Is there ANYONE you can trust in the SEC right now? And could a wide receiver—not a quarterback—win the 2026 Heisman Trophy?
On this episode of The Connor O’Gara Show, Sports Illustrated college football writer Connor O’Gara teams up with The Next Round’s Ryan Brown to break down the biggest SEC football storylines, the changing Heisman Trophy race, and the coaches facing serious questions as the College Football Playoff race heats up.
🏈 WHO CAN YOU TRUST IN THE SEC?
After Tennessee’s 27-24 loss at South Carolina and Ole Miss’ 34-27 defeat at Texas, Connor and Ryan ask which SEC teams, quarterbacks, and defenses have actually earned our confidence. They debate Trinidad Chambliss and Ole Miss, Josh Heupel’s fourth-and-1 decision, and Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop, who carried the ball 32 times against South Carolina.
Plus, what did Sam Leavitt prove in LSU’s 38-17 victory at Auburn? Are Georgia and Oklahoma the SEC’s most trustworthy defenses, or can Will Muschamp’s Texas defense join that conversation?
🔥 SEC COACHING HOT SEATS
Is Shane Beamer at his best when South Carolina is under pressure? Connor and Ryan discuss LaNorris Sellers, Nyck Harbor, Dylan Stewart, and the Gamecocks’ dramatic win over Tennessee.
They also debate whether Steve Sarkisian at Texas or Brent Venables at Oklahoma could face serious job pressure—including Venables’ reported $51.7 million buyout and what it could mean for a potential coaching change.
🏆 THE 2026 HEISMAN TROPHY RACE
Could Ohio State superstar Jeremiah Smith or Miami breakout wide receiver Malachi Toney make this the year of the receiver?
The guys explore whether quarterbacks like Miami’s Darian Mensah, Notre Dame’s CJ Carr, BYU’s Bear Bachmeier, and Georgia’s Gunner Stockton can strengthen their Heisman cases. And how big will Miami’s November 7 trip to Notre Dame be for Toney?
The conversation also revisits the history of running backs in the Heisman race and Derrick Henry’s 2015 victory.
☘️ IRELAND, GOLF & HALLOWEEN STORIES
The episode isn’t all X’s and O’s! With Jim Dunaway traveling through Ireland, Connor and Ryan debate the appeal of windy, rainy links golf, whether sushi is an everyday food, and their favorite Halloween traditions.
Connor also shares an unforgettable childhood story involving a Halloween egging and his dad’s pursuit of the culprits!
👇 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
Which SEC team or coach do YOU trust most? Who deserves the Heisman right now—Jeremiah Smith, Malachi Toney, Darian Mensah, or someone else?
👍 LIKE the video, SUBSCRIBE to The Next Round, and turn on notifications for more college football news, SEC analysis, Heisman discussions, and The Connor O’Gara Show!
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