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[00:00]
A
Hello everyone. I'm Chris Phillips. He's Colbert Thompson. This is Chewing Clock SEC unfiltered bi weekly SEC football show. The best SEC football show on the Internet. Like I mentioned, jam packed show here on a Monday and the first chewing clock of the month of August. Happy August to you all. College football season and football season as a whole is officially here. We do get football this week with the NFL hall of Fame game for those of you who care about such things. But as we all know, in just a few short days this week, the pads will be popping, teams are back on the field, fall camp will officially begin and again, end of this month, folks, don't let them tell you week zero doesn't count because it absolutely does. We will get college football. And again, we are ever so close to toe meeting leather on the 2026 SEC football season. On that note, I welcome in my co host, colleague, partner in crime, one of the best in the business joins me once again. Colbert Thompson, Bear. Appreciate you taking the time, my friend. I know for you, obviously it's already football season. Heck, it's always football season. But you're hard at work there in Houston with the Texans and training camp and all that good stuff. Preseason about to get underway, my friend. Again, I appreciate you taking the time. Really excited to chop it up with you today.
[01:15]
B
We have football back in our lives. No more conversation about why the SEC is overrated or why the Big ten is able to run away from competition. No more chatter about what happens between the ACC and the future of a super league. Now we just get to see toe meat leather put the ball down the best 11 on 11 go toe to toe against each other and shut everybody up as we make a race to the College Football Playoff. It starts now. I'm excited. I don't care about anything that you want to talk about with your life. If it doesn't have anything to do with college football, it plays second field to me from here on out. Let's freaking go, dude.
[01:50]
A
Yeah, Cole. I'm actually going to get a look at the Titans this weekend. I'm going to their fan fest open practice. However you want to phrase it, they're having that on Friday. So I will be getting in a Nissan stadium, getting a first look at the 2026 Tennessee Titans. Maybe, just maybe we're going to the playoffs. So.
[02:07]
B
Probably not.
[02:08]
A
Probably not. Yeah, maybe. Maybe Cam Ward balls out this year. You never know. But like you mentioned, football's officially in the air, my friend. Guys, college football's happening this month. Really, really Exciting stuff really quickly before we get going, guys. As you see, no Demetri Gabonas again this week. He is still on vacation and we are happy for Demitri taking some time to recharge the batteries. He will join us again next week on Monday and then from there, really throughout the college football season. Of course, we're going to dive into next week, our college football playoff bracket predictions and our national champion. So it won't just be our bracket, it'll be our bracket with predictions and picking a national champion as well. We might even get into some week one stuff later that week next week. But again, really, really excited for this week, what we've got going on. One quick thing I do want to shout out, Cole. I was in Athens, Georgia over the weekend at the Bulldogs battling breast cancer golf tournament. Just want to say thank you and shout out to Dwight and his team yet again. That was an awesome opportunity. Really happy to be a part of it. That was my first time getting the opportunity to get down there and be a part of of that event and we had a great time. The golf was incredible. But obviously doing it for a great cause. Met so many great people, obviously, as you can imagine, a lot of dogs down there and I look forward to seeing them in Athens again this season. But I did want to take a moment, got it here next to me, by the way, this nice water bottle they gave us amongst tons of other gifts, by the way, at the tournament, but wanted to shout them out and again, it was for a great cause and raised a ton of money for the battle against breast cancer. So really, really fun stuff and wanted to start the show out, shouting them out for the hard work, the relentless work that I know that they put in months and months and months ahead of time. But again, on that note, Cole, and on the note of college football, one final thing I will say, keep your eyes and ears peeled. Good chance we very well might be having a kickoff party in Nashville to get the college football season going week one. So just let me put that bug in your ear real quick. Stay tuned for more details. But that being said, Cole, like we mentioned so many times, we're hitting the field this week. Football officially in the air. Cole in the note of Athens. I was in Athens, Georgia, walking around on Thursday afternoon, had dinner with our good friend Graham Coffee of DOG Central, who does such a great job. We figured why not let's walk around the campus, let's walk around the facility. So we went and saw Foley Field, the home of Georgia baseball. Then we walked over, saw the indoor facility. Saw the practice facility and Cole, I got chills. I got goosebumps because the field was painted. We're ever so close this week. The pads will be popping. We walked over to Sanford Stadium, saw the field. All the chair backs are officially in their seats. That's because we got football starting this week. Fall camp is getting going. Whether it's tomorrow, whether it's Wednesday, whenever it is, fall camp's underway. Cole, what we are here discussing today, position battles always dominate the conversation, right? And they're a big part of fall camp is these coaches and these teams continue to shape themselves. We got some major quarterback battles, Cole, that are taking place that are obviously going to go a long way in shaping what the 2026 season looks like. So I figure. Cole, let's discuss them, let's talk about them and let's make some predictions. Most notably Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee and Vanderbilt. All still trying to figure out who QB1 is. If I missed any of them, y' all can let me know in the comments. Or Cole, you can let me know. But those are the five most notable in the Southeastern Conference as we continue to count down the days to kick off the battles that we are watching for. So, Cole, let's go in reverse order. Let's give the Vanderbilt Commodore some love and start with them. We. We will end with Alabama and we will talk about those five QB battles and make our pick for who we think is going to win the job. So, Cole, without further ado, you ready to get this thing rolling? Let's start with the Vanderbilt Commodores. It is the freshman, the star prize recruit who picked the doors over Georgia, I might add, In Jared Curtis vs Blake Berlowitz, the New Mexico State transfer. So a lot of familiarity there with Tim Beck, his system life. After Diego Pavia officially begins, there are some massive, massive shoes to fill. Cole, your thoughts on this quarterback battle in Nashville and who you think will take the job ultimately?
[06:27]
B
Well, if Berlor is winning the job, what it's saying is that Curtis is not caught up to speed with Timback's offense. That's the only way I could see it because when you pay a premium and you guarantee the rights of being able to land the number one quarterback in the country regardless of if he is Mr. Tennessee or not, there's usually a sign that says you're starting right away. And we know this is simply based off of what we've seen in years past. I mean, go look at last season, Bryce Underwood at Michigan flipping at the very last minute. From LSU to go stay close to home. He won the starting job outright and it was largely because of, even if there are some bumps and bruises along the way, we feel confident that he gives us the best chance to win with his upside. And that's what you should feel with Jared Curtis. Again, this is a guy that's been a three year starter at Nashville Christian University, mean Nashville Christian school. He had 25 touchdowns his first season. He led us into the state championship in his second season he was the five star recruit. Everyone loved what he was able to accomplish. He was big in the championship this past year. I think he had five passing touchdowns and he really felt like that he had owned this section of being able to kind of separate himself of being clear QB1 in this year's recruiting class. What this really comes down to is do you feel like that if you were to throw him in against say an Alabama, you would throw him in against Georgia? He gives you a better shot than Brandon Berlowitz. And honest, I think it should because of whether or not Berlowitz has ties with, you know, Jerry Kill, with Tim Beck, with the offensive personnel for New Mexico State following in the same pathway of Diego Pavia. This is a kid that has all the intangibles and the tools, the frame, the footwork, the speed and honestly the IQ of what you want to be able to build off of your success from last season. And for me personally, what this really comes down to. Chris, Everything is about setting the tone, moving into a new era of Vanderbilt football. So Vanderbilt last season went 10, 2. Vanderbilt is not known for winning 10 games. They'd never won 10 games before. That was the first time we ever saw it in the regular season. And they're trying to prove to everyone as we sit here this morning talking about what is the future of Vanderbilt. Hey, just because we lost Diego Pavia doesn't mean we lost our moxie, doesn't mean we lost our aura, doesn't mean we lost our Persona. So we got to make sure whoever is winning that starting job carries the mantle over from what we saw a season ago and continues to build off that success. I think that when you go out in a guy like Jared Curtis, he's betting on himself when he could go to a place like Georgia and win national titles, he's going to Vanderbilt. To me, that says that you should be the starter if you are caught up with the offense. But if you're not, it does help that you have a guy that's currently in the building that can Learn the ins and outs. I think that whether or not Berlowitz wins the starting job week one, by the time that we get to the middle of SEC play, that would be Jared Curtis's team.
[09:08]
A
I was gonna say Cole. It's gotta be Jared Curtis though, right? Like I, I feel like that's the bag of goods. Not to say that Clark Lee guaranteed anything or Timback guaranteed anything. I don't think they're in the business of that. But I find it really hard to believe you got a guy like that to come to campus. I still think early playing time matters to these guys.
[09:29]
B
Right?
[09:30]
A
Like he wanted to go ride the bench for a year or two. He could have went to Athens, waited behind Gunner Stockton, potentially waited behind Ryan Puglisi and just waited his turn. I mean, I think the opportunity to be the man at Vandy and be the man immediately was probably a large part of what they sold him. And I do think it's interesting though, Cole. I mean, probably two months ago I didn't think there was much of a quarterback battle. I will be totally honest with you, Cole. I didn't know who Blake Berlowitz was until like two months ago. Like last season, I'll admit I couldn't have named Vanderbilt's backup quarterback because it was just the Diego Pavia show. So, you know, you look at Berlowitz's numbers, let's do that. He went 10, 19 for 134 yards and a touchdown at New Mexico State in 2023, 2024. He comes to Vandy. He follows Timbeck. He does not play. Last year he made six appearances, went 9, 17, 131 yards and a touchdown. Appeared in games like Georgia State. I actually did play against Virginia Tech. That was in 2025 through for 35 yards and a touchdown in that game, went 4 or 5 for 55 yards and beat Kentucky. So I mean he does have some significant action, but I just feel like there's no way that it's not Jared Curtis. I will say this though, Cole. What's interesting and some of these battles we're going to talk about, they're. They're similar to this from the standpoint of I think this one could go into the season because you look at who they open with Austin P. And Delaware, the first two games, then you get NC State, week three. Obviously I think you need to know who your guys by then, but I mean, what's to say? Why not let them duke it out on the field? I, I still just. Cole, I have a really, really hard time believing it's not Jared Curtis because I think again a large part of it is because he believed. He chose Vanderbilt because he believed he was going to see the field very, very early in his career, if not immediately in his career. And you talk to Vandy folks, most of them think it's, it's absolutely 100 Jared Curtis. Maybe this is being manufactured as some battle to keep guys sharp, but it's going to be interesting. I'm going to predict though it's Jared Curtis. I just don't think there's any way you got him on campus to not have him start game number one. And I think you were okay with the idea of hey, we're going to take our lumps with this youngster because he's so supremely talented and we're buying into him for the long term versus, you know, going with the, the guy who maybe is more experienced in the offense but you're thinking more long term than short term here.
[12:01]
B
I think so. What I find interesting and BLA Berloitz is is what they call my Blaze Berlo. This reminds me of a lot of the old Alabama battles after they let go of Agent McCarron. Nick Saban knew who he wanted to be a starter. Nick Saban made it clear this guy is probably gonna be our top option under center. But because we had these games early on in the season that we know that we're going to play both of them, all we're really waiting to see is okay, is there a reason why we would have to doubt him if put in a situation for a must win game. I think that that's what Clark Lee and Tim Beck are going to do in this situation. Both Berlowitz and Curtis are going to play. I expect both of them to see action with the first team offense at least a little bit in that game against Austin Peay and then probably in that matchup against Delaware going into the second half. You have to know by the time that you kick off against NC State that Jared Curtis is caught at the speed, good to go, locked, loaded, ready to take over the mantle of QB1. And if you feel confident in that, then he's going to be your star the rest of the way. I think that that's really what we're going to see in this battle again. Jared Curtis from a talent perspective is one of the best passers coming out of high school in the last five years and a lot of people believe that if he's willing to go to a place like Nashville and go to a program like Vanderbilt. He believes that he is good enough to be able to compete against SEC competition the second he steps foot on the field. And I think that he will end up doing that by the time that we get to mid October. I, I, I agree. I think that Jared Curtis wins the job. I think Jared Curtis is going to show a lot of people why there is hope in Nashville for the long term. After Diego Pavia Cole, let's go to
[13:40]
A
the other team in the state of Tennessee, that being the Tennessee Vols and Cole. I think this is one of the most fascinating quarterback battles that we have going into kickoff. And when you think about the expectations for Tennessee, maybe some of the pressure on Josh Hyple. Getting the answer to this question right obviously is going to be paramount, especially when you think about on the offense. They've got some nice pieces, they've got some weapons. I think there's a lot of reasons to be optimistic about that side of the football for the balls. But again, getting quarterback right is of the utmost importance. It is George McIntyre who has been in this system for a year. Very, very limited playing time obviously last year as Joey Aguilar took the SEC by storm. So it's George McIntyre against the prized signee and the prized freshman Faison. Brandon. Again, Cole, just to give you some background here, George McIntyre as a freshman a season ago and really got a high school. I should start there. Four star prospect out of Nashville. He enrolls at Tennessee. Last year as a freshman he played in two regular season games. 79 for 69 yards. His action came against New Mexico State and East Tennessee State. So mop up duty, late game duty, whatever when Tennessee was winning in blowout fashion. Then there's Faison, Brandon go five star prospect by all the major recruiting services. Top five overall prospect in the country, top five quarterback by everyone. This dude is has got balls. Fans excited, let's just put it that way. He enrolls in Tennessee in 20 in January of 2026. Went through spring, went through spring game, all that good stuff. Cole, your thoughts on this quarterback battle. Who you think wins the job, George McIntyre or Faison? Brandon, if I got to pull up
[15:26]
B
the clip I will but I think I was the first person to tell you and really everybody don't sleep on Fazon Brandon not being the guy like, like do not think that just because he is a true freshman coming on in he is not going to impress everybody. Dazzle Josh Hyple, find a rhythm with this offense and kind of take over the mantle which Ultimately I think happens. What's, what's so interesting when doing your research on Josh Hyper. Working with freshman quarterbacks is not an uncommon thing for him. Wherever he's been as a coordinator, as a quarterbacks coach, as a head coach. He did it when he was at Oklahoma with Sam Bradford. Dylan Gabriel, when he was the head coach at ucf had a phenomenal freshman campaign underneath Josh Hype, the red shirt freshman year from Nico Iamalama. They didn't make the playoff because of Nico but, but, but Nico still was a redshirt freshman and, and handled business before. So Josh Hypo has a good gauge on how to be able to learn and work with young quarterbacks. What I will say is, is that when you look at right now where Tennessee is, so many people I think are counting out Tennessee simply because the quarterback position and that's wrong because of when you look at the roster, they got two stud wide receivers, they got some damn good tight end play, they got arguably a top three offensive line in the sec. They have a top four returning running back into Sean Bishop. The defense, while it's a question mark, if it's caught up to speed underneath Jim Knowles could be a major difference maker. So really when you look at what made Tennessee so good a few years ago when they went to the playoff, it wasn't the quarterback play, it was just making sure the quarterback didn't put the ball in harm's way. And I think that that's what's going to separate George McIntyre and Faison Brandon in this does somebody have a little bit more of a jolt or an extra ump that gets the them that job but also doesn't make the mental mistakes that puts the ball in harm's way to where a game that comes down to the wire you may be winning and then that pick six now puts you with behind the eight ball and you don't know if you're going to be able to respond. So Brandon offers I think a little bit more upside in the rushing attack. I do like his arm strength a little bit more. I think George McIntyre is the consistent passing quarterback that you want. Neither is a bad guy, but I just feel like it. There's a way to clearly separate the two. Whichever one doesn't make the mental mistakes and offers just a little bit more. Tennessee has the opportunity to be a surprise in 2026. They just need competent quarterback play and that ultimately may be what decides who wins the starting job for Josh Hypo. Because let's be real, there are people that want him gone. And people who have said he's kind of hit a ceiling with us in Knoxville.
[17:57]
A
Yeah, my rule of thumb, Cole, when it comes to these quarterback battles is especially when it's a guy, listen, George McIntyre has played, but I mean it's been very, very limited and I understand he's got a year in the system, but my rule of thumb typically is like when you have a quarterback battle between two guys and it's even because when you think about it, George McIntyre should be ahead of Faison Brandon. Like GMAC should be going into fall camp as maybe not he's been named QB1, but he should be slightly ahead. From what I've heard, it's neck and neck. Yeah, the rule of thumb is when you got two guys and it's neck and neck, you go with the younger, more talented, higher upside option. That option of me spent Brandon goal. I mean I, I think, you know, logically when you're talking about it out loud, like it makes sense, like, okay, George McIntyre, he's been in the system for a year. It's Josh Hyple system, quarterback friendly and I think whoever they roll with, by the way, I think will perform well because if Josh Hypo's proven anything, it's he's going to get competent quarterback play. But I think it's going to be Faison Brandon. I think the momentum is pointing to him and I think in a big year for Josh Hypo and of course this is a big decision, I think it is much easier and I'm not saying this is why Josh Hyper would make the decision. He's going to play the best available guy, but I think in a year that is so important for the future, I think even if you're taking your lumps with a youngster, but it's the more talented of the two, I think that is something that he's going to have his bright spots as well. I think that's something you can sell to your fan base for the future. You know, they just got the commitment of dgg obviously. Highest paid running back recruit ever. Supposedly extremely talented though, you know, that's who he's going to be playing with. I mean, I think that's who he wants to be playing with and I think Bazon Brandon is the guy of the future for Tennessee. So I think the future is now for the Vols. I do think it's going to be Faison Brandon again. I think when you got two guys this close, because let's face it, George McIntyre's experience is it's limited to none. Essentially he just has a year of knowing the playbook ahead. Unless there's just this huge gap where Faison Brandon does not know left from right up from down, which I mean, if he doesn't, I'd put that more on the coaching staff probably than anything for not getting him ready. But unless there's just some huge gap from that standpoint, I think you go with the younger, more talented, higher upside guy. I think that's what they will do. I think they will go with Faison Brandon. They're just taking a look at their schedule really quickly. Yeah, Tennessee goes into the season, you've got that game against Furman week one. So you know, I'll be curious mostly do we see both guys? Because I think on one hand I think you'd like to know who QB1 is to get them as many reps as possible and build up as much as confidence as possible before you go in that Week 2 matchup at Georgia Tech. Right. I mean there's something to be said for splitting the rest, but I, I don't. I would rather have the guy known and say, hey man, go out there against Furman and go light it up. Go pad your stats, go build confidence because we need. You're going to need your guy playing at his very best when you go to Atlanta for a really tricky game against Georgia Tech. So I, I do think it's going to be Faison Brandon though. I just think cold the. The upside and I think building for the future, although I know it's a pivotal year and Tennessee fans don't want to hear that. It's a lot easier I think if you go 7 and 5 or 8 and 4 but you do it with Faison Brandon versus George McIntyre. I think that is something you can build off of and sell for the future. Like hey we did this with him in his first year. Think about next year. Plus we're adding dgg, plus we're adding whoever going to help us go get guys in the portal. They're going to want to play with a guy like this who's an exciting playmaker at the quarterback position. So I think they go with Faison Brandon.
[21:52]
B
Yeah, I think, I think that you bring up a really good point. It's a lot easier to sell to the fan base. Look at the stats and how well he has matured from week one to week 13. And while we may finish the year eight and five, we at least know that this is a guy that's bought in for the future than it is going with George McIntyre. I think that the big thing that I would look at as well, you got to know who the wide receivers are trusting more. And I know that seems like it's like oh well, you know, any wide receiver can make a play for a quarterback. You got two damn good wide receivers and you got a third that's waiting in the wings and then maybe even a fourth when you throw in TK keys that are going to be here for the future. You want to know that they have this rapport that is just simpatico. Just we know that we're good, we're not having to reach or anything. When I'm going into an audible situation, I know what he's looking for, I know how to break on open and I know that he's going to find me and I'm not going to be the one holding the end of stick with a bad grip. So Faison Brandon I think offers you a little bit more of that. I think Faison Brandon offers you a little bit more when it comes to the mobility factor. I think Faison Brandon does a lot of good things at a high end level and we don't know what he's going to do in college yet because we've yet to see it. But we barely seen it for George McIntyre too. So when I know that there's a little bit more upside at one spot, it's a lot easier to go ahead and trust that he can get the job done and at least show me that by the time that we get to the season's end. Yeah, he's corrected the same the mental errors that plagued us early on in the year.
[23:13]
A
Cole, let's go to Gainesville Florida, the Florida Gators. Year one of John Sumrall, year one of new OC Buster Faulkner. It'll be Tramell Jones Jr. Against Aaron Philo, who notably followed Buster Faulkner from Georgia Tech. Cole, your thoughts on this battle. Just to give you some background here, Aaron Philo last year for The Yellow Jackets. 21 of 28, 373 yards, one touchdown, one interception. You look at Tramell Jones Jr. He appeared in two games last year for the Gators, three for 191 yards, two touchdowns, 21 of 35. The two games he appeared in LIU and at Kentucky. By the way, at Kentucky he played the entire second half going 9:17 for 60 yards. But it's always intriguing. Cole, this is the first one we talked about where we have a new coach, we have a new coaching staff, and so we have a guy that followed his OC from his old stop to his new stop. How does that play into this battle? Your thoughts? Tramell Jones Jr. Aaron Philo, who wins this job? Who's the quarterback of the Gators Year one of John Sumrall?
[24:22]
B
Yeah, this is one that we're I think that we may be split on because of they're two different type of quarterbacks. You know, you look at the mobility of what Aaron Philo was able to accomplish at Georgia Tech and then you look at what Tramell Jones can be. And again the sample size is small for both. But we did see Tramell Jones at times last season and it hyped up Florida fans. I I don't really know if this is going to be one that will be decided by the time that we get to week three, Week four. I think that's what makes this such an interesting battle because John Summerall also brought this up at SEC media days. Just because you start week one does not mean you're starting in October. Just because if you have a really good rep against say LIU or against whoever the hell we play Week one doesn't mean that you're going to be playing up to the same par when we go against Georgia. I think that's really important. What you got to look at here is what do you think stands out more? The athletic traits of Tramel Jones or the knowledge of the offense for Aaron Filo and that's ultimately what may determine who gets the starting job. You bring in Aaron Philo because of his relationship with Buster Faulkner and I've heard some people talk about it, they do believe that because of what he knows, the ins and outs of being able to play in that system, it'll end up being really good and he will end up being an easier transition that where you may lose a game. But you know that it's not because of bad quarterback play or incompetence or a miscommunication. But then I look at also at the same time, Florida's offensive line still is a giant question mark and Florida's offensive line may be one of the biggest question marks for a team that on paper has everything else going forward into this year. So you may need a little bit more mobility. Do you think the Tramell Jones offers that upside a little bit more that can turn what's a six yard loss into a two yard game and maybe it's on third down and you just need to be able to move the sticks. So I don't know if there's a right answer right now because when you look at these two sides, neither is a bad fit, but it's either the best fit, I guess is the bigger question that I would have.
[26:19]
A
Well, and Cole, to your point too, I mean you think about that Week 3 matchup at Auburn. Before that you've got Florida Atlantic out of the gate and Campbell in week number two, both at home obviously. So you are going to have two games of sample size to, you know, potentially play both or one guy takes 70 of the snaps or 80 or however they want to do it. But you're going to have two games to to get a look at both of these guys and figure out who's the best fit. Because obviously week three at Auburn, Jordan Hare at night, you better have your guy ready and then Ole Miss the following week. So you dive into SEC play, you better have QB1 ready to go. This is going to be, you're going to notice Cola theme for me in some of these that we talk about. I, I just, here's my thing. I find it hard to believe that a guy follows his, his coach to a new stop to go sit the bench. I, I find it really, really, really hard to believe it. I will say though, Cole, this is probably one of the most unpredictable because we have no sample size whatsoever. Like, I don't feel like either one of these guys really has any sort of edge. I know there's a lot of buzz around Tramell Jones Jr. From Gators fans and I think it's probably because he's been there and they're the most familiar with him. But you know, you're really excited about Buster Faulkner if you're a fan of the Gators, obviously, as you should be. I think he brought his dude to be the dude. So I, I think Aaron Philo, I'm going to predict he's going to win the job at least coming out of the gate. Like you said Cole and John Summerall mentioned, who knows what happens past that. I mean if the guy goes out there and plays like against Auburn, you never know, right? Like he very well might get benched. And you know, John Sumrall, you mentioned his comments. He went as far as to say that they've had a two quarterback system before. Like he'll do it if he's got to. I don't think anybody prefers to do it that way, but he will do it if he has to. But I'll go Aaron Philo, just from the standpoint of I just find it really hard to believe that he followed him from Atlanta to Gainesville to ride the pine this season. But this is one Cole. I mean those first two games being against FAU and Campbell, I could see the rep split 50, 50. I mean I, I really, really could because it's one of those things with both these guys you don't really know what you got until they're under the lights in the line of fire. And Cole, I still don't really know that you're going to know what you got until week three at Auburn when you're, you're in front of 90,000 in the heat of one of the most hostile environments in college football. So I will go Aaron Filo, but this is one we could and I think I'd almost predict we will see both guys play this season in significant action as they try to figure this thing out.
[29:01]
B
Yeah, if you were to tell me who do I bank on seeing more reps in the Auburn game, I'd go Philo. I think it's just because the trust factor of running a two minute offense and being able to pick up third down coverages and understanding when a guy is playing down low and what the offensive line is going to look like for Buster Faulkner. When you got a dude that's been in your system before like that, you gotta take him. But it wouldn't shock me if Tramell Jones eventually surpasses him. But right now I would say it's Aaron Philo. I what I need more than anything else is a tone setter that is going to be able to run my offense accordingly. And I think that even though the sample size is small, he's only made one start his entire career and I think that was back in 2024. There's enough of a knowledge of understanding the ins and outs about Buster Faulkner wants that quarterback position, how to be able to run it from certain formations. What do you got to do when you're reading the coverages they're just going to say you know what? We'd rather have the tone setter in a guy that's not going to put the ball in harmony harm's way rather than the highlight play that could also lead to an interception. So yeah, I, I think that Philo wins the job. I think Firelow keeps the job midway through the year. Let's have a reevaluation though about what happens at that spot.
[30:06]
A
Cole. Let's go to Fayetteville, Arkansas. Another new staff that will attempt to nail down their QB1 over the course of fall camp. It is Ryan Silverfield, the Arkansas Razorbacks. K.J. jackson, the Returner from a Season ago who played some significant time for The Hogs against A.J. hill, the Memphis transfer who follows Ryan Silverfield. Cole once again first taking a look at AJ Hill red shirted last year at Memphis. He was a consensus four star recruit by the way out of Houston County High School. Last year though, first season on campus, he played in two games 1932 for 223 yards with a touchdown and one pick. Those two games came against UAB and then against NC State. In the gas forillable, most notably against NC State, Cooley went 6 of 7 for 48 yards. So really efficient. KJ Jackson actually a guy I got to see in person a season ago, Cole at Texas when he came in that game in relief. In total though, he went 33 of 54, three touchdowns, no picks, 11 carries for 52 yards and two touchdowns as well. That Texas game specifically Cole, 16 of 29 for 206 a touchdown, no interceptions in that ball game. Did some nice things. I mean this is kid, really athletic kid, got a strong arm. A lot of buzz around K.J. jackson, but again you've got A.J. hill coming over with his head coach at Memphis now over at Arkansas. So this one intriguing as well. Cole, we know what the expectations and we understand realistically the rebuild taking place in Fayetteville. But if you got any chance of exceeding expectations and making some noise and surprising some people, somebody's gonna have to emerge at the quarterback position. Cole, your thoughts? K.J. jackson vs. A.J. hill, who wins the job?
[31:58]
B
Yeah, Smitty Hogg brings up a really good point here. Limited time, not significant time. There were significant moments throughout that Texas and that Missouri game where it felt like that K.J. jackson kind of turned it on and made Hog fans realize it may be a dark future in terms of wins, but the quarterback position is going to be fun. And I went back and I remember watching that tape and he made some throws that the wide receivers just weren't bringing in the ball. It wasn't on him. He was actually hitting his stride. He was making some really good decisive reads. He's got that mobility factor. 6 foot 4 frame run inside the pocket. He scored a rushing touchdown against Texas. This is one of those times where you bring in a quarterback like A.J. hill and the reason you bring him on in is probably because of the new stat that comes into Memphis is not going to want him to stay as the starting quarterback, which is different than a guy like Aaron Philo leaving Georgia Tech to go to a place like Florida. He's following his offense coordinator, maybe because if he sees a vision where he was going to be the starter next season at Georgia Tech, but now because of the offense is going to be changed up here, we're going to go ahead and run it down to Gainesville. I think K.J. jackson showed everyone in Fayetteville in a small sample size that he is the right guy to lead this team. And I think the intangibles are there. I think the footwork is great, I think the frame is great, I think the accuracy was great. I think the confidence is there. This is one of those times where it feels like if A.J. hill is going to beat out K.J. jackson, he's got to have that it fantastic factor from the get go. That is where Ryan Silverfield realizes, yeah, I kept this guy around because I wanted competition. I feel like the part of the thing was when Ryan Silverfield got the job, he kind of had a meeting with K.J. jackson said, you are not entering the transfer portal as if I already know that you're going to be the starter. Like this is one of those battles that I think that we, we know there's a battle going on because they haven't announced a starter internally. I think that Everybody knows it's K.J. jackson until it's not K.J. jackson.
[33:56]
A
Yeah, watching him in Austin Cole, I mean again, the game was out of hand. But I, I liked some things I saw from an ability standpoint. I mean, to me, and I don't want to over exaggerate here for the sake of over exaggerating, but I don't feel like I am. Like, I feel like he's Camario Taylor without the highlight tape. I'm not saying he's gonna do that, but like I just, I think their games are somewhat similar now. I think Camario Taylor's in a better situation than what K.J. jackson is in, but some of the ability from a playmaking standpoint, like, you know, Camario Taylor has that crazy run that he had against Ole Miss. That's the one that's offseason. Everybody's got to repeat. Like, I think K.J. jackson could do some things that are similar to that, maybe not identical. I'm not saying they're equal players, but the, the skill sets are very similar in my opinion. So I think it's K.J. jackson as well. Cole. I mean, listen, I, I think it is intriguing they bring over A.J. hill. You know, when you bring, like I just talked about with Florida, when you bring over your guy from the previous stop, you know, it's something to Keep an eye on how much do they trust this dude. Do they see a vision for him being the starter quarterback? But I, I think you're right. I think the momentum around Arkansas from the people I've talked to, it does feel like K.J. jackson is the guy they're going to bank on, they're going to roll the dice with. And I think he is the highest upside and the most has the most electric factory potential of the two guys, if you will, to bring some excitement to the offense. Certainly Arkansas needs excitement in the offense around the program just in the worst way for this season to give him a shot to overachieve and have a successful year one under Ryan Silverfield. Cole finally to Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Some saying maybe we saved the most intriguing for last just because who it is the Crimson Tide. Kaylin Devore, Ryan Grubb moving on after Ty Simpson figuring out who's going to be QB1 this season. Is it Austin Mack, the Washington transfer who followed Caitlin DeBoer over to Tuscaloosa, or is it Keelan Russell, the star prized recruit, the star prize signee who saw very limited action? Cole a season ago it was interesting to me. I thought that last season I think many Crimson Tide fans thought Keelan Russell was going to be QB2 behind Ty Simpson. And you saw late in games, no, it was, it was Austin Mack that came relief and took those snaps and, and played that mop up duty, if you will. Austin Mack a season ago, 24 of 32 through two touchdowns, no interceptions for the Crimson Tide. His, his appearances came against Ulm, Wisconsin, EIU and Indiana. Indiana most notably went 1116 late in that game for 103 yards. Cole, when you look at Keon Russell obviously turned heads in the spring game, got people really fired up. A season ago he went 11 of 15, two touchdowns, no interceptions, 143 yards to his credit, three carries, 17 yards. That action came against Ulm and EI you. So Cole, your thoughts on this quarterback battle. I think what makes it so fascinating too is it felt like for so many it was a foregone conclusion. Keylon Russell was going to be the guy, right? Like prized recruit, super athletic, big arm, fits all the, you know, fits all the, all the, the checks, all the boxes if you will, of what you want. Your starting quarterback and Austin Mack just kind of felt like a, oh, he's just a journeyman that followed along Caitlin aboard whatever. And then you start hearing the rumblings out of spring and people certainly that I know that follow the Crimson Tide closely And that are there in Tuscaloosa we're saying hey, like no, there, there's some real smoke to the fire potentially that Austin Mack can, could potentially be this team starting quarterback. Then Keelan Russell has the big spring game. This still feels very wide open to me, Cole, even though most I think are going to pick Keelan Russell to win the job. Your thoughts on the dynamic of the battle between Austin Mac and Key Lime Russell and who, who do you think at the end of the day is QB1 for the Crimson Tide?
[38:02]
B
So what I think is, is that regardless of who wins the job, both are going to do fine in Kaylin Deborah's offense number one. They were each handpicked by Kaylin Debor and Ryan Grubb. One at Washington, one at Alabama. Both have an understanding about what Kayin DeBoer and and Ryan Grubb want in the quarterback position. And this is the first time that we will see a quarterback that Kayin DeBoer chose himself because if Jaylen Milro was there year one and Ty Simpson didn't go anywhere and he was a veteran in the system and I think that whether or not you want to say that he want to go in a different pathway, there was no reason not to go with Ty Simpson at the time. So. So this is the first time that we're going to see a Kaylin DeBoer quarterback from the very jump be in a Kaylin Debor offense Tuscalooso, which could be pretty awesome because remember the last time that we saw that his name was Michael Pennix Jr. And he went to the Heisman Trophy presentation and he was a couple throws away from winning a national title at one Washington, which is ultimately why he got the job in Alabama. The thing that I wonder about, and I don't want to say this because I feel like that it's one way or another, but what I really find interesting is there going to be a scenario where internally you don't want to lose the higher ceiling quarterback to the transfer portal. So what you do is you play him immediately even if there are some bumps and bruises along the way. Because if you want to avoid him even flipping flirting with the idea of leaving for the Portal in the off season because Austin Mack can have another year of eligibility if he wants to. If Keelan Russell doesn't, if Keelan Russell loses the starting job, Keelan Russell's got multiple years of starting eligibility left and he could go to any school in the country and I can promise you he would be one of the most if not the most covered quarterback in the portal this off season. So do you have that conversation of look, while we think that Austin Mack may give us the best chance to win now we know that we're only going to continue to grow with a guy like Kelon Russell and we got to do everything in our power to make sure that nobody is flirting. We're trying to coax him to leave the program early or better even just leave the program in general to where we lose him. And sometimes it feels like that that's, you know, super little bits to say it like that. But, but we've seen this happen before of guys going back and forth with quarterback battles and the second that you don't win the job, you kind of shut things down. I've seen that in Alabama. I mean Blake Barnett was the number one quarterback recruit in the country and Jalen hurts a kid from Channel View Texas, beats him out against and plays in the USC game, plays more in the USC game, plays the next week and then here we go. We never see Blake Barnett play another down for, for Alabama. Like, like it just happens that way. So is there a conversation internally going on saying that maybe we give it to Kelon Russell while there are some bumps and bruises because we want to have him be the starter long term and we know that he has a higher ceiling regardless? Number one, none of this is going to matter if your offensive line still is a turnstile of misery and if you aren't able to run the football. And number two, I don't think you have to have the job entirely locked up through the first three games of the season. I'm not a big believer in Florida State, the ECU game. You're probably going to see both play. You're going to have an opportunity very similar to what we saw when it was like Blake Sims and Jake Coker. Give me a reason why one of you is worthy of being the starter and I'm okay with the other one being the backup. I think both end up getting playing time throughout the first month of the season. I think by the end though, it is Keon Russell. Keon Russell I think has the highest ceiling in college football of all the quarterbacks that are first year starters. There's just this it factor that I saw when he was playing in high school and I think that there's a reason why Kayin Debor made sure and remember this was really important. Chris, there was the clip of Keelan Russell talk with a South Carolina coach after the win and Caitlin Deboer grabs him and goes, nope, right to the locker room because he knows that that's a guy that if you put in the portal, it's a dangerous, dangerous game that you're gonna be playing where he could be coming into Tuscaloosa in a year and he's not going to beat you instead of being a reason why you win games. So I think Keelan Russell wins the starting job at the end. But I do think that this is going to be a battle and honestly, if you're an Alabama fan, while it's an uncertain feeling, feel good because at least you know that both quarterbacks fit your system and that they're both probably going to be successful running Kaylin Deborah's offense.
[42:17]
A
Cole, I'm gonna go Keon Russell as well. I think one of the big reasons, a lot of what you just said, a lot of points, you hit on great points. You mentioned the offensive line lack of running game last year. I think Keon Russell and the, the wrinkle he brings to the offense from the standpoint of quarterback run game, I think will be pivotal for them this year. I don't know that Alabama, I think they need that in the offense. I don't know that Alabama is going to be able to run the football consistently conventionally from a standpoint of where they can afford to not have the quarterback run game be part of that offense. So I think Keelan Russell gives you the best opportunity that I agree with you going into East Carolina again. I think we will see both guys play. How dare you gloss over that Week 2 game at Kentucky, Cole? How dare you do that? No, I mean it tricky.
[43:11]
B
You, you.
[43:13]
A
I, I don't think we go into Kentucky with like, hey, it's, we're, we're announcing it's a two quarterback system. We're rotating them in and out. I, you know, this one is interesting though. Just because Austin Mack has been around so long with Kaylin aboard and Ryan Grubb. At the same time though, I'm like, man, if you were that good, like you probably would have won a quarterback battle by now. Yeah, yeah, you're right, Cole. I, I do think it is a dangerous game to play that if Keelan Russell did not win the job, if he hit the portal boy, that could certainly backfire because I think you look at his qualifications obviously. I mean he was an elite playmaker coming out of high school. Five star recruit, Texas and National Gatorade player of the year. We've obviously seen him on the field at this point and some of the dynamic and electric things he can do. And I don't know that Austin Mack will be a bad option but I just think again Keon Russell higher upside and I think what he can do Cole for their offense from a quarterback run game perspective I think is going to be crucial because again we don't know if Alabama can line up in the eye formation and run the football conventionally. I think that's going to be a wrinkle. They're going to need to generate some sort of run game this season similar to like kind of how. Maybe not to this level but kind of like how Oklahoma last year had to use John Matier. Like that was the only way they were able to run the football was in the quarterback run game with John Matier and then it was able to keep defenses off bounce. I think they'll need to do something similar with a Keon Russell. So I'm going to go Keon Russell. But you are right Cole, because I've talked about a lot and you and I have talked about a lot the way the beginning of the season and the first month of the schedule shapes up for Alabama. It is an opportunity to get these guys feet wet and get Keelan Russell's feet wet specifically without before you really dive into the teeth of the schedule. So this will be one. Make sure you turn your TVs on week one, that East Carolina game, you probably will see both. But I, I agree with you. I think it's going to be Keylon Russell. He, he's the quarterback of the future. That's why you brought that guy in. So I do think it is going to be Kelon Russell. Even though it sounded like Austin Mack early maybe had an edge, I, I just, I think you gotta try Kelon Russell out there.
[45:26]
B
I'll tell you what though, if Austin Mack is not the starter in 2026, by 2027 he will be a starter for an FBS program. I mean for a Power 4 program. I don't know where but there is whoever gets their hands on him will turn him into a starter and they will promise him that he is getting first team reps when he enters the point world.
[45:44]
A
There you have it again. Quarterback battles, position battles all across the SEC during fall camp. Guys, we'd love to hear your thoughts and which of these new quarterbacks are you expecting the most out of this season? Guys, we're going to keep it moving really quickly. We'll get into your questions in your comments. Cole, let's do it. Sandman says Kaylin Abore will be at USC after Lincoln Riley gets canned.
[46:04]
B
No, he won't. They're not.
[46:06]
A
That is an interesting percentage prediction, Sandman. That is a very. He also says, we all know Debore is cooked, right? Sandman's coming in hot with the comments today. Appreciate you being here, Sam, and it's always good to see you. All right, so Deborah's cooked and he's gonna take the USC job. So there you have it, right? Tomorrow's headline says Sandman. I'm gonna do it. Gator fan. Big Gator fan says Alabama won't be very good this year. Billy Napier to FSU in 2027.
[46:33]
B
Boy, that's not happening.
[46:35]
A
That would be funny.
[46:36]
B
That's not happening.
[46:38]
A
Tim Skelton says hottie Toddy. Appreciate you being here, my friend. Big Gators fan. Alabama 7 and 5 or 8 and 4 gold. Geez, we got a lot of Bama hate in the comments today. A lot of Bama haters in the comments.
[46:52]
B
8 and 4 is not honestly that far fetched. I know it sounds crazy, but it really isn't like there are enough games to where I could see an 8 and 4 scenario for 10 in Tuscaloosa this year.
[47:02]
A
He also says bold prediction. Aaron Philo, fourth best quarterback in the sec.
[47:08]
B
Now here's what I will say. I will not be shocked if all the first year quarterbacks we see by the season's end, Aaron Philo is the best of them. I won't be shocked on that. Fourth best in the SEC means that you're surpassing Levitt and Byron Brown and probably Arch Manning, Lenora and Stockton Sellers. Not to mention maybe even Kenny Minchi who we haven't even brought up just yet. Like the list is there. John Matir even for that matter, who again, if you look at Marcel Reed, who we we just continuously forget about, it's like fourth is a long, long reach. Newcomers. Yeah, I. I'll actually give you that one. I wouldn't be shocked.
[47:49]
A
Let's see. I want to shout out my guy, John Rice, who's tuned in. John, appreciate you my man. Burley240 Great first comment of the day by the way, said Sellers all the way. Well, the reason we didn't talk about Lenore Sellers is because there is no quarterback battle. Columbia, South Carolina. It is Lenora Sellers. Dog says people are pissed about the Mizzou prediction. Yeah, that. That's a comment section I'm staying away from. Sandman says if Ohio State or Georgia doesn't win the Natty this year, then who does in your opinion we'll tune in next Monday. We'll get into our plea. We'll we'll get into our playoff bracket predictions on next Monday's show Sandman. So make sure you tune in. All right, we're going to talk some Vanderbilt Commodores. Our final team preview heading in the 2026 season. Guys, before we do, really quick, we want to tell you about our friends over at Kalshi because as always, we are brought to you by our friends at calshe. Before the season even kicks off, everyone is making predictions, including us. Who wins the division, who makes the playoffs, who's lifting the trophy at season 10. On Kalshee, America's number one prediction market platform, you can trade those predictions in a live market, guys, everything from who wins the college football national championship to who makes the playoff, who wins individual games, who wins the Heisman Trophy. So much more on Couchie. You're trading against peers in a live market, meaning there's no house. And as the profit changes, you can buy in and out of your position, trade the draft, pick the game and more on Cowi Download the Cow app, Use promo code SECU to get up to $500 in bonus credits when you trade 25. That's K A L S H I kalshi trade on anything 18 and up. Only restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Calcium products are not available in all jurisdictions. Prices, values and available markets may differ from those mentioned. For more information, see kalshee.com regulatory the 2026 season is just around the corner for the Vanderbilt Commodores. How do Clark Lee and company follow up the best season in school history? As you might recall, Vanderbilt won double digit games a season ago. You could make a strong argument they should have been in the College Football Playoff. Their starting quarterback was in the Heisman Trophy ceremony as well. It was, simply put, an incredible season in Nashville. But now life after Diego Pavia officially begins. Eli Stowers is no longer there. Now the question is now what for the Vanderbilt Commodore's football program? Cole before we dive into what this team looks like this season and the optics of this season, Cole can we first take a moment to look back on what was 2025 because what a magical run down on the west end. It was a 103 overall record, a 10 win regular season. The best regular season in program history. Vanderbilt went 6 and 2 in SEC play. Again, Diego Pavia Cole. He was mocked. He was laughed at. He was belittled. Last summer you might recall when he said our goal is to win the national championship. Well, Cole, they, they really weren't that far off from that goal. When you think about it, a 10 win regular season, you can make the argument they should have been in the college ball playoff, unfortunately on the outside looking in. But Diego Pavia goes to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony and really his impact, along with so many others, put Vanderbilt football on the map nationally. And a season in which I don't know that any of us, just a few short years ago, Cole could have ever imagined was possible. Clark Lee wins the SEC head Coach of the Year award, by the way, well deserved. Cole. Just your thoughts looking back on the 2025 season, one we surely soon will not forget.
[51:32]
B
Yeah, I, I think that we have to go ahead and remind ourselves it's freaking Vanderbilt. Like this is not just like, oh yeah, it's cool South Carolina doing what it did in 2020. This is Vanderbilt. We have conversations week in and week out among SEC teams and go cool the dorm out of the SEC easy chalk up win. We they ended up winning 10 games and what was so impressive is that they had the belief going into the year and they carried it throughout every single game. And while some games were a lot closer than others, they at least were able to be competitive and they were able to find a way to respond. Like I remember the LSU win and people were saying, well, you know, LSU really wasn't that good last season, still had to find a way to win Missouri. Missouri was a throw away from getting back in that game and they end up still winning that one. You talk about the game against Auburn, the overtime victory, not allowing yourself to come up short. I mean it just felt like every single time that there was a moment to doubt Vanderbilt and they were going to come back down to reality. Here's a reason why to believe in them once again. And everything that you said is warranted. I don't think that anybody would doubt that Clark Lee was the most deserving coach in probably the last four to five years to an SEC coach, the year you won the football games because of who you had at quarterback and how he was able to get keep plays alive, which is why he went to the Big Apple. And maybe he should have won the Heisman in some people's eyes, I understand if he didn't win it, but he came in second place. And the fact that they were willing to go above and beyond and say we'll play that random game on a Sunday for that final college football playoff spot and honestly the one thing I will say is while the logistics were never going to come true with it, dude, Clark Lee would have had those boys lined up and getting on a bus somewhere to go play that game if it meant we get to go keep our season alive for an opportunity to win a national title. Like he would have 1000% done that. I think it speaks volume of how much the way our perspective has changed on Vanderbilt. And even though this is going to be a big question mark here because of how many new pieces they have, brand new starting quarterback, what they lost in the portal of names that got paid because of what they did at Vanderbilt, there's a new aura about what are the expectations when we talk about the Commodores. And I think what's going to be really intriguing this year is seeing how quickly they can all gel together to where maybe once again we're doubting them and we all have egg on our face by the time that we get to the middle of October.
[53:57]
A
Cole, you mentioned Clark Lee. It's hard to believe that two years ago this time you might recall, recall Cole, he was on the hot seat. I mean there were talks about Vanderbilt moving a different direction and if things did not go well in the 2024 season, them potentially making a move. I think Vanderbilt was coming off, if I recall recurrent correctly, a 2 and 10 season. Things were looking bleak. Then you bring in Tim back and you bring in a guy named Diego Pavia and who would have known the, the, the topsy turvy ride you were about to go on and the, the surge and the rise in your program that you were about to experience. Now he enters this sixth season, Cole, and you know, the mood has, has much changed. Right Again, SEC coach of the year last year. Well deserved for guiding that team and building that team and building that roster. And we heard him at SEC media's Cole. And I think the thing, and I mentioned this before, that you know, you have to love about Clark Lee. He sees Vanderbilt for what it can be, not what it's always been. You know, I think the first time he said it, people, people laughed, they mocked, they belittled. But like when he stands up there and says our goal is to build the best program in college football, he says it with a conviction where he genuinely believes that like that is genuinely his thought and genuinely his belief that we are going to build Vanderbilt football into the very best program in the country. And I respect the heck out of it. I mean I really do because it takes that type of a. Hear me out. When I say this. It takes that type of a delusional belief, right. To achieve anything of outside of the norm, right? I mean, to. To imagine just a few years ago that after going 2 and 10 that Vanderbilt could go 10 and 2 in the regular season against that SEC schedule, right. To think they could be the number one Alabama just a few short years ago to believe they could do such things, right. It took a level of thinking and belief beyond normal comprehension. And that is where Clark Lee comes in. So I, I give him. I know Diego Pavia gets all the credit. We're going to talk about it and you know what, what's the. What are the doors look like post Diego? But I think it starts with Clark Lee Cole. You got to give him all the credit in the world for really bringing a program up out of the ashes. And it's not like we're talking about some sleepy giant, Cole, where there's some, you know, there's. There's historical. The proofs in the pudding historically, where it's like, okay, well, we know it can be done, but we just got to get this thing back on track. No, he's trying to do things that have never been accomplished, and he has done things that have never been accomplished. So the rise under Clark Lee has been wildly impressive. And I think the only question long term, Cole, you know, certainly you got to answer the bell this year. You're only as good as your last game or your last season. And we understand how this game works and how this thing works. It's a. What have you done from a lately business. But Clark Lee is the answer long term. The only question, Cole, I think in Nashville is does he stick around for these entirety of his career if another big job comes calling, will they be able to keep him home?
[57:05]
B
Well, what's the big job that would pull you away is I think a bigger question because of Clarkley has made it abundant on multiple occasions. Dude, I love Nashville. I love my program. I'm a vanity day there. I get it. You got to say the things that will go ahead and get the rally cries and the boosters to go buy on in about we will be the best program in college football. I honestly think that he believes that he can do that because the way that he coaches and the way that he develops talent and the way that he goes about searching for players in the portal. But that's also where you look and you say as much as Diego Pavia played such an impact on changing the narrative around Commodore football, it starts with the guy who's not leaving, whether it be because of eligibility purposes or the transfer portal. It's the guy who's not leaving and brought all these pieces in and was humble enough to change his own approach about how to do things as a head coach because if he realized I need to do what's best for the program and that's ultimately what you want in a leader and I think that's what people will follow this year is there's a standard set by the person who was willing and humble enough to realize that I may be a Vanderbilt guy, but I might have to go outside of the Vanderbilt norm to get to results that will make Vanderbilt proud. That's where we are going into this year. And so when you go through practice, if Clarkley doesn't appreciate it or Clarkly is not satisfied with it, you better work 10 times harder. If you're in the middle of a workout and Clark Lee is razzing your ass. I hate to be the bear of bad news. Work harder because if Clark Lee has proven at this point I know what it takes to win at a program like Vanderbilt and not just win like, oh, go to a bowl game. I mean be good teams with better talent, with more resources and look like if you just took off the logo, I was the better team on paper, that that's what I know how to do. I think that's going to be the standard moving forward. But there is a lot of uncertainty and a lot of new this year, which is why I think that on one hand you have to have realistic expectations for Vanderbilt. You have to have realistic goals set in motion for a team that we don't know a lot about. But on the other hand, if you are a Vanderbilt fan who is saying no, we expect eight and four, we expect nine and three, I, I don't blame you because if you have the guy who has been able to prove, yeah, this is going to be our new norm when we continue to move forward in the process.
[59:27]
A
Cole that being said, let's take a look at the 2026 Commodore starting on the offensive side of the football because I would argue this is where the most questions lie because of who knows who's no longer there anymore. Of course, Tim Beck is back at oc. But Cole, the big question is this. What does life look like post Diego Pavia? Because I give Clark Lee all the credit in the world for building this thing. But let's face it, Cole, Diego Pavia was the heart and soul of Vanderbilt football for the last two years. I mean, he was the Guy not just from what he did at the quarterback position, which was impressive in its own right, but from a leadership perspective. The swag, the moxie, the you talk about that delusional belief in yourself. Diego Pavia had it and has it still to this day. A winner. A guy that again put this program on his shoulders. It felt like at times and willed them to victory. So it's not just a talent thing. Cole all that's factored in as well. Jared Curtis and Blaze Berlowitz as we talked about before Cole, they will battle for the QB1 spot. Junior Cheryl returns is your top wide receiver. You did add Jacori Thomas from Old Dominion and Cole Adams from Alabama. Via the Portal, it's Cole Spence. Cole that looks to fill the shoes of the departed Eli Stowers at tight end. That might be one of the most underrated departures in the SEC because we talk so much about Diego, but man, Eli Stowers was just unstoppable at the tight end position. So Cole Spence, you also added Jayvante Connor from East Carolina, Cedric Alexander back at RB1. It feels like he's been there forever, but a well tenured veteran there at the running back position. Questions come up front. Cole one starters back on the offensive line and Cade McConnell. You did pick up Bo Johnson from North Dakota State, Lyndon Cooper from Pitt and Micah debose from Alabama to boost the group. So Cole, your thoughts on the offensive side for Vanderbilt? Again, questions up front. Questions at tight end. But the big question is this goal. Who in the world is going to fill the shoes of Diego Pavia and is it even possible to fill those shoes?
[61:36]
B
Well, at quarterback it's very easy. You just say we're gonna go with the guy who is now coming on in as a five star phenom and that's Jared Curtis. It's more the impactful hey X Factor Persona mentality. That's, that's where it's going to be. The do you have the dude that can carry himself with that type of swagger that's going to be able to step into the face of any player in the country and kind of slap at them as he runs past them? That's. That's going to be a lot harder to replace. Maybe it's not just one guy. Maybe it's multiple players like guys like a guy, say Cole Adams who comes on in from Alabama and has been a part of a winning program. Maybe he carries himself with that swagger. Not good enough to be viewed as the next big name in Tuscaloosa but I can be a difference maker for, for a guy like, you know, in a place like Nashville, I think Bo Johnson's a really interesting fit. This is a guy that started for a year and a half at North Dakota State. North Dakota State is the FCS pinnacle of consistency year in and year out. They ranked number one in the FCS playoffs. They've won national titles. He's got two years of eligibility. Maybe he comes on in and he gets to be that guy who you believe is going to be that difference maker for the the jump. I think that when you look at guys like that you bring on back that you brought on in, like Jacori Thomas from Old Dominion. Maybe he could be a special player that you compare alongside with Junior Cheryl. Junior Cheryl. You know what I think is interesting is that we don't spend enough time talking about him in the grand scheme of wide receivers, but he led Vanderbilt in receptions last year outside of Eli Sours like he was the number one receiver in targets. But Trey Richardson was the one who was getting the more explosive plays. So can he step on up and take on that mantle about being more of a vertical threat downfield offensive line is going to be a big question, mainly because of it's a bunch of new and it's the same type of new that I feel with Texas A and M. The problem is is that when you look at, when you look at Texas am, they're getting a bunch of guys with experience in the SEC where you're getting guys who have experiences at major programs but it's experiences working as a second team unit. So how do you now gel together and put them into a first team unit outside of a Bo Johnson, but I, I think this offense will take a little bit of time to gel. I do think that by the time we get to mid October, the version of what we want to see for Tim Beck squad is looking more and more productive and more like a team to where maybe they shoot themselves in the foot early but there'll be enough games they can keep themselves involved into where it will come down to the wire.
[64:05]
A
Cole, I I say this with love and respect because as you know living in Nashville I have a soft spot for the Doors. Love my guys over at lot too. So what I'm about to say is, is certainly not personal in any way but I want people to know it's it's not meant as a shot as anyway either. But I know getting Jared Curtis is exciting. Vanderbilt's not used to beating out Georgia for much of anything, much less prize quarterback prospects. Right. So getting Jared Curtis over to Georgia really exciting do I think because you and I both agree and we believe it is going to be Jared Curtis as QB1 for the Doors. Do I think Jared Curtis is a more talented football player than Diego Pavia? Yes, I do. With that being said though, I have been somewhat surprised and darn near amazed at how many people in the Vanderbilt fan base Cole are not are making so little of the loss of Diego Pavia. Like I, I think it is, it is significant. Like it's, it's like, it's like Caitlin aboard trying to follow up Nick Saban at Alabama type levels where I just like you do not lose a guy like that Cole, in my opinion and not take a step back. And, and I'd love to be proven wrong. Maybe Jared Curtis truly is the next big thing and we're like man, his talent is just so superb to anything Diego ever did. But like you mentioned, it was beyond just the talent. I mean I, you know, you and I both but like I saw Diego Pavi in person last year against LSU make plays that just, they took something beyond talent. The dude was a gamer. Like love him or hate him, when the lights came on, he made plays like he was their version of Johnny Manziel. He'd run around, around back there for 10 seconds and scramble around on a big guys and then he hit a dude wide open and they'd score a touch. Like it was just things that was hard to comprehend at times what he was able to do in the running game with his legs. Like, you know, he was the big risk taker. He was big risk, big reward. Like you know what he meant from a leadership perspective. And it was infectious the way that he believed in Vanderbilt. He, he believed they were going to compete for a national title. He, he what he meant from a leadership perspective for that program. There's so much to replace just beyond the talent, you know, or like it just these are massive shoes to fill. And I'm not saying Jared Curtis cannot be wildly successful, but I have been surprised how, how many Vanderbilt folks are making light of the fact that like oh it's no big deal. We'll just replace him with this star price freshman. Like I do think there's going to be some growing pains with it. Also Cole, let's say Jared Curtis is the guy we all think he's going to be. Freshman quarterback, new look, offensive line. Yeah, that is not typically a recipe for success in the yes season. The good news is again, you're I say you're easing into the season. 2 non conference games then that are going to be wins. Then you've got NC State, good non conference test. Still not SEC play. Then you get into SEC competition. I, I just. I am excited to see. I think this will be a great test for Tim Beck, for Clark Lee. What does the offense look like this year? I like Seti at the running back position. I like Junior Cheryl. You're right. I think he was sixth or seventh in receiving yards last year. He's extremely underrated. Losing Eli Stowers is massive. But I do think Cole Spence can be a nice player. I just. Man, I don't see a world where this offense doesn't take a step back. Because I think Diego Pavia, I mean, Cole, we talked about it last year. You could argue there wasn't a player more important to his team in all of college football than what Diego Pavia meant. So you're telling me you're gonna lose that guy and you're gonna replace him with a true freshman and you're just gonna pick it up right where you left off? Cole, I call. I just.
[68:11]
B
There's no way.
[68:13]
A
At least in the early going, who knows, maybe by mid season this kid's hit his full stride. We're like, holy smokes. Now I understand, you know, why he was so hyped up, why Georgia wanted him so badly, but I just. I gotta see it before I can believe it, man. So it, it's. It's gonna be different. It doesn't mean different is bad. But there are major, major holes to fill from the standpoint of you are replacing a player that again, I would argue, Cole, there was no one more important their team in all the college football.
[68:44]
B
Let's just go at this and I'll make it brief. There were moments to where you just put the ball in Diego Pavia's hands and you said go make a play. And he did that. This will be a year where I think you will need to see a Jacquori Jacoby Thomas. You will need to see a. You'll need to see a Cole Adams, a Cole Spence, a Junior Sherrell, a Bryson Coleman, a Cedric Alexander. They're gonna have to make life a little easy for their quarterback. Doesn't mean that there won't be a moment to where you realize everything has come together and Jared Curtis has all the intangibles you want that he is now taking over games. But I would say early on you're trusting your supporting cast more than the leading man, the leading man is eventually going to get there. I need the role players to show up and why they can be role players.
[69:32]
A
Somebody in the comments Cole comparing him. By the way, Turkey slammer. We appreciate you tuning in while you're cleaning. Good on you. He says. I think into your Curtis will be good. He's been compared to Matthew Stafford. Well, what did Matthew Stafford have early in his career goal? He had no Sean Moreno. And by the way, they, they, they were good. They weren't great. You are right. What does a Cedric Alexander do? How did the pieces of the offensive line come together? Can junior Cheryl, Cole, Spence, some of the other portal guys. Can they play massive roles? That is going to be a big part of his early success. As we know there's a lot of pieces beyond just the quarterback position. But again, I just think Diego Pavia, to your point, did so much. He put on the Superman cape. So you know, asking a true freshman to do that maybe a little much. We'll see on the other side. Cole, let's get to defense. Steve Gregory back at defensive coordinators. We know this is Clark Lee's bread and butter. Miles Capers and Glenn Seabrooks III, they anchor the front. Cole, they added Brian Allen Jr. From Iowa to help the pass rush as well. I know pass rush is a big question. The guys they have returning total just five sacks a season ago. Getting after the quarterback. We know the importance of that in the sec, Cole. Linebackers are an old experienced group. Brian Longwell is back as the anchor or one of the anchors of the defense. Nick Renaldi, Bryce Cowan, Jameson Curtis, they're all going to contribute. They're all juniors and seniors. So you feel pretty good about the guys in the linebacker rotation there. Martell Height and CJ Herd are back in the secondary. You added Ricardo Jones from Clemson at the safety spot goal. He led the ACC with six interceptions a season ago. I mean that's more than heck. Some SEC schools had entirely as a secondary last season. So really impressive there. Cole, your thoughts on the defensive side. Again, this is Clark Lee's bread and butter. And while we spent so much time talking about Diego Pavi the last two years, it was the rise of the Commodore's defense, I think as well that led to the big season. They had certainly a season to go.
[71:33]
B
Yeah, I think that the Divas will once again be a reason why you can feel competitive and keep yourself in every single game. I like that they have experience at every single spot. They got experience in the defensive line, they got experience in the backer spot. They got experience in the secondary and they also went out and they brought in guys who have experience playing at the highest level against quality competition. So it'll be clean in that standpoint. I just wonder with the newcomers, how much have they been able to adapt, seeing more reps? I think it is a big thing because the one thing that you wonder about all the time is when you are replacing a veteran at cornerback or you're losing a guy to the portal on your defense at your defensive tackle spot. Do we have a dude that currently is a part of the system that we feel like, oh, he can easily come on in and be replaced and that we're not going to be missed a beat? That's, that's really where you are. But again, from the evaluation of defensive talent, Clarkly knows what he looks for. Clarkley understands what fits his system, what doesn't. There are certain types of players that he will bring on in that he's only going to use on third down for run packages, for, you know, second down for pass rushing sets. He feels like he's got depth where he can run a dime package or a nickel package or just base for coverage. So I think that Clark Lee has built himself up into a position of where that will be stable. The question that you have after that, I think that more importantly is of the new pieces that are coming in to see more reps, are they going to be slow coming out the gate? Because the last thing that we want to do is go into that NC State game and have confidence after beating two underwhelming teams. Because again, let's be real who you're facing off against in the first two games. You should feel very good about starting off the year two zero, that NC State game. Could a guy like CJ Bailey beat us? And if CJ Bailey's beating us, what happens when we have to face off against say an Auburn like a Byron Brown? What happens when we have to take on a more mobile quarterback, say like a Kenny Minchi or Kamario Taylor for that instance? It, it's like a good litness test of here's where we are. Do we have enough of the Jimmies and Joes to be able to hold everything together?
[73:34]
A
Cole let's talk about the Vandy specialists really quickly. Brock Taylor is back at kicker, a really underrated or just not really talked about piece for Vanderbilt football. What he did a season ago, Cole 13 of 14 on field goals, 6 of 630 to 39, 4 of 540 to 49. He was 1 of 1 on 50 plus made a 5051 yarder. Cole the year before that he was 18 of 21 on field goal. So you have a very dependable field goal kicker that returns in the fold this year. Tyler Ebel from FCS South Dakota takes over at punter junior Cheryl Martell height give dynamic options in the return game amongst others as well. Cole They've been really solid on special teams under Clark Lee. Thoughts briefly on the specialist for Manny I will say this, having a guy like Brock Taylor at kicker, I mean that's we see it in the SEC week after week goal that is an invaluable piece when you got a guy like that that can flip a game by getting you three when you desperately need it.
[74:37]
B
Yeah I think having veteranship at both the return game and that's and that kicker is important because of you want to be able to set the tone for drives and you want to be able to know that you can score from anywhere. So Brock Taylor coming on back in massive win I think for the kicking game. I think Martel Height coming on back in as a returner now probably going to be focusing in on only returning in defense is another massive win for them. So I, I, I like what they have there and you are right I think one of the more slept on things that we haven't paid attention to in the eyes of the Clarkley era is special teams are important and I think they're really important this season in the matter of inches and because of all it takes is one or two kicks or one or two block punts or one or two setup runs by your by your kick returner to be able to be in a position to where you feel like that you can now put your foot on the gas and take over a game.
[75:25]
A
Cole that being said the overall outlook for the Vanderbilt Commodores this season really quickly here's what our friends over at Kalshee have to say about Vandy Cole Kalsh he's actually pretty confident in Vandy this season. They give him an 81 chance to win four or more games, 78% chance to win five or more, 55% to win six or more 38% to win seven or more 19% to win eight or more, 7% to win nine or more, 5% 10 or more 5% 11 or more and a 10% chance to win 12. So if you're feeling frisky there you go. But Cole VR friends at Kalsi the over under I would set it kind of breaks right at six and a half from 55 to 38, six to seven. So I mean, going back to a bowl game for the Commodores is where Kalski tends to favor Vandy. They even give Vanderbilt Cole a 6% chance to make the College Football Playoff this season. Nine starters are back. Four on the offensive side, five on the defensive side. Colon, as we take a look at the 2026 schedule, you alluded to the early start in non conference play. You open up with Austin P at home. Then Delaware comes to first bank as well. Then that week three matchup goal. That's where you're going to kind of find out who you are. At least a nice early test in the season as NC State comes to Nashville First Bank Stadium. That'll be a really fun SEC ACC matchup. You close out the month of September, your SEC opener. It's your SEC road opener. Cole, you are at Auburn. Alex Golich will try to solve the riddle that Hugh Freeze cannot, that is beating Vanderbilt. So that is your SEC road opener. You get the month of October going. Cole at Georgia. Jared Curtis very well facing off against the team that he turned down in favor of the Doors. Your SEC home opener comes against Ole Miss middle of October. Then you got Arkansas at Kentucky, a bye week. Then you're at Mississippi State, Alabama at Florida, Tennessee to close out the season. Goal. Your thoughts on this schedule, is it conducive to a big year in your mind for the Doors?
[77:37]
B
It can be. Because how quickly does everything gel together? I mean, like naturally we talk about those first three games in the first 12 quarters to yourself. Well, we'll be fine at that standpoint. What happens afterwards? You go into. You go into Jordan here, if I'm not mistaken. Correct.
[77:51]
A
Yes, you go into Jordan. Hair. Yeah. That's your sec.
[77:54]
B
So you're going into an already toxic environment. And then what do you get welcomed in afterwards with a game against Georgia and then if things start to go off the rails there, what occurs? Do you end up playing poorly against Ole Miss? And does that continue against Kentucky? And does that continue when you have to face off against Mississippi State and there's Alabama be able to kind of unrail you. So you're gonna have to find your footing at some point. You're gonna have to be able to, I think, kind of show that there is that. That growth from. Yeah, it's a bunch of newcomers to know this is who our identity is. And you're gonna have to pull off an upset at least once or twice, I think, to guarantee that you are seven and five and that's, that's seven and five. Not to mention you have to kind of hope that a couple of other teams play down the level of competition or that you're so composed and that all the pieces that are together are so caught up to speed they're playing up to a schedule. It's not the worst schedule possible to where I think bowl eligibility is possible. An eight wing campaign can work but there are a lot of moments to where you got to see that there is growth on your side as much as there is, you know, a little bit of luck on the other side. Like you talk about like the Auburn game, you talk about like the Kentucky game, the Mississippi State game, the Florida game, Tennessee even to that matter, every one of those teams could end up having a fault to where if you just are better in one spot, offensive line protection, quarterback play, but more consistency in third down, the ability to score inside the red zone, that may give you the slight edge to where you get the win. But for every single time that we talk about that there could be a moment to where things struggle and ultimately that's the reason you lose a game. So they're kind of in a rock and a hard place and they're really one of the more perplexing teams I think to prepare for this year. I see a world where they go 5 and 7, I see a world where they go 8 and 4 for it's just how quickly do those non negotiables that you need for this roster gel together to be able to set up a standard of what you can expect here?
[79:44]
A
Yeah, they're going to be really interesting early, Cole. I mean like you mentioned, you could start out four, zero, you could start out two and two. You know, just from the standpoint, if you feel pretty good about Weeks 1 and Week 2, but that NC State game, good early test at Auburn. Are you still able to have their number? I mean obviously I think Auburn's going to be out for revenge and that's going to be one they look at as an absolute cannot lose. Cole, that three game stretch for me and I know it's going to sound underwhelming but Arkansas at Kentucky at Mississippi State, can you go three zero? I mean that, that to me is the big question because every other game at Georgia, Ole Miss, Alabama at Florida, Tennessee, you're looking for an upset and I know Vandy fans don't, don't like to hear that, especially when you talk about the balls a team that they throw throttled last year but you know both teams look different but you look a lot different right and what are you the last week of the season we'll see and you do get that one at home but can you go 30 in those three I mentioned Arkansas, Kentucky, Ms. Fit can you go 30 in non conference boom there's a bowl game right there and I think anything as we move into this conversation Cole about you know the new floor and I think what expectations look like the first year post Diego Pavia goal because I think we all expect Vandy to take a step back and again I, I say that with all due respect but I mean expecting this team in this program to win 10 games again there's a reason it only happened one time in the history of this program in the regular season Cole I think getting to a bowl game and establishing the floor as even when we are we are in a year of transition at the most important position in the sport all maybe all of sports even when we're in a year of transition winning six or seven games has become our floor right like we are a even at our quote unquote worst even at our floor we are a team to reckon with we're not going to fall off to a two or three win team you know flirting with going defeated NEC play what have you so I think getting to that six win mark can you win all three of the non conference games two of them are kick ins can you beat NC State and go three zero with non con and then you can can you beat three teams Cole that I think most Vanderbilt fans would look at this and say we should win we're better than Arkansas we're better than a year one head coach at Kentucky and we're better than Mississippi State I you know right wrong or different I think most Vandy fans would look at it that way can you win the games you feel like you're supposed to win and then can you beat an Auburn on the road? Can you can you upset an old miss at home? Can you upset Bama again God forbid in Nashville can you beat your rival Tennessee again What about at Florida with a first year at coach So I, I I think that three game stretch to me that that one's going to give you the best possible chance to get back to a bowl game set that floor at minimum going 500 or better and I think that Cole first year post Diego Pavia with a new quarterback with questions on the O line with so much new and different I think that would be a major success.
[82:44]
B
I don't think anybody should expect Vanderbilt to be this 10 and 2 team that is flirting with the opportunity to go to the College Football Playoff. What I think is a winning season is you get an upset win on the road over an opponent that people believe is either a touchdown favorite over you or still a favorite over you. And I think more specifically it's about realizing that the foundation is set for the next stage of Vanderbilt football, headlined by a quarterback that could have gone anywhere in the country and he chose to stay close to home. I want to know that Jared Curtis is my guy, looks the part, not rattled and is going to give me a reason why. When I go into the portal and I meet with wide receivers or offensive linemen, I point to the tape and I say, this is the guy you're protecting. This is the guy you're catching balls from. This is the guy that is going to be here as our leader for the future and you're going to end up being a reason why we get back that consistency that we saw in 20, 20, 25. That to me is a winning season. Victories are not bull. Eligibility bull. Eligibility naturally is something I, I think again, and I'm not going to reveal too much, but I do believe that Vanderbilt will be going bowling this year. At the same time, again, you're just asking yourself, okay, what more do I need to see from this team to be able to feel like that they take a step forward.
[83:55]
A
Yeah. And listen, talking to Vandy fans again here, living here in Nashville, going to first bank a season ago when you talk with them and Vanderbilt fans are very level headed. Cole, this is not a fan base that's going to burn the whole thing down if they don't, you know, make a run to the College Football Playoff this year. They just want to be respectable. They want to be in postseason play. And again, I think that can be done. Questions to be answered early part of the schedule sets up. Well, can you get to 6 and 6, 7 and 5? I think that would be a massive win. And again, what I think is a little bit of a transition year because of some of the questions you have to answer. You get to postseason play. I think that is a wildly successful campaign. I especially Cole, if you can do so in a season where Jared Curtis develops, he gets better as the season goes. Like you mentioned, you build yourself up for 2027 to make a run at going to the College Football Playoff potentially. So again, going to be a really, really interesting year. Guys, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Vanderbilt football, after going 10 and 3 a season ago, after being a 10 win regular season team. Where do they go from here? What does life look like? Post Diego Pavia for Vanderbilt Football. Would love to hear your thoughts, your predictions for the doors as the 2026 season quickly approaches. Cole, before we get out of here really quickly, got a couple quick questions. Mike G says Vanderbilt will not be as good as last year. I mean, I think that's the easiest prediction to make ever. You know, I, I
[85:22]
B
agree with you on that one.
[85:23]
A
On like a bold take rating. I'm giving you like a a 0.5 out of 10. Really? Truly. I, I think that is. I think that is a given for sure. Yeah, the Hammer says not a horrible schedule for Andy. I, I agree. I, I think it's actually pretty workable for a schedule that includes Georgia and Bama. It's about as workable as you could ask for. I know you have Ole Miss too, who I didn't mention, but I think it's about as workable as you could have asked for from that standpoint. Having those teams, there's enough teams that
[85:52]
B
you look at right now that they don't look that much better than you, but they also don't look that much worse than you. So it's like it's a toss up. If you fix those few little details here and there, you should be favored in that game. If you don't, well then that's why it becomes a long season. Cole.
[86:11]
A
Really good stuff today guys. We really appreciate each and every single one of you tuning in again. We will be back on Wednesday. Stay tuned for time. Our guy Cole the Bear Thompson busy with training camp. It very well may be 10, it might be 11. It might be.
[86:23]
B
I'm good for Wednesday so no worries.
[86:25]
A
Good for Wednesday. Okay, so 10:00am Central normal time. We will be back with you guys. Gonna be really, really exciting there. Again, really appreciate each and every single one of you tuning in as we have finally made it to the month of August. College football ever so close guys. In the meantime make sure you hit that like and subscribe button on YouTube. Check us out where get your podcast all across your favorite social media platforms as well as our website secunfilter.com make sure you follow Colder Bear Thompson on social media myself as well across all social media platforms and stay tuned. All of our content is content bleeding out of the eyeballs. For Cole Thompson, I'm Chris Phillips. This is Chewing Clock. We appreciate each and every single one of you tuning in. Catch you all on the other side.
[87:09]
B
Cheers. Sam.

Summary7 min read

SEC Unfiltered – Episode Summary

SEC Football Quarterback Battle Predictions & Life After Diego Pavia at Vanderbilt

Date: August 3, 2026
Hosts: Chris Phillips & Colbert "Bear" Thompson
Episode Focus: Deep-dive analysis and predictions on the Southeastern Conference’s (SEC) most compelling quarterback battles ahead of the 2026 football season, followed by an in-depth preview of Vanderbilt football’s future after Diego Pavia’s historic run.

Episode Theme and Purpose

This jam-packed preseason episode focuses on two main themes:

Quarterback Battles: Breaking down the major quarterback competitions at Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Florida, Arkansas, and Alabama, with insight and predictions for each team’s QB1.
Vanderbilt Post-Pavia: A thorough look at Vanderbilt’s outlook after its program-defining 2025, evaluating roster turnover, the challenges of replacing Diego Pavia, and reasonable 2026 expectations.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. SEC Quarterback Battles: Program-by-Program Breakdown

Vanderbilt: Jared Curtis vs. Blake Berlowitz

Curtis: Five-star freshman, chose Vandy over Georgia, expected to be the franchise QB.
Berlowitz: New Mexico State transfer, familiar with OC Tim Beck’s system.
Hosts’ Prediction: Both expect Curtis to win out, possibly after a split early. If Berlowitz starts, it's only because Curtis isn't ready. But by mid-SEC play, "that would be Jared Curtis’s team."

"You don’t get a talent like Curtis just to sit him. If he’s not the guy, something’s gone seriously wrong." — Chris Phillips (09:07)
Memorable Moment: Comparison to Alabama’s classic “early-season audition” battles, with both QBs likely seeing the field against cupcakes before SEC play intensifies.

"Both will play... But by NC State, you need to know if Curtis is your guy." — Bear Thompson (12:00)
Outlook: Vandy is building for the long-term, and they’ll take early lumps for Curtis’s upside.

Tennessee: George McIntyre vs. Fazon Brandon

McIntyre: Redshirt freshman, minimal 2025 action.
Brandon: True five-star freshman generating massive fan buzz.
Hosts’ Prediction: Both expect Fazon Brandon to win the job, emphasizing the need for explosive upside and the recruiting narrative.

"If it’s even, you go with the younger, more talented guy… There’s something to sell even if you have some lumps." — Chris Phillips (17:56)
Context: Josh Heupel is experienced with first-year starters; Tennessee is looking for dynamic play, not just ball security.

Florida: Tramell Jones Jr. vs. Aaron Philo

Jones Jr.: Athletic, dual-threat, appeared sparingly in 2025.
Philo: Transferred from Georgia Tech, follows OC Buster Faulkner, brings system knowledge.
Hosts’ Prediction: Leaning Philo, mainly due to his familiarity with the offense.

"Hard to believe a guy follows his OC to sit the bench." — Chris Phillips (26:19)
Caveat: This battle could go well into the season ("Week 3 at Auburn will decide everything"). Both likely see action early.

Arkansas: K.J. Jackson vs. A.J. Hill

Jackson: Athletic, flashed playmaking ability in relief last year.
Hill: Memphis transfer, four-star pedigree, follows Coach Silverfield.
Hosts’ Prediction: Both lean Jackson, citing his live-action experience and upside.

"Jackson is the guy until he isn’t. He did things last year that showed he could lead this." — Bear Thompson (31:58)

Alabama: Austin Mack vs. Keelon Russell

Mack: Washington transfer, familiar with DeBoer/Grubb system, played as backup last season.
Russell: Elite recruit, flashed in spring, regarded as program’s highest-upside QB.
Hosts’ Prediction: Russell, for ceiling and future-proofing, despite rumors Mack had spring edge.

"Don’t lose the high-ceiling guy to the portal — Russell could start rough but long-term he’s the answer." — Bear Thompson (38:02)
Memorable Moment: Bear's reference to Saban-era Alabama (“Don’t be Blake Barnett-ed”) and Chris’s call for an early QB run-game element to bail out the O-line.

🕒 QB Battles Segment Timestamps

Vanderbilt: 06:27 – 13:40
Tennessee: 13:40 – 21:51
Florida: 23:12 – 29:01
Arkansas: 30:05 – 33:56
Alabama: 33:56 – 45:25

2. What is Vanderbilt Post-Pavia? Season Preview and Expectations

Looking Back: The Magical 2025 Season

2025 Recap: 10-2 regular season, best in school history. Diego Pavia Heisman finalist; Clark Lea wins SEC Coach of the Year.
Memorable Quote:

"It's freakin' Vanderbilt. Week in, week out we chalked them up as an easy win... and then they go and win 10 games. Unreal." — Bear Thompson (51:31)
Frame for 2026: The bar is higher, but expectations need to be realistic with so much turnover.

Replacing Diego Pavia

Point of Emphasis: Curtis may be more talented, but Pavia’s intangible leadership, swagger, and “gamer” mentality made him irreplaceable short term.

"It's like asking DeBoer to follow Saban. You don’t just fill those shoes. Not immediately." — Chris Phillips (64:04) "There were moments you just put the ball in Diego Pavia's hands and said go make a play — and he always did." — Bear Thompson (68:44)

Offensive Outlook

QB: Curtis expected to start, but "expect growing pains", especially with new OL.
Skill Positions: Junior Sherrill (WR) and Cedric Alexander (RB) offer stability; question marks at TE (replacing Eli Stowers) and OL.
Key Transfer Additions: Portal helps with WR and OL depth, but starters must gel.
Hosts’ Prediction: Even if Curtis is the guy, true freshman and rebuilt OL generally means early struggles.

Defensive Outlook

Strengths: Clark Lea’s expertise—unit returned to SEC respectability last year.
Personnel: Depth and experience at every level; key transfer Ricardo Jones (S, from Clemson, ACC INT leader) bolsters the secondary.
Concerns: Can they pressure the passer? Only 5 returning sacks among the front seven.

Special Teams

Brock Taylor (K): Unsung hero of 2025, excellent reliability.

"Brock Taylor is one of those overlooked pieces — wins you a game or two with his leg." — Chris Phillips (73:33)
Returners: Dynamic options in Cheryl and Height.

Schedule/Roadmap to Success

Non-Conf: Opens with Austin Peay and Delaware (should start 2-0), but NC State (game 3) is a real test.
SEC Stretch: Key swing games @Auburn, Arkansas, @Kentucky, @Miss State.
Bar for Success:
- Floor: Bowl eligibility (6 wins).
- Building: Establish a new baseline—prove 2025 wasn’t a fluke, but the floor for this era.
- Don’t expect 10 wins, but 6-7 and a bowl is attainable and “a massive win.”
"What you want is 6-6 or 7-5 in a year of transition and a freshman QB… then you can sell that as the new normal." — Chris Phillips (79:44)

🕒 Vandy Preview Segment Timestamps

51:31 – 85:23

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

"If Berlowitz is winning the job, what it’s saying is Curtis is not caught up to speed... because when you guarantee the rights to land the #1 quarterback, there's usually a sign that you're starting right away." — Bear Thompson, on Vandy (06:27)

"Just because you start week one does not mean you're starting in October." — Bear referencing John Sumrall’s (Florida HC) comments on QB battles (24:21)

"When it’s neck and neck, you choose upside... and that’s usually the freshman." — Chris Phillips, on QB Battle Philosophy (17:56)

"Nobody was more important to his team last year than Diego Pavia. You don’t just replace that." — Chris Phillips (64:04)

"It takes a level of delusional belief to achieve what Vandy did last year… and that's what Clark Lea brought." — Chris Phillips on Vandy's coaching (53:56)

Timestamps for Key Segments

06:27 – Vanderbilt QB Battle
13:40 – Tennessee QB Battle
23:12 – Florida QB Battle
30:05 – Arkansas QB Battle
33:56 – Alabama QB Battle
51:31 – Vandy 2025 Recap
59:27 – Vandy 2026 Season Preview

Tone & Language

The hosts maintain an energetic, knowledge-driven, and honest tone throughout. There’s plenty of good-natured banter (“I didn’t even know who Berlowitz was two months ago” – Chris), deeper football insights, and respect for fan perspectives, especially for programs in transition like Vandy. They're blunt about likely struggles (“There's no way this offense doesn't take a step back,” Chris notes, 64:04) but optimistic about the trajectory if the fundamentals are right.

Summary for the Uninitiated

This episode delivers a tour-de-force across the SEC's most significant 2026 quarterback races, giving listeners a sense of each team's crossroads, who is in line for the starting role, and what will tip the scale. The in-depth Vanderbilt segment combines appreciation of 2025's miracle with grounded projections for this year, highlighting how success now means setting a “new floor” amid inevitable growing pains.

Even if you didn’t listen, this summary tells you who is likely to win the jobs, outlines each program’s mindset, and lays out the stakes for a post-Pavia Vanderbilt and the SEC’s next wave of star quarterbacks.

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Transcript64 lines

[00:00]
A
Hello everyone. I'm Chris Phillips. He's Colbert Thompson. This is Chewing Clock SEC unfiltered bi weekly SEC football show. The best SEC football show on the Internet. Like I mentioned, jam packed show here on a Monday and the first chewing clock of the month of August. Happy August to you all. College football season and football season as a whole is officially here. We do get football this week with the NFL hall of Fame game for those of you who care about such things. But as we all know, in just a few short days this week, the pads will be popping, teams are back on the field, fall camp will officially begin and again, end of this month, folks, don't let them tell you week zero doesn't count because it absolutely does. We will get college football. And again, we are ever so close to toe meeting leather on the 2026 SEC football season. On that note, I welcome in my co host, colleague, partner in crime, one of the best in the business joins me once again. Colbert Thompson, Bear. Appreciate you taking the time, my friend. I know for you, obviously it's already football season. Heck, it's always football season. But you're hard at work there in Houston with the Texans and training camp and all that good stuff. Preseason about to get underway, my friend. Again, I appreciate you taking the time. Really excited to chop it up with you today.
[01:15]
B
We have football back in our lives. No more conversation about why the SEC is overrated or why the Big ten is able to run away from competition. No more chatter about what happens between the ACC and the future of a super league. Now we just get to see toe meat leather put the ball down the best 11 on 11 go toe to toe against each other and shut everybody up as we make a race to the College Football Playoff. It starts now. I'm excited. I don't care about anything that you want to talk about with your life. If it doesn't have anything to do with college football, it plays second field to me from here on out. Let's freaking go, dude.
[01:50]
A
Yeah, Cole. I'm actually going to get a look at the Titans this weekend. I'm going to their fan fest open practice. However you want to phrase it, they're having that on Friday. So I will be getting in a Nissan stadium, getting a first look at the 2026 Tennessee Titans. Maybe, just maybe we're going to the playoffs. So.
[02:07]
B
Probably not.
[02:08]
A
Probably not. Yeah, maybe. Maybe Cam Ward balls out this year. You never know. But like you mentioned, football's officially in the air, my friend. Guys, college football's happening this month. Really, really Exciting stuff really quickly before we get going, guys. As you see, no Demetri Gabonas again this week. He is still on vacation and we are happy for Demitri taking some time to recharge the batteries. He will join us again next week on Monday and then from there, really throughout the college football season. Of course, we're going to dive into next week, our college football playoff bracket predictions and our national champion. So it won't just be our bracket, it'll be our bracket with predictions and picking a national champion as well. We might even get into some week one stuff later that week next week. But again, really, really excited for this week, what we've got going on. One quick thing I do want to shout out, Cole. I was in Athens, Georgia over the weekend at the Bulldogs battling breast cancer golf tournament. Just want to say thank you and shout out to Dwight and his team yet again. That was an awesome opportunity. Really happy to be a part of it. That was my first time getting the opportunity to get down there and be a part of of that event and we had a great time. The golf was incredible. But obviously doing it for a great cause. Met so many great people, obviously, as you can imagine, a lot of dogs down there and I look forward to seeing them in Athens again this season. But I did want to take a moment, got it here next to me, by the way, this nice water bottle they gave us amongst tons of other gifts, by the way, at the tournament, but wanted to shout them out and again, it was for a great cause and raised a ton of money for the battle against breast cancer. So really, really fun stuff and wanted to start the show out, shouting them out for the hard work, the relentless work that I know that they put in months and months and months ahead of time. But again, on that note, Cole, and on the note of college football, one final thing I will say, keep your eyes and ears peeled. Good chance we very well might be having a kickoff party in Nashville to get the college football season going week one. So just let me put that bug in your ear real quick. Stay tuned for more details. But that being said, Cole, like we mentioned so many times, we're hitting the field this week. Football officially in the air. Cole in the note of Athens. I was in Athens, Georgia, walking around on Thursday afternoon, had dinner with our good friend Graham Coffee of DOG Central, who does such a great job. We figured why not let's walk around the campus, let's walk around the facility. So we went and saw Foley Field, the home of Georgia baseball. Then we walked over, saw the indoor facility. Saw the practice facility and Cole, I got chills. I got goosebumps because the field was painted. We're ever so close this week. The pads will be popping. We walked over to Sanford Stadium, saw the field. All the chair backs are officially in their seats. That's because we got football starting this week. Fall camp is getting going. Whether it's tomorrow, whether it's Wednesday, whenever it is, fall camp's underway. Cole, what we are here discussing today, position battles always dominate the conversation, right? And they're a big part of fall camp is these coaches and these teams continue to shape themselves. We got some major quarterback battles, Cole, that are taking place that are obviously going to go a long way in shaping what the 2026 season looks like. So I figure. Cole, let's discuss them, let's talk about them and let's make some predictions. Most notably Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee and Vanderbilt. All still trying to figure out who QB1 is. If I missed any of them, y' all can let me know in the comments. Or Cole, you can let me know. But those are the five most notable in the Southeastern Conference as we continue to count down the days to kick off the battles that we are watching for. So, Cole, let's go in reverse order. Let's give the Vanderbilt Commodore some love and start with them. We. We will end with Alabama and we will talk about those five QB battles and make our pick for who we think is going to win the job. So, Cole, without further ado, you ready to get this thing rolling? Let's start with the Vanderbilt Commodores. It is the freshman, the star prize recruit who picked the doors over Georgia, I might add, In Jared Curtis vs Blake Berlowitz, the New Mexico State transfer. So a lot of familiarity there with Tim Beck, his system life. After Diego Pavia officially begins, there are some massive, massive shoes to fill. Cole, your thoughts on this quarterback battle in Nashville and who you think will take the job ultimately?
[06:27]
B
Well, if Berlor is winning the job, what it's saying is that Curtis is not caught up to speed with Timback's offense. That's the only way I could see it because when you pay a premium and you guarantee the rights of being able to land the number one quarterback in the country regardless of if he is Mr. Tennessee or not, there's usually a sign that says you're starting right away. And we know this is simply based off of what we've seen in years past. I mean, go look at last season, Bryce Underwood at Michigan flipping at the very last minute. From LSU to go stay close to home. He won the starting job outright and it was largely because of, even if there are some bumps and bruises along the way, we feel confident that he gives us the best chance to win with his upside. And that's what you should feel with Jared Curtis. Again, this is a guy that's been a three year starter at Nashville Christian University, mean Nashville Christian school. He had 25 touchdowns his first season. He led us into the state championship in his second season he was the five star recruit. Everyone loved what he was able to accomplish. He was big in the championship this past year. I think he had five passing touchdowns and he really felt like that he had owned this section of being able to kind of separate himself of being clear QB1 in this year's recruiting class. What this really comes down to is do you feel like that if you were to throw him in against say an Alabama, you would throw him in against Georgia? He gives you a better shot than Brandon Berlowitz. And honest, I think it should because of whether or not Berlowitz has ties with, you know, Jerry Kill, with Tim Beck, with the offensive personnel for New Mexico State following in the same pathway of Diego Pavia. This is a kid that has all the intangibles and the tools, the frame, the footwork, the speed and honestly the IQ of what you want to be able to build off of your success from last season. And for me personally, what this really comes down to. Chris, Everything is about setting the tone, moving into a new era of Vanderbilt football. So Vanderbilt last season went 10, 2. Vanderbilt is not known for winning 10 games. They'd never won 10 games before. That was the first time we ever saw it in the regular season. And they're trying to prove to everyone as we sit here this morning talking about what is the future of Vanderbilt. Hey, just because we lost Diego Pavia doesn't mean we lost our moxie, doesn't mean we lost our aura, doesn't mean we lost our Persona. So we got to make sure whoever is winning that starting job carries the mantle over from what we saw a season ago and continues to build off that success. I think that when you go out in a guy like Jared Curtis, he's betting on himself when he could go to a place like Georgia and win national titles, he's going to Vanderbilt. To me, that says that you should be the starter if you are caught up with the offense. But if you're not, it does help that you have a guy that's currently in the building that can Learn the ins and outs. I think that whether or not Berlowitz wins the starting job week one, by the time that we get to the middle of SEC play, that would be Jared Curtis's team.
[09:08]
A
I was gonna say Cole. It's gotta be Jared Curtis though, right? Like I, I feel like that's the bag of goods. Not to say that Clark Lee guaranteed anything or Timback guaranteed anything. I don't think they're in the business of that. But I find it really hard to believe you got a guy like that to come to campus. I still think early playing time matters to these guys.
[09:29]
B
Right?
[09:30]
A
Like he wanted to go ride the bench for a year or two. He could have went to Athens, waited behind Gunner Stockton, potentially waited behind Ryan Puglisi and just waited his turn. I mean, I think the opportunity to be the man at Vandy and be the man immediately was probably a large part of what they sold him. And I do think it's interesting though, Cole. I mean, probably two months ago I didn't think there was much of a quarterback battle. I will be totally honest with you, Cole. I didn't know who Blake Berlowitz was until like two months ago. Like last season, I'll admit I couldn't have named Vanderbilt's backup quarterback because it was just the Diego Pavia show. So, you know, you look at Berlowitz's numbers, let's do that. He went 10, 19 for 134 yards and a touchdown at New Mexico State in 2023, 2024. He comes to Vandy. He follows Timbeck. He does not play. Last year he made six appearances, went 9, 17, 131 yards and a touchdown. Appeared in games like Georgia State. I actually did play against Virginia Tech. That was in 2025 through for 35 yards and a touchdown in that game, went 4 or 5 for 55 yards and beat Kentucky. So I mean he does have some significant action, but I just feel like there's no way that it's not Jared Curtis. I will say this though, Cole. What's interesting and some of these battles we're going to talk about, they're. They're similar to this from the standpoint of I think this one could go into the season because you look at who they open with Austin P. And Delaware, the first two games, then you get NC State, week three. Obviously I think you need to know who your guys by then, but I mean, what's to say? Why not let them duke it out on the field? I, I still just. Cole, I have a really, really hard time believing it's not Jared Curtis because I think again a large part of it is because he believed. He chose Vanderbilt because he believed he was going to see the field very, very early in his career, if not immediately in his career. And you talk to Vandy folks, most of them think it's, it's absolutely 100 Jared Curtis. Maybe this is being manufactured as some battle to keep guys sharp, but it's going to be interesting. I'm going to predict though it's Jared Curtis. I just don't think there's any way you got him on campus to not have him start game number one. And I think you were okay with the idea of hey, we're going to take our lumps with this youngster because he's so supremely talented and we're buying into him for the long term versus, you know, going with the, the guy who maybe is more experienced in the offense but you're thinking more long term than short term here.
[12:01]
B
I think so. What I find interesting and BLA Berloitz is is what they call my Blaze Berlo. This reminds me of a lot of the old Alabama battles after they let go of Agent McCarron. Nick Saban knew who he wanted to be a starter. Nick Saban made it clear this guy is probably gonna be our top option under center. But because we had these games early on in the season that we know that we're going to play both of them, all we're really waiting to see is okay, is there a reason why we would have to doubt him if put in a situation for a must win game. I think that that's what Clark Lee and Tim Beck are going to do in this situation. Both Berlowitz and Curtis are going to play. I expect both of them to see action with the first team offense at least a little bit in that game against Austin Peay and then probably in that matchup against Delaware going into the second half. You have to know by the time that you kick off against NC State that Jared Curtis is caught at the speed, good to go, locked, loaded, ready to take over the mantle of QB1. And if you feel confident in that, then he's going to be your star the rest of the way. I think that that's really what we're going to see in this battle again. Jared Curtis from a talent perspective is one of the best passers coming out of high school in the last five years and a lot of people believe that if he's willing to go to a place like Nashville and go to a program like Vanderbilt. He believes that he is good enough to be able to compete against SEC competition the second he steps foot on the field. And I think that he will end up doing that by the time that we get to mid October. I, I, I agree. I think that Jared Curtis wins the job. I think Jared Curtis is going to show a lot of people why there is hope in Nashville for the long term. After Diego Pavia Cole, let's go to
[13:40]
A
the other team in the state of Tennessee, that being the Tennessee Vols and Cole. I think this is one of the most fascinating quarterback battles that we have going into kickoff. And when you think about the expectations for Tennessee, maybe some of the pressure on Josh Hyple. Getting the answer to this question right obviously is going to be paramount, especially when you think about on the offense. They've got some nice pieces, they've got some weapons. I think there's a lot of reasons to be optimistic about that side of the football for the balls. But again, getting quarterback right is of the utmost importance. It is George McIntyre who has been in this system for a year. Very, very limited playing time obviously last year as Joey Aguilar took the SEC by storm. So it's George McIntyre against the prized signee and the prized freshman Faison. Brandon. Again, Cole, just to give you some background here, George McIntyre as a freshman a season ago and really got a high school. I should start there. Four star prospect out of Nashville. He enrolls at Tennessee. Last year as a freshman he played in two regular season games. 79 for 69 yards. His action came against New Mexico State and East Tennessee State. So mop up duty, late game duty, whatever when Tennessee was winning in blowout fashion. Then there's Faison, Brandon go five star prospect by all the major recruiting services. Top five overall prospect in the country, top five quarterback by everyone. This dude is has got balls. Fans excited, let's just put it that way. He enrolls in Tennessee in 20 in January of 2026. Went through spring, went through spring game, all that good stuff. Cole, your thoughts on this quarterback battle. Who you think wins the job, George McIntyre or Faison? Brandon, if I got to pull up
[15:26]
B
the clip I will but I think I was the first person to tell you and really everybody don't sleep on Fazon Brandon not being the guy like, like do not think that just because he is a true freshman coming on in he is not going to impress everybody. Dazzle Josh Hyple, find a rhythm with this offense and kind of take over the mantle which Ultimately I think happens. What's, what's so interesting when doing your research on Josh Hyper. Working with freshman quarterbacks is not an uncommon thing for him. Wherever he's been as a coordinator, as a quarterbacks coach, as a head coach. He did it when he was at Oklahoma with Sam Bradford. Dylan Gabriel, when he was the head coach at ucf had a phenomenal freshman campaign underneath Josh Hype, the red shirt freshman year from Nico Iamalama. They didn't make the playoff because of Nico but, but, but Nico still was a redshirt freshman and, and handled business before. So Josh Hypo has a good gauge on how to be able to learn and work with young quarterbacks. What I will say is, is that when you look at right now where Tennessee is, so many people I think are counting out Tennessee simply because the quarterback position and that's wrong because of when you look at the roster, they got two stud wide receivers, they got some damn good tight end play, they got arguably a top three offensive line in the sec. They have a top four returning running back into Sean Bishop. The defense, while it's a question mark, if it's caught up to speed underneath Jim Knowles could be a major difference maker. So really when you look at what made Tennessee so good a few years ago when they went to the playoff, it wasn't the quarterback play, it was just making sure the quarterback didn't put the ball in harm's way. And I think that that's what's going to separate George McIntyre and Faison Brandon in this does somebody have a little bit more of a jolt or an extra ump that gets the them that job but also doesn't make the mental mistakes that puts the ball in harm's way to where a game that comes down to the wire you may be winning and then that pick six now puts you with behind the eight ball and you don't know if you're going to be able to respond. So Brandon offers I think a little bit more upside in the rushing attack. I do like his arm strength a little bit more. I think George McIntyre is the consistent passing quarterback that you want. Neither is a bad guy, but I just feel like it. There's a way to clearly separate the two. Whichever one doesn't make the mental mistakes and offers just a little bit more. Tennessee has the opportunity to be a surprise in 2026. They just need competent quarterback play and that ultimately may be what decides who wins the starting job for Josh Hypo. Because let's be real, there are people that want him gone. And people who have said he's kind of hit a ceiling with us in Knoxville.
[17:57]
A
Yeah, my rule of thumb, Cole, when it comes to these quarterback battles is especially when it's a guy, listen, George McIntyre has played, but I mean it's been very, very limited and I understand he's got a year in the system, but my rule of thumb typically is like when you have a quarterback battle between two guys and it's even because when you think about it, George McIntyre should be ahead of Faison Brandon. Like GMAC should be going into fall camp as maybe not he's been named QB1, but he should be slightly ahead. From what I've heard, it's neck and neck. Yeah, the rule of thumb is when you got two guys and it's neck and neck, you go with the younger, more talented, higher upside option. That option of me spent Brandon goal. I mean I, I think, you know, logically when you're talking about it out loud, like it makes sense, like, okay, George McIntyre, he's been in the system for a year. It's Josh Hyple system, quarterback friendly and I think whoever they roll with, by the way, I think will perform well because if Josh Hypo's proven anything, it's he's going to get competent quarterback play. But I think it's going to be Faison Brandon. I think the momentum is pointing to him and I think in a big year for Josh Hypo and of course this is a big decision, I think it is much easier and I'm not saying this is why Josh Hyper would make the decision. He's going to play the best available guy, but I think in a year that is so important for the future, I think even if you're taking your lumps with a youngster, but it's the more talented of the two, I think that is something that he's going to have his bright spots as well. I think that's something you can sell to your fan base for the future. You know, they just got the commitment of dgg obviously. Highest paid running back recruit ever. Supposedly extremely talented though, you know, that's who he's going to be playing with. I mean, I think that's who he wants to be playing with and I think Bazon Brandon is the guy of the future for Tennessee. So I think the future is now for the Vols. I do think it's going to be Faison Brandon again. I think when you got two guys this close, because let's face it, George McIntyre's experience is it's limited to none. Essentially he just has a year of knowing the playbook ahead. Unless there's just this huge gap where Faison Brandon does not know left from right up from down, which I mean, if he doesn't, I'd put that more on the coaching staff probably than anything for not getting him ready. But unless there's just some huge gap from that standpoint, I think you go with the younger, more talented, higher upside guy. I think that's what they will do. I think they will go with Faison Brandon. They're just taking a look at their schedule really quickly. Yeah, Tennessee goes into the season, you've got that game against Furman week one. So you know, I'll be curious mostly do we see both guys? Because I think on one hand I think you'd like to know who QB1 is to get them as many reps as possible and build up as much as confidence as possible before you go in that Week 2 matchup at Georgia Tech. Right. I mean there's something to be said for splitting the rest, but I, I don't. I would rather have the guy known and say, hey man, go out there against Furman and go light it up. Go pad your stats, go build confidence because we need. You're going to need your guy playing at his very best when you go to Atlanta for a really tricky game against Georgia Tech. So I, I do think it's going to be Faison Brandon though. I just think cold the. The upside and I think building for the future, although I know it's a pivotal year and Tennessee fans don't want to hear that. It's a lot easier I think if you go 7 and 5 or 8 and 4 but you do it with Faison Brandon versus George McIntyre. I think that is something you can build off of and sell for the future. Like hey we did this with him in his first year. Think about next year. Plus we're adding dgg, plus we're adding whoever going to help us go get guys in the portal. They're going to want to play with a guy like this who's an exciting playmaker at the quarterback position. So I think they go with Faison Brandon.
[21:52]
B
Yeah, I think, I think that you bring up a really good point. It's a lot easier to sell to the fan base. Look at the stats and how well he has matured from week one to week 13. And while we may finish the year eight and five, we at least know that this is a guy that's bought in for the future than it is going with George McIntyre. I think that the big thing that I would look at as well, you got to know who the wide receivers are trusting more. And I know that seems like it's like oh well, you know, any wide receiver can make a play for a quarterback. You got two damn good wide receivers and you got a third that's waiting in the wings and then maybe even a fourth when you throw in TK keys that are going to be here for the future. You want to know that they have this rapport that is just simpatico. Just we know that we're good, we're not having to reach or anything. When I'm going into an audible situation, I know what he's looking for, I know how to break on open and I know that he's going to find me and I'm not going to be the one holding the end of stick with a bad grip. So Faison Brandon I think offers you a little bit more of that. I think Faison Brandon offers you a little bit more when it comes to the mobility factor. I think Faison Brandon does a lot of good things at a high end level and we don't know what he's going to do in college yet because we've yet to see it. But we barely seen it for George McIntyre too. So when I know that there's a little bit more upside at one spot, it's a lot easier to go ahead and trust that he can get the job done and at least show me that by the time that we get to the season's end. Yeah, he's corrected the same the mental errors that plagued us early on in the year.
[23:13]
A
Cole, let's go to Gainesville Florida, the Florida Gators. Year one of John Sumrall, year one of new OC Buster Faulkner. It'll be Tramell Jones Jr. Against Aaron Philo, who notably followed Buster Faulkner from Georgia Tech. Cole, your thoughts on this battle. Just to give you some background here, Aaron Philo last year for The Yellow Jackets. 21 of 28, 373 yards, one touchdown, one interception. You look at Tramell Jones Jr. He appeared in two games last year for the Gators, three for 191 yards, two touchdowns, 21 of 35. The two games he appeared in LIU and at Kentucky. By the way, at Kentucky he played the entire second half going 9:17 for 60 yards. But it's always intriguing. Cole, this is the first one we talked about where we have a new coach, we have a new coaching staff, and so we have a guy that followed his OC from his old stop to his new stop. How does that play into this battle? Your thoughts? Tramell Jones Jr. Aaron Philo, who wins this job? Who's the quarterback of the Gators Year one of John Sumrall?
[24:22]
B
Yeah, this is one that we're I think that we may be split on because of they're two different type of quarterbacks. You know, you look at the mobility of what Aaron Philo was able to accomplish at Georgia Tech and then you look at what Tramell Jones can be. And again the sample size is small for both. But we did see Tramell Jones at times last season and it hyped up Florida fans. I I don't really know if this is going to be one that will be decided by the time that we get to week three, Week four. I think that's what makes this such an interesting battle because John Summerall also brought this up at SEC media days. Just because you start week one does not mean you're starting in October. Just because if you have a really good rep against say LIU or against whoever the hell we play Week one doesn't mean that you're going to be playing up to the same par when we go against Georgia. I think that's really important. What you got to look at here is what do you think stands out more? The athletic traits of Tramel Jones or the knowledge of the offense for Aaron Filo and that's ultimately what may determine who gets the starting job. You bring in Aaron Philo because of his relationship with Buster Faulkner and I've heard some people talk about it, they do believe that because of what he knows, the ins and outs of being able to play in that system, it'll end up being really good and he will end up being an easier transition that where you may lose a game. But you know that it's not because of bad quarterback play or incompetence or a miscommunication. But then I look at also at the same time, Florida's offensive line still is a giant question mark and Florida's offensive line may be one of the biggest question marks for a team that on paper has everything else going forward into this year. So you may need a little bit more mobility. Do you think the Tramell Jones offers that upside a little bit more that can turn what's a six yard loss into a two yard game and maybe it's on third down and you just need to be able to move the sticks. So I don't know if there's a right answer right now because when you look at these two sides, neither is a bad fit, but it's either the best fit, I guess is the bigger question that I would have.
[26:19]
A
Well, and Cole, to your point too, I mean you think about that Week 3 matchup at Auburn. Before that you've got Florida Atlantic out of the gate and Campbell in week number two, both at home obviously. So you are going to have two games of sample size to, you know, potentially play both or one guy takes 70 of the snaps or 80 or however they want to do it. But you're going to have two games to to get a look at both of these guys and figure out who's the best fit. Because obviously week three at Auburn, Jordan Hare at night, you better have your guy ready and then Ole Miss the following week. So you dive into SEC play, you better have QB1 ready to go. This is going to be, you're going to notice Cola theme for me in some of these that we talk about. I, I just, here's my thing. I find it hard to believe that a guy follows his, his coach to a new stop to go sit the bench. I, I find it really, really, really hard to believe it. I will say though, Cole, this is probably one of the most unpredictable because we have no sample size whatsoever. Like, I don't feel like either one of these guys really has any sort of edge. I know there's a lot of buzz around Tramell Jones Jr. From Gators fans and I think it's probably because he's been there and they're the most familiar with him. But you know, you're really excited about Buster Faulkner if you're a fan of the Gators, obviously, as you should be. I think he brought his dude to be the dude. So I, I think Aaron Philo, I'm going to predict he's going to win the job at least coming out of the gate. Like you said Cole and John Summerall mentioned, who knows what happens past that. I mean if the guy goes out there and plays like against Auburn, you never know, right? Like he very well might get benched. And you know, John Sumrall, you mentioned his comments. He went as far as to say that they've had a two quarterback system before. Like he'll do it if he's got to. I don't think anybody prefers to do it that way, but he will do it if he has to. But I'll go Aaron Philo, just from the standpoint of I just find it really hard to believe that he followed him from Atlanta to Gainesville to ride the pine this season. But this is one Cole. I mean those first two games being against FAU and Campbell, I could see the rep split 50, 50. I mean I, I really, really could because it's one of those things with both these guys you don't really know what you got until they're under the lights in the line of fire. And Cole, I still don't really know that you're going to know what you got until week three at Auburn when you're, you're in front of 90,000 in the heat of one of the most hostile environments in college football. So I will go Aaron Filo, but this is one we could and I think I'd almost predict we will see both guys play this season in significant action as they try to figure this thing out.
[29:01]
B
Yeah, if you were to tell me who do I bank on seeing more reps in the Auburn game, I'd go Philo. I think it's just because the trust factor of running a two minute offense and being able to pick up third down coverages and understanding when a guy is playing down low and what the offensive line is going to look like for Buster Faulkner. When you got a dude that's been in your system before like that, you gotta take him. But it wouldn't shock me if Tramell Jones eventually surpasses him. But right now I would say it's Aaron Philo. I what I need more than anything else is a tone setter that is going to be able to run my offense accordingly. And I think that even though the sample size is small, he's only made one start his entire career and I think that was back in 2024. There's enough of a knowledge of understanding the ins and outs about Buster Faulkner wants that quarterback position, how to be able to run it from certain formations. What do you got to do when you're reading the coverages they're just going to say you know what? We'd rather have the tone setter in a guy that's not going to put the ball in harmony harm's way rather than the highlight play that could also lead to an interception. So yeah, I, I think that Philo wins the job. I think Firelow keeps the job midway through the year. Let's have a reevaluation though about what happens at that spot.
[30:06]
A
Cole. Let's go to Fayetteville, Arkansas. Another new staff that will attempt to nail down their QB1 over the course of fall camp. It is Ryan Silverfield, the Arkansas Razorbacks. K.J. jackson, the Returner from a Season ago who played some significant time for The Hogs against A.J. hill, the Memphis transfer who follows Ryan Silverfield. Cole once again first taking a look at AJ Hill red shirted last year at Memphis. He was a consensus four star recruit by the way out of Houston County High School. Last year though, first season on campus, he played in two games 1932 for 223 yards with a touchdown and one pick. Those two games came against UAB and then against NC State. In the gas forillable, most notably against NC State, Cooley went 6 of 7 for 48 yards. So really efficient. KJ Jackson actually a guy I got to see in person a season ago, Cole at Texas when he came in that game in relief. In total though, he went 33 of 54, three touchdowns, no picks, 11 carries for 52 yards and two touchdowns as well. That Texas game specifically Cole, 16 of 29 for 206 a touchdown, no interceptions in that ball game. Did some nice things. I mean this is kid, really athletic kid, got a strong arm. A lot of buzz around K.J. jackson, but again you've got A.J. hill coming over with his head coach at Memphis now over at Arkansas. So this one intriguing as well. Cole, we know what the expectations and we understand realistically the rebuild taking place in Fayetteville. But if you got any chance of exceeding expectations and making some noise and surprising some people, somebody's gonna have to emerge at the quarterback position. Cole, your thoughts? K.J. jackson vs. A.J. hill, who wins the job?
[31:58]
B
Yeah, Smitty Hogg brings up a really good point here. Limited time, not significant time. There were significant moments throughout that Texas and that Missouri game where it felt like that K.J. jackson kind of turned it on and made Hog fans realize it may be a dark future in terms of wins, but the quarterback position is going to be fun. And I went back and I remember watching that tape and he made some throws that the wide receivers just weren't bringing in the ball. It wasn't on him. He was actually hitting his stride. He was making some really good decisive reads. He's got that mobility factor. 6 foot 4 frame run inside the pocket. He scored a rushing touchdown against Texas. This is one of those times where you bring in a quarterback like A.J. hill and the reason you bring him on in is probably because of the new stat that comes into Memphis is not going to want him to stay as the starting quarterback, which is different than a guy like Aaron Philo leaving Georgia Tech to go to a place like Florida. He's following his offense coordinator, maybe because if he sees a vision where he was going to be the starter next season at Georgia Tech, but now because of the offense is going to be changed up here, we're going to go ahead and run it down to Gainesville. I think K.J. jackson showed everyone in Fayetteville in a small sample size that he is the right guy to lead this team. And I think the intangibles are there. I think the footwork is great, I think the frame is great, I think the accuracy was great. I think the confidence is there. This is one of those times where it feels like if A.J. hill is going to beat out K.J. jackson, he's got to have that it fantastic factor from the get go. That is where Ryan Silverfield realizes, yeah, I kept this guy around because I wanted competition. I feel like the part of the thing was when Ryan Silverfield got the job, he kind of had a meeting with K.J. jackson said, you are not entering the transfer portal as if I already know that you're going to be the starter. Like this is one of those battles that I think that we, we know there's a battle going on because they haven't announced a starter internally. I think that Everybody knows it's K.J. jackson until it's not K.J. jackson.
[33:56]
A
Yeah, watching him in Austin Cole, I mean again, the game was out of hand. But I, I liked some things I saw from an ability standpoint. I mean, to me, and I don't want to over exaggerate here for the sake of over exaggerating, but I don't feel like I am. Like, I feel like he's Camario Taylor without the highlight tape. I'm not saying he's gonna do that, but like I just, I think their games are somewhat similar now. I think Camario Taylor's in a better situation than what K.J. jackson is in, but some of the ability from a playmaking standpoint, like, you know, Camario Taylor has that crazy run that he had against Ole Miss. That's the one that's offseason. Everybody's got to repeat. Like, I think K.J. jackson could do some things that are similar to that, maybe not identical. I'm not saying they're equal players, but the, the skill sets are very similar in my opinion. So I think it's K.J. jackson as well. Cole. I mean, listen, I, I think it is intriguing they bring over A.J. hill. You know, when you bring, like I just talked about with Florida, when you bring over your guy from the previous stop, you know, it's something to Keep an eye on how much do they trust this dude. Do they see a vision for him being the starter quarterback? But I, I think you're right. I think the momentum around Arkansas from the people I've talked to, it does feel like K.J. jackson is the guy they're going to bank on, they're going to roll the dice with. And I think he is the highest upside and the most has the most electric factory potential of the two guys, if you will, to bring some excitement to the offense. Certainly Arkansas needs excitement in the offense around the program just in the worst way for this season to give him a shot to overachieve and have a successful year one under Ryan Silverfield. Cole finally to Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Some saying maybe we saved the most intriguing for last just because who it is the Crimson Tide. Kaylin Devore, Ryan Grubb moving on after Ty Simpson figuring out who's going to be QB1 this season. Is it Austin Mack, the Washington transfer who followed Caitlin DeBoer over to Tuscaloosa, or is it Keelan Russell, the star prized recruit, the star prize signee who saw very limited action? Cole a season ago it was interesting to me. I thought that last season I think many Crimson Tide fans thought Keelan Russell was going to be QB2 behind Ty Simpson. And you saw late in games, no, it was, it was Austin Mack that came relief and took those snaps and, and played that mop up duty, if you will. Austin Mack a season ago, 24 of 32 through two touchdowns, no interceptions for the Crimson Tide. His, his appearances came against Ulm, Wisconsin, EIU and Indiana. Indiana most notably went 1116 late in that game for 103 yards. Cole, when you look at Keon Russell obviously turned heads in the spring game, got people really fired up. A season ago he went 11 of 15, two touchdowns, no interceptions, 143 yards to his credit, three carries, 17 yards. That action came against Ulm and EI you. So Cole, your thoughts on this quarterback battle. I think what makes it so fascinating too is it felt like for so many it was a foregone conclusion. Keylon Russell was going to be the guy, right? Like prized recruit, super athletic, big arm, fits all the, you know, fits all the, all the, the checks, all the boxes if you will, of what you want. Your starting quarterback and Austin Mack just kind of felt like a, oh, he's just a journeyman that followed along Caitlin aboard whatever. And then you start hearing the rumblings out of spring and people certainly that I know that follow the Crimson Tide closely And that are there in Tuscaloosa we're saying hey, like no, there, there's some real smoke to the fire potentially that Austin Mack can, could potentially be this team starting quarterback. Then Keelan Russell has the big spring game. This still feels very wide open to me, Cole, even though most I think are going to pick Keelan Russell to win the job. Your thoughts on the dynamic of the battle between Austin Mac and Key Lime Russell and who, who do you think at the end of the day is QB1 for the Crimson Tide?
[38:02]
B
So what I think is, is that regardless of who wins the job, both are going to do fine in Kaylin Deborah's offense number one. They were each handpicked by Kaylin Debor and Ryan Grubb. One at Washington, one at Alabama. Both have an understanding about what Kayin DeBoer and and Ryan Grubb want in the quarterback position. And this is the first time that we will see a quarterback that Kayin DeBoer chose himself because if Jaylen Milro was there year one and Ty Simpson didn't go anywhere and he was a veteran in the system and I think that whether or not you want to say that he want to go in a different pathway, there was no reason not to go with Ty Simpson at the time. So. So this is the first time that we're going to see a Kaylin DeBoer quarterback from the very jump be in a Kaylin Debor offense Tuscalooso, which could be pretty awesome because remember the last time that we saw that his name was Michael Pennix Jr. And he went to the Heisman Trophy presentation and he was a couple throws away from winning a national title at one Washington, which is ultimately why he got the job in Alabama. The thing that I wonder about, and I don't want to say this because I feel like that it's one way or another, but what I really find interesting is there going to be a scenario where internally you don't want to lose the higher ceiling quarterback to the transfer portal. So what you do is you play him immediately even if there are some bumps and bruises along the way. Because if you want to avoid him even flipping flirting with the idea of leaving for the Portal in the off season because Austin Mack can have another year of eligibility if he wants to. If Keelan Russell doesn't, if Keelan Russell loses the starting job, Keelan Russell's got multiple years of starting eligibility left and he could go to any school in the country and I can promise you he would be one of the most if not the most covered quarterback in the portal this off season. So do you have that conversation of look, while we think that Austin Mack may give us the best chance to win now we know that we're only going to continue to grow with a guy like Kelon Russell and we got to do everything in our power to make sure that nobody is flirting. We're trying to coax him to leave the program early or better even just leave the program in general to where we lose him. And sometimes it feels like that that's, you know, super little bits to say it like that. But, but we've seen this happen before of guys going back and forth with quarterback battles and the second that you don't win the job, you kind of shut things down. I've seen that in Alabama. I mean Blake Barnett was the number one quarterback recruit in the country and Jalen hurts a kid from Channel View Texas, beats him out against and plays in the USC game, plays more in the USC game, plays the next week and then here we go. We never see Blake Barnett play another down for, for Alabama. Like, like it just happens that way. So is there a conversation internally going on saying that maybe we give it to Kelon Russell while there are some bumps and bruises because we want to have him be the starter long term and we know that he has a higher ceiling regardless? Number one, none of this is going to matter if your offensive line still is a turnstile of misery and if you aren't able to run the football. And number two, I don't think you have to have the job entirely locked up through the first three games of the season. I'm not a big believer in Florida State, the ECU game. You're probably going to see both play. You're going to have an opportunity very similar to what we saw when it was like Blake Sims and Jake Coker. Give me a reason why one of you is worthy of being the starter and I'm okay with the other one being the backup. I think both end up getting playing time throughout the first month of the season. I think by the end though, it is Keon Russell. Keon Russell I think has the highest ceiling in college football of all the quarterbacks that are first year starters. There's just this it factor that I saw when he was playing in high school and I think that there's a reason why Kayin Debor made sure and remember this was really important. Chris, there was the clip of Keelan Russell talk with a South Carolina coach after the win and Caitlin Deboer grabs him and goes, nope, right to the locker room because he knows that that's a guy that if you put in the portal, it's a dangerous, dangerous game that you're gonna be playing where he could be coming into Tuscaloosa in a year and he's not going to beat you instead of being a reason why you win games. So I think Keelan Russell wins the starting job at the end. But I do think that this is going to be a battle and honestly, if you're an Alabama fan, while it's an uncertain feeling, feel good because at least you know that both quarterbacks fit your system and that they're both probably going to be successful running Kaylin Deborah's offense.
[42:17]
A
Cole, I'm gonna go Keon Russell as well. I think one of the big reasons, a lot of what you just said, a lot of points, you hit on great points. You mentioned the offensive line lack of running game last year. I think Keon Russell and the, the wrinkle he brings to the offense from the standpoint of quarterback run game, I think will be pivotal for them this year. I don't know that Alabama, I think they need that in the offense. I don't know that Alabama is going to be able to run the football consistently conventionally from a standpoint of where they can afford to not have the quarterback run game be part of that offense. So I think Keelan Russell gives you the best opportunity that I agree with you going into East Carolina again. I think we will see both guys play. How dare you gloss over that Week 2 game at Kentucky, Cole? How dare you do that? No, I mean it tricky.
[43:11]
B
You, you.
[43:13]
A
I, I don't think we go into Kentucky with like, hey, it's, we're, we're announcing it's a two quarterback system. We're rotating them in and out. I, you know, this one is interesting though. Just because Austin Mack has been around so long with Kaylin aboard and Ryan Grubb. At the same time though, I'm like, man, if you were that good, like you probably would have won a quarterback battle by now. Yeah, yeah, you're right, Cole. I, I do think it is a dangerous game to play that if Keelan Russell did not win the job, if he hit the portal boy, that could certainly backfire because I think you look at his qualifications obviously. I mean he was an elite playmaker coming out of high school. Five star recruit, Texas and National Gatorade player of the year. We've obviously seen him on the field at this point and some of the dynamic and electric things he can do. And I don't know that Austin Mack will be a bad option but I just think again Keon Russell higher upside and I think what he can do Cole for their offense from a quarterback run game perspective I think is going to be crucial because again we don't know if Alabama can line up in the eye formation and run the football conventionally. I think that's going to be a wrinkle. They're going to need to generate some sort of run game this season similar to like kind of how. Maybe not to this level but kind of like how Oklahoma last year had to use John Matier. Like that was the only way they were able to run the football was in the quarterback run game with John Matier and then it was able to keep defenses off bounce. I think they'll need to do something similar with a Keon Russell. So I'm going to go Keon Russell. But you are right Cole, because I've talked about a lot and you and I have talked about a lot the way the beginning of the season and the first month of the schedule shapes up for Alabama. It is an opportunity to get these guys feet wet and get Keelan Russell's feet wet specifically without before you really dive into the teeth of the schedule. So this will be one. Make sure you turn your TVs on week one, that East Carolina game, you probably will see both. But I, I agree with you. I think it's going to be Keylon Russell. He, he's the quarterback of the future. That's why you brought that guy in. So I do think it is going to be Kelon Russell. Even though it sounded like Austin Mack early maybe had an edge, I, I just, I think you gotta try Kelon Russell out there.
[45:26]
B
I'll tell you what though, if Austin Mack is not the starter in 2026, by 2027 he will be a starter for an FBS program. I mean for a Power 4 program. I don't know where but there is whoever gets their hands on him will turn him into a starter and they will promise him that he is getting first team reps when he enters the point world.
[45:44]
A
There you have it again. Quarterback battles, position battles all across the SEC during fall camp. Guys, we'd love to hear your thoughts and which of these new quarterbacks are you expecting the most out of this season? Guys, we're going to keep it moving really quickly. We'll get into your questions in your comments. Cole, let's do it. Sandman says Kaylin Abore will be at USC after Lincoln Riley gets canned.
[46:04]
B
No, he won't. They're not.
[46:06]
A
That is an interesting percentage prediction, Sandman. That is a very. He also says, we all know Debore is cooked, right? Sandman's coming in hot with the comments today. Appreciate you being here, Sam, and it's always good to see you. All right, so Deborah's cooked and he's gonna take the USC job. So there you have it, right? Tomorrow's headline says Sandman. I'm gonna do it. Gator fan. Big Gator fan says Alabama won't be very good this year. Billy Napier to FSU in 2027.
[46:33]
B
Boy, that's not happening.
[46:35]
A
That would be funny.
[46:36]
B
That's not happening.
[46:38]
A
Tim Skelton says hottie Toddy. Appreciate you being here, my friend. Big Gators fan. Alabama 7 and 5 or 8 and 4 gold. Geez, we got a lot of Bama hate in the comments today. A lot of Bama haters in the comments.
[46:52]
B
8 and 4 is not honestly that far fetched. I know it sounds crazy, but it really isn't like there are enough games to where I could see an 8 and 4 scenario for 10 in Tuscaloosa this year.
[47:02]
A
He also says bold prediction. Aaron Philo, fourth best quarterback in the sec.
[47:08]
B
Now here's what I will say. I will not be shocked if all the first year quarterbacks we see by the season's end, Aaron Philo is the best of them. I won't be shocked on that. Fourth best in the SEC means that you're surpassing Levitt and Byron Brown and probably Arch Manning, Lenora and Stockton Sellers. Not to mention maybe even Kenny Minchi who we haven't even brought up just yet. Like the list is there. John Matir even for that matter, who again, if you look at Marcel Reed, who we we just continuously forget about, it's like fourth is a long, long reach. Newcomers. Yeah, I. I'll actually give you that one. I wouldn't be shocked.
[47:49]
A
Let's see. I want to shout out my guy, John Rice, who's tuned in. John, appreciate you my man. Burley240 Great first comment of the day by the way, said Sellers all the way. Well, the reason we didn't talk about Lenore Sellers is because there is no quarterback battle. Columbia, South Carolina. It is Lenora Sellers. Dog says people are pissed about the Mizzou prediction. Yeah, that. That's a comment section I'm staying away from. Sandman says if Ohio State or Georgia doesn't win the Natty this year, then who does in your opinion we'll tune in next Monday. We'll get into our plea. We'll we'll get into our playoff bracket predictions on next Monday's show Sandman. So make sure you tune in. All right, we're going to talk some Vanderbilt Commodores. Our final team preview heading in the 2026 season. Guys, before we do, really quick, we want to tell you about our friends over at Kalshi because as always, we are brought to you by our friends at calshe. Before the season even kicks off, everyone is making predictions, including us. Who wins the division, who makes the playoffs, who's lifting the trophy at season 10. On Kalshee, America's number one prediction market platform, you can trade those predictions in a live market, guys, everything from who wins the college football national championship to who makes the playoff, who wins individual games, who wins the Heisman Trophy. So much more on Couchie. You're trading against peers in a live market, meaning there's no house. And as the profit changes, you can buy in and out of your position, trade the draft, pick the game and more on Cowi Download the Cow app, Use promo code SECU to get up to $500 in bonus credits when you trade 25. That's K A L S H I kalshi trade on anything 18 and up. Only restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Calcium products are not available in all jurisdictions. Prices, values and available markets may differ from those mentioned. For more information, see kalshee.com regulatory the 2026 season is just around the corner for the Vanderbilt Commodores. How do Clark Lee and company follow up the best season in school history? As you might recall, Vanderbilt won double digit games a season ago. You could make a strong argument they should have been in the College Football Playoff. Their starting quarterback was in the Heisman Trophy ceremony as well. It was, simply put, an incredible season in Nashville. But now life after Diego Pavia officially begins. Eli Stowers is no longer there. Now the question is now what for the Vanderbilt Commodore's football program? Cole before we dive into what this team looks like this season and the optics of this season, Cole can we first take a moment to look back on what was 2025 because what a magical run down on the west end. It was a 103 overall record, a 10 win regular season. The best regular season in program history. Vanderbilt went 6 and 2 in SEC play. Again, Diego Pavia Cole. He was mocked. He was laughed at. He was belittled. Last summer you might recall when he said our goal is to win the national championship. Well, Cole, they, they really weren't that far off from that goal. When you think about it, a 10 win regular season, you can make the argument they should have been in the college ball playoff, unfortunately on the outside looking in. But Diego Pavia goes to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony and really his impact, along with so many others, put Vanderbilt football on the map nationally. And a season in which I don't know that any of us, just a few short years ago, Cole could have ever imagined was possible. Clark Lee wins the SEC head Coach of the Year award, by the way, well deserved. Cole. Just your thoughts looking back on the 2025 season, one we surely soon will not forget.
[51:32]
B
Yeah, I, I think that we have to go ahead and remind ourselves it's freaking Vanderbilt. Like this is not just like, oh yeah, it's cool South Carolina doing what it did in 2020. This is Vanderbilt. We have conversations week in and week out among SEC teams and go cool the dorm out of the SEC easy chalk up win. We they ended up winning 10 games and what was so impressive is that they had the belief going into the year and they carried it throughout every single game. And while some games were a lot closer than others, they at least were able to be competitive and they were able to find a way to respond. Like I remember the LSU win and people were saying, well, you know, LSU really wasn't that good last season, still had to find a way to win Missouri. Missouri was a throw away from getting back in that game and they end up still winning that one. You talk about the game against Auburn, the overtime victory, not allowing yourself to come up short. I mean it just felt like every single time that there was a moment to doubt Vanderbilt and they were going to come back down to reality. Here's a reason why to believe in them once again. And everything that you said is warranted. I don't think that anybody would doubt that Clark Lee was the most deserving coach in probably the last four to five years to an SEC coach, the year you won the football games because of who you had at quarterback and how he was able to get keep plays alive, which is why he went to the Big Apple. And maybe he should have won the Heisman in some people's eyes, I understand if he didn't win it, but he came in second place. And the fact that they were willing to go above and beyond and say we'll play that random game on a Sunday for that final college football playoff spot and honestly the one thing I will say is while the logistics were never going to come true with it, dude, Clark Lee would have had those boys lined up and getting on a bus somewhere to go play that game if it meant we get to go keep our season alive for an opportunity to win a national title. Like he would have 1000% done that. I think it speaks volume of how much the way our perspective has changed on Vanderbilt. And even though this is going to be a big question mark here because of how many new pieces they have, brand new starting quarterback, what they lost in the portal of names that got paid because of what they did at Vanderbilt, there's a new aura about what are the expectations when we talk about the Commodores. And I think what's going to be really intriguing this year is seeing how quickly they can all gel together to where maybe once again we're doubting them and we all have egg on our face by the time that we get to the middle of October.
[53:57]
A
Cole, you mentioned Clark Lee. It's hard to believe that two years ago this time you might recall, recall Cole, he was on the hot seat. I mean there were talks about Vanderbilt moving a different direction and if things did not go well in the 2024 season, them potentially making a move. I think Vanderbilt was coming off, if I recall recurrent correctly, a 2 and 10 season. Things were looking bleak. Then you bring in Tim back and you bring in a guy named Diego Pavia and who would have known the, the, the topsy turvy ride you were about to go on and the, the surge and the rise in your program that you were about to experience. Now he enters this sixth season, Cole, and you know, the mood has, has much changed. Right Again, SEC coach of the year last year. Well deserved for guiding that team and building that team and building that roster. And we heard him at SEC media's Cole. And I think the thing, and I mentioned this before, that you know, you have to love about Clark Lee. He sees Vanderbilt for what it can be, not what it's always been. You know, I think the first time he said it, people, people laughed, they mocked, they belittled. But like when he stands up there and says our goal is to build the best program in college football, he says it with a conviction where he genuinely believes that like that is genuinely his thought and genuinely his belief that we are going to build Vanderbilt football into the very best program in the country. And I respect the heck out of it. I mean I really do because it takes that type of a. Hear me out. When I say this. It takes that type of a delusional belief, right. To achieve anything of outside of the norm, right? I mean, to. To imagine just a few years ago that after going 2 and 10 that Vanderbilt could go 10 and 2 in the regular season against that SEC schedule, right. To think they could be the number one Alabama just a few short years ago to believe they could do such things, right. It took a level of thinking and belief beyond normal comprehension. And that is where Clark Lee comes in. So I, I give him. I know Diego Pavia gets all the credit. We're going to talk about it and you know what, what's the. What are the doors look like post Diego? But I think it starts with Clark Lee Cole. You got to give him all the credit in the world for really bringing a program up out of the ashes. And it's not like we're talking about some sleepy giant, Cole, where there's some, you know, there's. There's historical. The proofs in the pudding historically, where it's like, okay, well, we know it can be done, but we just got to get this thing back on track. No, he's trying to do things that have never been accomplished, and he has done things that have never been accomplished. So the rise under Clark Lee has been wildly impressive. And I think the only question long term, Cole, you know, certainly you got to answer the bell this year. You're only as good as your last game or your last season. And we understand how this game works and how this thing works. It's a. What have you done from a lately business. But Clark Lee is the answer long term. The only question, Cole, I think in Nashville is does he stick around for these entirety of his career if another big job comes calling, will they be able to keep him home?
[57:05]
B
Well, what's the big job that would pull you away is I think a bigger question because of Clarkley has made it abundant on multiple occasions. Dude, I love Nashville. I love my program. I'm a vanity day there. I get it. You got to say the things that will go ahead and get the rally cries and the boosters to go buy on in about we will be the best program in college football. I honestly think that he believes that he can do that because the way that he coaches and the way that he develops talent and the way that he goes about searching for players in the portal. But that's also where you look and you say as much as Diego Pavia played such an impact on changing the narrative around Commodore football, it starts with the guy who's not leaving, whether it be because of eligibility purposes or the transfer portal. It's the guy who's not leaving and brought all these pieces in and was humble enough to change his own approach about how to do things as a head coach because if he realized I need to do what's best for the program and that's ultimately what you want in a leader and I think that's what people will follow this year is there's a standard set by the person who was willing and humble enough to realize that I may be a Vanderbilt guy, but I might have to go outside of the Vanderbilt norm to get to results that will make Vanderbilt proud. That's where we are going into this year. And so when you go through practice, if Clarkley doesn't appreciate it or Clarkly is not satisfied with it, you better work 10 times harder. If you're in the middle of a workout and Clark Lee is razzing your ass. I hate to be the bear of bad news. Work harder because if Clark Lee has proven at this point I know what it takes to win at a program like Vanderbilt and not just win like, oh, go to a bowl game. I mean be good teams with better talent, with more resources and look like if you just took off the logo, I was the better team on paper, that that's what I know how to do. I think that's going to be the standard moving forward. But there is a lot of uncertainty and a lot of new this year, which is why I think that on one hand you have to have realistic expectations for Vanderbilt. You have to have realistic goals set in motion for a team that we don't know a lot about. But on the other hand, if you are a Vanderbilt fan who is saying no, we expect eight and four, we expect nine and three, I, I don't blame you because if you have the guy who has been able to prove, yeah, this is going to be our new norm when we continue to move forward in the process.
[59:27]
A
Cole that being said, let's take a look at the 2026 Commodore starting on the offensive side of the football because I would argue this is where the most questions lie because of who knows who's no longer there anymore. Of course, Tim Beck is back at oc. But Cole, the big question is this. What does life look like post Diego Pavia? Because I give Clark Lee all the credit in the world for building this thing. But let's face it, Cole, Diego Pavia was the heart and soul of Vanderbilt football for the last two years. I mean, he was the Guy not just from what he did at the quarterback position, which was impressive in its own right, but from a leadership perspective. The swag, the moxie, the you talk about that delusional belief in yourself. Diego Pavia had it and has it still to this day. A winner. A guy that again put this program on his shoulders. It felt like at times and willed them to victory. So it's not just a talent thing. Cole all that's factored in as well. Jared Curtis and Blaze Berlowitz as we talked about before Cole, they will battle for the QB1 spot. Junior Cheryl returns is your top wide receiver. You did add Jacori Thomas from Old Dominion and Cole Adams from Alabama. Via the Portal, it's Cole Spence. Cole that looks to fill the shoes of the departed Eli Stowers at tight end. That might be one of the most underrated departures in the SEC because we talk so much about Diego, but man, Eli Stowers was just unstoppable at the tight end position. So Cole Spence, you also added Jayvante Connor from East Carolina, Cedric Alexander back at RB1. It feels like he's been there forever, but a well tenured veteran there at the running back position. Questions come up front. Cole one starters back on the offensive line and Cade McConnell. You did pick up Bo Johnson from North Dakota State, Lyndon Cooper from Pitt and Micah debose from Alabama to boost the group. So Cole, your thoughts on the offensive side for Vanderbilt? Again, questions up front. Questions at tight end. But the big question is this goal. Who in the world is going to fill the shoes of Diego Pavia and is it even possible to fill those shoes?
[61:36]
B
Well, at quarterback it's very easy. You just say we're gonna go with the guy who is now coming on in as a five star phenom and that's Jared Curtis. It's more the impactful hey X Factor Persona mentality. That's, that's where it's going to be. The do you have the dude that can carry himself with that type of swagger that's going to be able to step into the face of any player in the country and kind of slap at them as he runs past them? That's. That's going to be a lot harder to replace. Maybe it's not just one guy. Maybe it's multiple players like guys like a guy, say Cole Adams who comes on in from Alabama and has been a part of a winning program. Maybe he carries himself with that swagger. Not good enough to be viewed as the next big name in Tuscaloosa but I can be a difference maker for, for a guy like, you know, in a place like Nashville, I think Bo Johnson's a really interesting fit. This is a guy that started for a year and a half at North Dakota State. North Dakota State is the FCS pinnacle of consistency year in and year out. They ranked number one in the FCS playoffs. They've won national titles. He's got two years of eligibility. Maybe he comes on in and he gets to be that guy who you believe is going to be that difference maker for the the jump. I think that when you look at guys like that you bring on back that you brought on in, like Jacori Thomas from Old Dominion. Maybe he could be a special player that you compare alongside with Junior Cheryl. Junior Cheryl. You know what I think is interesting is that we don't spend enough time talking about him in the grand scheme of wide receivers, but he led Vanderbilt in receptions last year outside of Eli Sours like he was the number one receiver in targets. But Trey Richardson was the one who was getting the more explosive plays. So can he step on up and take on that mantle about being more of a vertical threat downfield offensive line is going to be a big question, mainly because of it's a bunch of new and it's the same type of new that I feel with Texas A and M. The problem is is that when you look at, when you look at Texas am, they're getting a bunch of guys with experience in the SEC where you're getting guys who have experiences at major programs but it's experiences working as a second team unit. So how do you now gel together and put them into a first team unit outside of a Bo Johnson, but I, I think this offense will take a little bit of time to gel. I do think that by the time we get to mid October, the version of what we want to see for Tim Beck squad is looking more and more productive and more like a team to where maybe they shoot themselves in the foot early but there'll be enough games they can keep themselves involved into where it will come down to the wire.
[64:05]
A
Cole, I I say this with love and respect because as you know living in Nashville I have a soft spot for the Doors. Love my guys over at lot too. So what I'm about to say is, is certainly not personal in any way but I want people to know it's it's not meant as a shot as anyway either. But I know getting Jared Curtis is exciting. Vanderbilt's not used to beating out Georgia for much of anything, much less prize quarterback prospects. Right. So getting Jared Curtis over to Georgia really exciting do I think because you and I both agree and we believe it is going to be Jared Curtis as QB1 for the Doors. Do I think Jared Curtis is a more talented football player than Diego Pavia? Yes, I do. With that being said though, I have been somewhat surprised and darn near amazed at how many people in the Vanderbilt fan base Cole are not are making so little of the loss of Diego Pavia. Like I, I think it is, it is significant. Like it's, it's like, it's like Caitlin aboard trying to follow up Nick Saban at Alabama type levels where I just like you do not lose a guy like that Cole, in my opinion and not take a step back. And, and I'd love to be proven wrong. Maybe Jared Curtis truly is the next big thing and we're like man, his talent is just so superb to anything Diego ever did. But like you mentioned, it was beyond just the talent. I mean I, you know, you and I both but like I saw Diego Pavi in person last year against LSU make plays that just, they took something beyond talent. The dude was a gamer. Like love him or hate him, when the lights came on, he made plays like he was their version of Johnny Manziel. He'd run around, around back there for 10 seconds and scramble around on a big guys and then he hit a dude wide open and they'd score a touch. Like it was just things that was hard to comprehend at times what he was able to do in the running game with his legs. Like, you know, he was the big risk taker. He was big risk, big reward. Like you know what he meant from a leadership perspective. And it was infectious the way that he believed in Vanderbilt. He, he believed they were going to compete for a national title. He, he what he meant from a leadership perspective for that program. There's so much to replace just beyond the talent, you know, or like it just these are massive shoes to fill. And I'm not saying Jared Curtis cannot be wildly successful, but I have been surprised how, how many Vanderbilt folks are making light of the fact that like oh it's no big deal. We'll just replace him with this star price freshman. Like I do think there's going to be some growing pains with it. Also Cole, let's say Jared Curtis is the guy we all think he's going to be. Freshman quarterback, new look, offensive line. Yeah, that is not typically a recipe for success in the yes season. The good news is again, you're I say you're easing into the season. 2 non conference games then that are going to be wins. Then you've got NC State, good non conference test. Still not SEC play. Then you get into SEC competition. I, I just. I am excited to see. I think this will be a great test for Tim Beck, for Clark Lee. What does the offense look like this year? I like Seti at the running back position. I like Junior Cheryl. You're right. I think he was sixth or seventh in receiving yards last year. He's extremely underrated. Losing Eli Stowers is massive. But I do think Cole Spence can be a nice player. I just. Man, I don't see a world where this offense doesn't take a step back. Because I think Diego Pavia, I mean, Cole, we talked about it last year. You could argue there wasn't a player more important to his team in all of college football than what Diego Pavia meant. So you're telling me you're gonna lose that guy and you're gonna replace him with a true freshman and you're just gonna pick it up right where you left off? Cole, I call. I just.
[68:11]
B
There's no way.
[68:13]
A
At least in the early going, who knows, maybe by mid season this kid's hit his full stride. We're like, holy smokes. Now I understand, you know, why he was so hyped up, why Georgia wanted him so badly, but I just. I gotta see it before I can believe it, man. So it, it's. It's gonna be different. It doesn't mean different is bad. But there are major, major holes to fill from the standpoint of you are replacing a player that again, I would argue, Cole, there was no one more important their team in all the college football.
[68:44]
B
Let's just go at this and I'll make it brief. There were moments to where you just put the ball in Diego Pavia's hands and you said go make a play. And he did that. This will be a year where I think you will need to see a Jacquori Jacoby Thomas. You will need to see a. You'll need to see a Cole Adams, a Cole Spence, a Junior Sherrell, a Bryson Coleman, a Cedric Alexander. They're gonna have to make life a little easy for their quarterback. Doesn't mean that there won't be a moment to where you realize everything has come together and Jared Curtis has all the intangibles you want that he is now taking over games. But I would say early on you're trusting your supporting cast more than the leading man, the leading man is eventually going to get there. I need the role players to show up and why they can be role players.
[69:32]
A
Somebody in the comments Cole comparing him. By the way, Turkey slammer. We appreciate you tuning in while you're cleaning. Good on you. He says. I think into your Curtis will be good. He's been compared to Matthew Stafford. Well, what did Matthew Stafford have early in his career goal? He had no Sean Moreno. And by the way, they, they, they were good. They weren't great. You are right. What does a Cedric Alexander do? How did the pieces of the offensive line come together? Can junior Cheryl, Cole, Spence, some of the other portal guys. Can they play massive roles? That is going to be a big part of his early success. As we know there's a lot of pieces beyond just the quarterback position. But again, I just think Diego Pavia, to your point, did so much. He put on the Superman cape. So you know, asking a true freshman to do that maybe a little much. We'll see on the other side. Cole, let's get to defense. Steve Gregory back at defensive coordinators. We know this is Clark Lee's bread and butter. Miles Capers and Glenn Seabrooks III, they anchor the front. Cole, they added Brian Allen Jr. From Iowa to help the pass rush as well. I know pass rush is a big question. The guys they have returning total just five sacks a season ago. Getting after the quarterback. We know the importance of that in the sec, Cole. Linebackers are an old experienced group. Brian Longwell is back as the anchor or one of the anchors of the defense. Nick Renaldi, Bryce Cowan, Jameson Curtis, they're all going to contribute. They're all juniors and seniors. So you feel pretty good about the guys in the linebacker rotation there. Martell Height and CJ Herd are back in the secondary. You added Ricardo Jones from Clemson at the safety spot goal. He led the ACC with six interceptions a season ago. I mean that's more than heck. Some SEC schools had entirely as a secondary last season. So really impressive there. Cole, your thoughts on the defensive side. Again, this is Clark Lee's bread and butter. And while we spent so much time talking about Diego Pavi the last two years, it was the rise of the Commodore's defense, I think as well that led to the big season. They had certainly a season to go.
[71:33]
B
Yeah, I think that the Divas will once again be a reason why you can feel competitive and keep yourself in every single game. I like that they have experience at every single spot. They got experience in the defensive line, they got experience in the backer spot. They got experience in the secondary and they also went out and they brought in guys who have experience playing at the highest level against quality competition. So it'll be clean in that standpoint. I just wonder with the newcomers, how much have they been able to adapt, seeing more reps? I think it is a big thing because the one thing that you wonder about all the time is when you are replacing a veteran at cornerback or you're losing a guy to the portal on your defense at your defensive tackle spot. Do we have a dude that currently is a part of the system that we feel like, oh, he can easily come on in and be replaced and that we're not going to be missed a beat? That's, that's really where you are. But again, from the evaluation of defensive talent, Clarkly knows what he looks for. Clarkley understands what fits his system, what doesn't. There are certain types of players that he will bring on in that he's only going to use on third down for run packages, for, you know, second down for pass rushing sets. He feels like he's got depth where he can run a dime package or a nickel package or just base for coverage. So I think that Clark Lee has built himself up into a position of where that will be stable. The question that you have after that, I think that more importantly is of the new pieces that are coming in to see more reps, are they going to be slow coming out the gate? Because the last thing that we want to do is go into that NC State game and have confidence after beating two underwhelming teams. Because again, let's be real who you're facing off against in the first two games. You should feel very good about starting off the year two zero, that NC State game. Could a guy like CJ Bailey beat us? And if CJ Bailey's beating us, what happens when we have to face off against say an Auburn like a Byron Brown? What happens when we have to take on a more mobile quarterback, say like a Kenny Minchi or Kamario Taylor for that instance? It, it's like a good litness test of here's where we are. Do we have enough of the Jimmies and Joes to be able to hold everything together?
[73:34]
A
Cole let's talk about the Vandy specialists really quickly. Brock Taylor is back at kicker, a really underrated or just not really talked about piece for Vanderbilt football. What he did a season ago, Cole 13 of 14 on field goals, 6 of 630 to 39, 4 of 540 to 49. He was 1 of 1 on 50 plus made a 5051 yarder. Cole the year before that he was 18 of 21 on field goal. So you have a very dependable field goal kicker that returns in the fold this year. Tyler Ebel from FCS South Dakota takes over at punter junior Cheryl Martell height give dynamic options in the return game amongst others as well. Cole They've been really solid on special teams under Clark Lee. Thoughts briefly on the specialist for Manny I will say this, having a guy like Brock Taylor at kicker, I mean that's we see it in the SEC week after week goal that is an invaluable piece when you got a guy like that that can flip a game by getting you three when you desperately need it.
[74:37]
B
Yeah I think having veteranship at both the return game and that's and that kicker is important because of you want to be able to set the tone for drives and you want to be able to know that you can score from anywhere. So Brock Taylor coming on back in massive win I think for the kicking game. I think Martel Height coming on back in as a returner now probably going to be focusing in on only returning in defense is another massive win for them. So I, I, I like what they have there and you are right I think one of the more slept on things that we haven't paid attention to in the eyes of the Clarkley era is special teams are important and I think they're really important this season in the matter of inches and because of all it takes is one or two kicks or one or two block punts or one or two setup runs by your by your kick returner to be able to be in a position to where you feel like that you can now put your foot on the gas and take over a game.
[75:25]
A
Cole that being said the overall outlook for the Vanderbilt Commodores this season really quickly here's what our friends over at Kalshee have to say about Vandy Cole Kalsh he's actually pretty confident in Vandy this season. They give him an 81 chance to win four or more games, 78% chance to win five or more, 55% to win six or more 38% to win seven or more 19% to win eight or more, 7% to win nine or more, 5% 10 or more 5% 11 or more and a 10% chance to win 12. So if you're feeling frisky there you go. But Cole VR friends at Kalsi the over under I would set it kind of breaks right at six and a half from 55 to 38, six to seven. So I mean, going back to a bowl game for the Commodores is where Kalski tends to favor Vandy. They even give Vanderbilt Cole a 6% chance to make the College Football Playoff this season. Nine starters are back. Four on the offensive side, five on the defensive side. Colon, as we take a look at the 2026 schedule, you alluded to the early start in non conference play. You open up with Austin P at home. Then Delaware comes to first bank as well. Then that week three matchup goal. That's where you're going to kind of find out who you are. At least a nice early test in the season as NC State comes to Nashville First Bank Stadium. That'll be a really fun SEC ACC matchup. You close out the month of September, your SEC opener. It's your SEC road opener. Cole, you are at Auburn. Alex Golich will try to solve the riddle that Hugh Freeze cannot, that is beating Vanderbilt. So that is your SEC road opener. You get the month of October going. Cole at Georgia. Jared Curtis very well facing off against the team that he turned down in favor of the Doors. Your SEC home opener comes against Ole Miss middle of October. Then you got Arkansas at Kentucky, a bye week. Then you're at Mississippi State, Alabama at Florida, Tennessee to close out the season. Goal. Your thoughts on this schedule, is it conducive to a big year in your mind for the Doors?
[77:37]
B
It can be. Because how quickly does everything gel together? I mean, like naturally we talk about those first three games in the first 12 quarters to yourself. Well, we'll be fine at that standpoint. What happens afterwards? You go into. You go into Jordan here, if I'm not mistaken. Correct.
[77:51]
A
Yes, you go into Jordan. Hair. Yeah. That's your sec.
[77:54]
B
So you're going into an already toxic environment. And then what do you get welcomed in afterwards with a game against Georgia and then if things start to go off the rails there, what occurs? Do you end up playing poorly against Ole Miss? And does that continue against Kentucky? And does that continue when you have to face off against Mississippi State and there's Alabama be able to kind of unrail you. So you're gonna have to find your footing at some point. You're gonna have to be able to, I think, kind of show that there is that. That growth from. Yeah, it's a bunch of newcomers to know this is who our identity is. And you're gonna have to pull off an upset at least once or twice, I think, to guarantee that you are seven and five and that's, that's seven and five. Not to mention you have to kind of hope that a couple of other teams play down the level of competition or that you're so composed and that all the pieces that are together are so caught up to speed they're playing up to a schedule. It's not the worst schedule possible to where I think bowl eligibility is possible. An eight wing campaign can work but there are a lot of moments to where you got to see that there is growth on your side as much as there is, you know, a little bit of luck on the other side. Like you talk about like the Auburn game, you talk about like the Kentucky game, the Mississippi State game, the Florida game, Tennessee even to that matter, every one of those teams could end up having a fault to where if you just are better in one spot, offensive line protection, quarterback play, but more consistency in third down, the ability to score inside the red zone, that may give you the slight edge to where you get the win. But for every single time that we talk about that there could be a moment to where things struggle and ultimately that's the reason you lose a game. So they're kind of in a rock and a hard place and they're really one of the more perplexing teams I think to prepare for this year. I see a world where they go 5 and 7, I see a world where they go 8 and 4 for it's just how quickly do those non negotiables that you need for this roster gel together to be able to set up a standard of what you can expect here?
[79:44]
A
Yeah, they're going to be really interesting early, Cole. I mean like you mentioned, you could start out four, zero, you could start out two and two. You know, just from the standpoint, if you feel pretty good about Weeks 1 and Week 2, but that NC State game, good early test at Auburn. Are you still able to have their number? I mean obviously I think Auburn's going to be out for revenge and that's going to be one they look at as an absolute cannot lose. Cole, that three game stretch for me and I know it's going to sound underwhelming but Arkansas at Kentucky at Mississippi State, can you go three zero? I mean that, that to me is the big question because every other game at Georgia, Ole Miss, Alabama at Florida, Tennessee, you're looking for an upset and I know Vandy fans don't, don't like to hear that, especially when you talk about the balls a team that they throw throttled last year but you know both teams look different but you look a lot different right and what are you the last week of the season we'll see and you do get that one at home but can you go 30 in those three I mentioned Arkansas, Kentucky, Ms. Fit can you go 30 in non conference boom there's a bowl game right there and I think anything as we move into this conversation Cole about you know the new floor and I think what expectations look like the first year post Diego Pavia goal because I think we all expect Vandy to take a step back and again I, I say that with all due respect but I mean expecting this team in this program to win 10 games again there's a reason it only happened one time in the history of this program in the regular season Cole I think getting to a bowl game and establishing the floor as even when we are we are in a year of transition at the most important position in the sport all maybe all of sports even when we're in a year of transition winning six or seven games has become our floor right like we are a even at our quote unquote worst even at our floor we are a team to reckon with we're not going to fall off to a two or three win team you know flirting with going defeated NEC play what have you so I think getting to that six win mark can you win all three of the non conference games two of them are kick ins can you beat NC State and go three zero with non con and then you can can you beat three teams Cole that I think most Vanderbilt fans would look at this and say we should win we're better than Arkansas we're better than a year one head coach at Kentucky and we're better than Mississippi State I you know right wrong or different I think most Vandy fans would look at it that way can you win the games you feel like you're supposed to win and then can you beat an Auburn on the road? Can you can you upset an old miss at home? Can you upset Bama again God forbid in Nashville can you beat your rival Tennessee again What about at Florida with a first year at coach So I, I I think that three game stretch to me that that one's going to give you the best possible chance to get back to a bowl game set that floor at minimum going 500 or better and I think that Cole first year post Diego Pavia with a new quarterback with questions on the O line with so much new and different I think that would be a major success.
[82:44]
B
I don't think anybody should expect Vanderbilt to be this 10 and 2 team that is flirting with the opportunity to go to the College Football Playoff. What I think is a winning season is you get an upset win on the road over an opponent that people believe is either a touchdown favorite over you or still a favorite over you. And I think more specifically it's about realizing that the foundation is set for the next stage of Vanderbilt football, headlined by a quarterback that could have gone anywhere in the country and he chose to stay close to home. I want to know that Jared Curtis is my guy, looks the part, not rattled and is going to give me a reason why. When I go into the portal and I meet with wide receivers or offensive linemen, I point to the tape and I say, this is the guy you're protecting. This is the guy you're catching balls from. This is the guy that is going to be here as our leader for the future and you're going to end up being a reason why we get back that consistency that we saw in 20, 20, 25. That to me is a winning season. Victories are not bull. Eligibility bull. Eligibility naturally is something I, I think again, and I'm not going to reveal too much, but I do believe that Vanderbilt will be going bowling this year. At the same time, again, you're just asking yourself, okay, what more do I need to see from this team to be able to feel like that they take a step forward.
[83:55]
A
Yeah. And listen, talking to Vandy fans again here, living here in Nashville, going to first bank a season ago when you talk with them and Vanderbilt fans are very level headed. Cole, this is not a fan base that's going to burn the whole thing down if they don't, you know, make a run to the College Football Playoff this year. They just want to be respectable. They want to be in postseason play. And again, I think that can be done. Questions to be answered early part of the schedule sets up. Well, can you get to 6 and 6, 7 and 5? I think that would be a massive win. And again, what I think is a little bit of a transition year because of some of the questions you have to answer. You get to postseason play. I think that is a wildly successful campaign. I especially Cole, if you can do so in a season where Jared Curtis develops, he gets better as the season goes. Like you mentioned, you build yourself up for 2027 to make a run at going to the College Football Playoff potentially. So again, going to be a really, really interesting year. Guys, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Vanderbilt football, after going 10 and 3 a season ago, after being a 10 win regular season team. Where do they go from here? What does life look like? Post Diego Pavia for Vanderbilt Football. Would love to hear your thoughts, your predictions for the doors as the 2026 season quickly approaches. Cole, before we get out of here really quickly, got a couple quick questions. Mike G says Vanderbilt will not be as good as last year. I mean, I think that's the easiest prediction to make ever. You know, I, I
[85:22]
B
agree with you on that one.
[85:23]
A
On like a bold take rating. I'm giving you like a a 0.5 out of 10. Really? Truly. I, I think that is. I think that is a given for sure. Yeah, the Hammer says not a horrible schedule for Andy. I, I agree. I, I think it's actually pretty workable for a schedule that includes Georgia and Bama. It's about as workable as you could ask for. I know you have Ole Miss too, who I didn't mention, but I think it's about as workable as you could have asked for from that standpoint. Having those teams, there's enough teams that
[85:52]
B
you look at right now that they don't look that much better than you, but they also don't look that much worse than you. So it's like it's a toss up. If you fix those few little details here and there, you should be favored in that game. If you don't, well then that's why it becomes a long season. Cole.
[86:11]
A
Really good stuff today guys. We really appreciate each and every single one of you tuning in again. We will be back on Wednesday. Stay tuned for time. Our guy Cole the Bear Thompson busy with training camp. It very well may be 10, it might be 11. It might be.
[86:23]
B
I'm good for Wednesday so no worries.
[86:25]
A
Good for Wednesday. Okay, so 10:00am Central normal time. We will be back with you guys. Gonna be really, really exciting there. Again, really appreciate each and every single one of you tuning in as we have finally made it to the month of August. College football ever so close guys. In the meantime make sure you hit that like and subscribe button on YouTube. Check us out where get your podcast all across your favorite social media platforms as well as our website secunfilter.com make sure you follow Colder Bear Thompson on social media myself as well across all social media platforms and stay tuned. All of our content is content bleeding out of the eyeballs. For Cole Thompson, I'm Chris Phillips. This is Chewing Clock. We appreciate each and every single one of you tuning in. Catch you all on the other side.
[87:09]
B
Cheers. Sam.