent in the world. They also have players like Nick Harbor and Dylan Stewart, who are both electrifying players for this team. They’ve just got to put it all together.
#29 Auburn
Since 2020, Auburn has been in a drought in its football program. The Tigers are way overdue to get back to playing good Auburn football. That being said, they may have finally found the answer to winning football games in their new head coach, Alex Golesh.
I personally have very high hopes for this Auburn team this season, and I expect them to surprise a lot of people. Golesh already has a history in the SEC and a history of success. One of Auburn’s biggest problems has been a slow, inefficient offense, and Golesh is the exact opposite of that. Another issue has been bad quarterback play, and Golesh is bringing over a freak of nature in Byrum Brown, who has been with Golesh for a few years now.
#28 Georgia Tech
I see this Georgia Tech team being sneaky good this year. The Yellow Jackets went out and got some real talent on both sides of the ball that should help them tremendously.
For starters, head coach Brent Key is an offensive guru who does really well with quarterbacks, and the Yellow Jackets have acquired Alberto Mendoza, the brother of Fernando Mendoza. On the defensive side of the ball, they got Jaylen Mbakwe, who is a very good athlete who can make big-time plays for this team.
If I’m Georgia Tech, I would have high hopes for this season.
#27 Florida
The Florida Gators are coming into the 2026 season with a situation very similar to that of the Auburn Tigers. There is a lot of hype surrounding their new head coach, John Sumrall. They also have a good transfer quarterback in Aaron Philo, who is coming from Georgia Tech, along with his offensive coordinator, who is coming from Georgia Tech as well.
So, right off the bat, you already have some good chemistry on the offensive side of the ball. Lastly, they have a really explosive running back returning in Jadan Baugh. If he gets the necessary amount of carries, Baugh could be one of the best running backs in the SEC.
#26 Houston
Houston is a big dark horse contender in the Big 12 this season. Building off a 10-win season last year, the Cougars now have a lethal duo in quarterback Connor Weigman and thousand-yard wide receiver Amare Thomas.
While those are good things to have, the clear strength of this team is its secondary. I would look for this team to possibly sneak into the playoffs this season.
