SEC Football: 10 Offseason Questions That Will Shape the Conference for 2023
Georgia's national championship victory over TCU is less than a week old, but the news and offseason never stops in college football - and that's especially true in the SEC. The Bulldogs will be heavily favored to win the SEC next season, which means 13 other teams have already started to aim for coach Kirby Smart's program and how to topple the two-time champ. Although spring practice is still over a month off, and plenty of roster movement among transfers and incoming freshmen with the second National Signing Day is still to come, it's never too early to start thinking about 2023.
What key questions are worth monitoring as the SEC officially hits the offseason? These 10 (and more) questions will shape some of the offseason discussion around the league's 14 teams:
SEC Football: 10 Offseason Questions That Will Shape the Conference for 2023
1. The Looming Personnel Decisions
With the NFL draft deadline ahead (Jan. 16), the first transfer portal window closing (and subsequent movement after), along with coordinator and assistant coaching moves, the offseason for college football is far from over. What big decisions could impact the SEC? Alabama is looking for a new defensive coordinator with Pete Golding leaving for Ole Miss and offensive play-caller Bill O'Brien could go back to the NFL. More moves across the SEC are likely to come.
2. Quarterback Outlooksfor Top Teams
Take a quick glance at Athlon Sports' Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2023 and you will see four teams from the SEC in the top 10 - Georgia, Alabama, LSU and Tennessee. To some extent, each of those teams has uncertainty at quarterback to navigate this offseason. Will Joe Milton continue to progress on Rocky Top? The 'Dawgs will have a three-man competition to replace Stetson Bennett, while Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson are slated to battle to replace Bryce Young. Jayden Daniels has to hold off Garrett Nussmeier for the Tigers' starting job.
Related: College Football's Early Top 25 for 2023
3. Jimbo Fisher Turns to Bobby Petrino to Jumpstart Offense
After a disappointing 5-7 season and lackluster production on Fisher's side of the ball, it was time for change in College Station. Texas A&M's offense moves at a slow pace (63 plays a game), lacked explosive plays (just seven of 40-plus yards), and was largely unproductive (22.8 points a game). After an extended search, Fisher landed on former Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino to handle the play-calling duties. Petrino's style isn't a drastic shift from Fisher's philosophy, and despite the baggage, productive offenses usually follow throughout his career. The marriage is volatile. But the odds favor an improved offense in College Station next fall. This spring will be Petrino's first chance to mold this group.
4. Zach Arnett Takes Over at Mississippi State
After successfully coordinating Mississippi State's defense for each of the last three years, Arnett earned a deserved promotion to head coach after the tragic passing of Mike Leach in December. Mississippi State is the hardest job in the SEC West, and Arnett will have his work cut out right away to maintain last year's win total (nine). The first-year coach is already putting his stamp on the program with a shift in offensive scheme and the hire of Kevin Barbay from Appalachian State. With quarterback Will Rogers returning, Arnett has a chance for a fast start in '23. But navigating a coaching transition is never easy in the brutal SEC West.
5. How Much Improvement Can Kentucky Make on Offense?
The Wildcats ranked last in the SEC in scoring (20.4 points a game) and yards per play (5.2). But with the return of play-caller Liam Coen and the transfer additions of quarterback Devin Leary (to replace Will Levis) and running back Ray Davis, this offense could show marked improvement in '23. And don't forget, the 'Cats should have one of the SEC's top receiving corps with Tayvion Robinson, Barion Brown and Dane Key all returning. However, question marks remain about an offensive line that allowed 46 sacks in '22.
Related: College Football's Team-by-Team Transfer Tracker
6. What's Next at South Carolina?
Shane Beamer has exceeded expectations in his first two years at South Carolina, capped by an 8-5 record that featured big-time wins over Clemson and Tennessee in '22. The Gamecocks also received good news when quarterback Spencer Rattler and receiver Juice Wells opted to return for '23. Can new play-caller Dowell Loggains help South Carolina's offense pick up where it left off in the Gator Bowl and push Beamer's team to be solidly in the Top 25? Plugging a few gaps up front and in the secondary with the loss of cornerback Cam Smith top the priority list on defense.
7. Does Arkansas Have the Defense to Challenge in the SEC West?
With quarterback KJ Jefferson and running back Rocket Sanders returning, putting points on the scoreboard shouldn't be an issue in Fayetteville. The Razorbacks have some turnover to address at receiver and along the line, but Jefferson can make a case as the league's top QB going into '23. Barry Odom departed the program at the end of '22 to be UNLV's head coach and plenty of work is ahead for new defensive play-caller Travis Williams. Arkansas ranked near the bottom of the SEC in pass efficiency defense, allowed 6.5 yards per play, and surrendered 30.6 points a game. A couple of transfer additions will help, but the Razorbacks also lost linebackers Bumper Pool and Drew Sanders and feature question marks at every level going into the spring.
8. Will Florida Take a Step Forward in Billy Napier's Second Year?
Florida is coming off back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1978-79, and a quick look at the potential starting lineup shows why it may take coach Billy Napier another year to get the program back on track. After a 6-7 mark in '22, the Gators must replace quarterback Anthony Richardson, All-American guard O'Cyrus Torrence and key defenders Ventrell Miller (LB) and Gervon Dexter (DL) among others. Leading receiver Ricky Pearsall decided to pass on the NFL for one more season in Gainesville, but starting guard Ethan White hit the portal. The one-two punch of Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne at running back is a good foundation to build around, but the quarterback spot remains a concern. Will Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz be the only addition? Uncertainty hangs over the commitment of five-star prospect Jaden Rashada. Significant concerns also surround a defense that allowed 28.8 points a game last year. Napier didn't inherit a Florida depth chart loaded with talent, and while the '23 signing class could finish in the top 10, the roster is clearly a work in progress.
Related: College Football Players in the Transfer Portal
9. Is Auburn Poised for Significant Improvement in Hugh Freeze's Debut?
With Alabama and LSU likely to be projected top-10 teams, along with Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Arkansas hovering around the Top 25, and an improved Texas A&M squad likely, finding wins in the SEC West won't be easy for new Auburn coach Hugh Freeze. However, the roster isn't completely devoid of talent, as Jarquez Hunter should emerge as the new No. 1 back with USF transfer Brian Battie sharing the load, and the defense returns enough to improve with Ron Roberts as the new coordinator. For the Tigers to push for six (or more victories), a handful of transfers must mesh along the line, and Robby Ashford needs to take a big step forward at quarterback. Freeze's staff and work in the portal have this program pointed in the right direction. This offseason is the first look at a revamped roster.
10. Rounding Out the Rest of the SEC...
Jaxson Dart should improve in his second year as the starting quarterback for Ole Miss, and running back Quinshon Judkins returns after a standout freshman year. Although the Rebels appeared to show improvement early in '22 on defense, this unit cratered late in the season (32 points a game allowed in November). How fast can new coordinator Pete Golding make a difference with this group?
Can Clark Lea get Vanderbilt's defense on track after finishing 14th in the SEC in points allowed in each of the last two years? If he can, a bowl could be in reach for the Commodores.
With Missouri quarterback Brady Cook sidelined for the spring after shoulder surgery, can redshirt freshman Sam Horn state his case for the starting job? New coordinator Kirby Moore has to help this offense improve after it averaged only 20.4 points in SEC play in '22.
