The 2024 season is a vital one for faculty soccer. Following the most recent wave of realignment, each energy convention can have a brand new lineup. The School Soccer Playoff is increasing to 12 groups for the primary time in its comparatively transient historical past, opening the door for colleges which were routinely excluded previously. And, of all of the leagues on the FBS stage, the SEC could stand to profit probably the most from all these adjustments.
The SEC is poised to have a number of groups compete for a spot in that expanded playoff format. Although the league is not welcoming as many newcomers as different energy conferences, its two additions — Oklahoma and Texas — boast elite model recognition and on-field success.
However postseason pursuit begins with spring apply. All 16 groups within the new-look SEC have taken the sector at this level, giving coaches a glimpse at what their 2024 squads will seem like. In Missouri’s case, spring apply is already within the rearview mirror.
With a lot change, every staff has at the least one burning query to iron out earlier than the primary apply interval of the yr culminates in televised spring video games. Distinguished applications like Alabama are breaking in a brand new coach for the primary time in nearly 20 years, whereas others are changing assistants and overhauling place teams after pure attrition and switch portal losses.
With that in thoughts, here is one query each SEC staff — besides Missouri, which has already accomplished its spring classes — should handle as spring apply unfolds.
Alabama
What does the protection seem like? Protection was a trademark for former Alabama coach Nick Saban. It doesn’t matter what else was occurring, the Crimson Tide may grasp their hat on manufacturing from that aspect of the ball through the legendary chief’s 17-year profession. Although Alabama went via loads of defensive coordinators throughout that span, the protection itself maintained the identical identification with Saban engineering issues from the highest and molding the system to his philosophy.
However a brand new period is underway in Tuscaloosa. Former Washington boss Kalen DeBoer is stepping in and bringing defensive coordinator Kane Wommack — former coach at South Alabama — with him. Wommack is adamant that his 3-4 nickel protection is not a grand departure from what Saban ran at Alabama, however each DeBoer and Wommack are sure to introduce some new wrinkles because the staff takes on their picture.
There is definitely rather a lot for Wommack to determine from a personnel perspective. Alabama is shedding 4 starters from its secondary and key move rusher Dallas Turner to the NFL Draft. Although the beginning linebacker spots are in fine condition, the Crimson Tide lack depth in that space. Spring is vital for figuring out the place gamers match within the (apparently not so) new system, and which younger prospects will step as much as fill the brand new vacancies.
Arkansas
Which quarterback replaces KJ Jefferson? Arkansas’ greatest offseason blow got here when longtime beginning quarterback KJ Jefferson entered the switch portal. Jefferson was probably the most dynamic gamers within the SEC, and although he by no means fairly lived as much as the lofty expectations positioned upon him by exterior voices, the Razorbacks may all the time rely on him to place the offense on his shoulders and make issues go.
Now, the Razorbacks have a 6-foot-3, 247-pound gap to fill at crucial spot on the sector. It is situation No. 1 for brand spanking new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, whose teaching specialty lies on the quarterback place. In an try to fill the void, Arkansas sniped former Boise State starter Taylen Inexperienced from the switch portal. Although he is not a one-to-one comparability to Jefferson, he has an equally distinctive body — standing at 6-foot-6 and 221 kilos — and a comparable capacity to make performs along with his legs.
Inexperienced will not simply stroll into the beginning function, although. Arkansas returns fifth-year senior Jacolby Criswell, who signed with North Carolina in 2020, spent his first three years on the bench and transferred to Arkansas forward of the 2023 season to function Jefferson’s backup. He is lastly getting an opportunity to battle for the beginning job after throwing for 143 yards and three touchdowns in spot responsibility final yr.
Auburn
Can anyone push Payton Thorne? Hugh Freeze has put a number of effort into enhancing the stagnant offense he inherited, from bolstering the offensive line through transfers to signing certainly one of 2024’s most spectacular large receiver hauls — a gaggle headlined by in-state five-stars Cam Coleman and Perry Thompson. However all of the flashy new toys on this planet aren’t value a lot if quarterback Payton Thorne cannot enhance getting into his second yr with this system.
The previous Michigan State switch received the beginning job in 2023 and performed in 13 video games, ending the yr with simply 1,755 yards passing and 16 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. He did shock some along with his speeding capacity, posting a powerful 515 yards on the yr, however his limitations have been apparent. He has sub-standard arm expertise, he is liable to slumps and his decision-making is not fairly as superior as one would count on with 5 years of expertise underneath his belt.
Regardless, Thorne is again for a sixth collegiate season. Odds would counsel he is already hit his developmental ceiling. All this to say, Auburn may benefit from somebody pushing Thorne. Former four-star Holden Geriner will get an elevated alternative with Robby Ashford transferring, and redshirt freshman Hank Brown could parlay a powerful Music Metropolis Bowl displaying into a giant offseason. True freshman Walker White, the No. 5 quarterback within the class of 2024, has an opportunity to show heads by enrolling within the spring. The Tigers are hoping that crowded competitors will breed excellence.
Florida
Who’s calling the pictures on offense? Florida coach Billy Napier was adamant in February that he desires to retain his offensive play-calling tasks. Nevertheless, he additionally shifted his offensive workers this offseason with the clear implication that some duties would change. The Gators promoted tight ends coach Russ Callaway to co-offensive coordinator. He has a background as a playcaller at Samford, and early indications are he can have a hand in shaping Florida’s passing recreation. Rob Sale is again as offensive coordinator, although that is largely a nominal title and he has a extra direct hand within the offensive line’s growth. Possibly Florida integrates a system the place Napier has a closing say on the precise play, however he leans extra on assistants for enter through the recreation. No matter it might seem like, spring is the proper time to iron that construction out forward of what is going to be a vital season for Napier.
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Georgia
Who steps up at cornerback? It is arduous to seek out any holes when taking a look at Georgia’s roster, but when there may be one main query mark, it lies within the secondary. Particularly, the Bulldogs are shedding two beginning cornerbacks to the NFL Draft. Kamari Lassiter is a possible first-round choose and Tykee Smith’s versatility is just about irreplaceable. On high of that, UGA is breaking in a brand new cornerbacks coach (Donte Williams) and a brand new secondary coach (Travaris Robinson) this spring.
It helps that Georgia is returning one starter in Daylen Everette, although he was inconsistent in 2023. His potential operating mates on the skin are sophomore Daniel Harris, who completed his freshman season with one sort out, and third-year DB Julian Humphrey, who’s coming off a season-ending damage suffered in November. 5-star freshman Ellis Robinson is a reputation to know, too. The slot nook place — often known as STAR in Georgia’s nomenclature — appears to be in good fingers with sophomore Joenel Aguero, however he has massive footwear to fill with Smith’s departure.
Kentucky
Can switch QB hit the subsequent stage? Kentucky enters the 2024 season staking its offense on yet one more switch quarterback. Will Levis came visiting from Penn State in 2022, and regardless of growing into an eventual second-round NFL Draft choose, it is arduous to say he had an elite collegiate profession. The Wildcats changed him with NC State switch Devin Leary in 2023. Kentucky had the SEC’s fourth-worst move offense with Leary calling the pictures, as he failed at the least 200 yards passing in six contests. Enter former Georgia sign caller Brock Vandagriff, who regardless of being the No. 5 QB in 247Sports’ switch rankings, by no means rose above a reserve function in three seasons with the Bulldogs.
Vandagriff regarded like an ideal slot in former offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s pro-style offense. Then Coen left for the NFL late within the teaching carousel and Kentucky shortly employed Boise State’s Bush Hamdan to switch him. Hamdan has a previous teaching quarterbacks, together with a stint within the SEC with Missouri, so perhaps he can unlock Vandagriff’s potential. Kentucky wants Vandagriff to rise above common if it desires to make an affect within the new-look SEC.
LSU
Can LSU repair its defensive entrance? LSU was robbed of a doubtlessly particular 2023 season by a protection that ranked bottom-three within the SEC towards each the move and the push. LSU subsequently parted methods with defensive coordinator Matt Home and referred to as on Missouri’s Blake Baker to switch him. On the high of Baker’s to-do record ought to be finding out LSU’s defensive entrance, which underscored a number of the defensive points final season with its lack of disruptiveness and incapability to carry up towards the run. To compound issues, LSU’s two best defensive linemen — Maason Smith and Mekhi Wingo — are off to the NFL, and a number of other key reserves entered the switch portal. That leaves the Tigers with two returning scholarship defensive linemen. LSU must get extra from edge rushers Sai’vion Jones and Bradyn Swinson, who mixed for 5 sacks in 2023.
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Mississippi State
How does Jeff Lebby acclimate? Given his observe file as an assistant and success as an offensive coordinator at a number of stops, it is no shock that Lebby is getting his first shot as a head coach in a high-profile convention just like the SEC. However, it’s that have that will trigger some apprehension about Lebby’s first yr. He is by no means been a head coach at any stage, and now he inherits a Mississippi State program that’s on its third coach since December 2022 following the tragic demise of Mike Leach. With the likes of Texas, Georgia, Missouri and, in fact, Ole Miss on the schedule in his first two years, this spring is essential for Lebby as he seems to determine an early identification, set up his gameplan and rally a Bulldogs staff that is fallen on arduous instances in recent times.
Ole Miss
What is the reply at operating again? Quinshon Judkins‘ resolution to enter the switch portal was one of many greatest surprises within the winter window given his function as a focus of the Rebels offense and his emergence as among the finest bell-cow backs within the nation. Now, Ole Miss has a whopping 271 carries up for grabs in its backfield. Versatile menace Ulysses Bentley is again after a 500-yard speeding efficiency in 2023, however he hasn’t dealt with 100 carries in a single season since 2020. LSU switch Logan Diggs joins the staff for spring, however like Bentley, he does not profile as a workhorse. The choices are sparse exterior of these two, although there is definitely a chance for a youthful participant to make an affect. Ole Miss will probably make use of a secure of backs in 2024, and the spring will probably be essential in deciding that rotation.
Oklahoma
Can Oklahoma make the offensive line work? Oklahoma’s offensive line attrition is well-documented. The Sooners have to switch 5 linemen with beginning expertise with 4 off to the NFL and one to Missouri through the switch portal. Troy Everett and Jacob Sexton are again as choices with very restricted beginning reps, however exterior of these two, OU’s offensive line will look nearly totally unfamiliar. Coach Brent Venables went arduous within the portal to handle the difficulty, securing the providers of Spencer Brown (Michigan State), Michael Tarquin (USC), Febechi Nwaiwu (North Texas) and Geirean Hatchett (West Virginia). All will probably be referred to as upon to serve in some capability throughout their first yr with this system. Invoice Bedenbaugh is among the finest offensive line coaches within the nation, so it is not arduous to imagine he can cobble collectively an efficient unit. That being mentioned, any offensive line points will hamper Oklahoma’s capacity to reach its first yr as an SEC program.
South Carolina
Will anybody pull forward at quarterback? South Carolina definitely does not lack choices on the subject of figuring out Spencer Rattler’s successor. The Gamecocks welcomed Auburn’s Robby Ashford and Oklahoma’s Davis Beville, including some competitors for redshirt freshman LaNorris Sellers. Sellers’ three appearances as a real freshman make him South Carolina’s most skilled returning quarterback. Freshman Dante Reno is ostensibly within the combine as effectively since he enrolled in time for the spring, although he is probably fourth within the pecking order. Chances are high this may come right down to Ashford and Sellers. On one hand, Ashford has loads of SEC expertise from his time at Auburn, giving him an inherent leg up. However South Carolina’s workers thinks the world of Sellers along with his 6-foot-3 and 240-pound body, wonderful speeding capacity and robust arm.
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Tennessee
Can a new-look secondary come collectively?: All eyes will probably be on first-year beginning quarterback Nico Iamaleava this offseason, however equally vital is Tennessee’s continued enchancment on protection. The Volunteers had a reasonably common, if generally inconsistent, veteran secondary final season. All 5 starters from that unit are gone, off to both the skilled stage or the switch portal, and a number of other key backups determined to take their skills elsewhere. To name Tennessee’s 2024 defensive backfield “new” can be an understatement. The Vols have some intriguing younger items that may step up they usually added the likes of Oregon State cornerback Jermod McCoy and MTSU security Jakobe Thomas — gamers that, on paper, seem like upgrades from their predecessors. Spring will probably be key for determining how these new items match main into summer time exercises and the autumn.
Texas
Is Isaiah Bond prepared for a full breakout? Few particular person gamers had a extra illustrious near the 2023 season than Bond, who captured nationwide consideration along with his heroics in Alabama’s last-second win towards Auburn and parlayed that into 9 catches for 126 yards in Alabama’s two postseason video games. That put the cherry on high of a 668-yard, four-touchdown season for the previous top-50 highschool prospect. Bond entered the switch portal following Nick Saban’s retirement and took his skills to Texas, the place he’ll be tasked with elevating his recreation and changing into an alpha in a receiving corps that is shedding all three starters and effectively over 75% of its receiving manufacturing. Texas wants Bond to determine a pleasant rapport with quarterback Quinn Ewers through the spring apply interval.
Texas A&M
Can Conner Weigman bounce again? By means of his comparatively transient taking part in time in his first two collegiate seasons, Weigman has regarded like the reply at quarterback for a Texas A&M offense that largely did not register above common underneath former coach Jimbo Fisher. He began in 4 video games as a freshman in 2022 and threw for 896 yards and eight touchdowns, taking the offense by the reigns and profitable the full-time beginning job as a sophomore. He received off to a scorching begin, with 979 yards and eight touchdowns, earlier than a foot damage lower his yr brief after simply 4 video games. The ailment required surgical procedure, and new coach Mike Elko is taking a cautious strategy with Weigman through the spring. His well being is of the utmost significance for the Aggies, who lack high quality choices exterior of Weigman following Max Johnson’s switch to North Carolina. Although he is restricted, Weigman may trip a powerful spring right into a 2024 marketing campaign during which he has the potential to emerge as among the finest sign callers in America.
Vanderbilt
Who emerges on the talent positions? Vanderbilt has a logjam at quarterback that it has to determine, however whoever the teaching workers settles on wants gamers to throw the ball to. The Commodores have been decimated by the switch portal, shedding all three of their main receivers and second-leading rusher Patrick Smith through the winter window. Main rusher Sedrick Alexander is again, although he solely had 383 yards and 4 touchdowns final season. Vanderbilt added Texas Tech large receiver Loic Fouonji and Ole Miss large receiver Jeremiah Dillon from the switch portal. However given what the Commodores misplaced, there’s a number of work to be executed in getting the talent expertise positions in control this offseason.