2023 Southern Football Guide

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can dawgs 3-peat

transfer portal guide

SEC ACC previews

depth charts schedules sidelines

EDITOR’S

LETTER CHARLIE MILLER

It’s College Football time again!

Fans continue to adjust to change with the Transfer Portal and NIL opportunities for players affecting player movement between schools. To help keep rosters straight, we’ve provided a handy list of the top 50 transfers this season.

Changes are also happening with a frenzy of conference realignment this season with more to come in 2024. The most significant changes, of course, are Oklahoma and Texas joining the SEC next season, and USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington hooking up with the Big Ten. But there is a whole new look to the Big 12. The conference welcomes BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF this season with Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah fleeing the Pac-12 for the Big 12 next year.

As far as what will happen on the field this fall, Georgia may be better now than the last two seasons. Alabama and LSU will be the cream of the SEC West crop.

Florida State and Clemson are the best in the ACC. Michigan and USC bear watching outside the South.

There’s nothing like football Saturdays in the South!

Charlie Miller - Editor

SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE Gorilla Marketing, LLC • Marietta, GA 30062 • 678-644-0439 Jason Martin, Partner Charlie Miller - Senior Editor / Writer Bill Gaglione - Sales Brandt Martin - Information Technology Georgia Tinsley - Photo Editor Photo Credits: Mike Dunn, Arkansas Razorbacks Athletics, Auburn Athletics / Todd J. Van Ernst, Alabama Athletics Photogrpahy, BC Athletic, David Platt, Duke Athletics, FSU Sports Information and Mitch White, GT Athletics, Kentucky Athletics, Louisville Athletics, LSU Athletics, University of Georgia Athletic Association, UF Athletics, Mississippi State Athletics, Shan Davis, Gregg Forwerck, Ole Miss Athletcs, Pitt Athletics, USC Athletics, Syracuse University Athletics, Tom Githens, Texas A&M Athletics, UGA Athletics, Miami Athletics, UNC Athletics, JIm Davis, Vanderbilt Athletics, Virginia Tech Athletics, Wake Forest Athletics, Flickr Creative Commons, Jason Martin, Notre Dame Athletics, Mizzou Athletics, University of Tennessee Athletics, Texas A&M Athletics,

5 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

2023 SFG TOP 25 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Georgia Michigan USC LSU Alabama Ohio State Penn State Clemson Oregon Tennessee Texas Washington Notre Dame Florida State North Carolina Utah Oklahoma Iowa Ole Miss Oregon State Arkansas Kansas State TCU South Carolina Kentucky

The 2021 Pro & College Football Guide is produced by

Copyright 2022 by Gorilla Marketing LLC Marietta, GA Reproduction in whole or part without permission is expressly forbidden. Not responsible for schedule/player changes after August 5, 2022.

For advertising please contact Jason Martin. P: 678-644.0439

6 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

BOSTON COLLEGE

2022 RECORD: 3-9 (2-6) FOUNDED: 1863 STADIUM: Alumni (44,500)

HEAD COACH: Jeff Hafley OC: Steve Shimko DC: Aazaar Abdul-Rahim and Sean Duggan

Chestnut Hill, MA

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

The Eagles’ offense floundered early last year and stayed mired in a rut the entire season. The offensive line struggled through injuries while undergoing a rebuild. Quarterback Phil Jurkovec rarely had time to operate, and running backs Pat Garwo III and Alex Broome couldn’t find any room to run as the team averaged just 2.1 yards per rush. They scored just three touchdowns on the ground vs. FBS competition. The Eagles are determined to improve in 2023, and the outlook is promising. Christian Mahogany is a true talent upfront, and Logan Taylor (Virginia) and Kyle Hergel (Texas State) should help greatly. Emmett Morehead was allowed to play through some tough times late last season and had two 330-yard passing games. He welcomes Ryan O’Keefe from UCF and George Takacs is one of the best receiving tight ends in the ACC.

The defense allowed 5.6 yards per play last season, which translated to 33.5 points a game in ACC play. Six of the Eagles’ ACC opponents scored more than 30 points on BC. But there is good news on the defensive side. The line struggled mightily last season and welcomes back Shitta Sillah, who left the first game of the year with a season-ending shoulder injury.

The addition of George Rooks from Michigan should be a huge lift. Those two additions with Donovan Ezeiruaku will provide a formidable front. Ezeiruaku had 14.5 tackles for loss last season with very little help upfront. Linebackers Kam Arnold and Vinny DePalma are experienced and talented. They are the leading tacklers, and DePalma has a knack for getting in the backfield.

Cornerback Elijah Jones broke up 13 passes last season and picked off two. Safety Khari Johnson from Arkansas is a big lift.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 14 24 2 13 4 80 70 60 66 73 65

PLAYER POS Emmett Morehead QB Pat Garwo III RB Joseph Griffin Jr. WR Dino Tomlin WR Ryan O’Keefe WR George Tekacs TE Ozzy Trapilo LT Kyle Hergel LG Drew Kendall C Christian Mahogany RG Logan Taylor RT

HT 6-5 5-9 6-4 5-11 5-10 6-6 6-8 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-7

WT 240 208 200 186 172 247 310 316 283 333 300

CLASS SO SR SO SR SR SR JR SR SO SR SO

NO 6 96 91 19 42 5 1 3 23 21 24

PLAYER POS Donovan Ezeiruaku DE Cam Horsley DT George Rooks DT Neto Okpala DE Vinny DePalma LB Kam Arnold LB Elijah Jones CB Khari Johnson CB Cole Batson S Victor Nelson S Amari Jackson NB

HT 6-2 6-3 6-4 6-0 5-11 6-1 6-2 5-10 6-4 6-2 5-10

WT 250 314 276 250 225 228 184 195 209 215 186

CLASS JR SR SO JR SR SR SR SR SO JR SO

20 11 0 84 17 77 79 78 53 67

Thomas Castellanos QB Alex Broome RB Lewis Bond WR Jaden Williams WR Taji Johnson WR Jeremiah Franklin TE Jude Bowry LT Kevin Cline LG Jackson Ness C Dwayne Allick RG Jack Conley RT

6-5 5-6 5-11 5-9 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-6 6-5 6-2 6-7

228 193 188 184 212 238 308 317 307 313 327

SO SO SO JR SR SO SO JR SR JR SR

11 74 55 13 8 2 14 10 25 0 29

Shitta Sillah Owen Stoudmire Kwan Williams Khris Banks Jaylen Blackwell Bryce Steele Jalon Williams Jalen Cheek Jamareeh Jones Alex Washington Jason Scott

DE DT DT DE LB LB CB CB S S NB

6-4 6-0 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-1 5-10 6-1 5-11 6-0 5-11

245 298 312 301 217 225 196 199 207 190 181

SR SO SO SR SO JR SO SO SO SR JR

6-1 6-0

191 196

SO JR

KR PR

5-10 5-10

172 186

SR SO

SPECIAL TEAMS 43 90

Sam Condotti Connor Lytton

P K

2023 SCHEDULE S.2 ..............Northern Illinois

O.21 ........... at Georgia Tech

S.9 ......................... Holy Cross

O.28 ............................ UConn

S.16 .................. Florida State

N.3 .......................at Syracuse

S.23 ....................at Louisville

N.11 .................Virginia Tech

S.30 ............................ Virginia

N.16 ................ at Pittsburgh

O.7 ..............................at Army

N.24 ..............................Miami

SPECIAL TEAMS 4 24

Ryan O’Keefe Amari Jackson

NEWCOMERS George Rooks, DL — The transfer from Michigan immediately improves the toughness along the front of the defense.

Ryan O’Keefe, WR — The Eagles don’t expect O’Keefe to be another Zay Flowers, but he will be the most talented wideout on the roster. He also improves the return game.

Khari Johnson, DB — The transfer from Arkansas eases the pain of losing Josh DeBerry through the portal to Texas A&M. Johnson will see time at both corner and safety.

Kyle Hergel, G — The big guard should help improve the Eagles’ running game this season.

8 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

CLEMSON

HEAD COACH: Dabo Swinney OC: Garrett Riley DC: Wes Goodwin

Clemson, SC

2022 RECORD: 11-3 (8-0) FOUNDED: 1889 STADIUM: Memorial Stadium (81,500)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

This may surprise many fans, but the Clemson offense was pretty good last season. For all the criticism heaped on the Tigers’ offense, 410 yards a game and 33 points aren’t bad numbers. The Tigers converted 48 percent on third down, but committed 22 turnovers. Dabo Swinney brought in Garrett Riley, OC for TCU last season, to run the show in 2023. Cade Klubnik was sensational against North Carolina in the ACC Championship Game (20-24 for 279 yards), but inconsistent otherwise. His talent and experience from the 2022 growing pains suggest that he is poised to be a star in this league. The offensive line is healthy and as talented as expected from a Clemson front. Will Shipley returns after running for 1,182 yards and catching 38 passes. The receiving corps needs to make more plays after the catch. Leading receiver Antonio Williams averaged just 10.8 yards a catch.

The Clemson defense may not be as talented as some of the teams in the past, but this unit can’t be that far behind. The biggest assets are tackles Tyler Davis and Ruke Orhorhoro. Few schools in the nation have one 300-pound stud who can move and the Tigers have a couple. Not only can they occupy blockers and allow the athletic linebackers freedom, but Davis and Orhorhoro are big-time playmakers. Xavier Thomas is a star at end as well. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Barrett Carter form the best linebacker tandem in the nation. They combined for 24 stops behind the line and four picks last season. Wade Woodaz is the next star linebacker at Clemson. Expect more big plays from the secondary this season. They seemed to play tentatively last season, but Nate Wiggins will make his share of plays this season. Safety R.J. Mickens is one of the best in the ACC.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 2 1 80 8 0 9 78 74 56 64 71

PLAYER Cade Klubnik Will Shipley Beaux Collins Adam Randall Antonio Williams Jake Briningstool Blake Miller Marcus Tate Will Putnam Walker Parks Tristan Leigh

POS QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

HT 6-2 5-11 6-3 6-2 5-11 6-6 6-6 6-5 6-4 6-5 6-6

WT 195 205 205 230 190 235 315 325 315 315 315

CLASS SO JR JR SO SO JR SO JR SR SR SO

NO 7 13 33 3 17 54 0 2 6 25 1

PLAYER POS Justin Mascoll DE Tyler Davis DT Ruke Orhorhoro DT Xavier Thomas DE Wade Woodaz LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. LB Barrett Carter LB Nate Wiggins CB Sheridan Jones CB Jalyn Phillips S Andrew Mukuba S

HT 6-4 6-2 6-4 6-2 6-3 6-0 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-0

WT 255 300 295 255 215 225 230 180 185 205 185

CLASS SR SR SR SR SO JR JR JR SR SR JR

18 7 10 22 13 11 50 77 53 73 76

Hunter Helms Phil Mafah Troy Stellato Cole Turner Brannon Spector Sage Ennis Collin Sadler Mitchell Mayes Ryan Linthicum Bryn Tucker John Williams

QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

6-2 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-4 6-6 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-4

215 230 190 180 205 235 325 310 300 330 305

JR JR SO FR SR SR FR JR SO JR JR

12 55 11 44 36 32 21 10 23 24 9

T.J. Parker Payton Page Peter Woods Cade Denhoff Khalil Barnes Jamal Anderson Kobe McCloud Jeadyn Lukus Toriano Pride Jr. Tyler Venables R.J. Mickens

DE DT DT DE LB LB LB CB CB S S

6-4 6-4 6-2 6-5 6-1 6-4 5-10 6-2 5-11 5-11 6-0

255 315 305 255 190 200 230 190 185 210 205

FR JR FR SO FR FR FR SO SO SR SR

38 39

Robert Gunn III Aidan Swanson

K P

6-0 6-3

180 170

FR SR

1 0

Will Shipley Antonio Williams

KR PR

5-11 5-11

205 190

JR SO

SPECIAL TEAMS

2023 SCHEDULE

SPECIAL TEAMS

NEWCOMERS

S.4 ...............................at Duke

O.21 .........................at Miami

S.9 .....Charleston Southern

O.28 .................... at NC State

S.16 .............Florida Atlantic

N.4 .....................Notre Dame

S.23 .................. Florida State

N.11 ................ Georgia Tech

S.30 .....................at Syracuse

N.18 .............North Carolina

Jamal Anderson, LB — Among the top 15 linebackers in the nation, Anderson enrolled in January and will see the field early this fall. He’s the son of former NFL running back Jamal Anderson.

O.7 ..................... Wake Forest

N.25 ........at South Carolina

Khalil Barnes, ATH — It will be interesting to see what position coach will win the lottery for Barnes’ services at Clemson.

Peter Woods, DT — The big fella enrolled in January and immediately announced his presence in spring ball. Woods had a terrific showing in the spring game and should find his way onto the field behind Clemson’s two stars Tyler Davis and Ruke Orhorhoro.

11 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

DUKE

2022 RECORD: 9-4 (5-3) FOUNDED: 1838 STADIUM: Wallace Wade (40,004)

HEAD COACH: Mike Elko OC: Kevin Johns DC: Tyler Santucci

Durham, NC

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Duke hired defensive-minded Mike Elko last season, and suddenly the offense was markedly better. Ball security was the prevailing message and the players received it wholeheartedly, giving up just 10 turnovers. The offensive line allowed just 17 sacks, which led the ACC. Quarterback Riley Leonard was asked to eliminate mistakes and manage the offense. Leonard did all that and then some, leading the team in rushing with 699 yards and 13 touchdowns on a team-high 124 carries. He threw for 2,967 yards and expects to improve all facets of his game this season.

The offensive line should be as solid this season with a few key additions through the portal. Jordan Waters returns and will likely surpass Leonard’s rushing total this season. The two leading receivers from 2022 return. Jalon Calhoun and Jordan Moore combined to catch 122 passes for 1,529 yards and nine TDs.

The Duke defense was absolutely horrendous in 2020 and 2021. But 2022 was a new dawning for the defense and teams had trouble running and throwing against this unit. The Blue Devils also forced mistakes, recovering 16 fumbles and snagging 10 interceptions. Tackle DeWayne Carter is a stud in the middle. He’s as good as any in the conference and dominates even though he commands double-team blocks on almost every snap. He made 11 stops behind the line and forced three fumbles. The secondary is the strength of the unit and improved with the addition of corners Al Blades Jr. and Myles Jones through the portal. Brandon Johnson will line up all over the field and safety Jaylen Stinson is superb. Chandler Rivers is an outstanding cover corner. Linebackers Cam Dillon and Dorian Mausi seem to improve every game.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 13 7 8 5 6 81 62 71 63 77 73

PLAYER Riley Leonard Jordan Waters Jordan Moore Jalon Calhoun Eli Pancol Nicky Dalmolin Graham Barton Maurice McIntyre Jacob Monk Justin Pickett Jake Hornibrook

POS QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

HT 6-4 6-0 6-0 5-11 6-3 6-4 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-7 6-5

WT 212 219 195 190 200 239 315 319 320 316 304

CLASS JR SR JR SR SR SR SR SR SR SO SR

NO 19 5 90 94 35 8 26 0 23 2 3

PLAYER POS Vincent Anthony Jr. DE Ja’Mion Franklin DT DeWayne Carter DT R.J. Oben DE Cam Dillon LB Dorian Mausi LB Joshua Pickett CB Chandler Rivers CB Terry Moore S Jaylen Stinson S Brandon Johnson NB

HT 6-6 6-2 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-0 5-10 6-1 5-8 5-10

WT 246 311 300 255 234 233 195 175 192 173 180

CLASS SO SR SR SR SR SR JR SO SO SR JR

3 9 1 18 2 82 53 72 70 69 76

Henry Belin IV Jaquez Moore Jontavis Robertson Malik Bowen-Sims Sahmir Hagans Cole Finney Brian Parker II Matt Craycraft Scott Elliott Ben Hoitink Jake Long

QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

6-3 5-10 5-11 6-2 5-10 6-7 6-5 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-3

210 201 195 198 185 260 300 307 295 301 329

FR JR SR SR SO JR FR FR SR SR SR

93 96 16 59 12 36 7 1 11 10 4

Anthony Nelson DE Aaron Hall DT Aeneas Peebles DT Michael Reese DE Tre Freeman LB Nick Morris Jr. LB Al Blades Jr. CB Myles Jones CB Isaiah Fisher-Smith S James Hopson II S Cameron Bergeron NB

6-2 6-4 6-1 6-3 6-0 6-3 6-1 6-4 5-11 6-0 6-0

258 277 288 262 231 231 195 194 207 188 189

SR SO SR JR SO SO SR SR SR SR JR

29 98

Todd Pelino Porter Wilson

190 233

SO SR

2 5

Jaylen Stinson Jalon Calhoun

173 190

SR SR

SPECIAL TEAMS K P

6-2 6-5

2023 SCHEDULE S.4 .............................Clemson

O.21 ............ at Florida State

S.9 ............................Lafayette

O.28 ...................at Louisville

S.16 ............... Northwestern

N.2 ..................... Wake Forest

S.23 .........................at UConn

N.11 ........at North Carolina

S.30 ...................Notre Dame

N.18 ...................... at Virginia

O.14 ......................... NC State

N.25 ..................... Pittsburgh

SPECIAL TEAMS KR PR

5-8 5-11

NEWCOMERS Payton Jones, RB — Jones may have trouble getting reps behind Jordan Waters and Jacquez Moore, but the freshman showed off his skills with 17 carries for 61 yards in the spring game.

Myles Jones, CB — The veteran corner enrolled at Texas A&M in 2017 (29 starts) and has played in four bowl games.

Al Blades Jr., CB — Transfer from Miami will see the field early.

Jake Hornibrook, T — The experienced tackle from NC State will solidify the offensive line.

12 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

FLORIDA STATE Tallahassee, FL

2022 RECORD: 10-3 (5-3) FOUNDED: 1851 STADIUM: Doak Campbell Stadium (79,560)

HEAD COACH: Mike Norvell OC: Alex Atkins DC: Adam Fuller

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

In the Bobby Bowden Era glory years, the offensive line was the anchor of spectacular offenses in Tallahassee. That offensive line standard is once again met this season. Center Maurice Smith anchors the unit, Bless Harris is returning from an injury, and transfers Casey Roddick and Jeremiah Byers complete the group. The offense averaged an amazing seven yards a snap and converted 51.2 percent on third down last season and don’t expect that to change this season. Jordan Travis threw for 3,214 yards and 24 touchdowns with just five picks. Trey Benson ran for 990 yards and Lawrance Toafili added 457 yards in limited action. The receiving corps is just short of spectacular with holdovers Johnny Wilson and Kentron Poitier, who both averaged more than 20 yards a catch, and transfers Keon Coleman (58 catches with Michigan State) and Jaheim Bell, a tight end.

If the Seminoles are to dethrone Clemson in the ACC and find their way into the national playoff, the defense must improve from last season, especially against the run. The secondary should be second to none in the ACC. The line is stocked with playmakers as well, so throwing against Florida State this season will not be easy. Greedy Vance Jr., Renardo Green and Akeem Dent can play with anyone, but the best player is probably Fentrell Cypress II, a transfer from ACC rival Virginia.

Cypress received All-ACC honors and led the conference with 14 pass breakups while playing in only nine games. Jared Verse, a transfer from Albany last year, had a tremendous season with 17 tackles for loss. He and Fabien Lovett spend quite a bit of time in opponents’ backfields. Transfer Braden Fiske from Western Michigan should make that even easier this season.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 13 3 14 4 1 6 58 70 53 71 63

PLAYER Jordan Travis Trey Benson Johnny Wilson Keon Coleman Winston Wright Jr. Jaheim Bell Bless Harris Casey Roddick Maurice Smith D’Mitri Emmanuel Jeremiah Byers

POS QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

HT 6-1 6-1 6-7 6-4 5-10 6-3 6-5 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-4

WT 212 221 235 215 192 238 325 313 295 304 329

CLASS SR JR JR JR JR JR SR SR JR SR JR

NO 11 0 55 5 15 4 8 23 1 38 21

PLAYER Patrick Payton Fabien Lovett Sr. Braden Fiske Jared Verse Tatum Bethune Kalen DeLoach Renardo Green Fentrell Cypress II Akeem Dent Shyheim Brown Greedy Vance Jr.

POS DE DT DT DE LB LB CB CB S S NB

HT 6-5 6-4 6-5 6-4 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-0 6-1 6-2 5-11

WT 247 328 305 251 229 211 188 187 196 217 174

CLASS SO SR SR JR SR SR SR JR SR SO JR

18 9 88 0 21 84 52 54 76 75 72

Tate Rodemaker QB Lawrance Toafili RB Kentron Poitier WR Ja’Khi Douglas WR Darion Williamson WR Kyle Morlock TE Robert Scott Jr. LT Jaylen Early LG Darius Washington C Keiondre Jones RG Julian Armella RT

6-4 6-0 6-3 5-9 6-3 6-6 6-5 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-6

200 191 205 193 200 242 304 303 300 332 328

JR JR JR JR SR JR JR FR JR JR FR

54 6 14 19 10 36 20 7 12 24 3

Byron Turner Jr. Dennis Briggs Jr. Darrell Jackson Jr. Gilber Edmond DJ Lundy Omar Graham Jr. Azareye’h Thomas Jarrian Jones Conrad Hussey K.J. Kirkland Kevin Knowles II

DE DT DT DE LB LB CB CB S S NB

6-4 6-4 6-5 6-4 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-0 6-1 5-11

237 284 326 245 239 223 187 198 195 196 183

SO SR JR JR JR FR SO SR FR FR JR

88 29

Ryan Fitzgerald K Alex Mastromanno P

197 245

JR JR

3 0

Trey Benson Ja’Khi Douglas

221 193

JR JR

SPECIAL TEAMS 6-1 6-1

2023 SCHEDULE S.3 .................. LSU (Orlando)

O.21 ................................Duke

S.9 ..................Southern Miss

O.28 ............. at Wake Forest

S.16 ........ at Boston College

N.4 ................... at Pittsburgh

S.23 .....................at Clemson

N.11 ..............................Miami

O.7 ....................Virginia Tech

N.18 ............North Alabama

O.14 .........................Syracuse

N.25 ........................at Florida

SPECIAL TEAMS KR PR

6-1 5-9

NEWCOMERS Fentrell Cypress II — The former Virginia standout can’t wait to get on the field with fellow studs on defense.

Jaheim Bell, TE — The transfer from South Carolina had 55 catches for 728 yards and seven touchdowns over the past two seasons. He rushed 73 times for 261 yards as well last season.

K.J. Kirkland, DB — Kirkland leads a strong freshman class of defensive backs this season. He will find some playing time in a crowded and talented secondary.

14 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

GEORGIA TECH Atlanta, GA

2022 RECORD: 5-7 (4-4) FOUNDED: 1885 STADIUM: Bobby Dodd (55,000)

HEAD COACH: Brent Key OC: Buster Faulkner DC: Andrew Thacker

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Georgia’ Tech’s transition from a triple-option attack to a balanced offense hasn’t been without growing pains. The Yellow Jackets allowed the most tackles for loss in the ACC last season, and posted the worst third-down conversion rate. But those pains are a thing of the past and the Jackets are about to unleash a big-time passing offense. There is a spirited battle for snaps between Haynes King and Zach Pyron at quarterback. They both have shown a tremendous upside and King has the experience of starting at Texas A&M. They have two outstanding targets who found their way to Tech through the portal. Dominick Blaylock comes from Georgia and Christian Leary from Alabama. Blaylock had 15 receptions for 227 yards for Georgia last season. Veteran running back Dontae Smith is more than capable of carrying the load in the running game.

The Yellow Jackets defeated the three teams (North Carolina, Duke and Pitt) that finished ahead of them in the ACC Coastal Division last season, with the wins over UNC and Pitt coming on the road. Couple that with having to play Clemson and Florida State as crossover games, and the five wins are more impressive. The secondary should be solid if the front four can mount any kind of pass rush. D’Quan Douse usually occupies at least one blocker in the middle. Clemson transfer Etinosa Reuben should boost the depth and allow the Jackets to keep the defensive front fresh. LaMiles Brooks is an excellent safety and has become a tremendous leader on and off the field. The key to the defense getting past mediocrity is the play of the two new linebackers. Braelen Oliver from Minnesota and Andre White from Texas A&M must evolve from role players to studs.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 10 4 8 12 6 2 55 67 72 54 75

PLAYER Haynes King Dontae Smith Malik Rutherford Dominick Blaylock Christian Leary Dylan Leonard Corey Robinson II Joe Fusile Weston Franklin Jordan Williams Jakiah Leftwich

POS QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

HT 6-3 5-11 5-9 6-1 5-10 6-5 6-5 6-6 6-4 6-6 6-6

WT 205 202 155 200 175 238 291 316 305 312 311

CLASS SO SR SO JR JR SR SO SO JR JR SO

NO 32 99 8 9 2 7 3 0 5 1 16

PLAYER POS Sylvain Yondjouen DE D’Quan Douse DT Makius Scott DT Kyle Kennard DE Andre White LB Trenilyas Tatum LB Kenyatta Watson II CB Myles Sims CB Clayton Powell-Lee S LaMiles Brooks S K.J. Wallace NB

HT 6-4 6-2 6-4 6-5 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-2 5-11

WT 257 282 300 235 230 208 185 185 175 192 184

CLASS SR JR JR JR SR JR JR SR SO JR JR

5 0 9 3 7 80 74 57 58 64 65

Zach Pyron Trey Cooley Avery Boyd D.J. Moore Chase Lane Brett Seither Tyler Gibson Paul Tchio Brandon Best Ryan Purves Connor Scaglione

QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

6-3 5-10 6-2 6-1 6-0 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-4 6-3 6-4

210 200 232 187 193 228 301 310 313 297 303

FR JR JR FR JR JR FR SO FR FR SR

11 88 6 43 44 4 21 10 14 23 17

Kevin Harris Zeek Biggers Etinosa Reuben Noah Collins Kyle Efford Braelen Oliver Omar Daniels Kenan Johnson Jaylon King Khari Gee Rodney Shelley

6-4 6-6 6-3 6-5 6-2 6-0 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-2 5-11

245 341 290 245 227 230 178 185 188 202 165

JR JR JR JR FR SR SO JR SR SO SO

88 43

Gavin Stewart David Shanahan

181 201

JR JR

8 8

Malik Rutherford Malik Rutherford

155 155

SO SO

SPECIAL TEAMS K P

5-11 6-2

2023 SCHEDULE S.1 ............................Louisville

O.21 ............Boston College

S.9 ............................S.C. State

O.28 .............North Carolina

S.16 ......................at Ole Miss

N.4 ......................... at Virginia

S.23 .............. at Wake Forest

N.11 ....................at Clemson

S.30 ..............Bowling Green

N.18 .........................Syracuse

O.7 ............................at Miami

N.25 .......................... Georgia

DE DT DT DE LB LB CB CB S S NB

SPECIAL TEAMS KR PR

5-9 5-9

NEWCOMERS Braelen Oliver, LB — Oliver brings 38 games of experience at Minnesota with him. The Jackets expect him to be a tackling machine.

Andre White, LB — The exciting playmaker has 10.5 tackles for loss in his career, including four last season in just seven games for Texas A&M. Evan Dickens, RB — Dickens played his senior season at IMG Academy and developed as a complete runner. He’ll see limited carries this season, but will be the feature back of the future.

17 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

LOUISVILLE

HEAD COACH: Jeff Brohm OC: Brian Brohm DC: Ron English

Louisville, KY

2022 RECORD: 8-5 (4-4) FOUNDED: 1798 STADIUM: Cardinal Stadium (62,000)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Louisville’s favorite son, Jeff Brohm, has finally come home to coach. And what better way to make a quick splash in 2023 than to scour the transfer portal to remake a roster. The quarterback, most of the receiving corps and at least two starters on the offensive line are transfers this season. Jack Plummer, who played for Brohm at Purdue before transferring to Cal last season, threw for 3,095 yards for the Bears averaging 37 passes a game. Over the past three seasons, he’s completed 65 percent with 36 TDs and 11 picks. His targets this season are also new to Louisville. Jamari Thrash joins the Cardinals from Georgia State, Jadon Thompson comes from Cincinnati and Jimmy Calloway from Tennessee.

Freshman tight end Jamari Johnson will also be an exciting weapon. Running back Jawhar Jordan and linemen Renato Brown and Bryan Hudson will all be in the All-ACC discussion.

New defensive coordinator Ron English must rebuild the defense almost entirely. He has done that extremely quickly and efficiently in the secondary through the portal, but there are still serious questions at linebacker. Ashton Gillotte is the best player on the line and is adept at getting to the quarterback, but without adequate help, offenses can shut him down with multiple blockers. Stephen Herron from Stanford can be a quality supplement to the pass rush when lined up on the edge.

English is counting on Keith Brown from Oregon to step in at Mike linebacker. Freshman Stanquan Clark will get tested early this season and is clearly the future at the position. Holdovers Jarvis Brownlee Jr. and Josh Minkins are All-ACC caliber in the secondary. Transfers Storm Duck (North Carolina), Cam’Ron Kelly (Virginia) and Devin Neal (Baylor) make this a deep unit.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 13 25 1 18 9 11 74 67 61 68 56

PLAYER POS Jack Plummer QB Jawhar Jordan RB Jamari Thrash WR Jadon Thompson WR Ahmari Huggins-Bruce WR Jamari Johnson TE Eric Miller LT John Paul Flores LG Bryan Hudson C Michael Gonzalez RG Renato Brown RT

HT 6-5 5-10 6-1 6-2 5-11 6-5 6-7 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4

WT 215 180 180 185 170 260 307 305 310 309 317

CLASS SR JR JR JR JR FR SR SR SR JR JR

NO 9 93 99 14 34 22 10 2 29 26 5

PLAYER Ashton Gillotte Jared Dawson Dezmond Tell Stephen Herron TJ Quinn Keith Brown Benjamin Perry Jarvis Brownlee Jr. Storm Duck M.J. Griffin Josh Minkins

POS DE NT DT LB LB LB LB CB CB S S

HT 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-4 6-0 6-1 6-3 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-2

WT 270 305 290 240 230 235 205 186 200 210 196

CLASS JR SO JR SR SO JR SO JR SR JR JR

19 23 0 7 3 42 55 73 51 71 53

Brock Domann Isaac Guerendo Chris Bell Jimmy Calloway Kevin Coleman Josh Lifson Willie Tyler Madden Sanker Austin Collins Joshua Black Lance Robinson

QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

6-2 6-1 6-2 6-0 5-11 6-3 6-6 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-4

225 225 225 187 185 240 320 314 290 280 295

SR SR SO SO SO SR SR FR SO JR SR

95 91 57 12 17 24 18 3 28 11 27

Mason Reiger Tawfiq Thomas Jeff Clark Popeye Williams Jackson Hamilton Jaylin Alderman Gilbert Frierson Quincy Riley Trey Franklin Cam’Ron Kelly Devin Neal

DE DE DT LB LB LB LB CB CB S S

6-4 6-4 6-0 6-3 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-0 5-10 6-2 6-0

254 310 280 245 220 230 215 186 180 210 203

JR SO JR SO SO JR SR JR JR SR JR

40 93

Brock Travelstead Brady Hodges

K P

6-1 6-1

205 200

JR JR

25 3

Jawhar Jordan Kevin Coleman

180 185

JR SO

SPECIAL TEAMS

2023 SCHEDULE

SPECIAL TEAMS KR PR

5-10 5-11

NEWCOMERS

S.1 ............... at Georgia Tech

O.14 ................ at Pittsburgh

S.7 .....................Murray State

O.28 ................................Duke

S.16 ....................... at Indiana

N.4 ....................Virginia Tech

Eric Miller, T — The transfer from Purdue will protect Plummer’s blind side.

S.23 .............Boston College

N.9 .............................. Virginia

Stanquan Clark, MLB — Jeff Brohn expects Clark to contribute this season in the middle of the defense.

S.29...................... at NC State

N.18 .........................at Miami

O.7 .....................Notre Dame

N.25 ........................Kentucky

Jamari Johnson, TE — The big tight end has the body and receiving skills to find the field—and success— immediately.

Brady Allen, QB — The former 4-star quarterback got in only three games at Purdue last season before transferring along with Jeff Brohm. He is the future signal-caller.

18 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

MIAMI

HEAD COACH: Mario Cristobal OC: Shannon Dawson DC: Lance Guidry

Coral Gables, FL

2022 RECORD: 5-7 (3-5) FOUNDED: 1925 STADIUM: Hard Rock (65,326)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

While injuries certainly affected the offensive consistency last season, the poor offensive line play was the root of all the Hurricanes’ troubles. With Zion Nelson recovered from his nagging knee injury, five-star tackles Francis Mauigoa and Samson Okunlola, and transfers Matt Lee (UCF) and Javion Cohen (Alabama), the line should be a strength this season. That’s welcome news for quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, who was upright for just nine games last season, and Henry Parrish Jr. Both expect to rebound from subpar statistical seasons a year ago.

The receiving corps is stocked with untapped potential. Colbie Young must have a breakout season for Miami to generate a productive passing attack. He had 32 catches for 367 yards last season, and those totals must at minimum double this season.

Tight end Cam McCormick will be a threat on check-downs.

Last season lots of excitement happened when opponents dropped back to pass. The Hurricanes picked off 14 passes and sacked quarterbacks 37 times. But opponents also hit 20 touchdown passes and averaged a whopping 8.4 yards per pass. Meanwhile, Marshall’s defense allowed just 16 points a game and led the nation getting off the field on third down. So, enter Marshall’s defensive coordinator Lance Guidry. Akheem Mesidor led the Canes with seven sacks and Jahfari Harvey added 5.5. Both return along with Leonard Taylor III (10.5 tackles for loss) to create havoc once again. Kamren Kinchens and James Williams are arguably the best safeties in the ACC. The addition of Jaden Davis from Oklahoma is a huge boost to an already talented secondary. Inexperience at linebacker could spell trouble early in the season.

DEPTH CHART NO 9 21 15 7 4

DEPTH CHART

POS QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

HT 6-4 5-10 6-0 5-10 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-4 6-4 6-6 6-6

WT 224 190 176 195 215 260 312 305 295 350 320

CLASS JR JR JR JR JR SR JR JR SR SO FR

NO 12 81 56 3 51 31

16 8 0 80 63 50 56 64 79

Jacurri Brown QB Mark Fletcher RB Isaiah Horton WR Frank Ladson Jr. WR Brashard Smith WR Elijah Arroyo TE Samson Okunlola LT Laurance Seymore LG Jonathan Denis C Jalen Rivers RG Michael McLaughlin RT

6-4 6-1 6-5 6-3 5-10 6-4 6-6 6-2 6-3 6-5 6-7

210 220 205 205 194 235 300 315 320 325 300

SO FR FR SR JR SO FR SO SO SO FR

13 55 58 9 4 11

30 94

Andres Borregales K Dylan Joyce P

170 220

JR FR

60 70 55 73 61 11

PLAYER Tyler Van Dyke Henry Parrish Jr. Jacolby George Xavier Restrepo Colbie Young Cam McCormick Zion Nelson Javion Cohen Matt Lee Anez Cooper Francis Mauigoa

SPECIAL TEAMS 5-11 6-2

2023 SCHEDULE S.1 .................... Miami (Ohio)

O.21 .........................Clemson

S.9 .........................Texas A&M

O.28 ........................... Virginia

S.14 ..... Bethune-Cookman

N.4 ....................... at NC State

S.23 ........................at Temple

N.11 ............ at Florida State

O.7 ................... Georgia Tech

N.18 ........................Louisville

O.14 ........at North Carolina

N.24 ....... at Boston College

PLAYER POS Jahfari Harvey DE Jared Harrison-Hunte DT Leonard Taylor III DT Akheem Mesidor DE Francisco Mauigoa LB Wesley Bissainthe LB Jaden Davis CB Davonte Brown CB James Williams S Kamren Kinchens S Daryl Porter Jr. NB

HT 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-1 5-10 6-2 6-5 5-11 5-10

WT 252 285 305 280 230 205 185 185 215 202 185

CLASS JR SO SO JR JR SO SR JR JR JR JR

16 27 15 0

Chantz Williams Jacob Lichtenstein Branson Deen Nyjalik Kelly Keontra Smith Corey Flagg Jr. Damari Brown Malik Curtis Brian Balom Markeith Williams Te’Cory Couch

6-4 6-5 6-2 6-4 5-11 5-11 6-1 5-11 6-0 6-2 5-10

255 270 280 240 205 230 180 170 200 175 170

JR SR SR SO SR JR FR JR SO FR SR

5

Christopher Johnson KR Nathaniel Joseph PR

178 176

FR FR

7 20 5 2

DE DT DT DE LB LB CB CB S S NB

SPECIAL TEAMS 5-11 5-10

NEWCOMERS Mark Fletcher, RB — The powerful runner can make defenders miss in the open field, but doesn’t shy away from contact. He will be eased into the rotation early this season.

Francis Mauigoa, T — The five-star tackle was ranked No. 1 at the position and fifth overall in the nation by ESPN. He will be a building block on the offensive line.

Samson Okunlola, T — Another five-star tackle ranked among the top three in the nation, Okunlola will team with Francis Mauigoa to form terrific bookend tackles.

21 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

NC STATE

HEAD COACH: Dave Doeren OC: Robert Anae DC: Tony Gibson

Raleigh, NC

2022 RECORD: 8-5 (4-4) FOUNDED: 1887 STADIUM: Carter-Finley Stadium (57,583)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Two years ago, the Virginia offense, with coordinator Robert Anae and quarterback Brennan Armstrong, rolled up 516 yards a game as Armstrong threw for 4,449 yards and 31 touchdowns.

He threw the ball 45 times a game and ran for 251 yards and nine scores. That tandem will try to recreate that magic in Raleigh this season. The offensive line is solid and could be excellent if players continue to develop. Timothy McKay is All-ACC caliber and Dawson Jaramillo is a quality pickup from Oregon. The unit will certainly be improved enough to increase the average rush of 3.4 yards last season. Running back Jordan Houston returns after averaging four yards a carry last season. The receiving corps is a bit underwhelming, but Armstrong has a way of making ordinary receivers spectacular. Keyon Lesane should benefit the most after grabbing 31 passes for 342 yards a year ago.

Defense has not been a problem since Dave Doeren arrived at NC State. The Wolfpack created 22 turnovers and held opponents to just 32.8 percent on third down. NC State finds replacements for big-time producers every season. Linebacker Payton Wilson (12.5 tackles for loss) will be asked to do some heavy lifting this season, especially early while others develop around him. Jaylon Scott and Devon Betty have been patiently awaiting their time, and they expect to shine flanking Wilson.

C.J. Clark is talented enough to control the middle of the line, which would be a huge boost to the defense. Davin Vann had 10 QB Hurries last season. The secondary is a strength of the team, grabbing 19 interceptions last season. Corners Aydan White and Shyheim Battle are both terrific in coverage. Poogie Kennedy is a nice addition from East Carolina.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 5 3 4 15 82 6 74 69 54 53 52

PLAYER POS Brennan Armstrong QB Jordan Houston RB Porter Rooks WR Keyon Lesane WR Terrell Timmons Jr. WR Trent Pennix TE Anthony Belton LT Dawson Jaramillo LG Dylan McMahon C Derrick Eason RG Timothy McKay RT

HT 6-2 5-10 6-1 5-11 6-2 6-3 6-6 6-5 6-4 6-4 6-4

WT 212 192 195 195 195 230 336 305 300 315 315

CLASS SR SR JR SR SO SR JR SR JR SR JR

NO 9 5 45 11 26 2 7 3 12 6 8

PLAYER Savion Jackson C.J. Clark Davin Vann Payton Wilson Devon Betty Jaylon Scott Shyheim Battle Aydan White Devan Boykin Jakeen Harris Poogie Kennedy

POS DE NT DE LB LB LB CB CB S S NB

HT 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-0 5-10 5-10 5-10

WT 280 300 272 242 224 225 195 182 190 197 193

CLASS SR JR JR SR JR SR JR JR JR SR SR

7 2 11 8 80 29 76 56 55 75 62

MJ Morris QB Michael Allen RB Juice Vereen WR Julian Gray WR KC Concepcion WR Christopher Toudle TE Patrick Matan LT Lyndon Cooper LG Rylan Vann C Anthony Carter Jr. RG Jaleel Davis RT

6-2 5-9 6-4 5-11 5-11 6-4 6-4 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-6

210 200 210 195 180 230 304 316 292 315 315

SO SO FR SO FR JR SO SO FR SO SO

97 46 13 33 27 10 14 22 16 0 30

Noah Potter Nick Campbell Travali Price Jordan Poole Jayland Parker Caden Fordham Renté Hinton Teshaun Smith Rakeim Ashford Sean Brown Isaiah Crowell

DE NT DE LB LB LB CB CB S S NB

6-6 6-4 6-4 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-3 6-3 6-1 6-0 5-10

274 290 272 225 215 224 212 185 190 205 182

SR FR SO SO SO SO SO SR SR SO FR

44 98

Brayden Narveson K Caden Noonkester P

210 200

SR SO

8 1

Julian Gray Jalen Coit

195 170

SO SO

SPECIAL TEAMS 6-0 6-6

2023 SCHEDULE S.2 ............................at UConn

O.14 ...........................at Duke

S.9 ......................Notre Dame

O.28 .........................Clemson

S.16 ....................................VMI

N.4 .................................Miami

S.22 ....................... at Virginia

N.11 ............. at Wake Forest

S.29 .........................Louisville

N.18 ............ at Virginia Tech

O.7 ............................ Marshall

N.25 .............North Carolina

SPECIAL TEAMS KR PR

5-11 5-11

NEWCOMERS Brennan Armstrong, QB — The Wolfpack bid adios to Devin Leary and welcomes Armstrong to the Pack. The quarterback will enjoy the uptick in talent quality around him after Virginia’s roster was depleted prior to last season.

KC Concepcion, WR — The Wolfpack are in dire need of receivers to step up. After an impressive spring, Concepcion will have early opportunities to prove he is ready this fall.

Juice Vereen, WR — Evaluated as a tight end by recruiting services because of his size and strength, Vereen ran with the receivers in the spring and showed he can present matchup problems.

23 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

NORTH CAROLINA

HEAD COACH: Mack Brown OC: Chip Lindsey DC: Gene Chizik

Chapel Hill, NC

2022 RECORD: 9-5 (6-2) FOUNDED: 1789 STADIUM: Kenan Memorial (50,500)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Drake Maye is on the short list of the top quarterbacks in the nation. He returns after throwing for 4,321 yards and 38 touchdowns last season. Oh, by the way, he also led the Tar Heels in rushing with 698 yards and seven touchdowns. He won’t run as much this season, and may even throw for more than 4,500 yards. He will miss his top two targets (Josh Downs and Antoine Green), but he will have a couple of nice receivers in Tez Walker and Nate McCollum, both from the portal. Walker was first team All-MAC at Kent State as a sophomore. McCollum caught 60 passes at Georgia Tech in 2022. Tight end Bryson Nesbit is also a handy weapon for Maye. Elijah Green and British Brooks are both capable backs, so the running game will be in good shape as long as the line stays healthy. Center Corey Gaynor is among the best in the conference.

For the second year in a row in this space, we must proclaim that the North Carolina defense wasn’t very good last season.

Maybe 2023 is the year of improvement? The unit allowed 30.1 points a game and gave up 436.5 yards a game. Even with the stellar offense, another performance like that will not be sufficient. The Heels must find a way to make more plays in the backfield, and Kaimon Rucker is counted on to do just that off the edge. Improved play from Myles Murphy and Kevin Hester Jr. in the middle would go a long way toward turning this unit around. Cedric Gray is one of the best linebackers in the nation.

But he needs help to alleviate the attention he receives from opponents. Power Echols is improving and should make more plays this season. The secondary has been remade and should be a strength.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 10 21 5 9 6 18 76 63 65 52 75

PLAYER Drake Maye Elijah Green J.J. Jones Tez Walker Nate McCollum Bryson Nesbit William Barnes Ed Montilus Corey Gaynor Jonathan Adorno Spencer Rolland

POS QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

HT 6-4 5-11 6-2 6-2 5-9 6-5 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-6

WT 230 210 210 205 180 235 320 315 309 315 310

CLASS SO JR JR JR JR JR SR SR SR SR SR

NO 10 98 8 25 23 33 28 29 31 27 16

PLAYER Desmond Evans Kevin Hester Jr. Myles Murphy Kaimon Rucker Power Echols Cedric Gray Alijah Huzzie Marcus Allen Will Hardy Giovanni Biggers DeAndre Boykins

POS DE NT DT Edge LB LB CB CB S S NB

HT 6-6 6-4 6-4 6-1 6-0 6-2 5-10 6-1 6-2 6-1 5-11

WT 275 315 305 262 221 235 195 185 210 200 205

CLASS SR SR SR SR JR SR JR SO SO SR JR

15 24 2 1 8 81 61 53 54 64 78

Conner Harrell British Brooks Gavin Blackwell Andre Greene Jr. Kobe Paysour John Copenhaver Diego Pounds Willie Lampkin Chance Carroll Malik McGowan Trevyon Green

QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

6-1 5-11 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-6 5-11 6-2 6-4 6-7

205 226 180 200 190 245 330 290 294 316 340

FR SR SO FR SO JR SO JR JR JR FR

93 0 5 3 44 17 6 9 7 2 1

Jacolbe Cowan Tomari Fox Jahvaree Ritzie Amari Gainer Deuce Caldwell Amare Campbell Lejond Cavazos Armani Chatman Derrik Allen Don Chapman Stick Lane

DE NT DT Edge LB LB CB CB S S NB

6-4 6-3 6-4 6-4 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-1 6-1 5-9

280 305 290 235 225 230 200 205 210 200 190

JR SR JR SR SO FR JR SR SR SR SR

40 91

Ryan Coe Ben Kiernan

225 215

SR SR

23 6

George Pettaway Nate McCollum

195 180

SO JR

SPECIAL TEAMS K P

6-2 6-0

2023 SCHEDULE S.2 ...South Carolina (Char.)

O.21 ........................... Virginia

S.9 ..........Appalachian State

O.28 ........... at Georgia Tech

S.16 ......................Minnesota

N.4 ..........................Campbell

S.23 ................. at Pittsburgh

N.11 ................................Duke

O.7 ............................Syracuse

N.18 ....................at Clemson

O.14 ..............................Miami

N.25 .................... at NC State

SPECIAL TEAMS KR PR

5-10 5-9

NEWCOMERS Tez Walker, WR — The transfer from Kent State amassed good numbers against inferior competition, but he was also playing catch with an inferior quarterback.

Nate McCollum, WR — Grabbing 60 catches at Georgia Tech is no small feat.

Alijah Huzzie, CB — The Heels are counting on Huzzie, a transfer from East Tennessee State, to become a top cover corner in the ACC. Too much to ask?

Derrik Allen, S — The safety brings his talents to Chapel Hill after a solid career with the Yellow Jackets.

25 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

PITTSBURGH

HEAD COACH: Pat Narduzzi OC: Frank Cignetti Jr. DC: Randy Bates

Pittsburgh, PA

2022 RECORD: 9-4 (5-3) FOUNDED: 1787 STADIUM: Heinz Field (68,400)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Arguably, Pittsburgh has become the second-best program in the ACC behind Clemson. Albeit, far behind Clemson, but nevertheless, there are no other programs that have Pitt’s accomplishments over the past two seasons. Pitt must continue that trend with yet another new quarterback. Out with Kedon Slovis and in with Phil Jurkovec from Boston College. The veteran passer should enjoy his time behind the Panthers’ offensive line led by Matt Goncalves, Jake Kradel and Blake Zubovic. The receiving corps has some growing up to do, but picking up Florida’s Daejon Reynolds is a boost. He’ll join Konanta Mumpfield and Bub Means as holdovers. Mumpfield had 58 catches, but wasn’t a downfield threat. The running game is in good hands with Rodney Hammond Jr., C’Bo Flemister and LSU transfer Derrick Davis Jr.

The defense must replace four outstanding stalwarts who propelled the Panthers to 46 or more sacks in each of the last four years. Ends Dayon Hayes, Nahki Johnson and Bam Brima must create pressure to give teammates behind them opportunities to make plays. The trio of linebackers must replace the tremendous production from SirVocea Dennis, which is a tall task. Bengally Kamara is the most athletic and can make plays all over the field. The Panthers would love to see him create plays behind the line more often. This defensive system calls for pressure upfront, leaving the corners on islands to sink or swim. M.J. Devonshire thrives in this system and is an outstanding playmaker. Marquis Williams is solid and getting even better. Safety Donovan McMillon will join P.J. O’Brien and Javon McIntyre to form a nice group of safeties.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO PLAYER POS HT WT CLASS NO 5 Phil Jurkovec QB 6-5 235 SR 50 6 Rodney Hammond Jr. RB 5-9 195 JR 95 15 Bub Means WR 6-2 215 SR 2 81 Daejon Reynolds WR 6-2 210 SO 4 9 Konata Mumpfield WR 6-1 180 JR 23 86 Gavin Bartholomew TE 6-5 250 JR 32 78 Branson Taylor LT 6-5 330 JR 11 61 Ryan Jacoby LG 6-4 305 SR 12 53 Jake Kradel C 6-3 310 SR 14 68 Blake Zubovic RG 6-4 330 SR 22 76 Matt Goncalves RT 6-6 330 SR 20

11 Christian Veilleux QB 6-4 225 SO 57 24 C’Bo Flemister RB 5-11 205 SR 90 27 Israel Polk WR 6-1 175 FR 92 83 Lamar Seymore WR 6-1 185 FR 16 40 Addison Copeland III WR 6-2 180 FR 47 8 Karter Johnson TE 6-2 250 SR 30 70 Ryan Baer LT 6-7 330 FR 38 51 Dorien Ford LG 6-4 325 SO 18 55 BJ Williams C 6-3 320 FR 9 74 Terrence Enos Jr. RG 6-4 315 SO 3 50 Jason Collier Jr. RT 6-6 330 SR 37 90 95

Ben Sauls Caleb Junko

SPECIAL TEAMS K P

5-10 6-1

185 210

JR SO

2023 SCHEDULE S.2 .............................. Wofford

O.21 ............. at Wake Forest

S.9 ..........................Cincinnati

O.28 .............at Notre Dame

S.16 .............at West Virginia

N.4 .................... Florida State

S.23 ..............North Carolina

N.11 ......... Syracuse (Bronx)

S.30 ............. at Virginia Tech

N.16 ............Boston College

O.14 ........................Louisville

N.25 ...........................at Duke

24 12

PLAYER POS Dayon Hayes DE Devin Danielson DT David Green DT Nahki Johnson DE Solomon DeShields LB Shayne Simon LB Bangally Kamara LB M.J. Devonshire CB Marquis Williams CB P.J. O’Brien S Javon McIntyre S

HT 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-2 5-11 5-9 6-0 6-0

WT 265 290 290 260 225 235 225 185 175 180 195

CLASS SR SR SR SO JR SR SR SR SR JR SO

Bam Brima DE Deandre Jules DT Tyler Bentley DT Nate Temple DE Aydin Henningham LB Brandon George LB Kyle Louis LB Ryland Gandy CB A.J. Woods CB Donovan McMillon S Stephon Hall S

6-5 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-2 6-3 5-11 6-0 5-11 6-2 6-1

270 305 300 250 225 240 220 185 190 210 195

SR SR SR SR JR SR FR FR SR JR SO

205 185

SR SR

SPECIAL TEAMS

C’Bo Flemister M.J. Devonshire

KR PR

5-11 5-11

NEWCOMERS Phil Jurkovec, QB — It’s difficult to omit a starting quarterback as a key newcomer. Jurkovec began his career at Notre Dame and will soon have starting experience at three different schools.

Christian Veilleux, QB — The transfer from Penn State is probably not the quarterback of the present, but he’s certainly the QB of the future.

Braylan Lovelace, LB — The freshman won’t be thrown to the wolves immediately, but the Panthers will be looking for help at linebacker and Lovelace will eventually be a star.

26 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

SYRACUSE

HEAD COACH: Dino Babers OC: Jason Beck DC: Rocky Long

Syracuse, NY

2022 RECORD: 7-6 (4-4) FOUNDED: 1870 STADIUM: Carrier Dome (49,262)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

The offense accomplished several nice things last season like averaging 4.2 yards a carry, 8.2 yards per pass attempt, six yards a play and only 13 turnovers. However, the Orange managed just 27.7 points a game, due in large part to converting 36.6 percent on third down. Quarterback Garrett Shrader posted impressive numbers: 2,640 yards passing, 274 rushing, 65 percent passing, but there were too many lapses as a unit. Oronde Gadsden II returns as one of the best receivers in the ACC. He looks to improve on 61 catches and 969 yards.

Shrader expects Damien Alford to carry a larger load this season. LaQuint Allen and Juwaun Price form a formidable combo at running back. Dino Babers and his staff added depth to the offensive line through the portal, especially at tackle with Joe More (Richmond) and Dave Wohlabaugh (Kentucky).

Long-time head coach Rocky Long joins the staff to run the defense and his system relies on athletic linebackers who can make plays all over the field. Marlowe Wax and Stefon Thompson fit that mold well. Thompson missed all but one game last season with a leg injury, so he’s itching to create some contact. Wax plays the run and pass equally well. Derek McDonald and Leon Lowery will share duties on the other side.

Caleb Okechukwu can get pressure upfront, and the arrival of Braylen Ingraham from Alabama through the portal will help tremendously. Syracuse likes nose tackles that can move, and both Terry Lockett and Kevon Darton fit that bill. But both are undersized at around 270. Justin Barron is a hitting machine at safety. He teams well with Alijah Clark, who is still improving.

Isaiah Johnson is the best cover corner.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 6 20 19 5 80 81 70 76 55 74 77

PLAYER Garrett Shrader LaQuint Allen Oronde Gadsden II Damien Alford Isaiah Jones Maximilian Mang Enrique Cruz, Jr. Kalan Ellis Josh Ilaoa Jakob Bradford Joe More

POS QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

HT 6-4 6-0 6-5 6-6 6-4 6-7 6-6 6-6 6-3 6-5 6-5

WT 228 195 215 210 204 262 303 375 316 300 302

CLASS SR SO JR JR JR JR SO JR JR JR SR

NO 4 90 52 15 2 7 24 20 8 5 14

PLAYER Caleb Okechukwu Terry Lockett Braylen Ingraham Derek McDonald Marlowe Wax Stefon Thompson Jeremiah Wilson Isaiah Johnson Justin Barron Alijah Clark Jason Simmons Jr.

POS DE NT DE LB LB LB CB CB S S NB

HT 6-4 6-3 6-4 6-4 6-1 6-1 5-10 6-3 6-4 6-1 6-0

WT 269 270 298 225 239 247 171 204 215 184 193

CLASS SR SO JR SO JR SO SO SR JR JR SR

16 28 17 85 2 89 72 75

Carlos Del Rio-Wilson QB Juwaun Price RB Umari Hatcher WR D’Marcus Adams WR Trebor Pena WR Dan Villari TE Mark Petry LT Austyn Kauhi LG J’Onre Reed C Wes Hoeh RG David Wohlabaugh Jr. RT

6-2 5-10 6-3 6-0 6-0 6-4 6-4 6-5 6-3 6-4 6-6

237 198 180 176 177 237 281 270 317 275 321

SO JR SO SR JR SO JR SO JR JR SO

94 0 58 16 12 42 11 22 21 19

Kevin Jobity Jr. Kevon Darton Denis Jaquez Jr. Leon Lowery Anwar Sparrow Austin Roon Jaeden Gould Quan Peterson Bralyn Oliver Jalil Martin Cornell Perry

DE NT DE LB LB LB CB CB S S NB

6-4 5-11 6-4 6-4 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-1

247 268 243 225 223 224 200 178 195 200 184

SO JR SO SO SO SO FR FR SO SO FR

180 175

SO SO

2 2

Trebor Pena Trebor Pena

177 177

JR JR

73

92 41

SPECIAL TEAMS

Brady Denaburg Jack Stonehouse

K P

6-0 6-1

2023 SCHEDULE S.2 ...............................Colgate

O.14 ............ at Florida State

S.9 ..........Western Michigan

O.26 ............ at Virginia Tech

S.16 ........................at Purdue

N.4 ...............Boston College

S.23 .................................Army

N.11 ......Pittsburgh (Bronx)

S.30 ..........................Clemson

N.18 ........... at Georgia Tech

O.7 ...........at North Carolina

N.25 .................. Wake Forest

SPECIAL TEAMS KR PR

6-0 6-0

NEWCOMERS Joe More, T — The transfer from Richmond should stabilize one side of the line.

David Wohlabaugh Jr., OL — The big lineman is a bit of a tweener with the size of a tackle and the skill set of an interior lineman. At any rate, he will provide badly needed depth along the line and will likely line up at several positions this fall.

Braylen Ingraham, DL — The Orange expects to improve production along the D-Line this season, and Ingraham will play a huge role in that improvement.

28 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

VIRGINIA

HEAD COACH: Tony Elliott OC: Des Kitchings DC: John Rudzinski

Charlottesville, VA

2022 RECORD: 3-7 (1-6) FOUNDED: 1819 STADIUM: Scott (61,500)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Multi-faceted quarterback Brennan Armstrong has taken off for NC State leaving the Cavaliers with transfer Tony Muskett from Monmouth at quarterback. Muskett is a veteran starter, makes few mistakes, but is nothing flashy. The offensive line lost the left side to the transfer portal (Logan Taylor and John Paul Flores), but gained Ugonna Nnanna and Jimmy Christ in the same manner. That’s basically a push, so the line that struggled mightily last season may not be much better this season.

The leading running backs all return, but Clemson transfer Kobe Pace will get the most carries. The receiving corps was depleted, but help has arrived in Malik Washington, a two-year starter at Northwestern. Washington had 109 catches for 1,272 yards over the past two seasons. Tight end Grant Misch is the only returning player with more than five catches last season.

The Virginia defense wasn’t bad at all last season, especially considering how little the offense pitched in to take pressure off of the defense. Opponents averaged just 3.8 yards per carry, five yards per play and converted just 37 percent on third down.

The unit returns virtually intact, other than the two corners and linebacker Nick Jackson. Josh Ahern, who played significantly in the rotation last season, takes over for Jackson. Transfers Malcolm Greene (Clemson) and Tayvonn Kyle (Iowa State) will be the new corners. The front seven should be a strength, especially the line. Kam Butler and Chico Bennett Jr. were able to apply pressure off the edges last season, and Jahmeer Carter and Aaron Faumui provided a healthy push in the middle.

James Jackson makes plays all over the field, and safety Jonas Sanker was the second-leading tackler.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 11 5 6 8 4 85 52 71 51 77 50

PLAYER Tony Muskett Kobe Pace Demick Starling Malachi Fields Malik Washington Grant Misch McKale Boley Ugonna Nnanna Ty Furnish Noah Josey Jimmy Christ

POS QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

HT 6-2 5-10 6-0 6-4 5-9 6-5 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-5 6-7

WT 215 200 188 218 190 247 332 300 279 316 315

CLASS SR SR SR JR SR SR SO SR JR JR SR

NO 82 90 94 15 33 7 8 23 9 0 20

PLAYER Kam Butler Jahmeer Carter Aaron Faumui Chico Bennett Jr. Josh Ahern James Jackson Malcolm Greene Tayvonn Kyle Coen King Antonio Clary Jonas Sanker

POS DE NT DT LB LB LB CB CB S S S

HT 6-3 6-2 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-3 5-10 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-1

WT 265 313 285 252 235 228 199 188 191 199 199

CLASS SR SR SR SR SR JR SR SR SR SR JR

10 2 17 83 18 44 79 55 63 78 60

Anthony Colandrea QB Perris Jones RB JR Wilson WR Dakota Twitty WR Jaden Gibson WR Sackett Wood Jr. TE Colby McGhee LT Brian Stevens LG Joey Kagel C Jestus Johnson III RG Charlie Patterson RT

6-0 5-7 6-4 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-6

182 180 215 224 180 244 298 290 266 306 281

FR SR SO SO FR SR JR SR JR JR JR

10 19 18 1 2 16 31 22 21 3 13

Ben Smiley III DE Olasunkonmi Agunloye DT Michael Diatta NT Paul Akere LB Stevie Bracey LB Trey McDonald LB Micah Gaffney CB Elijah Gaines CB Donovan Johnson Sr. S Langston Long S Sam Westfall S

6-4 6-5 6-4 6-4 6-0 6-3 5-11 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-1

274 282 268 275 235 217 193 200 199 216 201

SR SR JR SR SO SO JR SR SR JR SR

41 38

Will Bettridge Daniel Sparks

173 200

SO SR

6 26

Demick Starling Ethan Davies

188 189

SR JR

SPECIAL TEAMS K P

5-11 6-6

2023 SCHEDULE S.2 ... Tennessee (Nashville)

O.21 ........at North Carolina

S.9 ............... James Madison

O.28 .........................at Miami

S.16 ................... at Maryland

N.4 ................... Georgia Tech

S.22 .......................... NC State

N.9 ......................at Louisville

S.30 ........ at Boston College

N.18 ................................Duke

O.7 ............... William & Mary

N.25 .................Virginia Tech

SPECIAL TEAMS KR PR

6-0 5-10

NEWCOMERS Jaden Gibson, WR — With ample opportunity to show off his skills, Gibson has played his way onto the depth chart and will get some reps early in the season. He could also become a factor in the return game.

Kamren Robinson, LB — Given the low numbers at linebacker, freshman Robinson will likely be thrown into the fire at some point this season.

Malik Washington, WR — The dependable receiver became a go-to player for Northwestern last season.

31 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

VIRGINIA TECH

HEAD COACH: Brent Pry OC: Tyler Bowen DC: Chris Marve

Blacksburg, VA

2022 RECORD: 3-8 (1-6) FOUNDED: 1872 STADIUM: Lane (65,632)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

The Hokies’ offense was close to nonexistent last season. Grant Wells was interception prone and the offensive line couldn’t give the backs any running room. The Hokies averaged just 3.1 yards a carry and converted only 31.5 percent on third down. Wells is back, but will be challenged by Kyron Drones, a transfer from Baylor. Malachi Thomas is a capable runner if given any space.

The line made not be much improved, but at least there’s promise for the future. The left side will be manned by a couple of redshirt freshmen Xavier Chaplin and Braelin Moore, who may take some lumps this season while gaining experience. The Hokies are counting on three transfers to spark the receiving corps. Ali Jennings (ODU) is the best of the trio. Jaylin Lane (Middle Tenn) is a real speedster, and Da’Quan Felton (Norfolk State), should cause matchup problems with his size.

The defense was not horrible, and the returning players should benefit from a year under coordinator Chris Marve. The defense allowed just 3.9 yards per rush, 5.4 yards per play, and got off the field on third down. But there were not enough big plays. The Hokies had just 23 sacks and forced only nine turnovers. The two best players (Dax Hollifield and TyJuan Garbutt) are gone, so there are big holes to fill. The projected front four combined for 16 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks last season, so all four must step up their games this season. The secondary should be outstanding, but they may also be asked to make too many tackles downfield. Mansoor Delane and Sorian Strong are good cover corners.

Transfer Derrick Canteen is exceptional in coverage as well, and he will likely line up at safety. Somehow, Nasir Peoples, Jalen Stroman and Canteen need to be on the field at the same time.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 6 24 0 9 83 86 65 61 68 72 70

PLAYER Grant Wells Malachi Thomas Ali Jennings Da’Quan Felton Jaylin Lane Nick Gallo Xavier Chaplin Braelin Moore Kaden Moore Jesse Hanson Parker Clements

POS QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

HT 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-5 5-10 6-4 6-6 6-3 6-3 6-5 6-7

WT 212 206 198 207 180 240 325 290 300 300 305

CLASS SR SO SR SR SR SR FR FR JR SR JR

NO 56 3 22 17 34 38 7 4 44 13 5

PLAYER C.J. McCray Norell Pollard Mario Kendricks Cole Nelson Alan Tisdale Jayden McDonald Keonta Jenkins Mansoor Delane Dorian Strong Derrick Canteen Nasir Peoples

POS DE DT DT DE LB LB LB CB CB S S

HT 6-3 6-0 6-0 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-3 6-1 6-0 5-11 6-0

WT 246 281 293 247 228 239 207 180 180 194 202

CLASS JR SR SR JR SR SO SR SO JR SR SR

1 33 12 3 11 8 75 77 58 75 79

Kyron Drones Bhayshul Tuten Stephen Gosnell Da’Wain Lofton Tucker Holloway Dae’Quan Wright Bob Schick Brody Meadows Jack Hollifield Bob Schick Johnny Garrett

QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

6-2 5-11 6-2 5-11 6-2 6-4 6-6 6-6 6-3 6-6 6-5

229 200 194 190 180 234 305 311 300 305 297

SO JR SR JR SO SO JR FR SO JR FR

2 6 91 39 24 53 21 11 15 26 18

Keyshawn Burgos Josh Fuga Wilfried Pene Jorden McDonald Jaden Keller Will Johnson Keli Lawson Devin Alves Jaylen Jones Jalen Stroman Mose Phillips III

DE DT DT DE LB LB LB CB CB S S

6-5 6-2 6-3 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-1 6-1 6-2

240 308 285 249 228 227 217 185 202 202 192

SO SR JR SO SO SO SO FR JR JR FR

97 85

John Love Peter Moore

170 197

FR JR

22 11

Bryce Duke Tucker Holloway

205 180

SO SO

SPECIAL TEAMS K P

5-11 6-1

2023 SCHEDULE S.2 ..................Old Dominion

O.14 .................. Wake Forest

S.9 ................................Purdue

O.26 .........................Syracuse

S.16 .......................at Rutgers

N.4 ......................at Louisville

S.23 ..................... at Marshall

N.11 ....... at Boston College

S.30 ...................... Pittsburgh

N.18 ......................... NC State

O.7 ............... at Florida State

N.25 ...................... at Virginia

SPECIAL TEAMS KR PR

5-11 6-2

NEWCOMERS Derrick Canteen, DB — The talented athlete will line up primarily at safety, but he is excellent in coverage, giving the Hokies multiple coverage options.

Mose Phillips III, S — Phillips’ father, who played at Tennessee, was his high school defensive coordinator helping the younger Phillips develop a high football IQ. Jaylin Lane, WR — The diminutive Lane, who had 69 catches for 940 yards for Middle Tennessee last season, will step into a large role for the Hokies. His speed will allow Virginia Tech to stretch the field.

32 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

WAKE FOREST

HEAD COACH: Dave Clawson OC: Warren Ruggiero DC: Brad Lambert

Winston-Salem, NC

2022 RECORD: 8-5 (3-5) FOUNDED: 1834 STADIUM: BB&T Field (31,500)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

The Wake Forest offense averaged 36 points a game in 2020, 41 the following season, and 36 again in 2022 to lead the ACC. Quarterback Sam Hartman has decided to play his ninth year of eligibility at Notre Dame, and he’ll be missed. However, just as Hartman was well prepared when Jamie Newman graduated, so now is Mitch Griffis. Wake Forest will be fine at quarterback.

However, filling some gaps—pun intended—along the offensive front may prove challenging. Michael Jurgens is an awesome offensive lineman, most likely to line up at guard this season, but he needs help. Justice Ellison averaged 4.2 yards a carry for 707 yards last season, but both backups transferred leaving that room a little thin. The receiving corps will be spectacular once again. Four players return with more than 550 receiving yards last season.

The Wake Forest defense has been a twisted sort of blessing for the Wake offense in recent seasons. The defense yielded 406 yards a game last season, which meant the offense had to keep the foot on the gas for the entire 60 minutes and roll up big numbers. There are a few huge holes to fill on defense, but Jasheen Davis is prepared to take another leap forward this season after making 14 stops behind the line last year. Linebacker Chase Jones is poised to become the main man after the graduation of Ryan Smenda Jr. Jones had six tackles for loss last season. Safety Malik Mustapha made eight stops behind the line and, along with Chelen Garnes, controls the secondary.

Caelen Carson is an excellent cover corner and allows the safeties to play the run more often. Carson broke up seven passes, but opponents don’t throw his way often.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 12 6 80 2 11 20 52 55 74 70 62

PLAYER Mitch Griffis Justice Ellison Jahmal Banks Taylor Morin Donavon Greene Cameron Hite Spencer Clapp Michael Jurgens Luke Petitbon Nick Sharpe DeVonte Gordon

POS QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

HT 5-11 5-10 6-4 5-10 6-2 6-3 6-6 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-5

WT 192 208 208 174 210 243 295 298 290 330 305

CLASS SO JR JR JR JR JR SR SR SO SO JR

NO 5 91 86 30 40 21 10 1 9 3 14

PLAYER Kendron Wayman Kevin Pointer Bryce Ganious Jasheen Davis Jacob Roberts Chase Jones DaShawn Jones Caelen Carson Chelen Garnes Malik Mustapha Evan Slocum

POS DE DT DT DE LB LB CB CB S S NB

HT 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-0 5-11 5-10 5-10

WT 250 290 280 253 235 231 180 190 205 205 194

CLASS JR JR JR JR SR SR SO JR SR JR JR

15 23 4 5 13 83 72 77 65 54 71

Michael Kern QB Demond Claiborne RB Walker Merrill WR Horatio Fields WR Ke’Shawn Williams WR Gavin Ellis TE Erik Russell LT George Sell LG Hank Lucas C Matt Gulbin RG CJ Elmonus RT

6-2 5-9 6-1 6-3 5-10 6-5 6-8 6-4 6-2 6-4 6-7

187 200 195 194 185 237 290 294 282 308 291

JR SO JR SO JR SO SO SO FR SO JR

43 11 44 15 26 24 25 17 0 7 45

BJ Williams Nick Helbig Justin Williams Jaylen Hudson Quincy Bryant Dylan Hazen Jamare Glasker Zamari Stevenson Brendon Harris AJ Williams Nick Andersen

DE DT DT DE LB LB CB CB S S NB

6-4 6-2 6-2 6-3 6-0 6-1 6-1 5-11 6-1 5-11 5-11

255 275 282 241 226 230 172 175 214 194 194

SO SR JR JR SO SO FR SO SR JR SO

99 36

Matthew Dennis Ivan Mora

181 190

SO JR

13 2

Ke’Shawn Williams KR Taylor Morin PR

185 174

JR JR

SPECIAL TEAMS K P

5-11 6-0

2023 SCHEDULE A.31 .................................. Elon

O.21 ..................... Pittsburgh

S.9 ......................... Vanderbilt

O.28 ................. Florida State

S.16 ..........at Old Dominion

N.4 ..............................at Duke

S.23 ................. Georgia Tech

N.11 ......................... NC State

O.7 .......................at Clemson

N.18 .............at Notre Dame

O.14 ............ at Virginia Tech

N.25 ....................at Syracuse

SPECIAL TEAMS 5-10 5-10

NEWCOMERS Bryce Ganious, DT — The transfer from Villanova will be asked to take on a large role for the Deacons this season. It will be critical that Ganious and linebacker Jacob Roberts adjust to FBS competition quickly.

Jacob Roberts, LB — The talent level Roberts faced at North Carolina A&T last season is quite different from the ACC. Roberts will have little room for error this season.

Walker Merrill, WR — The transfer from Tennessee had just eight catches for 116 yards, but scored three times in limited duty last season.

THE SIDELINES

36 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

FLORIDA

HEAD COACH: Billy Napier 2022 RECORD: 6-7 (3-5) OC: Rob Sale FOUNDED: 1905 DC: Austin Armstrong & Sean Spencer STADIUM: Ben Hill Griffin (88,548)

Gainesville, FL

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Florida hasn’t had three consecutive losing seasons since the 1950s. For that not to happen in 2023, the Gators’ offense must develop some young/unproven players quickly. The portal certainly has played a role in rebuilding this side of the ball. Quarterback Graham Mertz comes from Wisconsin and fans expect the upgrade in receiving talent around him (compared to Wisconsin) will translate into a big season. The receiving corps depth was depleted by the portal, but the group returning is certainly talented. Ricky Pearsall led the team with 33 catches for 661 yards, averaging 20 yards a pop. Caleb Douglas and Marcus Burke were used sparingly, but are SEC talents. Montrell Johnson Jr. and Trevor Etienne combined for 1,560 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Cam Carroll from Tulane joins that pair. The offensive line could be the downfall if youngsters don’t develop rapidly.

Florida coaches knew that the defense had depth issues entering last season, and the unit wore down late in the season. This season, the line shouldn’t have depth issues. There’s tremendous size upfront beginning with Cam Jackson and Desmond Watson clogging the middle. Chris McClellan, Caleb Banks and Tyreak Sapp fill out the impressive rotation. Their play in the middle provides opportunities for Princely Umanmielen to roam free on the outside and Teradja Mitchell, a transfer from Ohio State, freedom in the middle. Corner Jason Marshall Jr. is really special in coverage. He will likely hear his name called early on the first day of the 2024 NFL Draft. The secondary has similar depth as the defensive line, both at corner and safety, with help on the way from freshmen. Expect Kamari Wilson to have a productive breakout season.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 15 2 4 88 1 18 58 54 65 67 78

PLAYER POS Graham Mertz QB Montrell Johnson Jr. RB Caleb Douglas WR Marcus Burke WR Ricky Pearsall WR Dante Zanders TE Austin Barber LT Micah Mazzccua LG Kingsley Eguakun C Richie Leonard IV RG Kiyaunta Goodwin RT

HT 6-3 5-11 6-3 6-4 6-1 6-5 6-6 6-5 6-3 6-2 6-8

WT 218 218 202 199 192 245 305 337 301 310 355

CLASS JR JR SO SO SR SR SO JR JR JR SO

NO 12 99 7 1 20 6 27 8 3 10 5

PLAYER POS Justus Boone DE Cam Jackson NT Chris McClellan DT Princely Umanmielen LB Teradja Mitchell LB Shemar James LB Jadarrius Perkins NB Jalen Kimber CB Jason Marshall Jr. CB Miguel Mitchell S Kamari Wilson S

HT 6-4 6-6 6-3 6-5 6-2 6-1 6-0 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-0

WT 263 371 325 254 247 228 186 185 198 219 220

CLASS SO JR SO JR SR SO JR JR JR SO SO

10 7 6 0 16 8 74 77 66 52 76

Jack Miller III QB Trevor Etienne RB Andy Jean WR Ja’Quavion Fraziars WR Thai Chiaokhiao-BowmanWR Arlis Boardingham TE Lyndell Hudson Jr. LT Knijeah Harris LG Jake Slaughter C Jalen Farmer RG Damieon George Jr. RT

6-3 5-9 6-1 6-4 6-0 6-3 6-5 6-3 6-5 6-5 6-6

222 213 198 218 200 245 329 325 301 307 361

SO SO FR JR SO FR SR FR SO FR SO

11 21 88 44 15 34 23 28 2 16 14

Kelby Collins Desmond Watson Caleb Banks Jack Pyburn Derek Wingo Mannie Nunnery Jaydon Hill Devin Moore Ja’Keem Jackson R.J. Moten Jordan Castell

6-3 6-5 6-3 6-3 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-3 6-1 6-0 6-2

263 415 308 253 240 231 181 195 178 219 205

FR SO FR SO JR JR SO SO FR JR FR

49 26

Adam Mihalek Jeremy Crawshaw

193 196

SO JR

7 1

Trevor Etienne Ricky Pearsall

213 192

SO SR

SPECIAL TEAMS K P

6-2 6-4

2023 SCHEDULE

DE NT DT LB LB LB NB CB CB S S

SPECIAL TEAMS KR PR

5-9 6-1

NEWCOMERS

S.2 ................................at Utah

O.14 ........at South Carolina

S.9 ............................McNeese

O.28 .Georgia (Jacksonville)

S.16 ...................... Tennessee

N.4 ........................... Arkansas

S.23 .........................Charlotte

N.11 ..............................at LSU

S.30 ....................at Kentucky

N.18 .................... at Missouri

Kelby Collins, Edge — With few big-time playmakers off the edge behind Princely Umanmielen, Collins could play this fall.

O.7 ........................ Vanderbilt

N.25 ................. Florida State

Ja’Keem Jackson, DB — Talented enough to play immediately.

Knijeah Harris, OL — Harris was tabbed the No. 1 center in the nation by ESPN and had his choice of pretty much any school in the nation.

Jordan Castell, DB — Considered the No. 10 safety nationally, Castell enrolled early and worked his way into the rotation.

39 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

GEORGIA

HEAD COACH: Kirby Smart OC: Mike Bobo DC: Will Muschamp & Glenn Schumann

Athens, GA

2022 RECORD: 15-0 (8-0) FOUNDED: 1785 STADIUM: Sanford (92,746)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

So, can Georgia pull off back-to-back-to-back nattys? Absolutely. The 2023 version features, arguably, the best offense of the national championship era. And, yes, we realize this group averaged better than 500 yards a game in 2022. The offensive line has five NFL-talented stars. The interior of Sedrick Van Pran, Tate Ratledge and Xavier Truss are dominant. The Bulldogs threw 492 passes last season and allowed just nine sacks. They converted 51 percent on third down and averaged 7.2 yards per play. Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards form a tremendous duo. Blake Bowers and Ladd McConkey are clutch playmakers. The only question is, who will trigger the offense?

The roster is stocked with four- and five-star QBs chomping at the bit. Carson Beck and Brock Vandagriff will both have the opportunity the earn the job in fall camp.

Remember the historic 2021 Georgia defense? There were eight players drafted, five in the first round. Yet, the Bulldogs held opponents to 14.3 points a game, 2.9 yards per run and were fabulous on third down. The players are still coming. There are elite players at every level with talented backups providing championship level depth. Nazir Stackhouse, Warren Brinson and Zion Logue are unstoppable upfront. Mykel Williams is a tremendous pass rusher. Linebackers Smael Mondon Jr. and Jamon Dumas-Johnson combined for 17 tackles for loss and 29 QB Hurries. The secondary lost two stars to the NFL, and may be even better this season with Malaki Starks at safety leading the group. Starks was third on the team in tackles and broke up seven passes. Javon Bullard had seven tackles for loss, and Kamari Lassiter, a talented cover corner, made five stops behind the line.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 15 2 5 84 6 19 71 73 63 69 65

PLAYER Carson Beck Kendall Milton Rara Thomas Ladd McConkey Dominic Lovett Brock Bowers Earnest Greene III Xavier Truss Sedrick Van Pran Tate Ratledge Amarius Mims

POS QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

HT 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-0 5-10 6-4 6-4 6-7 6-4 6-6 6-7

WT 215 220 205 185 179 230 330 320 310 320 330

CLASS JR SR FR JR JR JR FR SR JR JR JR

NO 13 78 97 32 2 10 11 6 3 22 24

PLAYER POS Mykel Williams DE Nazir Stackhouse NT Warren Brinson DT Chaz Chambliss LB Smael Mondon Jr. LB Jamon Dumas-Johnson LB Jalon Walker LB Daylen Everette CB Kamari Lassiter CB Javon Bullard S Malaki Starks S

HT 6-5 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-0 5-11 6-1

WT 265 320 305 255 220 245 230 190 180 180 205

CLASS SO SR SR JR JR JR SO SO JR JR SO

12 30 1 11 86 7 58 56 55 53 78

Brock Vandagriff QB Daijun Edwards RB Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint WR Arian Smith WR Dillon Bell WR Lawson Luckie TE Austin Blaske LT Micah Morris LG Jared Wilson C Dylan Fairchild RG Chad Lindberg RT

6-3 5-10 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-3 6-5 6-6 6-3 6-5 6-6

205 201 190 185 210 240 305 330 310 305 325

SO SR SR JR SO FR JR SO SO SO JR

90 96 52 19 5 18 7 1 12 23 20

Tramel Walthour Zion Logue Christen Miller Darris Smith Raylen Wilson Xavian Sorey Jr. Marvin Jones Jr. Nyland Green Julian Humphrey Tykee Smith JaCorey Thomas

6-3 6-5 6-4 6-5 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-0 5-10 6-0

280 295 295 225 223 214 250 185 190 205 205

SR SR FR SO FR SO JR SO FR SR SO

99 92

Jared Zirkel Brett Thorson

180 210

JR SO

30 84

Daijun Edwards Ladd McConkey

201 185

SR JR

SPECIAL TEAMS K P

6-3 6-2

2023 SCHEDULE

DE NT DT LB LB LB LB CB CB S S

SPECIAL TEAMS KR PR

5-10 6-0

NEWCOMERS

S.2 .......................... UT Martin

O.14 .................at Vanderbilt

S.9 ............................Ball State

O.28 .Florida (Jacksonville)

S.16 ..............South Carolina

N.4 ............................ Missouri

Damon Wilson, Edge — Ranked No. 45 overall out of high school, Wilson is already among the best pass rushers on the roster.

S.23 ...................................UAB

N.11 ..........................Ole Miss

Lawson Luckie, TE — The Georgia tight end factory continues.

S.30 ....................... at Auburn

N.18 .................at Tennessee

O.7 ...........................Kentucky

N.25 ........... at Georgia Tech

Joenel Aguero, DB — Ranked No. 29 overall, Aguero had a terrific spring and is ready for playing time immediately; time that just might not available this season.

Dominic Lovett, WR — The transfer from Missouri adds yet another playmaker to the offense.

40 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

KENTUCKY

2022 RECORD: 7-6 (3-5) FOUNDED: 1865 STADIUM: Kroger Field (61,000)

HEAD COACH: Mark Stoops OC: Liam Coen DC: Brad White

Lexington, KY

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Change is in the air in Lexington. At least three, and maybe five or six, new starters on offense have come to Kentucky via the portal. Quarterback Devin Leary is the most notable and provides instant credibility at the position after losing Will Levis to the NFL. Leary was injured much of last season, but he is a terrific passer, just not a threat to run. Running back Ray Davis joins the Wildcats from Vanderbilt, where he ran for more than 1,000 yards last season. Four offensive linemen transferred in, but only one is a definite starter. Tackle Marques Cox from Northern Illinois will be the left tackle. Tackle Courtland Ford from USC will likely get on the field quite a bit. The improvements to the line are paramount after allowing 47 sacks last season for 318 yards in losses. The receiving corps returns virtually intact and will be a strength of the offense.

Last season, the expectation was that the offense would carry the defense, but in reality, the opposite happened. The defense allowed just 19 points a game and was equally tough against the run and pass. The Cats were especially adept at getting off the field, allowing opponents to convert just 33.3 percent on third down. But the unit produced just 20 sacks and forced only 17 turnovers. Josaih Hayes and Keeshawn Silver (from North Carolina) should set the tone upfront. They won’t pile up sexy stats, but their push disrupts the offense at the snap. J.J. Weaver, coming off the edge, is the best player on this side of the ball. Safety Jordan Lovett and linebackers D’Eryk Jackson and Trevin Wallace are the leading returning tacklers. The secondary received a boost when corner JQ Hardaway transferred in from Cincinnati.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 13 1 6 7 9 80 69 68 62 75 77

PLAYER Devin Leary Ray Davis Dane Key Barion Brown Tayvion Robinson Brenden Bates Marques Cox Kenneth Horsey Jager Burton Eli Cox Jeremy Flax

POS QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

HT 6-1 5-10 6-3 6-1 5-11 6-5 6-5 6-3 6-4 6-4 6-6

WT 217 216 193 166 194 251 312 311 305 311 328

CLASS SR SR SO SO SR SR SR SR SO SR SR

NO 90 97 0 13 32 54 4 23 6 25 11

PLAYER Tre’vonn Rybka Josaih Hayes Deone Walker J.J. Weaver Trevin Wallace D’Eryk Jackson Jalen Geiger Andru Phillips JQ Hardaway Jordan Lovett Zion Childress

POS DE NT DT LB LB LB NB CB CB S S

HT 6-4 6-3 6-6 6-5 6-2 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-0

WT 275 317 348 241 240 241 194 190 194 195 201

CLASS JR SR SO SR JR SR SR JR SO SO JR

12 4 5 18 3 85 52 73 50 51 74

Kaiya Sheron JuTahn McClain Anthony Brown Brandon White Dekel Crowdus Jordan Dingle Ben Christman Dylan Ray Koby Keenum Tanner Bowles Courtland Ford

QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

6-3 5-9 5-10 5-9 5-10 6-4 6-6 6-6 6-4 6-5 6-6

208 198 166 167 171 238 321 300 294 305 315

SO SR FR FR SO SO SO SO FR SR JR

92 9 8 20 17 40 3 10 31 24 28

Kahlil Saunders DE Keeshawn Silver NT Octavious Oxendine DT Keaton Wade LB Daveren Rayner LB Luke Fulton LB Alex Afari Jr. LB Jantzen Dunn CB Maxwell Hairston CB Elijah Reed S Jordan Robinson S

6-5 6-4 6-1 6-5 6-2 6-4 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-3 6-4

288 322 281 255 217 225 214 182 185 185 208

SO SO SR SO SR SR SO SO SO FR SO

12 93

Chance Poore Wilson Berry

208 213

SR SO

7 9

Barion Brown Tayvion Robinson

166 194

SO SR

SPECIAL TEAMS K P

6-2 6-4

2023 SCHEDULE

SPECIAL TEAMS KR PR

6-1 5-11

NEWCOMERS

S.2 ............................Ball State

O.14 ......................... Missouri

S.9 ............Eastern Kentucky

O.28 ..................... Tennessee

Devin Leary, QB — In four seasons at NC State, Leary completed 60.2 percent of his passes for 6,807 yards and 62 touchdowns with just 16 picks.

S.16 ............................... Akron

N.4 ........at Mississippi State

Ray Davis, RB — Davis stabilizes the running game.

S.23 ..................at Vanderbilt

N.11 .........................Alabama

Anthony Brown, WR — The true freshman has run an 11.2 100m and had an impressive spring showing off his ball skills.

S.30 ..............................Florida

N.18 ........at South Carolina

O.7 .........................at Georgia

N.25 ...................at Louisville

JQ Hardaway, DB — Hardaway never cracked the lineup in his freshman year at Cincinnati, but he’s expected to be the Cats’ top cover corner.

42 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

MISSOURI

HEAD COACH: Eliah Drinkwitz OC: Kirby Moore DC: Blake Baker

Columbia, MO

2022 RECORD: 6-7 (3-5) FOUNDED: 1839 STADIUM: Faurot Field (71,168)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Missouri’s 3-5 SEC record was disappointing, but a closer look reveals just how close the Tigers are to cracking the upper echelon of the SEC. Four of the five SEC losses were by one score, the Tigers were the only team to put a scare in Georgia until Ohio State did in the national semifinal, and Missouri shot itself in the foot often with 101 penalties. Brady Cook returns to lead the offense with a valuable year of experience. Luther Burden III is developing into one of the best receivers in the SEC. Theo Wease Jr. transferred in from Oklahoma to boost the receiving corps, but that might not offset the loss of Dominic Lovett to Georgia. Missouri found two offensive line starters through the portal in Cam’Ron Johnson from Houston and Marcellus Johnson from Eastern Michigan. Javon Foster is the best lineman and will garner some All-SEC attention.

The defense will be the strength of this team once again. For the first time in four seasons, the defense will have the same coordinator for successive years. Last year, the Tigers held opponents to 5.3 yards per play and 34.4 percent on third down.

Missouri totaled 35 sacks, but 17 of those sacks left with Martez Manuel, Isaiah McGuire and DJ Coleman. However, the linebacker duo of Ty’Ron Hopper and Chad Bailey is among the best in the SEC. They make plays all over the field and can disrupt plays in opponents’ backfields, combining for 22.5 tackles for loss. The secondary is strong with leading tackler Jaylon Carlies at safety and outstanding corners Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Kris Abrams-Draine. Transfers Sidney Williams from Florida State and Tre’Vez Johnson from Florida will fight for playing time, raising the level of the entire secondary.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 12 20 5 1 3 80 76 72 74 79 50

PLAYER Brady Cook Cody Schrader Mookie Cooper Theo Wease Jr. Luther Burden III Tyler Stephens Javon Foster Xavier Delgado Cam’Ron Johnson Armand Membou Marcellus Johnson

POS QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

HT 6-2 5-9 5-9 6-2 5-11 6-6 6-5 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-4

WT 207 214 186 187 210 245 320 333 310 316 307

CLASS JR SR JR SR SO SR SR SR JR SO SR

NO 6 0 92 45 33 8 2 14 1 28 13

PLAYER POS Darius Robinson DE Jayden Jernigan DT Kristian Williams DT Joe Moore DE Chad Bailey LB Ty’Ron Hopper LB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. CB Kris Abrams-Draine CB Jaylon Carlies S Joseph Charleston S Daylan Carnell S

HT 6-5 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-0 5-11 6-3 6-0 6-2

WT 295 279 314 248 234 221 188 178 215 195 218

CLASS SR SR SR JR SR SR JR JR SR SR SO

6 8 18 2 10 87 71 70 55 75 58

Jake Garcia Nathaniel Peat Peanut Houston Chance Luper Mekhi Miller Brett Norfleet Valen Erickson EJ Ndoma-Ogar Connor Tollison Mitchell Walters MaKyi Lee

QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

6-3 5-10 5-10 6-2 6-1 6-7 6-5 6-3 6-4 6-8 6-6

194 206 192 186 194 225 304 335 286 327 327

SO SR SR JR SO FR FR JR SO JR SR

46 99 90 21 14 10 29 19 3 17 4

Ben Straatmann Realus George Jr. Josh Landry Nyles Gaddy Triston Newson Dameon Wilson Marcus Clarke Dreyden Norwood Sidney Williams Tyler Hibbler Tre’Vez Johnson

6-0 6-1 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-0 5-11 6-0 6-0 5-11 5-10

233 288 282 248 222 228 182 184 185 188 195

FR SR SR FR JR SO SR SO JR SO JR

92 97

Harrison Mevis Riley Williams

243 210

SR JR

8 3

Nathaniel Peat Luther Burden III

206 210

SR SO

SPECIAL TEAMS K P

5-11 6-0

2023 SCHEDULE S.2 ...................South Dakota

O.14 ...................at Kentucky

S.9 ...........Middle Tennessee

O.21 .............South Carolina

S.16 .................. Kansas State

N.4 .........................at Georgia

S.23 .... Memphis (St. Louis)

N.11 ..................... Tennessee

S.30 ..................at Vanderbilt

N.18 .............................Florida

O.7 ......................................LSU

N.25 ................... at Arkansas

DE DT DT DE LB LB CB CB S S S

SPECIAL TEAMS KR PR

5-10 5-11

NEWCOMERS Theo Wease Jr., WR — The transfer from Oklahoma will be an immediate impact player for the Tigers. He caught 39 passes for 378 yards last season, ending the year with three for 123 yards, including a 61-yard touchdown, in the finale vs. Texas Tech.

Brett Norfleet, TE — The two-sport athlete provides an immediate threat at tight end with his size (6’7”, 225) and athleticism. He will also play baseball for the Tigers.

Cam’Ron Johnson and Marcellus Johnson, T — The two Johnsons will provide bookend protection for Brady Cook and generate a capable running game.

44 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

SOUTH CAROLINA Columbia, SC

HEAD COACH: Shane Beamer OC: Dowell Loggains DC: Clayton White

2022 RECORD: 8-5 (4-4) FOUNDED: 1801 STADIUM: Williams-Brice (80,250)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

South Carolina won just eight games and finished .500 in the SEC, but over an eight-day span in November, the Gamecocks knocked Tennessee and Clemson out of the national playoff picture. Any offense with Spencer Rattler throwing to Juice Wells is going to be good. Produce a running game and develop two more receivers to complement Wells, and you could have a tremendous offense. Last season, the Gamecocks averaged just 3.8 yards a carry and gave up 31 sacks. For those numbers to improve dramatically, the offensive line must improve dramatically. Jakai Moore is the lone proven lineman at the FBS level. Three FCS transfers are among the two-deep, so they must develop quickly.

Rattler threw for more than 3,000 yards, but only 18 TDs. Wells caught 68 for 928 yards. Eddie Lewis from Memphis and Trey Knox from Arkansas must step up to give Rattler more options.

Last season, the Gamecocks’ defense lagged behind most SEC counterparts. Opponents ran on South Carolina for 4.9 yards a pop and converted 43.4 percent on third down. South Carolina forced just 23 turnovers and totaled only 20 sacks. The portal didn’t produce any significant help for the defense, so the Gamecocks are counting on a year of development manifesting in improvement on the field. End Tonka Hemingway not only has the coolest name on the defense, he’s also the best playmaker with eight stops behind the line. That total may decrease this year if no one else asserts themselves around him. Linebacker Debo Williams is solid, but the secondary is asked to make way too many tackles. Nick Emmanwori was up to that task with 62 solo stops last season, almost twice as many as any teammate.

Marcellus Dial had three picks and broke up 12 passes.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 7 0 3 17 85 1 55 72 53 69 62

PLAYER POS Spencer Rattler QB Juju McDowell RB Antwane Wells Jr. WR Xavier Legette WR Eddie Lewis WR Trey Knox TE Jakai Moore LT Trai Jones LG Vershon Lee C Nick Gargiulo RG Tyshawn Wannamaker RT

HT 6-1 5-9 6-1 6-3 6-0 6-5 6-6 6-2 6-4 6-5 6-3

WT 218 171 210 227 185 237 318 305 319 310 290

CLASS SR JR SR SR SR SR SR JR JR SR JR

NO 91 90 95 7 0 32 6 3 21 1 29

PLAYER Tonka Hemingway T.J. Sanders Alex Huntley Jordan Strachan Debo Williams Mohamed Kaba Marcellas Dial O’Donnell Fortune Nick Emmanwori DQ Smith David Spaulding

POS DE DT NT DE LB LB CB CB S S NB

HT 6-3 6-5 6-4 6-5 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-1

WT 295 300 305 245 235 239 192 180 215 210 197

CLASS SR SO JR SR JR JR SR JR SO SO SR

9 5 8 10 14 6 79 58 73 78 75

Luke Doty Dakereon Joyner Nyck Harbor Ahmarean Brown Elijah Caldwell Joshua Simon Jaxon Hughes Markee Anderson Ryan Brubaker Trovon Baugh Cason Henry

6-1 6-1 6-5 5-9 6-1 6-4 6-6 6-4 6-6 6-4 6-6

210 229 241 167 190 245 297 305 304 337 300

JR SR FR SR FR SR SR FR FR FR FR

10 93 11 4 52 22 20 23 13 31 18

Tyreek Johnson Nick Barrett Elijah Davis Terrell Dawkins Stone Blanton Bam Martin-Scott Judge Collier Isaiah Norris Kajuan Banks Peyton Williams Keenan Nelson Jr.

DE NT DT DE LB LB CB CB S S NB

6-3 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-1 5-11 5-10 6-0 6-1

265 325 285 260 235 227 195 185 187 205 205

SR JR JR SR SO SR FR SR SO FR FR

98 39

Mitch Jeter Kai Kroeger

195 220

SR SR

17 85

Xavier Legette Eddie Lewis

220 185

SR SR

QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

SPECIAL TEAMS K P

5-10 6-4

2023 SCHEDULE S.2 ....North Carolina (Char.)

O.21 .......................at Missouri

S.9 ................................Furman

O.28 ..................at Texas A&M

S.16 .........................at Georgia

N.4 ............Jacksonville State

S.23 ............ Mississippi State

N.11 ........................Vanderbilt

S.30 ....................at Tennessee

N.18 ..........................Kentucky

O.14 ...............................Florida

N.25 ...........................Clemson

SPECIAL TEAMS KR PR

6-3 6-0

NEWCOMERS Markee Anderson, OL — Anderson ranked No. 7 as an interior offensive lineman. Given the Gamecocks’ low numbers upfront, he may see action early.

Nyckoles Harbor, WR — The big target at 6’5”, 225 has run a 10.3 100m and was ranked the No. 15 player coming out of high school. It wouldn’t be a shocker to see him at defensive end.

Jalon Kilgore, S — The athletic safety had a terrific spring.

Grayson Howard, LB — The No. 9 linebacker in the nation enrolled in December and participated in bowl practices.

47 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

TENNESSEE

HEAD COACH: Josh Heupel OC: Joey Halzle DC: Tim Banks

Knoxville, TN

2022 RECORD: 11-2 (6-2) FOUNDED: 1794 STADIUM: Neyland (102,455)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

The Tennessee offense could not have been much more productive last season. Most of the firepower returns, but there are two critical pieces missing: quarterback Hendon Hooker and offensive coordinator Alex Golesh. Quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle has been promoted to OC, and Joe Milton III has another shot at being the man in Knoxville. The leadership change shouldn’t disrupt much, but you never really know. Milton has the strongest arm on the planet, but can be erratic. However, he proved his worth in the Orange Bowl, so the offense shouldn’t slip much. The line will probably be a bit better, the running backs are elite and Bru McCoy, Ramel Keyton and Squirrel White are dynamic playmakers. John Campbell Jr., a transfer from Miami, fills the only hole on the line. Dont’e Thornton (Oregon) adds another weapon at receiver.

As unworldly as the offense was last season, let’s not dismiss how well the defense performed. Opponents averaged 3.3 yards a carry, were 34.2 percent on third down and scored just 22.8 per game. The Vols totaled 31 sacks and forced 22 turnovers. Tennessee led the SEC with 94 tackles behind the line.

Omari Thomas and Bryson Eason are difficult to move in the middle. Roman Harrison must now step up to compensate for the production gone from last season. Top tackler Aaron Beasley returns, and he’s joined at linebacker by Keenan Pili from BYU, a veteran of 34 games over four seasons. The secondary is the only question mark on this side of the ball, but there is no lack of talent, just proven experience. Jaylen McCollough and Tamarion McDonald are tough safeties, especially against the run. The corners bear watching early.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 7 0 10 15 9 87 74 78 63 76 53

PLAYER POS Joe Milton III QB Jaylen Wright RB Squirrel White WR Bru McCoy WR Ramel Keyton WR Jacob Warren TE John Campbell Jr. LT Ollie Lane LG Cooper Mays C Javontez Spraggins RG Jeremiah Crawford RT

HT 6-5 5-11 5-10 6-3 6-3 6-6 6-5 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-5

WT 235 210 165 220 195 250 320 325 305 325 320

CLASS SR JR SO SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR

NO 9 21 20 30 6 11 8 0 2 13 12

PLAYER POS Tyler Baron DE Omari Thomas NT Bryson Eason DT Roman Harrison LB Aaron Beasley LB Keenan Pili LB Brandon Turnage CB Doneiko Slaughter CB Jaylen McCollough S Wesley Walker S Tamarion McDonald NB

HT 6-5 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-1 6-0 6-0 6-1 6-2

WT 255 316 310 235 225 240 186 190 204 195 208

CLASS SR SR JR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR

8 2 81 84 1 34 66 75 72 70 54

Nico Iamaleava QB Jabari Small RB Chas Nimrod WR Kaleb Webb WR Dont’e Thornton Jr. WR McCallan Castles TE Dayne Davis LT Jackson Lampley LG Addison Nichols C Andrej Karic RG Gerald Mincey RT

6-6 5-11 6-3 6-3 6-5 6-5 6-7 6-4 6-5 6-6 6-6

206 213 196 198 214 252 320 320 327 310 337

FR SR FR FR JR SR SR SR FR JR JR

90 10 99 19 44 7 4 5 17 14 25

Dominic Bailey Elijah Simmons Kurott Garland Joshua Josephs Elijah Herring Arion Carter Warren Burrell Kamal Hadden Andre Turrentine Christian Charles Jourdan Thomas

6-3 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-1 6-0 6-1 5-11 6-1 6-2

280 340 310 244 235 228 188 197 200 195 200

JR SR SR SO SO FR SR SR SO JR SO

19 98

Charles Campbell Jackson Ross

195 195

SR FR

3 3

Dee Williams Dee Williams

194 194

SR SR

SPECIAL TEAMS K P

5-9 6-3

2023 SCHEDULE

DE NT DT LB LB LB CB CB S S NB

SPECIAL TEAMS KR PR

5-11 5-11

NEWCOMERS

S.2 ......... Virginia (Nashville)

O.21 ....................at Alabama

S.9 .......................Austin Peay

O.28 ...................at Kentucky

Nico Iamaleava, QB — The No. 2 quarterback in the nation has landed in Knoxville and impressed coaches in the spring. He will be ready for SEC play early should Joe Milton III falter.

S.16 .........................at Florida

N.4 ............................... UConn

Keenan Pili, LB — BYU was 24-10 in his 34 games.

S.23 .................................UTSA

N.11 .................... at Missouri

Dont’e Thornton, WR — Last season at Oregon, Thornton helped stretch the field with 17 catches for 366 yards (21.5).

S.30 ..............South Carolina

N.18 .......................... Georgia

O.14 .....................Texas A&M

N.25 ..................... Vanderbilt

Arion Carter, LB — The freshman was on campus this spring and showed that he is ready to run with the ones. He will earn some snaps early and could be a starter by season’s end.

48 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

VANDERBILT

HEAD COACH: Clark Lea OC: Joey Lynch DC: Nick Howell

Nashville, TN

2022 RECORD: 5-7 (2-6) FOUNDED: 1873 STADIUM: Vanderbilt (40,550)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

The Vanderbilt offense made huge strides last season, though there was really nowhere to go but up. The Commodores averaged 4.3 yards a carry and gave up only 15 sacks. But defenses never respected any big-play threat and held Vanderbilt to just 36.8 percent on third down. A.J. Swann will have the keys to the offense from the outset and he’s a quality passer, but he’s no threat to break down the defense with his legs. Swann has an exceptional target in Will Sheppard who had 60 catches for 776 yards a year ago in a conservative attack. Jayden McGowan (44 catches, 452 yards) and Quincy Skinner Jr. (17, 238) also return, giving Swann an experienced group of receivers. Running back Ray Davis transferred to Kentucky, so the lead back will be Sedrick Alexander, a true freshman. The line will be pretty good; center Julian Hernandez is a hoss.

There isn’t much good to say about the Vanderbilt defense last season. Gave up 36 points a game, 5.2 yards per carry, 8.7 yards per pass, managed only 17 sacks and forced just 16 turnovers. There was no noticeable pass rush, which left a talented secondary struggling to keep up. But the addition of linebackers Aeneas DiCosmo from Stanford and Prince Kollie from Notre Dame gives the Commodores’ defense a chance to consistently get pressure on quarterbacks. Yilanan Ouattara and Christian James both hold up well inside, but there isn’t much depth for a reliable rotation. Linebacker CJ Taylor is a playmaker and Kane Patterson is reliable in the middle. The secondary is the most talented and experienced unit on the team. De’Rickey Wright is tough and plays with an attitude. Both Tyson Russell and BJ Anderson can be solid corners if there’s a decent pass rush.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 5 28 14 3 6 16 55 64 62 50 77

PLAYER POS AJ Swann QB Sedrick Alexander RB Will Sheppard WR Quincy Skinner Jr. WR Jayden McGowan WR Cole Spence TE Gunnar Hansen LT Delfin Xavier Castillo LG Julian Hernandez C Bradley Ashmore RG Junior Uzebu RT

HT 6-3 5-9 6-3 6-2 5-8 6-7 6-5 6-5 6-4 6-6 6-6

WT 228 199 200 205 177 245 317 361 315 303 330

CLASS SO FR SR JR SO SO JR JR SR SR SR

NO 11 5 99 0 10 19 1 8 26 2 23

PLAYER POS Darren Agu DE Yilanan Ouattara NT Devin Lee DT Aeneas DiCosmo LB Langston Patterson LB Kane Patterson LB CJ Taylor LB Tyson Russell CB BJ Anderson CB De’Rickey Wright S Jaylen Mahoney S

HT 6-6 6-7 6-2 6-3 6-1 6-1 6-1 5-11 6-1 6-4 5-11

WT 242 308 285 245 228 221 201 187 200 217 200

CLASS SO SO JR SR SO SR JR JR SR SR SR

8 13 17 83 85 84 57 52 76 71 70

Ken Seals QB Chase Gillespie RB Gamarion Carter WR London Humphreys WR Junior Sherrill WR Justin Ball TE Leyton Nelson LT Kevo Wesley LG Grayson Morgan C Gage Pitchford RG David Siegel RT

6-3 5-10 6-2 6-3 5-11 6-6 6-6 6-4 6-5 6-6 6-6

225 200 190 186 177 246 308 319 280 319 293

SR SO JR FR FR SR SO SR SO JR SO

15 91 9 20 22 32 33 30 34 7 21

Nate Clifton DE Christian James NT Daevion Davis DT Prince Kollie LB Bryce Cowan LB Ethan Barr LB BJ Diakite LB Trudell Berry CB Quantaves Gaskins CB Marlen Sewell S Savion Riley S

6-5 6-4 6-2 6-1 6-4 6-3 6-4 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-2

280 290 285 221 225 245 222 182 187 195 200

SR SR SR JR SO SR SO SO SO JR SO

38 45

Will Faris Matthew Hayball

160 182

JR SR

6 14

Jayden McGowan Will Sheppard

177 200

SO SR

SPECIAL TEAMS K P

6-1 6-1

2023 SCHEDULE A.26 ..............................Hawaii

O.7 ...........................at Florida

S.2 ..................Alabama A&M

O.14 .......................... Georgia

S.9 ................. at Wake Forest

O.28 .....................at Ole Miss

S.16 ........................... at UNLV

N.4 .............................. Auburn

S.23 .........................Kentucky

N.11 ........at South Carolina

S.30 .......................... Missouri

N.25 .................at Tennessee

SPECIAL TEAMS KR PR

5-8 6-3

NEWCOMERS Prince Kollie, LB — The transfer from Notre Dame is expected to bolster the pass rush.

Sedrick Alexander, RB — With the dearth of running backs on the roster, the starting job is Alexander’s to lose. But it’s not like he’s not worthy. He is a legit SEC talent.

Martel Hight, CB — Hight may be the most talented corner entering Vanderbilt in a while. He will get his feet wet this year and be ready to star in the future.

Aeneas DiCosmo, LB — The transfer from Stanford will help the woeful pass rush and contribute as an every down player.

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50 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

ALABAMA

HEAD COACH: Nick Saban OC: Tommy Rees DC: Kevin Steele

Tuscaloosa, AL

2022 RECORD: 11-2 (6-2) FOUNDED: 1831 STADIUM: Bryant-Denny (101,821)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

It will be interesting to see what Alabama’s offensive identity will be this season. With a stout offensive line, and without a proven, big-time quarterback, one would think this could turn into a run-heavy outfit. But SEC defenses that don’t respect the passing game can pretty much dominate. Jalen Milroe got a few snaps last season and didn’t embarrass himself. Tyler Buchner started three games at Notre Dame, losses to Ohio State and Marshall, and the bowl win over South Carolina. Buchner has a higher upside as a passer, but also a high turnover upside.

Jermaine Burton and Ja’Corey Brooks are dynamite receivers.

The offensive line should protect well and create a productive running game, everything a young, unproven QB needs. Jase McClellan and incoming freshman Justice Haynes should form a nice duo in the backfield.

Remember when the Alabama defense used to score every game? Well, last season the unit produced just 14 turnovers, seven picks and seven fumbles. Expect that to change this season. The four linebackers will continue to be the soul of the defense. Chris Braswell takes over the Jack position, hoping to kind of replace Will Anderson. He and Dallas Turner will get pressure on quarterbacks. Deontae Lawson is a sideline-to-sideline tackling machine. The Alabama coaches believe that Georgia transfer Trezmen Marshall will fit in immediately. There’s an athletic ton—literally—in the D-Line room that provides freedom for the linebackers. Kool-Aid McKinstry is the best corner in the country and Malachi Moore is one of the best safeties. Trey Amos has transferred in from Louisiana and Jaylen Cey from UAB to bolster an already talented unit.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 4 2 3 7 80 81 57 71 56 52 65

PLAYER Jalen Milroe Jase McClellan Jermaine Burton Ja’Corey Brooks Kobe Prentice CJ Dippre Elijah Pritchett Darrian Dalcourt Seth McLaughlin Tyler Booker JC Latham

POS QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

HT 6-2 5-11 6-0 6-2 5-10 6-5 6-6 6-3 6-4 6-5 6-6

WT 220 212 194 195 182 257 315 310 300 335 335

CLASS SO SR SR JR SO JR FR SR SR SO JR

NO 92 91 50 41 17 32 15 1 23 13 22

PLAYER POS Justin Eboigbe DE Jaheim Oatis NT Tim Smith DE Chris Braswell LB Trezmen Marshall LB Deontae Lawson LB Dallas Turner LB Kool-Aid McKinstry CB Trey Amos CB Malachi Moore S Jaylen Key S

HT 6-5 6-5 6-4 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-4 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-2

WT 292 328 304 255 236 225 240 195 198 198 210

CLASS SR SO SR SR JR SO JR JR SR SR SR

8 5 17 19 24 45 74 69 58 77 54

Tyler Buchner QB Roydell Williams RB Isaiah Bond WR Kendrick Law WR Emmanuel Henderson Jr. WR Robbie Ouzts TE Kadyn Proctor LT Terrence Ferguson Jr. LG James Brockermeyer C Jaeden Roberts RG Miles McVay RT

6-1 5-10 5-11 5-11 6-1 6-4 6-7 6-4 6-3 6-5 6-6

212 212 182 201 185 258 354 318 285 316 350

SO SR SO SO SO JR FR SO SO SO FR

93 47 44 35 28 30 34 3 12 2 11

Jah-Marien Latham DE James Smith NT Damon Payne Jr. DE Jeremiah Alexander LB Justin Jefferson LB Jihaad Campbell LB Quandarrius Robinson LB Terrion Arnold CB Antonio Kite CB Caleb Downs S Kristian Story S

6-3 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-5 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-1

275 296 304 249 225 228 231 196 182 208 211

JR FR SO FR JR SO SR SO FR FR SR

16 86

Will Reichard James Burnip

190 220

SR JR

7 1

Ja’Corey Brooks KR Kool-Aid McKinstry PR

195 195

JR JR

SPECIAL TEAMS K P

6-1 6-6

2023 SCHEDULE

SPECIAL TEAMS 6-2 6-1

NEWCOMERS

S.2 ...........Middle Tennessee

O.14 ........................ Arkansas

S.9 ................................... Texas

O.21 ..................... Tennessee

S.16 ...............................at USF

N.4 ......................................LSU

CJ Dippre, TE — The transfer from Maryland is regarded as a top three tight end in the SEC.

S.23 ...........................Ole Miss

N.11 ...................at Kentucky

S.30 ......at Mississippi State

N.18 ................Chattanooga

Caleb Downs, S — The No. 1 high school safety in the country had an excellent spring and will press for a starting spot.

O.7 ...................at Texas A&M

N.25 ...................... at Auburn

Justice Haynes, RB — The No. 3 running back coming out of high school, Haynes impressed in the spring and topped it off with three touchdowns in the spring game.

Kayden Proctor, T — One of the largest humans on campus, Proctor, a true freshman, could be starting by October.

52 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

ARKANSAS

HEAD COACH: Sam Pittman OC: Dan Enos DC: Travis Williams

Fayetteville, AR

2022 RECORD: 7-6 (3-5) FOUNDED: 1871 STADIUM: Reynolds Razorback (76,000)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Head coach Sam Pittman will ensure the offensive line is sound.

New offensive coordinator Dan Enos has two of the best athletes in the SEC in quarterback KJ Jefferson and running back Raheim Sanders, so the offense should be excellent. Jefferson missed some time and threw for 2,648 yards and ran for 640.

Sanders ran for 1,443, averaging 6.5 yards per carry. The line, built around Beaux Limmer, Brady Latham and Florida transfer Joshua Braun, is sound. The receiving corps must be rebuilt from scratch. The only holdover of note is Isaiah Sategna, who had two catches last season. The Razorbacks will rely on three transfers to mesh with Jefferson quickly. Isaac TeSlaa caught 68 passes for 1,325 yards at Hillsdale College, Andrew Armstrong hauled in 62 for 1,020 yards at Texas A&M-Commerce, and Tyrone Broden had 32 for 506 at Bowling Green.

The defense has been rebuilt primarily through the portal. There are five transfers as projected starters (Trajan Jeffcoat, Antonio Grier, Jaheim Singletary, Lorando Johnson and Alfahiym Walcott), and another five serving in critical backup roles. So, this unit promises to stay out of the bottom of the SEC this season.

Jeffcoat, John Morgan III and Landon Jackson should muster a pretty good pass rush. Cameron Ball and Taurean Carter provide meat upfront. Chris Paul Jr. will be the leading tackler and Grier is an exciting player on the outside against the run and pass.

Arkansas gave up close to 300 yards a game through the air last season, partially due to an anemic pass rush, and partially to inconsistent play in coverage. Dwight McGlothern is an All-SEC candidate at corner, and now he has help from Georgia transfer Singletary and safeties Johnson and Walcott, both from Baylor.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 1 5 2 4 16 30 51 62 55 78 75

PLAYER POS KJ Jefferson QB Raheim Sanders RB Andrew Armstrong WR Isaac TeSlaa WR Isaiah Sategna WR Var’keyes Gumms TE Devon Manuel LT Brady Latham LG Beaux Limmer C Joshua Braun RG Patrick Kutas RT

HT 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-4 5-11 6-3 6-9 6-5 6-5 6-6 6-5

WT 242 237 205 214 173 233 310 310 306 341 303

CLASS SR JR SR SR FR SO SO SR SR JR SO

NO 7 5 9 40 27 3 2 15 17 1 13

PLAYER POS Trajan Jeffcoat DE Cameron Ball NT Taurean Carter DT Landon Jackson LB Chris Paul Jr. LB Antonio Grier LB Dwight McGlothern CB Jaheim Singletary CB Hudson Clark S Lorando Johnson S Alfahiym Walcott NB

HT 6-4 6-5 6-3 6-7 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-2

WT 280 311 300 269 232 228 190 170 180 198 214

CLASS SR SO SR JR SO SR SR FR SR JR SR

6 7 17 13 14 9 72 50 56 76 53

Jacolby Criswell Rashod Dubinion Tyrone Broden Jaedon Wilson Bryce Stephens Luke Hasz Andrew Chamblee Cole Carson Amaury Wiggins E’Marion Harris Ty’Kieast Crawford

6-1 5-10 6-7 6-3 6-0 6-3 6-6 6-5 6-3 6-7 6-5

222 213 197 178 173 226 306 303 310 300 317

JR SO SR SO SO FR FR SO SO FR SR

6 10 50 56 36 28 11 25 29 4 21

John Morgan III Anthony Booker Jr. Eric Gregory Zach Williams Jordan Crook Jaheim Thomas LaDarrius Bishop Kee’yon Stewart AJ Brathwaite Jr. Malik Chavis Jaylen Lewis

6-2 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-0 6-4 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-0

273 320 307 256 223 245 182 188 190 200 189

SR SR SR SR SO JR SR SR SR SR FR

29 31

Cam Little Max Fletcher

176 176

JR SO

0 14

AJ Green Bryce Stephens

202 173

JR SO

QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

SPECIAL TEAMS K P

6-2 6-5

2023 SCHEDULE S.2 ............ Western Carolina

O.14 ....................at Alabama

S.9 ..........................Kent State

O.21 ......... Mississippi State

S.16 ................................... BYU

N.4 ...........................at Florida

S.23 ...............................at LSU

N.11 ........................... Auburn

S.30 .Texas A&M (Arlington)

N.18 ....................................FIU

O.7 ........................at Ole Miss

N.25 ......................... Missouri

DE NT DT LB LB LB CB CB S S NB

SPECIAL TEAMS KR PR

5-11 6-0

NEWCOMERS Trajan Jeffcoat, DE — The All-SEC caliber end from Missouri hopes to jumpstart the pass rush.

Jaheim Singletary, CB — The talented corner played in only four games at Georgia last season. His play opposite Dwight McGlothern will be critical in defending high quality passing teams.

Andrew Armstrong and Isaac TeSlaa, WR — The two FCS transfers posted awesome stats, but how will they hold up against SEC competition?

54 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

AUBURN

HEAD COACH: Hugh Freeze OC: Philip Montgomery DC: Ron Roberts

Auburn, AL

2022 RECORD: 5-7 (2-6) FOUNDED: 1856 STADIUM: Jordan-Hare (87,451)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Typically, these days, when a new coach takes over a program, a slew of new players come with him through the transfer portal.

That is certainly the case with Auburn, who projects to have seven transfers start on offense. Hugh Freeze has imported a new quarterback, a running back, an entire receiving corps and three offensive linemen. Payton Thorne competes with Robby Ashford at quarterback after throwing for 5,911 yards and 46 TDs over two seasons at Michigan State. Ja’Varrius Johnson is still around after catching 26 passes for 493 yards. Shane Hooks (Jackson State) is a tall, fast, matchup problem, and Jyaire Shorter (North Texas) scored 11 times on 23 receptions. Jarquez Hunter is the feature back, but Brian Battie had 1,185 yards for South Florida last season. Avery Jones (East Carolina), Dillon Wade (Tulsa) and Gunner Britton (WKU) bring instant credibility to the line.

There could be as many as five transfers starting for the defense—all among the front seven—after the unit struggled last season. Auburn allowed opponents to convert 42.5 percent on third down, and the Tigers had just 26 sacks and forced only 13 turnovers. Cam Riley, the second-leading tackler last season will likely be beaten out by transfers Larry Nixon III (North Texas) and Austin Keys (Ole Miss). Justin Rogers from Kentucky, who projects as first team All-SEC, is the best acquisition. He’s active and plugs the middle extremely well. Mosiah Nasili-Kite from Maryland will work alongside Rogers. Jalen McLeod (App State) should ensure the sack total increases in 2023. The secondary didn’t need the portal to be good. Corners Nehemiah Pritchett and D.J. James are NFL talents. Jaylin Simpson and Keionte Scott may line up just about anywhere, and produce.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 1 27 11 6 14 13 52 77 66 54 53

PLAYER Payton Thorne Jarquez Hunter Shane Hooks Ja’Varrius Johnson Jyaire Shorter Rivaldo Fairweather Dillon Wade Jeremiah Wright Avery Jones Tate Johnson Gunner Britton

POS QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

HT 6-2 5-10 6-4 5-10 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-5 6-4 6-4 6-6

WT 203 212 191 167 209 249 307 338 307 302 312

CLASS JR JR SR SR SR JR JR JR SR JR SR

NO 50 52 33 35 30 12 1 4 36 10 6

PLAYER POS Marcus Harris DE Justin Rogers NT Mosiah Nasili-Kite DT Jalen McLeod Edge Larry Nixon III LB Austin Keys LB Nehemiah Pritchett CB D.J. James CB Jaylin Simpson S Zion Puckett S Keionte Scott NB

HT 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-0

WT 294 346 285 237 231 237 182 164 178 227 188

CLASS SR JR SR JR SR JR SR SR SR SR JR

9 22 4 0 10 85 74 62 75 63 72

Robby Ashford Damari Alston Camden Brown Koy Moore Caleb Burton III Tyler Fromm Garner Langlo Kam Stutts Connor Lew Jaden Muskrat Izavion Miller

QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

6-3 5-10 6-3 6-1 5-11 6-5 6-6 6-5 6-3 6-3 6-5

218 209 203 198 171 241 297 343 290 302 318

SO SO SO JR FR SR SO SR FR JR JR

15 99 91 11 13 32 3 23 14 20 5

Keldric Faulk Jayson Jones Zykeivous Walker Elijah McAllister Cam Riley Wesley Steiner Kayin Lee J.D. Rhym Marquise Gilbert Cayden Bridges Donovan Kaufman

6-6 6-6 6-4 6-6 6-5 6-0 5-11 6-1 6-2 6-2 5-10

281 338 294 271 242 245 181 181 188 221 205

FR JR JR SR JR SR FR SO JR SO JR

38 91

Alex McPherson Oscar Chapman

150 202

FR SR

21 6

Brian Battle Ja’Varrius Johnson

170 167

JR SR

SPECIAL TEAMS K P

5-9 6-3

2023 SCHEDULE S.2 ......................................UMass

O.21 ..............................Ole Miss

S.9 ........................................at Cal

O.28 ..............Mississippi State

S.16 ...............................Samford

N.4 ........................ at Vanderbilt

S.23 ..................... at Texas A&M

N.11 ........................at Arkansas

S.30 ................................Georgia

N.18 ...........New Mexico State

O.14 ..................................at LSU

N.25 .............................Alabama

DE NT DT Edge LB LB CB CB S S NB

SPECIAL TEAMS KR PR

5-7 5-10

NEWCOMERS Payton Thorne, QB — Offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery wants to crank up the offense and throw it deep, and Thorne is just the man for the job.

Rivaldo Fairweather, TE — The big, fast tight end from FIU can get deep and has terrific hands.

Keldric Faulk, DL — The freshman will get on the field this season and could become a permanent fixture in the starting lineup.

56 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

LSU

HEAD COACH: Brian Kelly OC: Mike Denbrock DC: Matt House

Baton Rouge, LA

2022 RECORD: 10-4 (6-2) FOUNDED: 1860 STADIUM: Tiger (102,321)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

The LSU offense was terrific, and the accomplishments (34.5 points/game, 453 total yards/game, 49 percent on third down) are even more impressive considering how young the team was with two true freshmen starting on the offensive line. The only blemish is all those sacks, 45 of them to be exact. That must improve. Jayden Daniels and Malik Nabers may be the best quarterback-receiver combo in the nation. Daniels threw for 2,913 yards, 1,017 of them to Nabers. Daniels ran for 885 yards, but don’t expect that again. After all, the Tigers want to keep him upright. Josh Williams and Noah Cain combined for 941 yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging 5.5 yards a carry. Expect their carries to increase significantly. Mason Taylor is an effective weapon at tight end. Expect receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Kyren Lacy to shoulder a heavier load this season.

The defense wasn’t tough enough against the run and couldn’t muster much of a pass rush, especially late in the season. The Tigers missed Maason Smith, a top talent, with a torn ACL. He played in just one game. Smith and Mekhi Wingo can pack a punch upfront when working together. Smith’s presence will boost the pass rush, as will the addition of Ovie Oghoufo from Texas. Oghhoufo has 13 tackles for loss over the past two seasons at Texas. Many believe Harold Perkins Jr. is the best linebacker in college football. He may be even better playing alongside Omar Speights, who in 45 career games at Oregon State, had 147 solo tackles and 25 stops behind the line. The Tigers will break in a couple of corners. With Zy Alexander (SE La.), JK Johnson (Ohio State), Denver Harris (Texas A&M) and freshman Javien Toviano, they should be covered.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 5 21 2 8 11 86 66 70 69 72 50

PLAYER Jayden Daniels Noah Cain Kyren Lacy Malik Nabers Brian Thomas Jr. Mason Taylor Will Campbell Miles Frazier Charles Turner III Garrett Dellinger Emery Jones Jr.

POS QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

HT 6-4 5-10 6-2 6-0 6-4 6-5 6-6 6-5 6-4 6-5 6-6

WT 200 220 217 195 201 245 325 323 295 320 325

CLASS SR SR SR JR JR SO SO JR SR JR SO

NO 35 92 0 2 4 1 25 24 28 3 22

PLAYER Sai’vion Jones Mekhi Wingo Maason Smith Ovie Oghoufo Harold Perkins Jr. Omar Speights Javien Toviano Zy Alexander Major Burns Greg Brooks Jr. Duce Chestnut

POS DE NT DT OLB LB LB CB CB S S NB

HT 6-6 6-1 6-6 6-3 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-2 5-10 5-11

WT 268 295 310 250 220 238 201 188 187 187 200

CLASS JR JR SO SR SO SR FR JR JR SR JR

13 27 24 12 17 89 53 78 77 79 55

Garrett Nussmeier Josh Williams Landon Ibieta Kyle Parker Chris Hilton Jr. Connor Gilbreath Lance Heard Mason Lunsford Marlon Martinez DJ Chester Kimo Makane’ole

QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

6-1 5-9 5-11 5-11 6-0 6-6 6-6 6-7 6-5 6-6 6-4

200 205 192 194 182 268 335 297 326 316 310

SO SR FR FR SO SO FR JR SR FR SO

94 96 99 13 30 33 10 12 8 14 15

Paris Shand Jalen Lee Jordan Jefferson Bradyn Swinson Greg Penn III West Weeks Denver Harris JK Johnson Andre’ Sam Matthew Langlois Sage Ryan

DE NT DT OLB LB LB CB CB S S NB

6-4 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-0 5-11

267 308 305 249 238 238 183 180 195 205 203

JR JR SR JR JR JR SO SO SR SO SO

34 19

Damian Ramos Jay Bramblett

185 202

SO SR

1 1

Aaron Anderson Aaron Anderson

180 180

FR FR

SPECIAL TEAMS K P

6-2 6-2

2023 SCHEDULE S.3 .. Florida State (Orlando)

O.14............................ Auburn

S.9 ...............Grambling State

O.21 .................................Army

S.16 ...... at Mississippi State

N.4 ........................at Alabama

S.23 .......................... Arkansas

N.11 ............................. Florida

S.30 .......................at Ole Miss

N.18 ................ Georgia State

O.7 ........................ at Missouri

N.25 ......................Texas A&M

SPECIAL TEAMS KR PR

5-8 5-8

NEWCOMERS Dashawn Womack, Edge — Ranked No. 3 at Edge, Womack was hindered by an injury during spring practice and wasn’t able to show his skills. When healthy, he may be the best pass rusher on the roster, but with depth on the edge, the Tigers can afford to bring him along slowly.

Zalance Heard, T — The third-ranked tackle in this recruiting cycle, Heard has the size and skill to play right away. The Tigers are not opposed to playing true freshmen on the offensive line.

Will Campbell and Emory Jones Jr. both started last season. But there is depth now that wasn’t there at this point last season.

58 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

MISSISSIPPI STATE Starkville, MS

HEAD COACH: Zach Arnett OC: Kevin Barbay DC: Matt Brock

2022 RECORD: 9-4 (4-4) FOUNDED: 1878 STADIUM: Davis-Wade (61,337)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

There is no doubt that Mississippi State and the entire college football world will miss Mike Leach. As an individual and coach, he was truly remarkable. Now the Bulldogs must carry on his legacy. Enter offensive coordinator Kevin Barbay to try to pick up where Leach left off last season. Most of the offense returns, beginning with triggerman Will Rogers. Over three seasons, Rogers has completed 70.7 percent of his throws for 10,689 yards and 82 touchdowns. Lideatrick Griffin and Rufus Harvey will continue to be primary targets, but expect this edition of the Air Raid to throw down field much more. That’s where Justin Robinson and Jaden Walley come in. Another change will be the use of tight ends. Geor’quarius Spivey, Ryland Goede and Seydou Traore will all rotate in the offense. The offensive line is a group of experienced seniors led by Kameron Jones.

Once again, the front six should be strong for the Bulldogs, but there are some huge losses in the secondary. Mississippi State coaches don’t ask the linemen to worry about getting in the backfield as much as primarily holding the line of scrimmage.

Nathan Pickering, Jaden Crumedy, De’Monte Russell and Jordan Davis understand that well and know how to build a wall.

Most of the tackles and pressure come from the linebackers.

Nathaniel Watson, who has been in Starkville for 10 seasons it seems, is incredibly productive behind the line and sideline to sideline. Jett Johnson is a similar player and tallied two more tackles than Watson last season. Decamerion Richardson is the lone returnee in the secondary, and he is quite a playmaker.

But the unforgiving September schedule is no time to be breaking in inexperienced defensive backs.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO PLAYER POS HT WT CLASS 2 Will Rogers QB 6-2 215 SR 7 Jo’Quavious Marks RB 5-10 210 SR 5 Lideatrick Griffin WR 5-10 185 SR 3 Justin Robinson WR 6-4 220 JR 11 Jaden Walley WR 6-0 190 SR 8 Geor’quarius Spivey TE 6-5 240 SR 75 Percy Lewis LT 6-8 345 SR 66 Nick Jones LG 6-3 300 SR 57 Cole Smith C 6-3 310 SR 64 Steven Losoya III RG 6-4 320 SR 58 Kameron Jones RT 6-5 315 SR

14 Mike Wright QB 6-4 195 SR 22 Simeon Price RB 6-0 215 SO 82 Rufus Harvey WR 5-10 165 JR 18 Jordan Mosley WR 6-0 190 SO 1 Zavion Thomas WR 5-11 190 SO 88 Ryland Goede TE 6-6 260 SR 69 Kwatrivous Johnson LT 6-7 325 SR 52 Grant Jackson LG 6-6 325 JR 72 Canon Boone C 6-4 310 SO 79 Jakson LaHue RG 6-5 310 FR 76 Albert Reese IV RT 6-7 320 SO

NO PLAYER POS HT WT CLASS 9 De’Monte Russell DE 6-4 280 SR 22 Nathan Pickering DT 6-4 305 SR 94 Jaden Crumedy DE 6-5 305 SR 37 John Lewis LB 6-3 240 SO 14 Nathaniel Watson LB 6-2 240 SR 44 Jett Johnson LB 6-2 235 SR 3 Decamerion Richardson CB 6-2 190 SR 2 Esaias Furdge CB 6-0 180 SR 1 Marcus Banks S 6-0 190 SR 10 Corey Ellington S 6-3 200 JR 12 Shawn Preston Jr. S 6-0 205 SR

6 Jordan Davis DE 6-4 270 SR 35 Kalvin Dinkins DT 6-2 305 FR 91 Deonte Anderson DE 6-3 260 SO 26 J.P. Purvis LB 6-1 250 SR 40 Nic Mitchell LB 6-2 235 SO 0 DeShawn Page LB 6-2 235 SR 4 DeCarlos Nicholson CB 6-3 190 SR 21 Hunter Washington CB 5-11 190 SO 27 Chris Keys S 6-0 190 JR 17 Jordan Morant S 6-0 210 JR 15 Ja’Kobi Albert S 5-11 180 SO

82 83

SPECIAL TEAMS

Nick Barr-Mira Keelan Crimmins

K P

6-0 6-3

185 220

SR FR

2023 SCHEDULE S.2 .......................SE Louisiana

O.21 .................... at Arkansas

S.9 ................................Arizona

O.28 ....................... at Auburn

S.16 .....................................LSU

N.4 ............................Kentucky

S.23...........at South Carolina

N.11 .................at Texas A&M

S.30 .......................... Alabama

N.18 ...............Southern Miss

O.7 ..........Western Michigan

N.23 ...........................Ole Miss

5 1

SPECIAL TEAMS

Lideatrick Griffin Zavion Thomas

KR PR

5-10 5-11

185 190

SR SO

NEWCOMERS Creed Whittemore, WR — The freshman played quarterback in high school, so his first experience at receiver was in spring practice where he impressed coaches with his quick study.

Geor’Quarius Spivey, TE — Spivey returns to Mississippi State after suiting up for the Bulldogs in 1019-20 before spending the last two seasons at TCU. The tight end will be a large part of the passing game. He had 11 catches last season including one in the national championship game.

Ryland Goede, TE — The tight end brings experience of a national champion at Georgia last season.

60 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

OLE MISS

HEAD COACH: Lane Kiffin OC: Charlie Weis Jr. & John David Baker DC: Pete Golding

Oxford, MS

2022 RECORD: 8-5 (4-4) FOUNDED: 1848 STADIUM: Vaught-Hemingway (64,038)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Lane Kiffin can coach offense, and he also knows how to use the transfer portal. The Ole Miss offense generated close to 500 yards a game last season and returns intact except the receiving corps, which Kiffin simply restocked with experienced playmakers. Jaxson Dart returns at quarterback after throwing for 2,974 yards and running for 614. Former All-Big 12 QB Spencer Sanders is also in the quarterback room. The Rebels have the best running back in the SEC in Quinshon Judkins. The offensive line returns as well, so there is cohesion in the trenches. After losing two big-time receivers to the NFL, Kiffin found a couple of gems. One is Zakhari Franklin from UTSA who had 175 catches for 2,163 yards over the past two seasons. He should blossom in Kiffin’s system. The other stud is Tre Harris from Louisiana Tech who caught 65 passes for 935 yards and 10 TDs.

The Ole Miss defense wasn’t horrible. The Rebels gave up 25.5 points a game, 5.3 yards per play, opponents converted just 38.8 percent on third down and they sacked the quarterback 35 times and recovered 12 fumbles. Not bad, but in order to compete for SEC titles, the defense must be better. The pressure should be good this season, coming from a variety of places, but most notably Cedric Johnson on the end and from the linebackers. Tackle Joshua Harris from NC State is a big addition in the middle. Monty Montgomery joins the squad from Louisville, which upgrades the linebacker position. The portal helped rebuild the secondary that produced just two picks over the second half of the season. Zamari Walton (Georgia Tech) will start at one corner, and John Saunders Jr. (Miami, O.) will play safety alongside Isheem Young, who can really play.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 2 4 9 5 11 86 71 78 54 73 57

PLAYER Jaxson Dart Quinshon Judkins Tre Harris Zakhari Franklin Jordan Watkins Caden Prieskorn Jayden Williams Jeremy James Caleb Warren Eli Acker Micah Pettus

POS QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

HT 6-2 5-11 6-2 6-1 5-11 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-7

WT 220 215 205 185 195 255 300 305 310 290 360

CLASS JR SO SR SR SR SR SO SR SR JR SO

NO 2 0 89 15 8 23 7 6 5 13 1

PLAYER POS Cedric Johnson DE Joshua Harris NT JJ Pegues DT Jared Ivey LB Monty Montgomery LB Khari Coleman LB Deantre Prince CB Zamari Walton CB John Saunders Jr. S Ladarius Tennison S Isheem Young S

HT 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-5 5-11 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-2 5-9 5-10

WT 265 325 315 265 220 220 185 185 200 200 215

CLASS SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR JR SR

3 24 19 88 15 0 77 67 56 55 66

Spencer Sanders Ulysses Bentley IV Dayton Wade Bralon Brown JJ Henry Michael Trigg Victor Curne Quincy McGee Reece McIntyre Preston Cushman Cedrick Nicely

QB RB WR WR WR TE LT LG C RG RT

6-1 5-11 5-9 6-2 5-9 6-3 6-4 6-4 6-5 6-5 6-5

210 200 175 195 170 240 320 320 305 280 310

SR SR SR SO SO JR SR SR SR FR SO

12 90 97 14 36 11 24 9 16 3 28

Jakivuan Brown DE Stephon Wynn Jr. NT Jamond Gordon DT Isaac Ukwu LB Ashanti Cistrunk LB Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste LB Richard O’Bryant CB DeShawn Gaddie Jr. CB Teja Young S Daijahn Anthony S Jadon Canady S

6-3 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-1 6-2 5-9 6-1 5-11 6-0 5-11

245 305 290 265 230 230 180 195 195 200 182

SO SR SR SR SR SR SO SR SR SR JR

43 12

Caden Costa Fraser Masin

200 235

SO SR

19 11

Dayton Wade Jordan Watkins

175 195

SR SR

SPECIAL TEAMS K P

6-0 6-5

2023 SCHEDULE S.2 ................................ Mercer

O.21 ...................... at Auburn

S.9 ............................ at Tulane

O.28 ..................... Vanderbilt

S.16 ................. Georgia Tech

N.4 ........................Texas A&M

S.23 .....................at Alabama

N.11 ......................at Georgia

S.30 ....................................LSU

N.18 .................................ULM

O.7 ........................... Arkansas

N.23 .....at Mississippi State

SPECIAL TEAMS KR PR

5-9 5-11

NEWCOMERS Suntarine Perkins, LB — Ranked No. 3 at linebacker and No. 23 overall in this recruiting cycle, Perkins is ready to play in the SEC. With new depth at linebacker through the portal, the true freshman may be eased into action more slowly than he would like.

Monty Montgomery, LB— The veteran Linebacker from Louisville made 11 tackles for loss, two picks and forced four fumbles for the Cardinals last season.

Zamari Walton, CB — Walton has 42 games of experience at Georgia Tech and three picks in his career.

62 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

TEXAS A&M

HEAD COACH: Jimbo Fisher OC: Bobby Petrino DC: DJ Durkin

College Station, TX

2022 RECORD: 5-7 (2-6) FOUNDED: 1871 STADIUM: Kyle (102,733)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Over the last two seasons, the Aggies have been at or near the bottom of the SEC in many offensive categories, namely passing offense. Conner Weigman threw eight touchdown passes in his five games with no picks, but maybe it was the loss of top receiver Ainias Smith, maybe it was the play calling, or maybe it was Weigman, but the passing attack drifted from conservative into oblivion during the season. New offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino is determined to jolt the passing game, and he certainly has the receivers to do that. Smith returns after just four games last season. Evan Stewart led the team with 53 catches for 649 yards. Moose Muhammad III added 38 for 610. Five-star running back Rueben Owens will be in the rotation and is likely to end up with the most carries. He’s big and fast. The offensive line has underperformed based on their supposed talent.

The Aggies’ defense was decent, but certainly not excellent last season. All those big fellas with lots of stars in front of their names during recruiting haven’t exactly panned out for the Aggies, if they’re still around, that is. Walter Nolen has been the most productive and he must continue to step up.

A&M coaches believe that Shemar Turner and Fadil Diggs will blossom. But this team gave up big rushing totals last season and was torched by Ole Miss for 390 rushing yards. Without a solid front four, the safeties will continue to have high tackle numbers. Edgerrin Cooper is a sound linebacker who can make plays behind the line, but he needs help. The secondary was remade through the portal with top notch corners Tony Grimes (North Carolina) and Josh DeBerry (Boston College) joining the squad. Sam McCall (Florida State) is a rising star.

DEPTH CHART

DEPTH CHART

NO 15 4 1 7 0 18 60 75 61 64 76

PLAYER POS Conner Weigman QB Amari Daniels RB Evan Stewart WR Moose Muhammad III WR Ainias Smith WR Donovan Green TE Trey Zuhn III LT Kam Dewberry LG Bryce Foster C Layden Robinson RG Reuben Fatheree II RT

HT 6-2 5-9 6-0 6-1 5-10 6-4 6-7 6-4 6-5 6-4 6-8

WT 215 200 170 205 200 255 320 330 325 330 325

CLASS SO JR SO JR SR SO SO SO SO SR JR

NO 5 3 0 10 24 45 8 28 1 26 20

PLAYER POS Shemar Turner DE McKinnley Jackson NT Walter Nolen DT Fadil Diggs Edge Chris Russell Jr. LB Edgerrin Cooper LB Tony Grimes CB Josh DeBerry CB Bryce Anderson S Demani Richardson S Jardin Gilbert S

HT 6-4 6-2 6-4 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-0 5-11 6-0 6-1 6-1

WT 300 325 285 260 235 225 190 180 195 215 185

CLASS JR SR SO JR SR JR SR SR SO SR JR

14 8 13 5 3 42 71 74 54 66 78

Max Johnson QB Le’Veon Moss RB Micah Tease WR Jalen Preston WR Noah Thomas WR Max Wright TE Chase Bisontis LT Aki Ogunbiyi LG Mark Nabou C Jordan Spasojevic-Moko RG Dametrious Crownover RT

6-5 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-6 6-4 6-6 6-4 6-4 6-6 6-7

230 210 180 215 190 255 305 315 340 320 315

JR SO FR SR SO SR FR JR FR JR SO

4 34 17 18 21 40 7 16 11 2 33

Shemar Stewart Isaiah Raikes Albert Regis LT Overton Taurean York Martrell Harris Jr. Tyreek Chappell Sam McCall Deuce Harmon Jacoby Mathews Jarred Kerr

6-5 6-2 6-2 6-5 6-0 6-2 5-11 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-0

285 330 315 270 220 215 185 185 185 210 180

SO JR SO SO FR SO JR SO SO SO SO

47 95

Randy Bond Nik Constantinou

195 235

JR SR

1 0

Evan Stewart Ainias Smith

170 200

SO SR

SPECIAL TEAMS K P

5-11 6-3

2023 SCHEDULE

DE NT DT Edge LB LB CB CB S S S

SPECIAL TEAMS KR PR

6-0 5-10

NEWCOMERS

S.2 ......................New Mexico

O.14 .................at Tennessee

S.9 .............................at Miami

O.28 .............South Carolina

S.16 ..................................ULM

N.4 at ........................Ole Miss

S.23 ............................ Auburn

N.11 ......... Mississippi State

S.30 .. Arkansas (Arlington)

N.18 ........Abilene Christian

Chase Bisontis, OL — Ranked as the No. 2 interior offensive lineman in high school, Bisontis spent much of the spring at tackle, where he impressed coaches.

O.7 ............................Alabama

N.25 ..............................at LSU

Tony Grimes, CB — Grimes will draw No. 1 receiver assignments.

Rueben Owens, RB — The five-star runner (No. 2 running back) has the talent to emerge as the feature back. He was slow to come around in the spring, but the light bulb came on just before the summer. He’ll be a part of a rotation until he finds his groove.

64 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

COLLEGE FOOTBALL FREE AGENCY Transfer Portal Having trouble keeping track of all the players who transferred since last season?

Well, we have you covered with a handy list of the top players from the Transfer Portal and the impact their movement will have on both schools.

1. 1. Travis Hunter, CB

To: Colorado From: Jackson State

Coach Prime Time has made news twice recruiting Hunter, once as the top player in the nation choosing FCS Jackson State over pretty much any FBS school of his choice; again as the top transfer making his way to Colorado following his coach. Much like Hunter’s presence at Jackson State, he leads an influx of transfer talent to Boulder.

2. Sam Hartman, QB

To: Notre Dame From: Wake Forest

Hartman leaves the familiarity of Wake Forest for the limelight of Notre Dame. In 48 games at Wake Forest, he threw for 12,967 yards, including 4,228 in 2021 and 3,701 last season. Proving he can adapt quickly and thrive in a new system under Fighting Irish pressure, will boost his NFL stock for the draft next spring.

3. Fentrell Cypress II, CB

To: Florida State From: Virginia

The All-ACC corner led the conference with 14 pass breakups even though he played in only nine games.

His addition to the Seminoles gives Florida State a legit shot at dethroning Clemson.

7. Jordan Burch, Edge

To: Oregon From: South Carolina

Burch is a huge loss for the Gamecocks, and an equally huge get for the Ducks. He was third on the Gamecocks in tackles, made 7.5 tackles for loss and had 14 quarterback pressures. If Burch can perform that well against SEC offensive lines, he certainly can do that in the Pac-12.

8. Denver Harris, CB

To: LSU From: Texas A&M

Harris played in only five games, but was a factor on the field. The Aggies were able to use the portal to fill gaps. His arrival in Baton Rouge helps stabilize a defense with a national championship on its mind.

9. Tez Walker, WR

To: North Carolina From: Kent State

Walker was All-MAC at Kent State, but now must prove himself against ACC defensive backs. The good news is that Walker will have one of the best QBs in the nation throwing to him.

10. Bear Alexander, DL

To: USC From: Georgia

Lovett is a nice fit in the Georgia passing game to replace some production now in the NFL. The gifted receiver leaves a huge hole to fill at Missouri. He caught six passes for 84 against Georgia last season.

Alexander will be part of the completely revamped defensive line for USC. He played sparingly at Georgia as a true freshman, but produced when on the field. He had two tackles for loss in the national championship game. Alexander will carry a heavy load for the Trojans this fall as they chase their first national championship since 2004.

5. Adonai Mitchell, WR

11. Javion Cohen, G

4. Dominic Lovett, WR

To: Georgia From: Missouri

To: Texas From: Georgia

Mitchell had five catches in Georgia’s season-opening win over Oregon, but missed a good chunk of the season. He returned for the SEC Championship Game and hit Darnell Washington with a pass for a two-point conversion. He caught four passes for 65 yards and two scores in the two national playoff games. He clearly understands what it takes to win a championship. He will become a favorite target for Quinn Ewers at Texas.

6. Ernest Haufmann, LB

To: Michigan From: Nebraska

This is a terrific move for Michigan, getting a starting caliber linebacker to bolster depth at the position and solidify the future. He started seven games at Nebraska as a true freshman and the Cornhuskers will miss him terribly.

To: Miami From: Alabama

Alabama can plug and play guys along the front, so the hurt won’t be felt nearly as deeply as the benefit at Miami where the Hurricanes are completely rebuilding a dismal offensive line.

12. Avery Jones, OL

To: Auburn From: East Carolina

Jones will likely be one of seven new starters at Auburn courtesy of the portal. Coach Hugh Freeze has instantly rebuilt the sub-par offensive line from a year ago.

13. Shedeur Sanders, QB

To: Colorado From: Jackson State

Sanders is part of the 18 transfers on the 2-deep at Colorado this fall. He is the new quarterback (and son of the famous coach).

65 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE 14. Devin Leary, QB

To: Kentucky From: NC State

Leary played in 30 games over four seasons for the Wolfpack, including an injury-riddled 2022. He gets a fresh start with Kentucky who is looking for an experienced QB who can step in immediately.

15. LaDarius Henderson, T To: Michigan

From: Arizona State The big tackle started 10 games at left tackle as a true freshman in 2019 making his first collegiate start for Arizona State in a win at Michigan State.

Started all 13 games in 2021 and six last year before a season-ending injury. Will play his final season of eligibility for the Wolverines, most likely starting at left tackle.

16. Justin Rogers, DL

To: Auburn From: Kentucky

When an All-SEC talent changes schools, there is an immediate and significant effect on both institutions. Kentucky’s defense suffers a blow, while Auburn’s squad becomes appreciably better. Rogers occupies so much space in the middle that he makes all those around him much better.

17. Braden Fiske, DL

To: Florida State From: Western Michigan

Improving defensive line play, both against the run and pass, has been a priority for Florida State over the offseason. Fiske can make a huge difference for the Seminoles upfront. The portal continues to benefit big, Power 5 schools, and work against smaller programs.

18. Andre Carter, DL

To: Indiana From: Western Michigan

Between Carter and Western Michigan teammate Braden Fiske (transferred to Florida State), the Broncos lost 25 tackles for loss and 18 quarterback hurries.

Indiana gains a powerful piece for its pass rush.

19. Mason Cobb, MLB

To: USC From: Oklahoma State

Cobb led the Cowboys with 96 tackles and his 13 tackles for loss ranked second in the Big 12. He was named second team All-Big 12 and leaves a hole in the middle of the Oklahoma State defense. He will likely start for the Trojans.

20. Davison Igbinosun, CB To: Ohio State

From: Ole Miss Igbinosun started 10 games at cornerback and played in all 13 as a true freshman for the Rebels last season. College Football News named him to its Freshman All-America team. He made 21 solo tackles and broke up five passes. He participated in spring ball at Ohio State and played his way into the secondary rotation. Ole Miss replaced Igbinosun through the portal, but he will be missed.

21. Ja’Had Carter, S

To: Ohio State From: Syracuse

Carter was Honorable Mention All-ACC last season.

He made 28 starts at Syracuse with five picks. He contributed an interception and a 90-yard TD on a fumble recovery at Clemson last fall. Will be a part of the deep rotation in the secondary for the Buckeyes.

His departure leaves a gaping hole at Syracuse.

22. Keon Coleman, WR

To: Florida State From: Michigan State

The Florida State offense could be explosive this season, especially the passing game with such a strong receiving corps. Coleman brings big-time experience to Tallahassee from Michigan State.

23. Jaheim Bell, TE

To: Florida State From: South Carolina

Bell will grow into a nice weapon for Jordan Travis as the season progresses. He caught 25 passes for 231 yards and ran it 73 times for 261. He probably won’t run much for the Seminoles.

24. Hudson Card, QB

To: Purdue From: Texas

Purdue could be a perfect landing spot for Card, who was beaten out at Texas by Quinn Ewers. Card will likely start for the Boilermakers, who have no quarterbacks with significant experience (other than those signed through the portal). Card made five starts at Texas and appeared in 22 games, completing 69 percent of his passes last season for the Longhorns.

25. Dasan McCullough, LB To: Oklahoma

From: Indiana McCullough drew some Freshman All-America mention after making four starts and appearing in all 12 games for the Hoosiers. He made 6.5 tackles for loss and had 32 solo stops. He will start immediately at outside linebacker for the Sooners.

26. J. Michael Sturdivant, WR

To: UCLA From: Cal

Sturdivant’s matriculation leaves a hole in the Cal passing game and provides a huge boost to the Bruins’ attack. Sturdivant caught 65 passes, which led the Bears last season.

27. Zy Alexander, CB

To: LSU From: SE Louisiana

It seems a shame that a player with the talent level to play for a contender in the SEC can so easily leave an FCS program with no ramifications.

28. Anthony Lucas, DE

To: USC From: Texas A&M

A former five-star recruit at Texas A&M is now part of an overhaul at USC. The Trojans have an entirely new defensive front and Lucas should be a huge part of their success.

66 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE 29. Steve Linton, Edge

To: Texas Tech From: Syracuse

Spent four years at Syracuse playing with his hand on the ground, but will transition to an Edge/OLB pass rusher for the Raiders, where he’s an ideal fit.

30. Jamari Thrash, WR

To: Louisville From: Georgia State

Thrash, part of a remade receiving corps at Louisville, blossomed at Georgia State in 2022 with 61 catches for 1,122 yards. Can he repeat that against ACC DBs?

31. Brennan Armstrong, QB To: NC State

From: Virginia With the Cavaliers in rebuilding mode, it’s no surprise that Armstrong, a multi-talented quarterback, would choose to end his career elsewhere. He is reunited with his old OC Robert Anae, so expect a monster season.

32. Trezmen Marshall, LB

To: Alabama From: Georgia

Marshall saw action as a backup in 14 games, including both the national semifinal and championship games. He will likely earn a starting spot at Alabama.

33. Jordan Hudson, WR

To: SMU From: TCU

Hudson caught 14 balls for 174 yards, including two catches in the national semifinal win over Michigan.

34. Matt Lee, C

To: Miami From: UCF

Lee will start at center for the Hurricanes this fall.

35. Aidan Robbins, RB

To: BYU From: UNLV

Robbins led UNLV in rushing last season with 1,011 yards and nine touchdowns.

36. Carson Steele, RB

To: UCLA From: Ball State

Steele led the MAC with 1,556 yards last season and had nine 100-yard rushing games. He will share carries with T.J. Harden at UCLA.

37. Jeremiah Byers, T

To: Florida State From: UTEP

Byers made 30 starts at right tackle over four seasons at UTEP earning All-CUSA last season.

38. Dillon Wade, T

To: Auburn From: Tulsa

Wade will anchor the Auburn line at left tackle along with two other transfers that must gel quickly.

39. Trey Knox, TE

To: South Carolina From: Arkansas

Knox caught 26 passes for 296 yards as the third option at Arkansas.

40. Dorian Singer, WR

To: USC From: Arizona

Singer immediately will step into a starting role and will love catching passes from Heisman winner Caleb Williams. Singer led the Wildcats to the tune of 1,105 receiving yards on 66 catches.

41. Christian Roland-Wallace, CB

To: USC From: Arizona

Roland-Wallace and Dorian Singer knocked helmets at Arizona and now will do the same on the USC practice field. He was third on the Wildcats with 42 solo stops and led the secondary with six pass breakups.

42. Ali Jennings, WR

To: Virginia Tech From: Old Dominion

The senior will be the Hokies’ new go-to guy in 2023.

43. Tunmise Adeleye, DL

To: Michigan State From: Texas A&M

Adeleye was part of the impressive influx of five-star defensive linemen at A&M. Now the big fella gets a new lease on his football life for the Spartans this fall.

44. Dante Cephas, WR

To: Penn State From: Kent State

Cephas was second to Tez Walker with 48 catches for 744 yards in nine games for the Golden Flashes last fall.

45. Kaden Prather, WR

To: Maryland From: West Virginia

Prather caught 52 passes for 501 yards and three scores for the Mountaineers. Prather will be a big part of the Terrapins’ passing game.

46. Emmanuel Pregnon, G

To: USC From: Wyoming

Wyoming loses its best offensive lineman; USC gains a starting guard for a national title run.

47. Ajani Cornellius, T

To: Oregon From: Rhode Island

The big lineman from Harlem made 22 starts over his first two seasons at Rhode Island, and is considered the best blocker among FCS linemen.

48. Erick All, TE

To: Iowa From: Michigan

All was a beast at times for Michigan in 2021, but injuries limited him to three games last season.

49. Caden Prieskorn, TE

To: Ole Miss From: Memphis

Prieskorn caught 48 passes for 602 yards and seven scores last season at Memphis.

50. Sam McCall, CB

McCall is a rising star.

To: Texas A&M From: Florida State

67 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

68 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULES S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.14 O.21 O.27 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

AAC Charlotte S.C. State at Maryland Georgia State at Florida at SMU Navy at East Carolina Florida Atlantic at Tulsa Memphis Rice at South Florida

East Carolina S.2 at Michigan S.9 Marshall S.16 at App State S.23 Gardner-Webb S.30 at Rice O.12 SMU O.21 Charlotte O.28 at UTSA N.4 Tulane N.11 at Florida Atlantic N.18 at Navy N.25 Tulsa Florida Atlantic S.2 Monmouth S.9 Ohio S.16 at Clemson S.23 at Illinois O.7 Tulsa O.14 at South Florida O.21 UTSA O.27 at Charlotte N.4 at UAB N.11 East Carolina N.18 Tulane N.25 at Rice Memphis S.2 Bethune-Cookman S.9 at Arkansas State S.16 Navy S.23 Missouri (St. Louis) S.30 Boise State O.13 Tulane O.21 at UAB O.28 at North Texas N.4 South Florida N.11 at Charlotte N.18 SMU N.25 at Temple Navy A.26 Notre Dame (Dublin) S.9 Wagner S.14 at Memphis S.30 South Florida O.7 North Texas O.14 at Charlotte O.21 Air Force N.4 at Temple N.11 UAB N.18 East Carolina N.25 at SMU D.9 Army (Foxborough) North Texas S.2 Cal S.9 at FIU S.16 at Louisiana Tech S.30 Abilene Christian O.7 at Navy O.14 Temple O.21 at Tulane O.28 Memphis N.4 UTSA N.10 at SMU

N.18 N.25 S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.7 O.19 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

at Tulsa UAB Rice

at Texas Houston Texas Southern at South Florida East Carolina UConn at Tulsa Tulane SMU at UTSA at Charlotte Florida Atlantic

SMU S.2 Louisiana Tech S.9 at Oklahoma S.16 Prairie View A&M S.23 at TCU S.30 Charlotte O.12 at East Carolina O.20 at Temple O.28 Tulsa N.4 at Rice N.10 North Texas N.18 at Memphis N.25 Navy S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.7 O.14 O.21 N.4 N.11 N.17 N.25 S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.28 O.7 O.14 O.20 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

South Florida at WKU Florida A&M Alabama Rice at Navy at UAB Florida Atlantic at UConn at Memphis Temple at UTSA Charlotte Temple

Akron at Rutgers Norfolk State Miami at Tulsa UTSA at North Texas SMU Navy at South Florida at UAB Memphis

Tulane S.2 South Alabama S.9 Ole Miss S.16 at Southern Miss S.23 Nicholls S.30 UAB O.13 at Memphis O.21 North Texas O.28 at Rice N.4 at East Carolina N.11 Tulsa N.18 at Florida Atlantic N.25 UTSA Tulsa S.2 Arkansas-Pine Bluff S.9 at Washington S.16 Oklahoma S.23 at Northern Illinois S.28 Temple O.7 at Florida Atlantic O.19 Rice O.28 at SMU

N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

Charlotte at Tulane North Texas at East Carolina

A.31 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.7 O.14 O.21 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

UAB NC A&T at Georgia So. Louisiana at Georgia Tulane South Florida at UTSA Memphis Florida Atlantic at Navy Temple at North Texas

UTSA S.2 at Houston S.9 Texas State S.16 Army S.23 at Tennessee O.7 at Temple O.14 UAB O.21 at Florida Atlantic O.28 East Carolina N.4 at North Texas N.11 Rice N.17 South Florida N.25 at Tulane ACC Boston College S.2 Northern Illinois S.9 Holy Cross S.16 Florida State S.23 at Louisville S.30 Virginia O.7 at Army O.21 at Georgia Tech O.28 UConn N.3 at Syracuse N.11 Virginia Tech N.16 at Pittsburgh N.24 Miami Clemson S.4 at Duke S.9 Charleston Southern S.16 Florida Atlantic S.23 Florida State S.30 at Syracuse O.7 Wake Forest O.21 at Miami O.28 at NC State N.4 Notre Dame N.11 Georgia Tech N.18 North Carolina N.25 at South Carolina Duke S.4 Clemson S.9 Lafayette S.16 Northwestern S.23 at UConn S.30 Notre Dame O.14 NC State O.21 at Florida State O.28 at Louisville N.2 Wake Forest N.11 at North Carolina N.18 at Virginia N.25 Pittsburgh Florida State S.3 LSU (Orlando) S.9 Southern Miss S.16 at Boston College S.23 at Clemson O.7 Virginia Tech

O.14 O.21 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

Syracuse Duke at Wake Forest at Pittsburgh Miami North Alabama at Florida

S.1 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.7 O.21 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

Georgia Tech Louisville S.C. State at Ole Miss at Wake Forest Bowling Green at Miami Boston College North Carolina at Virginia at Clemson Syracuse Georgia

S.1 S.7 S.16 S.23 S.29 O.7 O.14 O.28 N.4 N.9 N.18 N.25

Louisville at Georgia Tech Murray State at Indiana Boston College at NC State Notre Dame at Pittsburgh Duke Virginia Tech Virginia at Miami Kentucky

Miami S.1 Miami (O) S.9 Texas A&M S.14 Bethune-Cookman S.23 at Temple O.7 Georgia Tech O.14 at North Carolina O.21 Clemson O.28 Virginia N.4 at NC State N.11 at Florida State N.18 Louisville N.24 at Boston College S.2 S.9 S.16 S.22 S.29 O.7 O.14 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

NC State at UConn Notre Dame VMI at Virginia Louisville Marshall at Duke Clemson Miami at Wake Forest at Virginia Tech North Carolina

North Carolina S.2 South Carolina (Char.)

S.9 App State S.16 Minnesota S.23 at Pittsburgh O.7 Syracuse O.14 Miami O.21 Virginia O.28 at Georgia Tech N.4 Campbell N.11 Duke N.18 at Clemson N.25 at NC State S.2 S.9 S.16

Pittsburgh Wofford Cincinnati at West Virginia

S.23 S.30 O.14 O.21 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.16 N.25

North Carolina at Virginia Tech Louisville at Wake Forest at Notre Dame Florida State Syracuse (Bronx) Boston College at Duke

Syracuse S.2 Colgate S.9 Western Michigan S.16 at Purdue S.23 Army S.30 Clemson O.7 at North Carolina O.14 at Florida State O.26 at Virginia Tech N.4 Boston College N.11 Pittsburgh (Bronx) N.18 at Georgia Tech N.25 Wake Forest Virginia S.2 Tennessee (Nashville) S.9 James Madison S.16 at Maryland S.22 NC State S.30 at Boston College O.7 William & Mary O.21 at North Carolina O.28 at Miami N.4 Georgia Tech N.9 at Louisville N.18 Duke N.25 Virginia Tech Virginia Tech S.2 Old Dominion S.9 Purdue S.16 at Rutgers S.23 at Marshall S.30 Pittsburgh O.7 at Florida State O.14 Wake Forest O.26 Syracuse N.4 at Louisville N.11 at Boston College N.18 NC State N.25 at Virginia A.31 S.9 S.16 S.23 O.7 O.14 O.21 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.7 O.21 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

Wake Forest

Elon Vanderbilt at Old Dominion Georgia Tech at Clemson at Virginia Tech Pittsburgh Florida State at Duke NC State at Notre Dame at Syracuse Big 12 Baylor Texas State Utah Long Island Texas at UCF Texas Tech at Cincinnati Iowa State Houston at Kansas State at TCU West Virginia

69 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULES BYU S.2 Sam Houston S.9 Southern Utah S.16 at Arkansas S.23 at Kansas S.29 Cincinnati O.14 at TCU O.21 Texas Tech O.28 at Texas N.4 at West Virginia N.11 Iowa State N.18 Oklahoma N.25 at Oklahoma State

Oklahoma S.2 Arkansas State S.9 SMU S.16 at Tulsa S.23 at Cincinnati S.30 Iowa State O.7 Texas (Dallas) O.21 UCF O.28 at Kansas N.4 at Oklahoma State N.11 West Virginia N.18 at BYU N.24 TCU

Cincinnati S.2 Eastern Kentucky S.9 at Pitt S.16 Miami (O) S.23 Oklahoma S.29 at BYU O.14 Iowa State O.21 Baylor O.28 at Oklahoma State N.4 UCF N.11 at Houston N.18 at West Virginia N.25 Kansas

Oklahoma State S.2 Central Arkansas S.9 at Arizona State S.16 South Alabama S.23 at Iowa State O.6 Kansas State O.14 Kansas O.21 at West Virginia O.28 Cincinnati N.4 Oklahoma N.11 at UCF N.18 at Houston N.25 BYU

Houston

TCU

S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.12 O.21 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

UTSA at Rice TCU Sam Houston at Texas Tech West Virginia Texas at Kansas State at Baylor Cincinnati Oklahoma State at UCF

S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.7 O.14 O.21 N.2 at N.11 N.18 N.24

S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.7 O.14 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

Iowa State Northern Iowa Iowa at Ohio Oklahoma State at Oklahoma TCU at Cincinnati at Baylor Kansas at BYU Texas at Kansas State

Texas S.2 Rice S.9 at Alabama S.16 Wyoming S.23 at Baylor S.30 Kansas O.7 Oklahoma (Dallas) O.21 at Houston O.28 BYU N.4 Kansas State N.11 at TCU N.18 at Iowa State N.24 Texas Tech

Colorado Nicholls at Houston SMU West Virginia at Iowa State BYU at Kansas State Texas Tech Texas Baylor at Oklahoma

Kansas A.31 Missouri State S.9 Illinois S.16 at Nevada S.23 BYU S.30 at Texas O.7 UCF O.14 at Oklahoma State O.28 Oklahoma N.4 at Iowa State N.11 Texas Tech N.18 Kansas State N.25 at Cincinnati

S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.7 O.14 O.21 N.2 N.11 N.18 N.24

Texas Tech at Wyoming Oregon Tarleton State at West Virginia Houston at Baylor Kansas State at BYU TCU at Kansas UCF at Texas

Kansas State S.2 SE Missouri State S.9 Troy S.16 at Missouri S.23 UCF O.6 at Oklahoma State O.14 at Texas Tech O.21 TCU O.28 Houston N.4 at Texas N.11 Baylor N.18 at Kansas N.25 Iowa State

A.31 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.7 O.21 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

UCF Kent State at Boise State Villanova at Kansas State Baylor at Kansas at Oklahoma West Virginia at Cincinnati Oklahoma State at Texas Tech Houston

S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.12 O.21 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

West Virginia at Penn State Duquesne Pittsburgh Texas Tech TCU at Houston Oklahoma State at UCF BYU at Oklahoma Cincinnati at Baylor

S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.14 O.21 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

Big Ten Indiana Ohio State Indiana State at Louisville Akron at Maryland at Michigan Rutgers at Penn State Wisconsin at Illinois Michigan State at Purdue

S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.7 O.14 O.21 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

Illinois

Toledo at Kansas Penn State Florida Atlantic at Purdue Nebraska at Maryland Wisconsin at Minnesota Indiana at Iowa Northwestern

Iowa S.2 Utah State S.9 at Iowa State S.16 Western Michigan S.23 at Penn State S.30 Michigan State O.7 Purdue O.14 at Wisconsin O.21 Minnesota N.4 at Northwestern N.11 Rutgers N.18 Illinois N.24 at Nebraska Maryland S.2 Towson S.9 Charlotte S.16 Virginia S.23 at Michigan State S.30 Indiana O.7 at Ohio State O.14 Illinois O.28 at Northwestern N.4 Penn State N.11 at Nebraska N.18 Michigan N.25 at Rutgers Michigan S.2 East Carolina S.9 UNLV S.16 Bowling Green S.23 Rutgers S.30 at Nebraska O.7 at Minnesota O.14 Indiana O.21 at Michigan State N.4 Purdue N.11 at Penn State

N.18 N.25

at Maryland Ohio State

Michigan State S.2 Central Michigan S.9 Richmond S.16 Washington S.23 Maryland S.30 at Iowa O.14 at Rutgers O.21 Michigan O.28 at Minnesota N.4 Nebraska N.11 at Ohio State N.18 at Indiana N.25 Penn State Minnesota A.31 Nebraska S.9 Eastern Michigan S.16 at North Carolina S.23 at Northwestern S.30 Louisiana O.7 Michigan O.21 at Iowa O.28 Michigan State N.4 Illinois N.11 at Purdue N.18 at Ohio State N.25 Wisconsin Nebraska A.31 at Minnesota S.9 at Colorado S.16 Northern Illinois S.23 Louisiana Tech S.30 Michigan O.7 at Illinois O.21 Northwestern O.28 Purdue N.4 at Michigan State N.11 Maryland N.18 at Wisconsin N.24 Iowa S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.7 O.21 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

Northwestern at Rutgers UTEP at Duke Minnesota Penn State Howard at Nebraska Maryland Iowa at Wisconsin Purdue at Illinois

Ohio State S.2 Indiana S.9 Youngstown State S.16 WKU S.23 at Notre Dame O.7 Maryland O.14 at Purdue O.21 Penn State O.28 at Wisconsin N.4 at Rutgers N.11 Michigan State N.18 Minnesota N.25 at Michigan S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.14 O.21 O.28

Penn State West Virginia Delaware at Illinois Iowa at Northwestern UMass at Ohio State Indiana

N.4 at Maryland N.11 Michigan N.18 Rutgers N.25 at Michigan State S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.7 O.14 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

Purdue Fresno State at Virginia Tech Syracuse Wisconsin Illinois at Iowa Ohio State at Nebraska at Michigan Minnesota at Northwestern Indiana

S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.7 O.14 O.21 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

Rutgers Northwestern Temple Virginia Tech at Michigan Wagner at Wisconsin Michigan State at Indiana Ohio State at Iowa at Penn State Maryland

S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 O.7 O.14 O.21 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

Wisconsin Buffalo at Wash. State Georgia So. at Purdue Rutgers Iowa at Illinois Ohio State at Indiana Northwestern Nebraska at Minnesota

CUSA FIU A26 at Louisiana Tech S.2 Maine S.9 North Texas S.16 at UConn S.28 Liberty O.5 at New Mexico St. O.11 UTEP O.18 at Sam Houston O.25 Jacksonville St. N.11 at Middle Tenn.

N.18 at Arkansas N.25 WKU Jacksonville State A.26 UTEP S.2 East Tennessee State S.9 at Coastal Carolina S.23 Eastern Michigan S.28 at Sam Houston O.4 Middle Tenn.

O.10 Liberty O.17 WKU O.25 at FIU N.4 at South Carolina N.18 Louisiana Tech N.25 at New Mexico St. S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.28

Liberty Bowling Green New Mexico St. at Buffalo at FIU Sam Houston

70 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULES O.10 at Jacksonville St. O.17 Middle Tenn.

O.24 at WKU N.4 Louisiana Tech N.11 Old Dominion N.18 UMass N.25 at UTEP Louisiana Tech A.26 FIU S.2 at SMU S.9 Northwestern State S.16 North Texas S.23 at Nebraska S.29 at UTEP O.5 WKU O.10 at Middle Tenn.

O.24 New Mexico St. N.4 at Liberty N.11 Sam Houston N.18 at Jacksonville St. Middle Tenn.

S.2 at Alabama S.9 at Missouri S.16 Murray State S.23 Colorado State S.28 at WKU O.4 Jacksonville St. O.10 Louisiana Tech O.17 at Liberty O.28 at New Mexico St. N.11 FIU N.18 UTEP N.25 at Sam Houston New Mexico State A.26 UMass S.2 Western Illinois S.9 at Liberty S.16 at New Mexico S.23 at Hawaii O.5 FIU O.11 Sam Houston O.18 at UTEP O.24 at Louisiana Tech N.4 Middle Tenn.

N.11 at WKU N.18 at Auburn N.25 Jacksonville St. Sam Houston S.2 at BYU S.9 Air Force S.23 at Houston S.28 Jacksonville St. O.5 at Liberty O.11 at New Mexico St. O.18 FIU O.25 UTEP N.4 Kennesaw State N.11 at Louisiana Tech N.18 at WKU N.25 Middle Tenn.

UTEP A.26 at Jacksonville St. S.2 Incarnate Word S.9 at Northwestern S.16 at Arizona S.23 UNLV S.29 Louisiana Tech O.11 at FIU O.18 New Mexico St. O.25 at Sam Houston N.4 WKU N.18 at Middle Tenn.

N.25 Liberty S.2 S.9

WKU South Florida Houston Christian

S.16 at Ohio State S.23 at Troy S.28 Middle Tenn.

O.5 at Louisiana Tech O.17 at Jacksonville St. O.24 Liberty N.4 at UTEP N.11 New Mexico St. N.18 Sam Houston N.25 at FIU Indies Army S.2 at ULM S.9 Delaware State S.16 at UTSA S.23 at Syracuse O.7 Boston College O.14 Troy O.21 at LSU O.28 UMass N.4 Air Force (Denver) N.11 Holy Cross N.18 Coastal Carolina D.9 Navy (Foxborough) UConn S.2 NC State S.9 at Georgia State S.16 FIU S.23 Duke S.30 Utah State O.7 at Rice O.21 South Florida O.28 at Boston College N.4 at Tennessee N.11 at James Madison N.18 Sacred Heart N.25 UMass UMass A.26 at New Mexico St. S.2 at Auburn S.9 Miami (O) S.16 at Eastern Michigan S.23 New Mexico S.30 Arkansas State O.7 Toledo O.14 at Penn State O.28 at Army N.4 Merrimack N.18 at Liberty N.25 at UConn Notre Dame A.26 Navy (Dublin) S.2 Tennessee State S.9 at NC State S.16 Central Michigan S.23 Ohio State S.30 at Duke O.7 at Louisville O.14 USC O.28 Pitt N.4 at Clemson N.18 Wake Forest N.25 at Stanford MAC Akron S.2 at Temple S.9 Morgan State S.16 at Kentucky S.23 at Indiana S.30 Buffalo O.7 Northern Illinois O.14 at Central Michigan O.21 at Bowling Green N.1 Kent State N.8 at Miami (O) N.14 at Eastern Michigan N.24 Ohio

Ball State S.2 at Kentucky S.9 at Georgia S.16 Indiana State S.23 Georgia So. S.30 at Western Michigan O.7 at Eastern Michigan O.14 Toledo O.21 Central Michigan N.1 at Bowling Green N.7 at Northern Illinois N.18 Kent State N.25 Miami

Miami (O) S.1 at Miami S.9 at UMass S.16 at Cincinnati S.23 Delaware State S.30 at Kent State O.7 Bowling Green O.14 at Western Michigan O.21 Toledo O.28 at Ohio N.8 Akron N.15 Buffalo N.25 at Ball State

Bowling Green S.2 at Liberty S.9 Eastern Illinois S.16 at Michigan S.23 Ohio S.30 at Georgia Tech O.7 at Miami (O) O.14 at Buffalo O.21 Akron N.1 Ball State N.8 at Kent State N.14 Toledo N.21 at Western Michigan

Northern Illinois S.2 at Boston College S.9 Southern Illinois S.16 at Nebraska S.23 Tulsa S.30 at Toledo O.7 at Akron O.14 Ohio O.21 Eastern Michigan O.31 at Central Michigan N.7 Ball State N.14 Western Michigan N.25 at Kent State

Buffalo S.2 at Wisconsin S.9 Fordham S.16 Liberty S.23 at Louisiana S.30 at Akron O.7 Central Michigan O.14 Bowling Green O.21 at Kent State O.31 at Toledo N.7 Ohio N.15 at Miami (O) N.21 Eastern Michigan

Ohio A.26 at San Diego State S.2 Long Island S.9 at Florida Atlantic S.16 Iowa State S.23 at Bowling Green O.7 Kent State O.14 at Northern Illinois O.21 Western Michigan O.28 Miami (O) N.7 at Buffalo N.15 Central Michigan N.24 at Akron

Central Michigan S.2 at Michigan State S.9 New Hampshire S.16 at Notre Dame S.23 at South Alabama S.30 Eastern Michigan O.7 at Buffalo O.14 Akron O.21 at Ball State O.31 Northern Illinois N.7 at Western Michigan N.15 at Ohio N.24 Toledo

Toledo S.2 at Illinois S.9 Texas Southern S.16 San Jose State S.23 Western Michigan S.30 Northern Illinois O.7 at UMass O.14 at Ball State O.21 at Miami (O) O.31 Buffalo N.8 Eastern Michigan N.14 at Bowling Green N.24 at Central Michigan

Eastern Michigan S.1 Howard S.9 at Minnesota S.16 UMass S.23 at Jacksonville St. S.30 at Central Michigan O.7 Ball State O.14 Kent State O.21 at Northern Illinois O.28 Western Michigan N.8 at Toledo N.14 Akron N.21 at Buffalo Kent State A.31 at UCF S.9 at Arkansas S.16 Central Conn. State S.23 at Fresno State S.30 Miami (O) O.7 at Ohio O.14 at Eastern Michigan O.21 Buffalo N.1 at Akron N.8 Bowling Green N.18 at Ball State N.25 Northern Illinois

Western Michigan A.31 Saint Francis S.9 at Syracuse S.16 at Iowa S.23 at Toledo S.30 Ball State O.7 at Mississippi State O.14 Miami (O) O.21 at Ohio O.28 at Eastern Michigan N.7 Central Michigan N.14 at Northern Illinois N.21 Bowling Green MWC Air Force S.2 Robert Morris S.9 at Sam Houston S.16 Utah State S.23 at San Jose State S.30 San Diego State O.14 Wyoming O.21 Navy (Denver) O.28 at Colorado State N.4 Army (Denver) N.11 at Hawaii

N.18 N.25

UNLV at Boise State

Boise State S.2 at Washington S.9 UCF S.16 North Dakota S.23 at San Diego State S.30 at Memphis O.7 San Jose State O.14 at Colorado State O.28 Wyoming N.4 at Fresno State N.11 New Mexico N.18 at Utah State N.25 Air Force Colorado State S.2 Washington State S.16 at Colorado S.23 at Middle Tenn.

S.30 Utah Tech O.7 at Utah State O.14 Boise State O.21 at UNLV O.28 Air Force N.4 at Wyoming N.11 San Diego State N.18 Nevada N.25 at Hawaii Fresno State S.2 at Purdue S.9 Eastern Washington S.16 at Arizona State S.23 Kent State S.30 Nevada O.7 at Wyoming O.14 at Utah State O.28 UNLV N.4 Boise State N.11 at San Jose State N.18 New Mexico N.25 at San Diego State Hawaii A.26 at Vanderbilt S.1 Stanford S.9 Albany S.16 at Oregon S.23 New Mexico State S.30 at UNLV O.14 San Diego State O.21 at New Mexico O.28 San Jose State N.4 at Nevada N.11 Air Force N.18 at Wyoming N.25 Colorado State Nevada S.2 at USC S.9 Idaho S.16 Kansas S.23 at Texas State S.30 at Fresno State O.14 UNLV O.21 at San Diego State O.28 New Mexico N.4 Hawaii N.11 at Utah State N.18 at Colorado State N.25 Wyoming New Mexico S.2 at Texas A&M S.9 Tennessee Tech S.16 New Mexico State S.23 at UMass S.30 at Wyoming O.14 San Jose State O.21 Hawaii

71 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULES O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

at Nevada UNLV at Boise State at Fresno State Utah State

San Diego State A.26 Ohio S.2 Idaho State S.9 UCLA S.16 at Oregon State S.22 Boise State S.30 at Air Force O.14 at Hawaii O.21 Nevada N.4 Utah State N.11 at Colorado State N.18 at San Jose State N.25 Fresno State A.26 S.3 S.9 S.16 S.23 O.7 O.14 O.21 O.28 N.11 N.18 N.25 S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.14 O.21 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

San Jose State at USC Oregon State Cal Poly at Toledo Air Force at Boise State at New Mexico Utah State at Hawaii Fresno State San Diego State at UNLV UNLV

Bryant at Michigan Vanderbilt at UTEP Hawaii at Nevada Colorado State at Fresno State at New Mexico Wyoming at Air Force San Jose State

Utah State S.2 at Iowa S.9 Idaho State S.16 at Air Force S.23 James Madison S.30 at UConn O.7 Colorado State O.14 Fresno State O.21 at San Jose State N.4 at San Diego State N.11 Nevada N.18 Boise State N.25 at New Mexico S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.7 O.14 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

Wyoming Texas Tech Portland State at Texas App State New Mexico Fresno State at Air Force at Boise State Colorado State at UNLV Hawaii at Nevada

Pac-12 Arizona S.9 Northern Arizona S.9 at Mississippi State S.16 UTEP S.23 at Stanford

S.30 O.7 O.14 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

Washington at USC at Wash. State Oregon State UCLA at Colorado Utah at Arizona State

A.31 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.7 O.21 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

Arizona State Southern Utah Oklahoma State Fresno State USC at Cal Colorado at Washington Wash. State at Utah at UCLA Oregon Arizona

S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.7 O.14 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

Cal at North Texas Auburn Idaho at Washington Arizona State Oregon State at Utah USC at Oregon Wash. State at Stanford at UCLA

S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.7 O.13 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.17 N.25

Colorado

at TCU Nebraska Colorado State at Oregon USC at Arizona State Stanford at UCLA Oregon State Arizona at Wash. State at Utah

S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.14 O.21 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.24

Oregon Portland State at Texas Tech Hawaii Colorado at Stanford at Washington Wash. State at Utah Cal USC at Arizona State Oregon State

S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.29 O.7 O.14 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.24

Oregon State at San Jose State UC Davis San Diego State at Wash. State Utah at Cal UCLA at Arizona at Colorado Stanford Washington at Oregon

S.1 S.9

Stanford at Hawaii at USC

S.16 Sacramento State S.23 Arizona S.30 Oregon O.13 at Colorado O.21 UCLA O.28 Washington N.4 at Wash. State N.11 at Oregon State N.18 Cal N.25 Notre Dame UCLA S.2 Coastal Carolina S.9 at San Diego State S.16 NC Central S.23 at Utah O.7 Wash. State O.14 at Oregon State O.21 at Stanford O.28 Colorado N.4 at Arizona N.11 Arizona State N.18 at USC N.25 Cal A.26 S.2 S.9 S.23 S.30 O.7 O.14 O.21 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.29 O.14 O.21 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

USC San Jose State Nevada Stanford at Arizona State at Colorado Arizona at Notre Dame Utah at Cal Washington at Oregon UCLA Utah

Florida at Baylor Weber State UCLA at Oregon State Cal at USC Oregon Arizona State at Washington at Arizona Colorado

Washington S.2 Boise State S.9 Tulsa S.16 at Michigan State S.23 Cal S.30 at Arizona O.14 Oregon O.21 Arizona State O.28 at Stanford N.4 at USC N.11 Utah N.18 at Oregon State N.25 Wash. State Wash. State S.2 at Colorado State S.9 Wisconsin S.16 Northern Colorado S.23 Oregon State O.7 at UCLA O.14 Arizona O.21 at Oregon O.28 at Arizona State N.4 Stanford N.11 at Cal N.18 Colorado N.24 at Washington

SEC Alabama S.2 Middle Tenn.

S.9 Texas S.16 at South Florida S.23 Ole Miss S.30 at Mississippi State O.7 at Texas A&M O.14 Arkansas O.21 Tennessee N.4 LSU N.11 at Kentucky N.18 Chattanooga N.25 at Auburn Arkansas S.2 Western Carolina S.9 Kent State S.16 BYU S.23 at LSU S.30 Texas A&M (Arlington) O.7 at Ole Miss O.14 at Alabama O.21 Mississippi State N.4 at Florida N.11 Auburn N.18 FIU N.25 Missouri S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.14 O.21 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

Auburn

UMass at Cal Samford at Texas A&M Georgia at LSU Ole Miss Mississippi State at Vanderbilt at Arkansas New Mexico St. Alabama

Florida S.2 at Utah S.9 McNeese S.16 Tennessee S.23 Charlotte S.30 at Kentucky O.7 Vanderbilt O.14 at South Carolina O.28 Georgia (Jax) N.4 Arkansas N.11 at LSU N.18 at Missouri N.25 Florida State S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23 S.30 O.7 O.14 O.28 N.4 N.11 N.18 N.25

Georgia UT Martin Ball State South Carolina UAB at Auburn Kentucky at Vanderbilt Florida (Jax) Missouri Ole Miss at Tennessee at Georgia Tech

Kentucky S.2 Ball State S.9 Eastern Kentucky S.16 Akron S.23 at Vanderbilt S.30 Florida O.7 at Georgia O.14 Missouri O.28 Tennessee N.4 at Mississippi State N.11 Alabama

N.18 at South Carolina N.25 at Louisville LSU S.3 Florida State (Orlando) S.9 Grambling State S.16 at Mississippi State S.23 Arkansas S.30 at Ole Miss O.7 at Missouri O.14 Auburn O.21 Army N.4 at Alabama N.11 Florida N.18 Georgia State N.25 Texas A&M Mississippi State S.2 SE Louisiana S.9 Arizona S.16 LSU S.23 at South Carolina S.30 Alabama O.7 Western Michigan O.21 at Arkansas O.28 at Auburn N.4 Kentucky N.11 at Texas A&M N.18 Southern Miss N.23 Ole Miss Missouri S.2 South Dakota S.9 Middle Tenn.

S.16 Kansas State S.23 Memphis (St. Louis) S.30 at Vanderbilt O.7 LSU O.14 at Kentucky O.21 South Carolina N.4 at Georgia N.11 Tennessee N.18 Florida N.25 at Arkansas Ole Miss S.2 Mercer S.9 at Tulane S.16 Georgia Tech S.23 at Alabama S.30 LSU O.7 Arkansas O.21 at Auburn O.28 Vanderbilt N.4 Texas A&M N.11 at Georgia N.18 ULM N.23 at Mississippi State South Carolina S.2 North Carolina (Char.)

S.9 Furman S.16 at Georgia S.23 Mississippi State S.30 at Tennessee O.14 Florida O.21 at Missouri O.28 at Texas A&M N.4 Jacksonville St. N.11 Vanderbilt N.18 Kentucky N.25 Clemson

72 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULES Tennessee S.2 Virginia (Nashville) S.9 Austin Peay S.16 at Florida S.23 UTSA S.30 South Carolina O.14 Texas A&M O.21 at Alabama O.28 at Kentucky N.4 UConn N.11 at Missouri N.18 Georgia N.25 Vanderbilt Texas A&M S.2 New Mexico S.9 at Miami S.16 ULM S.23 Auburn S.30 Arkansas (Arlington) O.7 Alabama O.14 at Tennessee O.28 South Carolina N.4 at Ole Miss N.11 Mississippi State N.18 Abilene Christian N.25 at LSU..

Vanderbilt A.26 Hawaii S.2 Alabama A&M S.9 at Wake Forest S.16 at UNLV S.23 Kentucky S.30 Missouri O.7 at Florida O.14 Georgia O.28 at Ole Miss N.4 Auburn N.11 at South Carolina N.25 at Tennessee Sun Belt App State S.2 Gardner-Webb S.9 at North Carolina S.16 East Carolina S.23 at Wyoming S.30 at ULM O.10 Coastal Carolina O.21 at Old Dominion O.28 Southern Miss N.4 Marshall

N.11 at Georgia State N.18 at James Madison N.25 Georgia So. Arkansas State S.2 at Oklahoma S.9 Memphis S.16 Stony Brook S.23 Southern Miss S.30 at UMass O.7 at Troy O.21 Coastal Carolina O.28 at ULM N.4 Louisiana N.11 at South Alabama N.18 Texas State N.25 at Marshall Coastal Carolina S.2 at UCLA S.9 Jacksonville St. S.16 Duquesne S.23 Georgia State S.30 at Georgia So. O.7 at App State O.14 at Arkansas State O.21 Marshall O.28 at Old Dominion N.4 Texas State N.18 at Army N.25 James Madison Georgia So. S.2 The Citadel S.9 UAB S.16 at Wisconsin S.23 at Ball State S.30 Coastal Carolina O.14 at James Madison O.21 ULM O.26 Georgia State N.4 at Texas State N.11 at Marshall N.18 Old Dominion N.25 at App State

Georgia State A.31 Rhode Island S.9 UConn S.16 at Charlotte S.23 at Coastal Carolina S.30 Troy O.14 Marshall O.21 at Louisiana O.26 at Georgia So. N.4 James Madison N.11 App State N.18 at LSU N.25 at Old Dominion James Madison S.2 Bucknell S.9 at Virginia S.16 at Troy S.23 at Utah State S.30 South Alabama O.14 Georgia So. O.19 at Marshall O.28 Old Dominion N.4 at Georgia State N.11 UConn N.18 App State N.25 at Coastal Carolina Louisiana S.2 Northwestern State S.9 at Old Dominion S.16 at UAB S.23 Buffalo S.30 at Minnesota O.7 Texas State O.21 Georgia State O.28 at South Alabama N.4 at Arkansas State N.9 Southern Miss N.18 at Troy N.25 ULM S.2 S.9 S.23 S.30

Marshall

Albany at East Carolina Virginia Tech Old Dominion

O.7 at NC State O.14 at Georgia State O.21 James Madison O.28 at Coastal Carolina N.4 at App State N.11 Georgia So. N.18 at South Alabama N.25 Arkansas State

S.30 Texas State O.7 Old Dominion O.21 at South Alabama O.28 at App State N.4 ULM N.9 at Louisiana N.18 at Mississippi State N.25 Troy

Old Dominion S.2 at Virginia Tech S.9 Louisiana S.16 Wake Forest S.23 Texas A&M-Commerce S.30 at Marshall O.7 at Southern Miss O.21 App State O.28 at James Madison N.4 Coastal Carolina N.11 at Liberty N.18 at Georgia So. N.25 Georgia State

Texas State S.2 at Baylor S.9 UTSA S.16 Jackson State S.23 Nevada S.30 at Southern Miss O.7 at Louisiana O.14 ULM O.28 Troy N.4 Georgia So. N.11 at Coastal Carolina N.18 at Arkansas State N.25 South Alabama

South Alabama S.2 at Tulane S.9 SE Louisiana S.16 at Oklahoma State S.23 Central Michigan S.30 at James Madison O.7 at ULM O.17 Southern Miss O.28 Louisiana N.2 at Troy N.11 Arkansas State N.18 Marshall N.25 at Texas State

Troy S.2 Stephen F Austin S.9 at Kansas State S.16 James Madison S.23 WKU S.30 at Georgia State O.7 Arkansas State O.14 at Army O.28 Texas State N.2 South Alabama N.11 at ULM N.18 Louisiana N.25 at Southern Miss

Southern Miss Alcorn State at Florida State Tulane at Arkansas State

ULM S.2 Army S.9 Lamar S.16 at Texas A&M S.30 App State O.7 South Alabama O.14 at Texas State O.21 at Georgia So. O.28 Arkansas State N.4 at Southern Miss N.11 Troy N.18 at Ole Miss N.25 at Louisiana

S.2 S.9 S.16 S.23

73 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE

74 | 2023 SOUTHERN FOOTBALL GUIDE