⚡ CFB Dashboard

I’ve spent a good bit of time going through the preseason stuff: what the coaches and players have said and the reports coming out of camp. The more I look at this team, the more I think people are going to be surprised this year. I’m predicting 9-3 if a couple of things break our way. I thought about 10-2 and I know that would put us deep in the CFP conversation but I turned my fan off and took a look at the actual team for who they are. There are still a few legitimate questions. But I also don’t think this is remotely the same team we watched go 4-8 last year. The biggest reason for optimism is LS16. He had a down year statistically in 2025, but the talent didn’t disappear. He’s still one of the most physically gifted QBs in the SEC, and he’s back in a completely different offensive system with Briles. Briles has made it pretty clear that he’s not interested in dwelling on what Sellers did or didn’t do last year. He’s building forward. And that’s probably exactly what Sellers needed. If Briles can get Sellers comfortable in the RPO/play-action game, get him making quicker decisions and reduce the sacks/negative plays, I think we’re going to see a much better version of #16. Remember, this is the same guy who was SEC Freshman of the Year and led us to 9 wins in 2024. The offensive line is the swing factor. This is where I’m still cautious. South Carolina completely attacked the problem through the portal, bringing in a bunch of experienced offensive linemen. That’s encouraging. Reports from the summer have also been positive, with Sellers specifically mentioning guys like Darius Gray, Carter Miller, Kojo Poku and Armando Nieves as guys who are putting in the work. But until I see this group block an SEC defensive front, I’m not ready to declare the OL “fixed.” And the Jacarrius Peak injury is obviously a huge question mark. Peak was brought in to be a difference-maker at tackle, and Beamer has said he’s progressing, but we still need to see exactly where he is when the games start. The running game HAS to improve. This might be the single biggest key to the entire offense. We can’t have Sellers dropping back 40+ times a game and expecting him to save us. The offense needs to be able to run the football, force defenses to respect the RB, and then let Sellers use the RPO/play-action game to attack them. If we can get even an average SEC rushing attack, I think this offense could take a massive step forward. Then there’s Nyck Harbor. I think Harbor is going to have a monster impact even if his raw numbers don’t look ridiculous. He’s such a freak physically that defenses have to account for him. If Briles can consistently get him isolated and use him vertically, he’s going to open things up for everybody else. And with the two Jaydens now out for the season, Harbor becomes even more important. That’s also one of my biggest concerns. Somebody else HAS to emerge at WR. We know what Harbor can do. We need another couple guys to consistently win. Defensively, I think we’re going to be better than people expect. Dylan Stewart is obviously the centerpiece. He’s one of the best young defensive players in the country, and having him back is enormous. It’s just a matter of when and to what extent. The linebackers are another group I really like. Fred Johnson, Justin Okoronkwo and Shawn Murphy have reportedly had an excellent offseason. The secondary has enough experience and competition that I’m not overly worried there either. The biggest question on that side of the ball is what happens if Stewart isn’t 100% early in the year. He’s the kind of player who changes how an offense has to block you. Losing him for any extended period would make everyone else’s job harder. But if Stewart gets healthy and the defensive line develops the way we’re hearing, I think this could be a legitimately good defense. Now, the schedule. This is where I get to 9-3 Kent State — W Towson — W Mississippi State — W @ Alabama — L Kentucky — W @ Florida — W BYE Tennessee — W @ Oklahoma — L Texas A&M — W @ Arkansas — W Georgia — L @ Clemson — W That puts us at 9-3 and 6-3 in the SEC. If Sellers takes a legitimate step forward, the OL becomes average instead of a liability, and Stewart gets healthy, I wouldn’t be shocked if we steal one or two of those games. That’s how you get to 9-3 or even 10-2 So to me, this season comes down to five things: 1. Can Kendal Briles unlock Sellers? 2. Can the offensive line become at least average? 3. Can we establish a legitimate running game? 4. Can we stay healthy on the defensive front, especially Stewart? 5. Can somebody besides Harbor emerge at WR? If the answer to most of those is yes, I think this team is significantly better than the 4-8 record from last year suggests. Go Cocks. 🐔