In 2023, no SEC team competed for the College Football Playoff national title for the first time since its debut in
2014. It’s a fitting farewell for the conference that dominated the four-team era, and now that the 12-team playoff era
has arrived, more clubs than ever will have the opportunity to compete deep into the postseason.
Before we move ahead, consider the SEC’s performance over the last decade: the most Playoff appearances by a
conference (10), the most victories (14) and the most championships (six), with Alabama leading the way with the
most appearances (seven), wins (nine), and titles (three).
Nick Saban, the legendary coach, has retired, foreshadowing a probable change of guard in the league as we reach
2024. Georgia is primed to reclaim its SEC title thanks to a combination of returning players and new portal
acquisitions. Alabama lost key defensive players but returns core offensive talent, whereas Ole Miss and Missouri are
aiming for historic runs. Texas has championship expectations, Oklahoma is enthusiastic, and Mississippi State and
Texas A&M are hoping for a better future under new coaches.
To begin the offseason discussion, here are eight topics for 2024, ranging from expansion to broadcasting to
recruitment. As always, it’s a picture rather than a film strip because much of this can change within an hour, let
alone a day.
The most noticeable change to the SEC scene in 2024 and beyond is the departure of the sport’s finest coach, Saban.
Aside from dominance, he was the only constant in the SEC for nearly two decades and retired as the country’s fifth-
longest tenured coach. Georgia’s Kirby Smart and Kentucky’s Mark Stoops are now the only SEC coaches who have
spent at least five years at their respective schools. But there are a lot of narratives to follow.
