Oklahoma State is hiring North Texas coach Eric Morris to lead the program in 2026 and beyond. Morris will succeed Mike Gundy as the program’s permanent head coach. Gundy was fired earlier this season after nearly 21 years in charge.

“Today begins the next era of Oklahoma State Football,” athletic director Chad Weiberg said in a statement. “I am thrilled to introduce Eric Morris, his wife Maggie and their boys Jack and George to the OSU Family. Coach Morris has proven his ability to build and lead winning football programs. He has consistently identified, recruited, and developed some of the best players in college football.”

The Mean Green are 10–1, the best regular-season mark in school history, and remain in striking distance of the College Football Playoff as the potential top Group of 5 champion if they win out. If North Texas earns a CFP bid, Morris is expected to remain with the Mean Green for the Playoffs before beginning his new role in Stillwater.

Morris is 21–15 in three seasons at UNT after previously going 24–18 at Incarnate Word.

His name has popped in other searches — including as a candidate at Arkansas earlier this cycle.

Morris brings a strong offensive pedigree rooted in Mike Leach’s Air Raid tree. He played at Texas Tech, served as an OC at Texas Tech and Washington State, and has coached the likes of Baker Mayfield, Patrick Mahomes, Cam Ward, John Mateer and Chandler Morris in the past.

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Von said Ole Miss fans have rallied around Kiffin’s program in unique ways in recent years.

“People are selling family recipes to put money into [Ole Miss’ football],” Von said. “I feel like [Lane Kiffin] has pushed the cart all the way up the hill, so to leave right now feels weird.”

He expanded on that, suggesting it’s too important for Kiffin to walk away — especially with the Rebels sitting at 10–1 and squarely in the College Football Playoff race. Von said his preference would be for Kiffin to stay in Oxford.

“It seems to me like he has such a great life over there, that I think he should stay,” Von said.

With Ole Miss barreling toward the postseason and outside noise growing louder, Von is just the latest to make his stance public about Kiffin’s situation. Here’s a clip of his comments on McAfee’s show:

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Elle Duncan is leaving the network for a new role with Netflix, according to a report from Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. Duncan, who has been with ESPN since 2016 and currently anchors the 6 p.m. SportsCenter with Kevin Negandhi, will not continue in her roles on the WNBA or women’s college basketball as she makes the move.

Per the report, the decision is tied to Netflix’s growing push into live sports, where Duncan is expected to become one of the faces of the platform’s expanding coverage.

There’s no bad blood on the way out. Duncan has long been considered a network favorite — she’s hosted WNBA Countdown, led ESPN’s women’s college basketball College GameDay, and fronted studio coverage for the 2024 NCAA Women’s Tournament, which pulled one of the biggest pregame audiences in women’s hoops history. She’s also been a fixture at ESPN’s Upfronts and corporate events.

But Netflix offered two major things: a significant raise and a lighter workload. The streaming giant already holds rights to Christmas Day NFL games, select MLB matchups including Opening Day, and the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with more expected to follow. Duncan could also take on non-sports projects as part of her deal.

Her ESPN contract runs through the end of the year, so she may still appear on the network in the coming weeks unless Netflix negotiates an early release to debut her during its Christmas NFL broadcast.

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With both the Florida and LSU jobs open — and Kiffin openly viewed as a top target — Klatt said on his show that leaving Ole Miss now, with the Rebels sitting at 10–1 and squarely in the College Football Playoff hunt, would be a significant hit to his reputation.

“How does Lane Kiffin leave Ole Miss in the middle of a playoff run, and have any credibility at his next place?” Klatt said, calling the entire situation “messy” as interest ramps up around the country.

Ole Miss finds itself one win away from closing out one of the best regular seasons in program history, with a real shot at the SEC title and a clear path to the CFP. Kiffin built this roster and reshaped the culture since he arrived to the program in 2020, and he has the Rebels positioned as one of the most dangerous teams in the country as November winds down.

Walking away right now, Klatt argued, would follow him.

Whether Kiffin ultimately entertains one of the open jobs or shuts the door completely, the timing is the entire storyline — and with Ole Miss chasing a postseason run they haven’t seen in the modern era, the noise isn’t slowing down.

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Missouri’s Ahmad Hardy and Ole Miss star Kewan Lacy both made the final three for college football’s premier running back honor, joining Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love.

Hardy and Love are second and third in the nation in rushing yards per game. Hardy averages 127.6 yards per outing, recording 1,403 yards on 214 carries. Love is averaging 118.7 yards per game, rushing 185 times for 1,306 yards. Jacksonville State’s Cam Cook, not a finalist for the award, leads the nation 1,444 rushing yards (131.3 per game).

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Lacy is tied with North Texas’s Caleb Hawkins for the national lead in rushing touchdowns with 19 on the season. Lacy has rushed 231 times for 1,136 yards.

The Doak Walker Award hasn’t officially posted its own announcement yet, but ESPN’s awards-show finalist list confirmed the trio, setting the stage for what should be one of the tighter races of the night. Hardy has been one of the SEC’s most productive and explosive backs all season for Missouri, while Lacy has emerged as the focal point of Ole Miss’ ground game, consistently delivering in big spots for the Rebels. Love, meanwhile, has put together a standout year for Notre Dame and is also a Maxwell Award finalist.

The winner will be announced during the 35th annual Home Depot College Football Awards on Friday, December 12, airing from 7–9 p.m. ET on ESPN. Kevin Negandhi, Molly McGrath and Booger McFarland will host the two-hour show from Bristol, with Jen Lada reporting live from New York ahead of the Heisman Trophy ceremony.

This year’s finalists continue a strong run for the SEC at the position — and both Hardy and Lacy will head into award season firmly in the mix for one of the NCAA’s most prestigious individual honors.

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During Wednesday’s SEC teleconference, Wilson said Nussmeier remains in essentially the same spot he was a week ago — battling the same issues and trending toward missing another game.

“Garrett’s situation hasn’t changed much since last week. Those same issues are there for him,” Wilson said. “He’s probably doubtful. He was around yesterday, did some things in individual (drills), but I would say he’s doubtful.”

Nussmeier’s injury, which started leaving his status uncertain after a 20-9 loss to Alabama on Nov. 8, has forced LSU to lean more heavily on its depth at the position as the Tigers look to close out the regular season. While he was able to participate in limited individual work, Wilson’s comments make it clear the staff isn’t expecting a sudden turnaround before the weekend.

And if Nussmeier can’t go again this week, LSU has at least seen what life with Michael Van Buren Jr. looks like.

The sophomore QB stepped into his first start for LSU last weekend and helped the Tigers grind out a 23–22 win at Arkansas — throwing for 221 yards, hitting 8 different receivers, and leading the 92-yard go-ahead touchdown drive in the fourth quarter.

According to a report from CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, he is expected to draw the start again this weekend against Western Kentucky.

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Sarkisian opened his time on the SEC coaches teleconference call with a prepared statement about reports linking him to other jobs. He said he usually does not comment on speculation because he doesn’t want to be a distraction, but said recent reports have been “bothering” him for several weeks.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Sarkisian said. “I’ve had no discussions — not with my agent, not with the university, not with any other school, not with any NFL team — about ever going anywhere else. I came here to win championships.”

Sarkisian went on to mention he has 2 children enrolled at UT, a third he hopes will enroll at the school next fall, and called Austin his home.

He also listed off an assortment of accomplishments and accolades his program has enjoyed during his 5 years at the school.

“We’ve built a damn good football program over the 5 years that we’ve been here,” Sarkisian said. “Can we please stop putting things out there that you have absolutely zero evidence on? And then can we please stop retweeting, putting it back out there as if it’s true, as if it’s the gospel? It is not true.”

His comments on Wednesday come after weeks of outside chatter tying Sarkisian to everything from NFL interest to other major college jobs. He already dismissed those reports as “absolutely ridiculous” earlier this season, and doubled down again on Wednesday. With Texas fighting through an up-and-down stretch and expectations still sky-high, Sarkisian made it clear he’s locked into the program — not entertaining any detours.

Sarkisian and the Longhorns return home this week to face Arkansas (2–8). Texas continues to lean on a defense ranked top-25 nationally in scoring (18.3 ppg allowed) and top-10 against the run (83.2 ypg). That unit will be tested by an Arkansas offense averaging 470 yards per game — one of the most productive attacks in the country.

The Longhorns still have major games ahead — including a Black Friday showdown with No. 3 Texas A&M — but Sarkisian’s message was unmistakable: he’s not looking elsewhere, not exploring options, and not wavering.

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At the top, the two systems actually agree: Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M, and Georgia make up the same top 4 in both rankings. But everything after that starts drifting fast, especially when it comes to who gets rewarded and who gets punished.

One of the biggest surprises? Notre Dame‘s placement relative to Alabama. The two models match each other exactly — Notre Dame at No. 9 and Alabama right behind it at No. 10. That mirrors the CFP’s stance, which had been met with plenty of frustration from Alabama fans and neutral observers alike.

There’s also a clear divide in which teams the formula values compared to the folks in that committee room. The BCS model includes James Madison (No. 22) and North Texas (No. 23) — neither of which appears in the CFP’s Top 25. Meanwhile, the committee inserted Illinois (No. 21) and Arizona State (No. 25), two teams the computers didn’t rank at all.

The split at No. 5 and No. 6 is also telling.

The simulated BCS has Ole Miss at No. 5, while the CFP puts the Rebels sixth and elevates Texas Tech to No. 5 — a sign the committee is rewarding résumé wins more heavily than the BCS formulas, which still lean on polls and computer efficiency metrics.

The BCS simulation for Week 13 shows that if the old system still existed today, the playoff debate likely wouldn’t be any quieter. In fact, the Alabama–Notre Dame argument might be even louder — and teams like North Texas and James Madison would have far more to stand on than the current committee seems willing to give them.

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“According to who?” Sarkisian replied. “I guess that’s for who voted us No. 1.”

Sark isn’t operating off preseason narratives or outside expectations. Instead, he pointed to what Texas has actually accomplished — and what’s still in front of it in mid-November. The Longhorns sit at 7–3, own wins over two top-10 opponents, and face current No. 3 Texas A&M on Nov. 28.

And Sarkisian didn’t mince words about what that opportunity means.

“We have an opportunity at the end of the regular season to do something that nobody’s done since 2019… and that’s beat three top-10 teams.”

That line summed it up. Despite a demoralizing 35-10 loss to Georgia, the Longhorns aren’t backing down. Instead of buying into the idea that Texas hasn’t matched someone else’s preseason bar, they’re continuing to push forward.

So if anyone thinks Texas has fallen short, Sarkisian clearly isn’t one of them. He views this group as battle-tested, capable, and still with a chance to finish the regular season with something no other team in the country can claim — and he wasn’t shy about making that known.

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Jones highlighted the strength-on-strength battle that could define the matchup when No. 10 Texas (7-2) visits No. 5 Georgia (8-1) in Athens on Nov. 15.

“It’s the matchup between Texas’ run defense and Georgia’s run offense,” Jones said Wednesday. “It’s been the best in the SEC and second best in the country. And that’s really where it starts for Texas. They’re going to put you in bad situations in 3rd and longs. And then they’re going to get into their exotic pressures.”

Texas ranks No. 2 nationally in rushing defense, allowing just 78.2 yards per game, while Georgia’s ground game sits inside the top 25 at nearly 200 yards per contest. The Bulldogs also convert 48.3%of their third downs, good for 17th in the FBS — an area where their balance and discipline have kept drives alive all season. Georgia running back Nate Frazier is coming off a strong 12-carry, 181-yard performance against Mississippi State.

For the Longhorns, maintaining gap control and avoiding costly penalties will be key against an offense that rarely beats itself. The showdown kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC from Sanford Stadium.

Interested in wagering on Texas at Georgia? Check out the Kalshi prediction market for the SEC showdown:

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The visit, first reported by UGASports’ Anthony Dasher, was confirmed by Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference.

“Billy’s a good friend of mine. We coached together at Alabama for years. I’ve known him a long time,” Smart said. “People don’t understand relationships between coaches. Coaches have a brotherhood and fraternity together. His dad was good friends with my dad… we all grew up in Georgia with our fathers coaching high school football. They were really respected people, and he’s been a friend for a long time. He dropped by Tuesday’s practice, but that was really it.”

Napier, who was fired Oct. 19 after a 3-4 start in his fourth season at Florida, grew up in Chatsworth, Ga., and played quarterback for his late father, Bill Napier, at Murray County High.

Smart, who lost his own father, Sonny, earlier this year, has a long-standing personal connection with Napier, dating back to their time together at Alabama under Nick Saban. Napier served as an offensive analyst in 2011 and later coached receivers from 2013-16, while Smart was Saban’s defensive coordinator from 2007-15.

The Bulldogs, currently No. 5, have their focus on their next SEC matchup, but the visit was a reminder of the tight-knit relationships in the coaching world.

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The update leaves Alabama thin in the frontcourt heading into a showdown with one of college basketball’s most dominant post presences in Zach Edey. Onyejiaka, a four-star signee from The Newman School in Boston, saw action in the Crimson Tide’s first two games as a reserve. Bristow, meanwhile, has been sidelined since rolling his ankle in practice before the season opener and has yet to make his regular-season debut.

Nate Oats said freshman center Collins Onyejiaka will be out indefinitely with a "medical condition."

He also said Keitenn Bristow is doubtful for tomorrow's game vs. Purdue.

— Blake Byler (@blakebyler45) November 12, 2025

With both players expected to sit, Alabama will turn to Aiden Sherrell, Noah Williamson, Taylor Bol Bowen, and London Jemison to handle frontcourt duties. The Tide enter the matchup 2-0, coming off a road win over No. 5 St. John’s, while Purdue also stands at 2-0.

No. 8 Alabama vs. No. 2 Purdue tips off at 7 p.m. ET Thursday inside Coleman Coliseum, with national coverage on ESPN2.

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The Black Knights’ look, revealed Wednesday, features a marble-gray base with streaks of purple throughout — a nod to the Badge of Military Merit, the forerunner to the Purple Heart, and a tribute to Gold Star families. Subtle details honor the Army’s long history, including “1775” markings and typography inspired by the U.S. Constitution.

Instead of focusing on a single division like in past years, this year’s theme highlights the Army’s full 250-year legacy. The helmet carries references to the Warrior Ethos and classic insignia — tying the modern design back to its roots.

Army has made the uniform reveal a tradition heading into the rivalry game, and this one might be its most symbolic yet. The Black Knights have gone 6-3 in the series since launching these special-edition looks. The numbers and lettering are styled after the U.S. Constitution, while streaks of purple run throughout.

Navy hasn’t dropped its 2025 design yet — but with this reveal from West Point, the bar’s been set high for the December showdown.

Army is 5-4 this season. Navy is 7-2. This year’s Army-Navy Game will take place Dec. 13 in Baltimore.

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“Will he get consideration? Absolutely he’ll get consideration,” Cohen said, per Caleb Jones of On3 Sports.

Cohen also emphasized Monday he’ll oversee the search personally and hasn’t decided if a search firm will be involved, signaling a hands-on approach that contrasts with other SEC programs. He stressed Auburn needs a coach with edge and competitiveness, along with a proven ability to develop quarterbacks — qualities he believes are critical after the Tigers’ recent struggles.

Durkin, meanwhile, said he’s humbled by the opportunity and plans to continue calling the defense while serving as interim coach. He highlighted the leadership of players like Champ Anthony and Keldric Faulk and said the focus this week is on preparing for Vanderbilt.

Auburn (4-5, 1-5 SEC) is coming off a 10-3 loss to Kentucky, dropping its record under Freeze to 15-19 overall and 6-16 in SEC play. Cohen said the coaching search will be done after the Iron Bowl and that his priority is bringing “the best” for Auburn fans, players, and the program.

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The matchup brings back memories from last season, when the Bulldogs beat the Longhorns twice — a 30-15 win in Austin and a 22-19 overtime victory in the SEC championship — but now Georgia gets a chance to settle the score on its own turf.

RELATED: Don’t miss the big game! Sling TV has plenty of ways for college football fans to catch all the SEC games every Saturday!

The Bulldogs are 3-4 against the Longhorns in their seven meetings. Entering a Week 11 matchup with Mississippi State, UGA is 7-1 overall and 5-1 in SEC play. Texas, meanwhile, is 7-2, 4-1 in the conference and riding a four-game winning streak after early setbacks against Ohio State and Florida. Both programs have plenty of momentum, and the stakes in Athens will be tangible as the SEC race tightens in the final month of the season.

This will be Georgia’s eighth consecutive SEC game and the third 7:30 p.m. kickoff on ABC this season, giving the Bulldogs another primetime showcase.

With both teams looking to make a statement, the first-ever meeting at Sanford Stadium promises to be a night to remember for SEC fans.

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“I am the committee,” Cohen said on Monday when asked about Auburn’s process to find its next head football coach, per Jay G. Tate of On3 Sports. The Tigers parted ways with Hugh Freeze on Sunday, setting up another enormous search on The Plains.

Cohen said he’s not yet sure if “a search firm” will be involved, but emphasized that he’ll be hands-on throughout the process. His direct approach stands in stark contrast to LSU’s current search model, which could be guided by a larger group and outside advisors.

Cohen, who was hired as Auburn’s AD in October 2022 after a long stint at Mississippi State, has experience leading major hires across multiple sports. His comments signal a streamlined, focused process — one he’s clearly determined to play a large part in from start to finish.

With one of the SEC’s most passionate fanbases and deep-pocketed boosters, Auburn’s next hire will come under intense scrutiny. But if Cohen’s words are any indication, this decision won’t be made by committee — it’ll be made by one man.

Auburn AD John Cohen says: "I am the committee."

Says he's unsure if he'll use a search firm or not.

— Jay G. Tate (@JayGTate) November 3, 2025

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Manning posted his second straight 300-yard, three-touchdown game — completing 25 of 33 passes for 328 yards — and became the first Texas QB to do that in back-to-back games since Sam Ehlinger in 2018. The sophomore phenom opened the night with a 75-yard touchdown strike to Ryan Wingo on the very first play and kept things rolling from there, adding short scoring throws to CJ Baxter and Emmett Mosley V as the Longhorns built a 34-10 lead.

It’s been a historic stretch for Manning, who joins an elite list of Texas quarterbacks to post multiple 300-yard, three-TD performances in a single season. Through eight games, he’s thrown for over 2,100 yards and 18 touchdowns, ranking among the SEC’s best in both categories.

The league also recognized Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke (Defensive), Oklahoma kicker Tate Sandell (Special Teams), Kentucky guard Jalen Farmer and Ole Miss tackle Jayden Williams (Offensive Line), Texas edge Colin Simmons and Ole Miss’ Kam Franklin (Defensive Line), and Mississippi State QB Kamario Taylor and Kentucky’s Cutter Boley (Freshman).

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The win extended Alabama’s SEC streak to seven straight victories and reinforced the Crimson Tide’s reputation.

They overcame a late 22-14 deficit thanks to clutch plays from Ty Simpson, Germie Bernard, and a timely strip-sack by Deontae Lawson that set up Bernard’s 25-yard touchdown run with 34 seconds left. Alabama’s motto of “unbreakable” rang true, as Simpson threw for 253 yards and 2 touchdowns, while DeShawn Jones added an interception return score earlier in the game.

Greg McElroy praised the Tide’s “competitive character” on display last weekend.

“Alabama somehow finds a way to flip the script and knock off the Gamecocks. This team just has playmakers on defense. This defense might give up yards, they might give up points, they might give up big plays. But my goodness, they are going to make a couple plays in the game, as well, that could flip the game on its head.”

Alabama showed the poise and clutch play that keep it a constant threat in the SEC. Next up, the Tide hosts LSU on Nov. 8, looking to keep its momentum rolling.

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“I have never made a decision off money, nor will I,” Kiffin said. “I’ve seen too many examples in life where money does not buy happiness.

The coach is aware that his agent doesn’t appreciate his client stating that publicly.

“Jimmy Sexton gets really mad when I say that.”

Kiffin’s focus is squarely on the current team. Ole Miss is 7-1 overall, 4-1 in the SEC, and coming off a big road win at Oklahoma. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss threw for 315 yards and a touchdown, while Kewan Lacy ran for two scores. Freshman wide receiver Winston Watkins added 111 yards on just four catches, proving the Rebels’ offense is loaded with playmakers.

The game was closer than it needed to be, with Oklahoma threatening late, but Ole Miss held on thanks to a Lucas Carneiro clutch 37-yard field goal late in the fourth. Kiffin isn’t worried about rumors or dollar signs — he’s all about winning, developing his players, and keeping the Rebels competitive in the SEC. For now, that’s where his head and heart are.

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On Monday, Kiffin appeared on The Pat McAfee Show, indicated that freshman wide receiver Winston Watkins received “three calls from places” after his breakout game at Oklahoma, with other programs essentially asking him to enter the transfer portal.

Kiffin called it “pre-portaling” — the new harsh reality of college football’s NIL era.

“Our freshman receiver has a good game, Saturday night he’s got 3 calls from places telling him, ‘come here, we’ll give you more money,'” Kiffin said. “Pre-portaling … That’s what happens.”

It’s not the first time Kiffin’s mentioned concern about losing Watkins. Back in September, after a strong performance against LSU, Kiffin joked that he shouldn’t say too many nice things about his freshman wideout or “everybody will go buy him in the portal.”

Turns out, that may not have been much of a joke.

Watkins, a former four-star recruit from Fort Myers, Florida, caught four passes for 111 yards in the Rebels’ upset win over No. 11 Oklahoma — his best game yet. Kiffin and Ole Miss fans are hopeful the talented freshman stays put, but the coach’s comments make one thing clear: the recruiting never really stops anymore, even after a player’s already on campus.

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Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed topped the list as Offensive Player of the Week after accounting for four total touchdowns and 310 yards in the Aggies’ 49-25 win over No. 20 LSU. Reed threw for 202 yards and two scores while adding 108 rushing yards and two more touchdowns, becoming the first A&M quarterback since Johnny Manziel in 2012 to record multiple rushing and passing touchdowns in a true road game.

On defense, Auburn linebacker Xavier Atkins and Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. shared the honor. Atkins racked up a career-high 13 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, and two sacks in Auburn’s comeback win at Arkansas, while Hill stuffed the stat sheet with 10 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in Texas’ overtime win at Mississippi State.

Auburn kicker Alex McPherson earned Special Teams honors after going a perfect 6-for-6 on field goals — tying an SEC single-game record — to lift the Tigers past Arkansas.

In the trenches, Tennessee’s Lance Heard and Ole Miss’ Diego Pounds were named Co-Offensive Linemen of the Week after putting forth dominant performances up front. Texas edge Ethan Burke and Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell shared Defensive Line honors, each delivering clutch sacks in their team’s victories.

Rounding out the list, Ole Miss freshman receiver Winston Watkins was named Freshman of the Week after a breakout 111-yard performance in the Rebels’ upset at No. 11 Oklahoma.

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Class of 2026 wide receiver Kervin Johnson Jr. flipped his commitment from Louisiana Tech to LSU after visiting Baton Rouge over the weekend, per Tom Loy of 247 Sports.

Johnson, a talented 6-foot-2 in-state product from Tioga, was in town for the Tigers’ game against Texas A&M, picked up an offer on Saturday, and wasted no time pulling the trigger. He committed to the coaching staff during the visit — before the news of Kelly’s firing broke less than 24 hours later.

Despite all the chaos surrounding the program, Johnson said the decision came down to how the staff made him feel. “They treated me like family,” he told 247Sports. “I liked the atmosphere.”

The addition of Johnson gives LSU 17 commits in the 2026 class and three wideouts, joining Jabari Mack and Kenny Darby. While the program faces major uncertainty heading into the offseason, this commitment is a reminder that the LSU brand still carries serious weight — especially for in-state talent.

Landing a player like Johnson in the middle of a coaching change speaks volumes about LSU’s long-term pull on the recruiting trail. Whoever takes over next will inherit a gifted receiver class and a foundation that’s still buying into the purple and gold.

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“I’m a Florida Gator, man,” Lagway told reporters on Monday. “My biggest focus right now is these five games.”

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Lagway has shown flashes of playmaking ability this season, whether it’s extending a drive with his legs or threading the ball into tight windows. The big challenge has been staying consistent, but Lagway seems to be making progress.

Lagway has thrown from 1,513 yards and 9 touchdowns so far this season. He’s thrown for at least 245 yards in each of Florida’s last 3 games, leading the Gators to a pair of wins over that period.

Florida will be idle in Week 9 as it prepares to face rival Georgia on Nov. 1.

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Seaborn, a rare five-year varsity starter, said playing at Alabama has been in his vision throughout his life.

“Honestly, it’s always been my dream to play for The University of Alabama,” he told 247Sports. “Since I was a kid, I have always dreamed of going there. To finally have the opportunity to do that, I wanted to lock that in… I want to go to a place where I can compete, go and get developed as a person and a player, and compete against the best of the best. Honestly, it wasn’t a matter of Alabama being better than any of the other schools because they were great. The other schools, there aren’t any negatives with them. But with Alabama, it’s always been my dream, and after a lot of prayer, God led me to that place.”

On the field, Seaborn is fearless under pressure, though cutting down on turnovers will be important. At this stage, he projects as a potential multi-year starter at a Power 4 program.

Seaborn’s high school resume is impressive. He’s been a MaxPreps All-American, helped Thompson win a state title, and has put up big numbers every year of varsity football — a rare feat for a 2027 QB. Alabama is getting a guy who knows how to lead and can make things happen on the field.

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Lea’s team delivered one of its most complete outings of the season, earning national recognition from CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, who highlighted standout coaching performances across every conference. Lea joined a list that included Minnesota’s P.J. Fleck (Big Ten), Louisville’s Jeff Brohm (ACC), and Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham (Big 12) among others.

The Commodores have quietly started to find their rhythm under Lea, showing noticeable growth on both sides of the ball as the season’s second half gets underway. Known for his defensive background and steady leadership, Lea’s approach has begun translating into tangible results for a Vanderbilt program looking to climb in the SEC standings.

This honor marks another sign of progress for Lea in his fifth season in Nashville, as CBS Sports continues to spotlight the league’s top coaching efforts each week. He also took home SEC Coach of the Year in 2024, after Vanderbilt’s 7-6 campaign and Birmingham Bowl win.

Lea and the Commodores have another epic battle in store against No. 15 Missouri in Week 9.

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“Obviously a couple of hits that Joey took, but he’ll be ready to play on Saturday,” Heupel said on Monday.

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Aguilar appeared to deal with some neck discomfort and briefly received medical attention on the sideline during the first half of last week’s game, but finished the game with 28-of-44 completions for 268 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Despite the setback, Tennessee (5-2, 2-2 SEC) remains one of the nation’s most explosive offenses, ranking No. 10 in total offense (478.7 yards per game). Aguilar’s health will be key as the Vols look to bounce back against a Kentucky team struggling offensively but capable defensively.

Kickoff between No. 11 Tennessee and Kentucky is set for 7:45 p.m. ET Saturday on SEC Network.

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On the Dan Patrick Show Friday, Bevacqua laid out his vision: five automatic qualifiers from the Power Five conferences, plus the highest-rated Group of Five champion, with the rest of the field filled by at-large teams.

“100% answer in my opinion, 16 teams is the way we should go,” Bevacqua said.

He emphasized that playoff spots should be earned on the field, not granted based on conference affiliation. That runs counter to previous proposals championed by the Big Ten, which would grant several automatic berths to the sport’s most powerful conferences.

He also touched on tradition, reaffirming Notre Dame’s commitment to keeping its historic rivalry with USC alive, regardless of schedule changes. The Fighting Irish take on the Trojans at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night.

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Diggs suffered an accident at his home Thursday night and has been placed in concussion protocol, ruling him out for Sunday’s game, coach Brian Schottenheimer has announced.

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Diggs’ absence comes as the Cowboys’ defense ranks near the bottom of the league, 31st in points allowed (30.7) and 32nd in passing yards allowed per game (269.5). Dallas will likely rely on Trikweze Bridges to fill the gap in the secondary.

Diggs’ health remains the top priority, and the team will monitor his progress as he recovers. The Cowboys will now face a division rival in quarterback Jayden Daniels and Washington, without one of their veteran defenders.

Despite Diggs’ active status in Week 6, the Cowboys already had major issues in the 30-27 loss to Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers, so losing him altogether really takes a toll this close to game time.

Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon.

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Here’s some analysis from ESPN’s Max Olson:

Hardy had an impressive freshman season at UL Monroe in 2024 and has taken his game to another level as the leading rusher in the SEC by a margin of nearly 200 yards. Hardy began his Tigers career with five consecutive 100-yard performances, including a career-high 250 against Louisiana. His toughness and ability to make defenders miss, with 511 rushing yards after contact (3rd in FBS) and 52 forced missed tackles (2nd), has made him a perfect fit for coach Eli Drinkwitz’s rushing attack.

Hardy, who entered the season ranked No. 91 on ESPN’s preseason list, has already recorded 782 rushing yards and nine touchdowns through six games. His explosive play has been a key factor for Missouri as the Tigers continue to climb in the SEC standings.

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Hardy joins a midseason Top 25 that also features standouts like Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., Alabama’s Ty Simpson, and Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza in the top five.

Mizzou will go on the road to face Auburn in Week 8.

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Here’s some analysis from ESPN’s Paolo Uggetti on why Simpson earned the No. 3 spot on the list:

“In his first full season as the Tide’s starter, Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb have unlocked Simpson’s talent and harnessed it into a potential Heisman Trophy-winning season. The junior from Tennessee has a 70% completion rate, 16 touchdowns and only 1 interception. But despite an offensive line that has allowed 12 sacks this season, Simpson has been more than just a steadying presence under center; through six games, he has been arguably the best quarterback in the sport.”

Simpson, who was unranked in ESPN’s preseason list, has thrown for 1,678 yards, thrown 18 total touchdowns, and has only one interception through the first half of the season. Even with an offensive line that has allowed 12 sacks, Simpson has been steady, dynamic, and often spectacular, keeping the Tide competitive in every matchup.

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The junior quarterback headlines an ESPN midseason list that leads with Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr., Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, and Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza in the top five.

Alabama will play Tennessee at home on Saturday in Week 8.

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Here’s some analysis from ESPN’s Paolo Uggetti on the Miami pass rusher:

“To say that Bain is a game-wrecker would be an understatement. The junior from Miami has been one of college football’s most unstoppable forces this season — a 6-3, 275-pound difference maker whose combination of versatility, athleticism and production has fueled the Hurricanes’ defense. His season so far makes him worthy of being not just the No. 1 player on this list, but also of receiving plenty of chatter about being one of the top picks in the upcoming NFL draft.”

Bain, who was ranked No. 33 in ESPN’s preseason list, has recorded 12 solo tackles, two sacks, one interception and one forced fumble through the first half of the season. His dominant play has anchored a Miami defense that has serious potential to make a deep College Football Playoff run.

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The junior pass rusher headlines an ESPN midseason list that also includes Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, and Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza in the top five.

Miami will host Louisville on Friday night.

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“I just don’t think Notre Dame is going to be able to run away from USC’s offense,” Klatt said on The Joel Klatt Show on Thursday. “This offense is too good. No. 1 yards per play offense in college football. So while I like ND to win this game, I think it’s a high-scoring, one score game which has been commonplace for USC. I think Notre Dame wins this one 37-30.”

And looking at the numbers, you can see why. Notre Dame is putting up 40.0 points per game, with CJ Carr throwing for 1,622 yards and 13 touchdowns and Jeremiyah Love adding 530 yards and eight TDs on the ground. The Irish have a top-10 turnover margin (+6), but their pass defense is shaky, giving up 245.3 yards per game (93rd nationally).

USC, meanwhile, is an offensive juggernaut. The Trojans average 552.3 yards and 45.5 points per game, with Jayden Maiava throwing for 1,852 yards.

With both teams capable of lighting up the scoreboard, this one figures to be a back-and-forth, edge-of-your-seat game. Fans can expect a thriller on Saturday night, as the Irish try to hold the Trojans’ high-powered attack.

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Brody Jones, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound cornerback from Fayetteville, Arkansas, has flipped his commitment from Cincinnati to the Tigers for the 2026 class. Jones, a three-star on the 247Sports Composite, had been committed to the Bearcats since June but decided after his most recent official visit to Memorial Stadium that it was time to come home.

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“Tiger Nation, I’m home,” Jones told Hayes Fawcett of Rivals.

This is Jones’ second trip to Columbia this year. He first visited for Missouri’s Week 3 matchup against Louisiana, but the latest visit clearly sealed the deal. Missouri’s staff, led by safeties coach Jacob Yoro, has been recruiting him hard, emphasizing both on-field development and off-field growth. Even though Jones is listed as a cornerback, the Tigers see him fitting in at safety, giving Missouri more flexibility in the defensive backfield.

His commitment adds depth and size to a secondary Missouri has been actively building, and the staff is thrilled to get a player of his caliber on campus. With Jones now in the fold, the Tigers continue to shape a 2026 class that could make a huge impact in the SEC for future seasons.

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Coach Marcus Freeman confirmed the news Monday, expressing both sympathy for the junior and confidence in the roster’s depth.  Craig had been a key piece of the offensive line, starting the first six games and logging 352 snaps, but now the Fighting Irish will turn to Joe Otting, a third-year sophomore who saw limited action before Saturday.

Otting stepped in for Craig in the game against the Wolfpack and handled the duties admirably, showing the kind of mobility and power that fits Notre Dame’s offense. Other options on the interior include Sullivan Absher, who has limited experience at center, and freshman Cam Herron, who has impressed the coaches in the team’s scout-team work.

With Notre Dame riding momentum after four straight wins following an 0-2 start, the team will need its backups to step up, particularly with a big home game against USC on the horizon. For now, Otting will get the call to anchor the line and help the Irish keep rolling.

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“Damari failed to meet the expectations and standards of our program, and we love him. Wish him the best. But that’s where it’s at,” Freeze told reporters.

Alston, a four-star recruit out of Woodward Academy in Georgia, has appeared in just 4 games this season — the maximum allowed while preserving his redshirt — rushing 32 times for 128 yards and a touchdown. Most of that production came in Auburn’s opener at Baylor, where he carried 16 times for 84 yards and scored his lone touchdown of the year. In SEC play against Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Georgia, Alston totaled just 16 carries for 44 yards.

With Alston gone, Auburn’s backfield will now run primarily through Jeremiah Cobb, who has taken on the bulk of the carries this season. Cobb has 70 rushes for 453 yards and four touchdowns. UConn transfer Durell Robinson remains sidelined with no clear timetable following emergency quad surgery.

Freeze repeatedly praised Alston’s leadership and work ethic over the years. On Monday, though, Freeze noted that while Alston is a talented player, he simply didn’t meet the standards expected of the program.

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The Gators, led by junior big man Alex Condon and sophomore guard Boogie Fland, headline a deep group that also features Kentucky and Tennessee rounding out the top three.

Kentucky, with preseason SEC Player of the Year Otega Oweh, was a close second in the voting, while Tennessee checked in at No. 3 behind the strong tandem of Ja’Kobi Gillespie and freshman forward Nate Ament. Alabama and Arkansas rounded out the top five.

Auburn, Missouri and Ole Miss landed in the middle of the pack, while new league members Texas and Oklahoma came in at No. 9 and No. 12 respectively. Georgia, LSU and South Carolina filled out the bottom three spots in the poll.

Florida’s placement comes after the Gators surged late last season with a national title, and return key pieces of their production under head coach Todd Golden. With three players earning preseason All-SEC honors, Florida heads into the year with as much balance and depth as any team in one of the best conferences in basketball.

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Simpson was composed and efficient all day, completing 23-of-31 passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns, including a gutsy fourth-down strike to Daniel Hill that sealed the win with just over three minutes remaining. He also added 10 carries, picking up key yards to extend drives as Alabama improved to 5-1 on the season.

Defensively, Texas’s Malik Muhammad took home the award after intercepting two passes and recording a tackle for loss in the Longhorns’ 23-6 win over rival Oklahoma. His lockdown performance helped Texas hold the Sooners scoreless in the second half.

Special teams belonged to Texas’ Ryan Niblett and Tennessee kicker Max Gilbert. Niblett broke a 75-yard punt return touchdown — just the third ever by a Longhorn in the Red River Rivalry — while Gilbert went a perfect 2-for-2 on field goals, including a 50-yarder, to lift the Vols past Arkansas.

Georgia’s Monroe Freeling, Texas’ Colin Simmons, Texas A&M’s Dayon Hayes and Tennessee freshman receiver Braylon Staley rounded out the honorees after standout performances across the conference.

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Florida, Kentucky, and Alabama all showed out with multiple names on the list — no real surprise given the recruiting wins and returners they’ve stacked.

Florida’s Alex Condon lands on the first team alongside Mississippi State sharpshooter Josh Hubbard, Auburn’s electric Tahaad Pettiford, Alabama’s phenom Labaron Philon Jr., and Kentucky’s Otega Oweh, who also grabbed preseason SEC Player of the Year honors. Oweh’s been hyped all offseason, and this just adds fuel to what’s shaping up to be a big year in Lexington.

The Gators are especially well-represented — with Boogie Fland and Thomas Haugh also making the second team, Todd Golden’s crew has a real shot at being in the thick of the SEC race. Tennessee, meanwhile, gets some love too with Nate Ament and Ja’Kobi Gillespie both earning Second Team nods.

By the time you get to the third team, you’re reminded how deep this league really is. Malik Dia, Aden Holloway, Karter Knox, Jaland Lowe, and D.J. Wagner could all easily make a case for higher honors by March.

Once again, the SEC looks loaded after relentless competition in the conference last season.

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According to a report from Front Office Sports, LSU has reached an agreement with an unnamed sponsor for a patch that will appear on all of the school’s uniforms across every sport. FOS quoted LSU deputy AD and chief revenue officer Clay Harris directly in the report.

Harris hinted it could rival top professional deals, which reportedly reach 8 figures annually. LSU already has experience with corporate partnerships — they’ve sold practice jersey patches, branded their mascot, and even landed a field sponsorship this season with Venture Global at the 25-yard lines.

“The value of an LSU or another big brand in college sports, across all sports, could come close to what a pro sports team is getting,” Harris told FOS.

Right now, schools can’t sell patches like pro teams do, but that is expected to change soon. The Division I Administrative Committee proposed a rule that would let schools place a single sponsor logo on athlete uniforms and equipment, with a final vote expected in January and implementation set for August 2026.

Harris told FOS he is “very confident” the measure will be approved.

Some fans will wince at the thought of logos on college uniforms, especially in football where tradition reigns. But LSU is approaching the change as another new frontier in college athletics revenue. One patch, one sponsor, and suddenly, what has always been about school pride is also about dollars. The NCAA may approve it next year, but LSU is already cashing in.

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Josh Heupel’s team has gone all-in on the orange this fall. This will be the sixth straight game Tennessee has worn its traditional home jersey — the orange tops have been a season-long staple, whether it’s in Knoxville or on the road. They’ve mixed in orange pants a couple of times already, including their win at Mississippi State, but this week it’s back to the clean, standard home set that fans know best.

Heupel mentioned the stakes of the Vols’ upcoming game earlier in the week. He’s hoping for a fired-up Neyland crowd for what’s Tennessee’s only home game this month.

The Vols (4-1, 1-1 SEC) are coming off a much-needed bounce-back performance and will look to stay in the SEC East mix before closing the month with road trips. Tennessee will break out its final Smokey Grey uniform later this fall against New Mexico State for the annual Salute to Service game, a military-themed “Volunteer Spirit” design inspired by Davy Crockett.

Kickoff on Saturday is set for 4:15 p.m. ET on SEC Network.

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During a recent breakdown of the College Football Playoff picture, the FOX Sports analyst said the Week 12 game in Athens could be “massive,” depending on how the rest of the SEC race shakes out.

“Now is Texas just a spoiler? Or are we in an elimination game at this point?” Klatt said. “This could be a dangerous game for Georgia, who may be sitting on two losses at that point. The SEC doesn’t have a great team right now, but it has a lot of good ones — and if they keep beating each other up, it’s going to get real interesting.”

Georgia is trying to fight its way back into contention after an early loss to Alabama in Week 5, but responded with a much-needed win over Kentucky last Saturday to get back on track. Gunner Stockton and Dillon Bell have given the Bulldogs versatility on offense, and Kirby Smart’s defense was back to its physical self up front.

Texas, meanwhile, is reeling after a stunning 29-21 loss at Florida. Arch Manning threw for 263 yards and two scores but was sacked six times and hit often behind an overmatched offensive line. The Longhorns’ Playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, but if they can bounce back over the next few weeks, a trip to Athens could suddenly become a season-defining moment — one that either revives their playoff dream or derails Georgia’s for good.

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The Seminoles announced on Thursday that Pritchard has been released from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and is now headed to Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville, where he’ll begin the next phase of his recovery process.

Pritchard’s story has captured hearts across college football. The freshman was shot in the back of the head on Aug. 31 while visiting family in Havana, Florida, in what authorities believe was a tragic case of mistaken identity. Police say the suspects targeted a vehicle similar to Pritchard’s — all four have since been arrested.

After weeks in intensive care and more than a month under sedation, Pritchard’s recovery has shown remarkable progress. He’s now alert, responsive, and able to communicate, according to Florida State. His father, Earl, shared that Ethan has even been able to watch Seminole games, including FSU’s win over Miami earlier this month.

A 3-star recruit in the 2025 class, Pritchard hadn’t yet made his college debut before the incident. But his teammates and coaches have continued to rally around him, wearing his number and honoring him in team prayers. Now, with his release from the hospital, there’s renewed hope and encouragement surrounding his recovery — and the FSU community continues to stand firmly behind him.

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Ahead of Texas A&M‘s Week 7 matchup with the Gators, the Aggies head coach believes that their opponent’s 2-3 record doesn’t match the hype.

“Florida is by far and away the most talented team we’ve played this year,” Mike Elko told reporters Monday.

And when you look at the roster and what they can do on both sides of the ball, it’s easy to see why.

Quarterback DJ Lagway is starting to find his groove. Add freshman wide receiver Dallas Wilson into the mix, who stunned the nation with six catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns in his Gators debut last week against Texas. Florida’s running game has shown flashes of explosiveness, and their offensive line is athletic enough to open holes and keep plays alive.

For Texas A&M, this matchup is more than just another SEC test. The Aggies come in undefeated, with a defense that has been stout and a few playmakers like Cashius Howell and Daymion Sanford making things happen in the backfield with 10 combined sacks. But Florida’s talent—speed, size, and skill across the board — is a level above what they’ve seen.

Elko knows this is a chance to measure the team, to see how they respond against another conference opponent riding momentum.

Mike Elko on the Gators: "Florida is by far and away the most talented team we've played this year."

— Billy Liucci (@billyliucci) October 6, 2025

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The timing makes sense. Both the SEC and ACC are moving to nine-game conference schedules in 2026, leaving fewer spots for non-conference games. South Carolina’s 2026 non-conference slate now has Towson at home and a road trip to Clemson, with the program actively looking for a 12th opponent. The SEC side of the schedule will include home games against Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi State, and Texas A&M, and road trips to Oklahoma, Alabama, Florida, and Arkansas. Dates for all those matchups haven’t been announced yet.

Miami’s 2026 non-conference games are Florida A&M and Central Michigan at home, plus a road trip to Notre Dame. With the schedule already tight, both schools agreed it was the easiest move to make.

Back in the spring, South Carolina coach Shane Beamer said he was open to keeping Miami on the schedule—but only if it fit the same structure as other SEC teams with three non-conference games.

“If we are all playing nine conference games plus two other Power Four games, then sure, come on,” Beamer said on the 107.5 The Game, per The Big Spur.

So, no 2026-27 South Carolina vs. Miami matchups, but who knows down the line? Both programs say they’re still open to future games once schedules allow.

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“You look at one game. You focus on only one game. That’s what we did against Georgia, against Vanderbilt, and now against Missouri,” DeBoer said. “When you just focus on those things that you can control, you work through it one by one.”

And that’s exactly how you have to approach a run like this. Alabama is piling up wins, while learning how to handle pressure well ahead of College Football Playoff time. Ty Simpson has been sharp, throwing for multiple touchdowns while keeping completion rates north of 70% in 2025.

Missouri (5-0) won’t make it easy — averaging over 540 yards per game on offense (No. 2 in the nation) and giving up less than 200 on defense (No. 1 in the nation) — but Alabama is riding momentum. If UA is focused and sticks to its formula, it could keep its ranking climbing while navigating one of the SEC’s toughest stretches.

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Four games have solid start times, while four others could be flexed depending on how Week 7 shakes out.

On Oct. 18, Alabama heads to Tennessee for a 7:30 p.m. ET clash on ABC, a matchup that could have serious SEC implications. Meanwhile, Ole Miss travels to Georgia at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC, a game with big national stakes as both teams fight to stay in the SEC playoff conversation.

Texas A&M will face Arkansas at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Mississippi State and Florida will be broadcast on SEC Network at 4:15 p.m. ET.

Flex games that could shift based on Week 7 results include Oklahoma at South Carolina, LSU at Vanderbilt, Texas at Kentucky, and Missouri at Auburn. Kickoff times and TV designations for those games will be finalized at a later date.

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According to a report from Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, executives are “inching closer” to an agreement that would expand the field from 68 to 76 teams in 2026-27, adding a 12-game “opening round” across 2 sites before the real bracket begins. Because nothing says “college basketball drama” like making 24 teams play just to see who actually earns a spot in the Round of 64.

The games would still be played Tuesday and Wednesday, with the official Round of 64 tipping off Thursday, but now across two sites instead of just the familiar First Four home of Dayton, Ohio.

Talks about expansion have been floating around for over 3 years, with the 2026-27 season now looking like the target. Only time will tell if all these extra games improve the tournament or just make it unnecessarily convoluted.

At the end of the day, many feel the product is fine the way it was. A 68-team tournament already gives underdogs a chance to shine, Cinderella stories a chance to blossom, and the perfect mix of upsets. But if the last few years have taught us anything in college athletics, it’s that more is never enough. Maybe the College Football Playoff will be 26 teams by 2030. Either way, fans of both postseason events should prepare for the ride.

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Topping the list is Oregon’s Dante Moore, who has blossomed into a Heisman Trophy candidate through the first month of the season, followed by Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Washington’s Demond Williams. USC’s Jayden Maiava and injured Oklahoma star John Mateer round out the top 5. Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson landed at No. 6 after continuing to deliver in big moments.

Rounding out the top 10 were Notre Dame‘s CJ Carr, Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, Miami’s Carson Beck, and Ole Miss’s Trinidad Chambliss. Pavia, in particular, has grabbed attention with his 5-0 start and the way he’s elevated the Commodores’ offense. Meanwhile, Simpson continues to showcase his consistency for Alabama, keeping him in the mix despite the Tide’s ups and downs.

Some of McElroy’s choices this week will have fans debating hot takes, while others reinforce the names already buzzing in college football circles. Either way, it’s a respectable list that identifies the 2025 season’s most impactful signal-callers heading into the thick of the SEC and beyond.

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MSU will be clad in the “WWM” look, featuring white helmets with the iconic “State” logo, paired with crisp white jerseys and maroon pants. Clean, traditional, and unmistakably MSU, the combo stands out even against the Aggies’ all-black blackout setup.

The Aggies (4-0) are going full blackout — black uniforms, black helmets, and even black-painted end zones — for their Week 6 prime-time matchup, setting up an intimidating atmosphere in College Station. It’s the first time A&M has rolled out this look since their 38-23 win over LSU in 2024, and the program is clearly aiming to turn Saturday into a statement stage.

Mississippi State, meanwhile, enters at 4-1 following last week’s overtime battle against Tennessee. The Bulldogs’ reveal adds another layer of intrigue to a game that already features storylines around A&M’s top-10 ranking.

The Bulldogs also wore an all-white “Snow Bowl” throwback against Tennessee, celebrating the 25th anniversary of their 2000 Independence Bowl win over Texas A&M. Between the blackout and throwback, it’s shaping up to be a visually electric atmosphere in College Station for both MSU and Aggie fans.

Kickoff on Saturday is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network.

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“Diego Pavia deserves all the attention and credit that he gets,” Lea said. “I mean, he is a difference maker.”

And truthfully, it’s hard to argue. Pavia has been the spark behind Vandy’s 5-0 start and rise into the AP Top 25. He’s the guy giving the Commodores real juice heading into Saturday’s trip to No. 10 Alabama, and he’s done it while navigating plenty of drama off the field, too.

“There’s only a handful of guys who can take a game over and we’re fortunate to have one of those taking the snaps for us,” Lea said. “He’s also a chip-on-the-shoulder guy. He’s a guy who’s had to prove it his entire life. That’s the kind of program we are. We say we’re a team of misfits here, and he fits perfectly into that.”

Vanderbilt and Alabama are set for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff from Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. The game will air on ABC.

"Diego Pavia deserves all the attention and credit that he gets. I mean he is a difference maker."

Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea on his QB Diego Pavia. pic.twitter.com/8ICqsMcJQv

— CBS Sports College Football (@CBSSportsCFB) October 2, 2025

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