Latest news with #SECChampionship
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Pro Football Focus previews Texas A&M's 2025 football season
Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko will enter his second season at the helm with higher expectations than his inaugural campaign, largely due to the return of talent and 14 transfer portal additions that have added much-needed depth to a roster that needed to change for the better and transform previous weaknesses into predominant strengths. The return of redshirt sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed resulted in wide receivers KC Concepcion (NC State) and Mario Craver (Mississippi State), two of the top transfer receivers, choosing the Aggies based on Reed's skill set and their overall fit in OC Collin Klein's offense. In the backfield, senior running back Le'Veon Moss and former five-star Rueben Owens are the headliners, while Amari Daniels and EJ Smith provide elite depth. However, the 2025 Aggie offense will only work as long as the offensive line lives up to its high offseason expectations, which includes all five 2024 starters, led by senior guard Ar'maj Reed-Adams, whose high confidence in the O-line and the offense as a whole was seen during his appearance at SEC Media Days last week. "The goals we have aren't lofty. We were one play away from being in the SEC Championship game… We're coming." Adams' statement isn't just based on confidence, but the reality that surrounds A&M's roster, which is all too experienced and talented not to win at least nine or ten games this season, despite what rival fanbases or some in the national media have stated. Still, credit to Pro Football Focus for, yes, focusing on the core reasons Texas A&M will either make the College Football Playoff or, once again, win only seven or eight games. On offense, PFF believes that the running game, led by Le'Veon Moss and Marcel Reed, during designed runs, is Texas A&M's primary strength, mainly due to the backfield's speed and vision, combined with the veteran offensive line, which will also open up the passing game with new and returning weapons. "Texas A&M's ground game should be one of the best in the country this season. The Aggies boast the No. 5 running back unit and No. 3 offensive line, along with one of the top rushing quarterbacks in the nation in Marcel Reed. Adding to that firepower are wide receivers Kevin Concepcion and Terry Bussey, both of whom have shown big-play ability out of the backfield." Defensively, the loss of defensive linemen Shemar Stewart, Shemar Turner, and Nic Scourton to the NFL created an opening for senior edge Cashius Howell and junior Rylan Kennedy to earn starting spots on the outside, while four defensive line additions from the transfer portal, including former Iowa State DL Tyler Odyedim, who is nearly guaranteed to make an immediate impact inside between junior DJ Hicks and senior Albert Regis. However, the defense isn't highlighted within the preview, instead noting that Texas A&M's main weakness is Marcel Reed's potential lack of improvement in the passing game, which could put the Aggies at a disadvantage if he doesn't exhibit strides early and throughout the 2025 season. "For Texas A&M's offense to avoid becoming one-dimensional in 2025, Marcel Reed must develop as a passer. His 64.6 passing grade last season ranked just 114th nationally, and his 29.4 grade under pressure was the fourth-lowest in the Power Four. With a top-tier offensive line and a deep group of playmakers around him, the pieces are in place — now Reed simply needs to elevate his game." While these are simply numbers, Reed's "freshman moments" came under pressure, leading to most of his six interceptions. Therefore, I agree that with all the strengths around him, improving in the pocket is mandatory for the Aggies to win tough games at home, especially on the road. PFF named Marcel Reed and Ar'maj Reed-Adams as the offensive players of focus, noting Reed's speed and 22 "explosive" runs last season, paired with Adams' elite running blocking and overall power as both players' strengths. On defense, junior linebacker Taurean York, who finished with 59 run stops last season, is either tied, or right behind Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr., who, as we all remember, was once committed to Texas A&M. The biggest takeaway from this preview is that we are in complete agreement that Marcel Reed's internal clock, which PFF measured at an average of 3.1 seconds before his release last season, needs to speed up, which shouldn't be difficult while working with a wide receiver room built on speed and quickness and better separation in coverage. Texas A&M is a College Football Playoff contender on paper, only if Marcel Reed takes that proverbial "next step," while the pass rush and secondary show consistency with Mike Elko now calling plays. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Bengals, Nick Saban Connection Emerges in Stunning Suggestion
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The 2025 NFL season has begun with training camp and the Cincinnati Bengals will be an interesting team to watch. After missing the playoffs last season, there is a sense of urgency surrounding the franchise. Should the Bengals miss the playoffs once again this season, some major changes could come next. Zac Taylor, the team's head coach, is likely facing some pressure heading into this year. His job could very well be on the line. Joe Burrow played at an MVP level last season. That wasn't enough to lift Cincinnati into the playoffs. Moving forward, the team will have to figure out how to get back to being a Super Bowl contender like it was just a few short years ago. Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts to a play during the second quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 02, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts to a play during the second quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 02, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images Taylor may not be on the "hot seat," but he isn't completely safe either. If the team comes up short of expectations, could the Bengals look to bring in a new head coach? Read more: Steelers' DK Metcalf Puts NFL on Notice With Bold Warning With that being said, who could the team look to replace Taylor with? A shocking suggestion has been made. That suggestion is none other than legendary college football head coach Nick Saban, who has started coming up in rumors about a potential return to coaching in the NFL. Nick Wright, a notable sports analyst, spoke out and revealed that he believes Cincinnati would be a potential destination for Saban. "I'll throw a different one at you that is same state, different team. If this coming year goes the way I think it might for Cincinnati, I think Nick Saban is an interesting idea there," Wright said. "Listen, got to coach up the defense, got to have someone to actually have as big of a voice in the organization as the owner, got to clean up some of the nonsense going in the years they deal with every year, again, most of which is owner-related. And let Joe and Jamar handle the offense. Almost offload the offense to them." He continued on, sharing his belief that Saban would want to join a team that can compete right away after taking over. "You handle the details, finding some of the edges in young players from the college game that you're very aware of their skillset, and coach up the defense. Because the only point that you made that I disagree with is, if I'm Nick Saban and I want to do this, I'm not that interested in a studs-to-the-top-down rebuild. I'm much more interested in, I've got three or four years. Let me see if I can have a contender immediately. I think the Bengals who, if they miss the playoffs again, probably will be looking for a new coach. I think they could be an attractive one." Read more: Cleveland Browns May Have Their Next Baker Mayfield Saban put together an elite college football coaching career. However, his two years in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins did not go well. He may not choose to return to coaching. But, if he does, he might have interest in heading back to the NFL and proving to himself that he can succeed at that level as well. In that scenario, the Bengals could be one of the best possible landing spots for Saban. For more Cincinnati Bengals and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
ESPN's FPI Predicts Winner of 2025 SEC Championship Game
ESPN's FPI Predicts Winner of 2025 SEC Championship Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Texas Longhorns completed their first season in the SEC in 2024, reaching the conference championship and the College Football Playoff. While Texas ultimately lost to the Georgia Bulldogs 22-19 in overtime, it was the No. 5 seed in the playoff and reached the semifinal. ESPN's FPI recently updated its odds and predicted that the Longhorns will not only reach the SEC Championship Game again in 2025 but also win it. It gave Texas a 34.1% chance to win the conference. Texas will have a different look this season after losing key contributors like quarterback Quinn Ewers, receiver Mathew Golden, offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., and cornerback Jahdae Barron to the NFL. Fans will finally see Arch Manning start for the Longhorns under center after backing up Ewers for the last two seasons. The Texas faithful caught a glimpse last year after Manning started two games following an oblique injury to Ewers in Week 2 versus the Michigan Wolverines. Ewers played in the following game against UTSA but was forced to exit. Manning led Texas to wins over UL Monroe and the Mississippi State Bulldogs. From 2023-24, the young quarterback has 12 games of experience, having thrown for 969 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions. While fans eagerly await the start of the 2025 season, Texas is already looking ahead to the 2027 class. The Longhorns received some great news regarding top offensive tackle Kennedy Brown. Brown is a five-star prospect, whose frontrunners are Texas and the Oregon Ducks. The Longhorns already have a solid group of commits from the 2026 class and received some good news lately. Five-star quarterback commit Dia Bell was named as one of the top 25 recruits regardless of class by ESPN's Billy Tucker. A consecutive trip to Atlanta for the Longhorns would be quite the story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Times
22-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Carson Beck calls decision to leave Georgia ‘very difficult' but says Miami is the right fit
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carson Beck planned to leave Georgia only for the NFL Draft. The transfer portal was never an option, and it wouldn't have been if he hadn't injured his right (throwing) elbow in December's SEC Championship Game. But, Beck said Tuesday, the injury forced his hand, sending him from one marquee program to another, Miami. Advertisement 'I made the decision to come here, and I feel like it's worked out pretty well so far,' Beck said during ACC football media days in one of his first public appearances since joining the Hurricanes in January. Beck said the decision to leave Georgia was 'very difficult,' but five years is a long time to stay in one place and the NFL wasn't the right option. Though his exit wasn't ideal, it could have been worse. Beck injured his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the first half against Texas. Neither he nor Georgia's staff knew how bad it was at first. That's why he reentered the game briefly after his replacement, Gunner Stockton, got his helmet knocked off in overtime. Beck, fortunately, still had his helmet on the sidelines. He took a few practice snaps and felt comfortable enough to reenter in the emergency situation. Beck asked his teammates if they could end the game as quickly as possible, just in case. With his right arm frozen, Beck short-armed a handoff to Trevor Etienne, who scored on a 4-yard run. 'People are like, jumping on me and stuff,' Beck said. 'Yo, chill. I'm injured. That was a really cool moment, I think, to be my last play for Georgia and not (have) the injury be my last play.' As Beck considered his next stop, he said he was quickly impressed by the culture coach Mario Cristobal has instilled at Miami, which was a College Football Playoff contender into November last year. The demeanor of the staff matched his own, and the talent level is good enough for Miami to contend in the ACC. Beck is also a good fit for offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson's balanced attack, which helped another transfer, Cam Ward, develop into the No. 1 overall pick. 'It's just that freedom aspect and the trust that coach Dawson had in him,' Beck said. 'Ultimately, I hope that I can earn the same trust from coach Dawson, as well, through fall camp and then ultimately getting into games and making good decisions and being efficient.' Advertisement The Hurricanes didn't need much convincing to add Beck. Cristobal said 'everything' drew them to a veteran who went 24-3 as Georgia's starter. 'He's played in monster games, and he's played at a high level,' Cristobal said. 'He is ultra competitive, and his football IQ is off the charts. It didn't take long to realize that he's a team player, and that his work ethic is also through the roof.' Beck was limited in what he could do and show during spring practice as he recovered from elbow surgery. He said the time on the sideline forced him to study the playbook like a coach, potentially boosting his development. When Beck was fully cleared to throw in April, he still felt tentative. 'The last time that I had thrown a football,' Beck said, 'my elbow literally ripped.' During a workout in his hometown of Jacksonville, a trainer told him to let a throw rip. Beck did, and it spun out perfectly. 'I was like, 'OK, I'm good,'' Beck said. 'From that moment on, it was almost, like, compounding and got significantly better from there.'
Newsweek
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Nick Saban's Coaching Future Receives Major NFL Update
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Nick Saban is one of the best head coaches in football history. His success at the college level, especially with the Alabama Crimson Tide, was nothing short of amazing. After taking a full season off from coaching, rumors have started circulating about Saban's future. Could he consider making a comeback to coaching? He enjoyed working in the media during his off year, but he's still capable of being an elite level head coach. With that in mind, questions have started coming up about where Saban could coach if he did decide to open up to a return to the sideline. Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts to a play during the third quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 02, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts to a play during the third quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 02, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images Most college programs would likely love to have a chance to hire Saban. There are only a few teams across the country who would have no interest in the coaching legend. Read more: Longhorns' Arch Manning Sends Strong Message Ahead of Season However, there is also the possibility that Saban could look to take his talents back to the NFL. Paul Finebaum, one of the most notable reports in college football, has now weighed in on Saban's future. He doesn't see a return to the college game for Saban. "I think it's impossible to believe he will come back to college football," Finebaum said. "Nick Saban walked away two years ago for a specific reason. He had had enough of it. I think if Saban ever returned to working in sports, it would be to the NFL. That could happen; I don't think it will. I think mostly this was a non-starter [on Monday]. " Saban has coached two seasons in the NFL throughout his career. Both of those years came with the Miami Dolphins. He compiled a 15-17 record during the 2005 and 2006 seasons with the Dolphins. Read more: Cam Newton Delivers Strong Words About Detroit Lions His college career boasts a much more impressive resume. Saban ended his college coaching tenure with a 292-71-1 overall record. He won seven total college football national championships as well. Fans would love to see Saban coaching again. A return to college doesn't seem likely with his distaste for the NIL and transfer portal changes, but the NFL could be an option. More than likely, the scenario of Saban returning isn't going to become a reality. Finebaum is likely correct with his opinion on the matter. For more NFL and college football news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
