Samwise College Football Newsletter
Saturday, July 25, 2026
Georgia Tops SEC Preseason Poll Again; Chambliss Edges Manning for All-SEC Nod
Back-to-back SEC champion Georgia, led by head coach Kirby Smart, claimed the top spot in the preseason media poll at SEC Football Media Days in Tampa, receiving 88 of 164 votes to reach the conference championship game in Atlanta. Texas was the runner-up with 57 championship game votes, while Ole Miss finished a distant third with just six. In preseason All-SEC team voting, Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss edged Texas quarterback Arch Manning for the first-team honor. The media’s preseason choice has gone on to win the SEC title game only 10 times since 1992.
Sources: CBS Sports, WAFF Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Record Six New SEC Coaches Shine at Media Days in Tampa
A record six new head coaches made their debuts at SEC Football Media Days in Tampa this week, with several drawing praise from assembled media. First-year Florida head coach Jon Sumrall impressed with his candid, authentic approach that has his players and fanbase energized. New LSU head coach Lane Kiffin’s arrival in the conference generated attention, with Tennessee’s Josh Heupel quipping that Knoxville stores would need to be stocked with mustard and golf balls ahead of Kiffin’s first trip to Neyland Stadium. Texas quarterback Arch Manning and Ole Miss star Trinidad Chambliss were among the Heisman candidates present.
Sources: Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
ESPN Launching New Friday College Football Show With Josh Pate and Bussin’ With The Boys
ESPN is planning a new weekly college football show featuring analyst Josh Pate and Bussin’ With The Boys co-hosts Will Compton and Taylor Lewan, multiple outlets reported Thursday. The show will air on Friday afternoons and originate from college campuses around the country, sometimes operating alongside College GameDay. Pate, who has built a large following across digital platforms, appeared on ESPN’s talk programming throughout the 2025 football season and is set to expand his role with the network. ESPN has not publicly confirmed the program, and no time slot has been announced.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, Saturday Down South Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Notre Dame, Ohio State Lead 2027 Recruiting Tiers After Summer Surge
With summer recruiting winding down, ESPN published its tier rankings Thursday on how programs have fared in the 2027 class, naming Notre Dame and Ohio State among the leaders entering fall camp. The analysis found that 246 of ESPN’s top 300 prospects have already committed, with the vast majority of activity concentrated between March 1 and July 22. Alabama rose significantly in the national standings through aggressive summer recruiting, while Tennessee’s recent commitments also pushed the Volunteers up the class rankings. Programs now face a narrowing window to add remaining targets before December’s early signing period.
Conference Media Day Circuit Nears End; Big Ten Is Final Stop Before Fall Camp
The 2026 college football conference media day circuit is nearing its end, with the Big Ten the final stop. The Big 12 opened July 7–8 in Frisco, Texas, followed by the ACC in Charlotte July 15–17 and the SEC in Tampa July 20–23. The Big Ten closes the schedule July 28–30 in Chicago, after which programs report for fall camp. Throughout the month-long circuit, a consistent theme has emerged: new voices are everywhere, with programs across the country opening fall camp under new coaches at the helm and making fresh starts in 2026.
Sources: CBS Sports, CFP.com Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
2026 SEC Preseason Media Poll
1. Georgia (88 votes)
2. Texas (57 votes)
3. Ole Miss (6 votes)
Championship game votes (of 164) • SEC Media Days, Tampa
Preseason All-SEC Quarterback
First Team
Trinidad Chambliss ‧ Ole Miss
Second Team
Arch Manning ‧ Texas
AP Top 25 releases August 17 • AP Preseason Poll
Curated by JD · samwise.agency