With the Pac-12 primarily dissolved and loads of large packages on the transfer, here is an early have a look at the newcomers in every “Energy 4” convention.
Statistics from final season for gamers to look at.
SEC | New groups: Texas, Oklahoma
Gamers to look at: Texas QB Quinn Ewers (3,497 yards passing, 158.6 passer score), Oklahoma LB Danny Stutsman (104 tackles, 16 for loss, first-team All-Large 12)
In contrast to the opposite three main conferences, the SEC did not add any former Pac-12 faculties, nevertheless it added powerhouses Oklahoma and Texas. That is ironic as a result of these faculties arguably kicked off this complete realignment wave.
The Longhorns, with a fantastic returning coach-quarterback duo in Steve Sarkisian and Ewers, are a severe menace to win the SEC East and the convention. They’re second within the Soccer Energy Index.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian responded boldly when requested what the Longhorns wanted to alter as they transition to the SEC.
“Nothing. As a result of that is what we had been already constructing for anyway,” the previous Alabama assistant stated.
Oklahoma — ranked in or close to the highest 10 by talent-evaluation metrics, together with FPI — shall be contenders for the expanded, 12-team Faculty Soccer Playoff even when it would not win the convention.
Large Ten | New groups: USC, Oregon, UCLA, Washington
Gamers to look at: USC QB Miller Moss (Six passing touchdowns in Vacation Bowl), Oregon WR Tez Johnson (86 receptions, 1,182 yards, 10 TD catches), UCLA WR J. Michael Sturdivant (36 receptions, 597 yards, 4 TD catches), Washington CB Ephesians Prysock (61 tackles, seven passes defended with Arizona)
Despite the fact that the SEC began the realignment battle, the Large Ten arguably got here out on prime by abandoning any semblance of geographic integrity. From Rutgers in Piscataway, N.J., to Washington in Seattle, the convention of the Midwest now spans sea to shining sea. In increasing, it added nationwide title contenders within the course of.
2023 nationwide runners-up Washington, ranked thirty first in FPI, ought to take a giant step again after shedding numerous teaching (Kalen DeBoer is now Alabama HC) and on-field personnel. UCLA needs to be in the midst of the pack, too, however the different two faculties may very well be contenders.
USC is poised for a step up even with out Caleb Williams, because the protection needs to be upgraded; the Trojans may very well be an at-large entrant into the 12-team playoff.
In the meantime, Oregon — ranked second in FPI — boasts one of many deepest rosters within the nation, strong management in head coach Dan Lanning, and pulled main QB switch Dillon Gabriel (3,660 yards, 30 TD passes in 2023) from Oklahoma. Do not be shocked to see the Geese push for a convention title and past in yr one.
Large 12 | New groups: Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State
Gamers to look at: Utah QB Cameron Rising (missed the 2023 season with an damage, 5,527 cross yards and 58 whole TDs in two years as a starter), Colorado WR/DB Travis Hunter (57 receptions, 721 yards, 5 TDs, three INTs), Arizona QB Noah Fifita (25 passing touchdowns, six INTs), Arizona State RB Cameron Skattebo (1,069 scrimmage yards, 10 TDs)
That is the one main convention that’s including and shedding faculties; Texas and Oklahoma are heading to the SEC, opening up the convention race in a giant means, whereas two of the highest three 2023 Pac-12 groups are headlining the additions to the Large 12.
That might be Utah and Arizona, each of whom may very well be contenders in a convention. The Utes shall be getting star QB Rising again from a year-long injury-necessitated absence, considerably boosting their hopes.
The automated bid related to a convention title within the new playoff format may be very attainable for Utah, whereas qualification from the Pac-12 would have been an actual problem this season.
As for Colorado, the Deion Sanders-led Buffaloes aren’t contenders. Nonetheless, they need to deliver loads of publicity to the convention, whereas Arizona State has discovered a great place for a program reload.
ACC | New groups: Stanford, Cal, SMU
Gamers to look at: Stanford WR Elic Ayomanor (62 receptions, 1,013 yards, six TD catches), Cal RB Jadyn Ott (1,484 scrimmage yards, 14 TDs), SMU QB Preston Stone (3,197 passing yards, 28 TD passes, six INTs)
The ACC is exclusive as a result of its enlargement is not solely a results of the Pac-12 implosion. It is usually serving to SMU make the leap to a giant convention.
Stanford and California doubtless will not be good for far more than the occasional upset within the convention, however SMU was arguably final yr’s greatest Group of 5 group and may very well be a giant issue. Star QB Stone will assist the Mustangs compete in a comparatively weak convention that does not have a faculty within the prime 10 in FPI. (Florida State is ranked eleventh.).
“We have got an underdog mentality,” SMU AD Rick Hart instructed ESPN final September. “We have got a chip on our shoulder. We have needed to do extra with much less for a very long time.”
