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[00:01]
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[00:30]
Host 1
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[00:50]
Commercial Narrator
And now, the next chapter of the SERTA Counting Sheep.
[00:54]
JD Miguel
Hey, uncle number one, why aren't we counting anymore? Let me tell you a story. Long ago, Cert invented the perfect sleeper manner. Oh, no. Oh yes. It says the all new Certa Perfect sleeper with a Q4 support system has four in one perfectly interlinked coils that help relieve aches and back pain for perfect sleep night after night.
[01:15]
Commercial Narrator
We'll never get counted again.
[01:17]
Host 1
Nope.
[01:18]
Firestone Auto Care Announcer
Serta.
[01:19]
JD Miguel
We make the world's best mattress.
[01:21]
Commercial Narrator
You know that thing where you get an amazing pair of shoes at a really great price and want to tell everyone about it? Yeah. So do we. Here at Designer Shoe Warehouse, we'll give you something to brag about, like latest styles from brands you love or the trends everyone's obsessing over or shoes that make you feel like, well, you. So go ahead, show off a little. Buying shoes that get you at prices that get your budget. Head to your DSW store or dsw.com today. DSW. Let us surprise you.
[01:56]
Host 1
Speaking of as good as good can get, JD Miguel, Odd three, the best of the best in the biz and one of the hardest workers. Really appreciate you making time for us, man.
[02:06]
Host 2
I appreciate y'.
[02:06]
JD Miguel
All. This is awesome. It's always fun to look over here when we're going back down to our set and see y' all just talking to somebody, doing a show like y' all are grinders. And it's. It's fun to watch you guys do what you do.
[02:18]
Host 2
Well, I always think on three, like he's one of the three, right? Every time I turn it on, there you are giving me a take on Something. What? So, so what was the. I mean obviously Lane and Sark in the building gonna be the big buzz, but leading up to this day, what. What's one or two things that really stand out to you?
[02:39]
JD Miguel
It's a great question, I think how acclimated John Mateer felt, you know what I mean? Like he just seemed. We were in Atlanta a year ago and it wasn't like he was a deer in the headlights. But hey, you came over from Pullman, Washington, you led college football on touchdowns. Now you're in the SEC and Oklahoma won six games last year. Are you going to bring them back? There was just, there was all these like storylines, spotlights on him and he just seemed much more comfortable in this setting, which. What does that mean for the season? Tbd. In the same vein, I thought Josh Hyple seemed pretty chill now maybe it was. He was 24 hours out from landing a five star running back, but he had the Turks and Caicos stand like he was, he just seemed pretty at ease. And I was like, huh? If I had a quarterback battle going on between a true freshman who's been on campus for six months and another cat who's been in our system for a year and hasn't started a game, I might not be as relaxed, but I don't know. We'll see.
[03:30]
Host 1
You said something interesting there. John Mateer, more comfortable. Year two Gunner, Lenora Sellers, I can't forget Trinidad. So many guys back and you know, nil. There's people are like, oh God, I hate nil. Well, it's keeping a lot of really great football players in college football and it's going to make it that much better next year. So I just think that is, that is something that is not looked. Looked upon on enough. The football is getting better because Nil
[03:58]
JD Miguel
and a lot of those guys that we just mentioned, like those second year starters, a lot of guys like playoff experience under their belt. From Trinidad, Sam Levitt, playoff experience. Gunner Stockton, two games of playoff experience. John Mateer, playoff. Like there's a lot of guys where you say, okay, when you do get back to that field of 12, if, you know we see the LSU's in Oklahoma's and Georgia's in the mix there Ole Miss in the mix there shouldn't have a sped up heart rate, should be pretty even. Keel Marshall Reed, another guy in that group. So yeah, it's gonna be, it's gonna be a lot of fun to watch how those guys play if they're back in the postseason because we've seen now experienced quarterback play the last two national title games in the 12 team playoff area. It's like guys with a lot of skins on the wall played a lot of games and it pays massive dividends when, when the chips are stacked.
[04:41]
Host 2
I mean we're all thinking about it, right? I mean we're talking up and down this row about how good this team's going to be, how good this. And I'm convinced, I'm convinced that there's six, seven teams that could make the run legitimately.
[04:54]
JD Miguel
Yeah.
[04:54]
Host 2
And I feel like we're trying to avoid the conversation that we're going to have late December and saying who's getting in, who's not. What happens when we have three or four nine and three SEC football teams? You think they are more up to let some of those guys in or do you feel like we going to have a bubble that's going to explode at the end of the season?
[05:16]
JD Miguel
I think the bubble's going to pop, man. I hear the take creeping up of 9 and 3 this year maybe gets you in if it's the right looking nine and three and the nine conference games and the one non powerful or the one non conference power four game. And I think that's a very fair assessment for us that actually sit down, watch the games, live and breathe the stuff. I just don't trust the committee enough, you know. And the thing too is last year, I mean shoot, we had Vandy at 10 and 2. As you see team that missed the playoff, we had BYU 11 and 1 in the regular season that missed the playoff. Utah 10 and 2 missed the play. So like if we're not allowing 10 and 2 and 11 and 1 teams in the playoff. I understand now we're restructuring things with how the whole playoff works but man, I will, I will be surprised if a 9 and 3 team gets in. I just, I don't, I don't trust the committee to value the total body of work over that extra loss.
[06:08]
Host 1
Hey, one of our favorite questions to ask people at media days, because we do it too, you know, we talk about this year round so we have all these preconceived notions on all these teams heading into media days. Is there anybody that after as we're winding down, stuff you've learned either from interviews or just talking with people, maybe team a team or two that you're higher on than you were entering or maybe even a team or two that you're lower on exiting media days. Does anything stand out to you there?
[06:33]
JD Miguel
No, I was pretty high on am coming into this thing and I leave probably at the same level with them. But Marcel Reed specifically, I mean, he's a, he's a massive question mark for everyone. You know, can he take that next step is like the, the buzz phrase you hear on College Station. Can he, you know, become the reason why they win football games and not just a great cog and a really good machine. I was just impressed by his demeanor, which, again, it's media days, you're taking a lot from a little. But I remember asking him when he came by and visited with us, hey, you don't really seem too rattled by much, man. Whether it's you're finding out you're starting, you know, against Florida at breakfast or, you know, you go into Death Valley. And his answer was, I threw for 361 yards my first ever college football game. Like, that was the moment I knew I'm pretty good at this. And so I was like, huh, okay. Like, I like that swagger. I'll, I'll back that. So that, that kind of gave me a little bit more encouragement around Marshall Reed and who he's going to be here in 2017.
[07:32]
Host 2
Well, we had a little buzz going around when the Auburn boys were running around, but I got to ask you, I feel like the Week 1 matchups that we're kind of overlooking is, what was that? What was that team out there in Texas? Is it Baylor? Baylor?
[07:45]
JD Miguel
Yeah.
[07:45]
Host 2
Yeah. What do you think about that? I know if for the listeners, JD's got a special place in his heart for them.
[07:51]
JD Miguel
Baylor Bears. True.
[07:53]
Host 2
I'm curious your thoughts on that week one matchup. Maybe one that we're overlooking.
[07:58]
JD Miguel
So I thought last year was going to be the year where Baylor would sneak up and get that one in Waco and how good is Jackson Arnold? And then it went how it went and Baylor couldn't stop. I mean, it was a Swiss cheese looking defense out there. The thing that gives me pause if I'm rooting for Baylor in that scenario is your head coach probably should have been fired last year if the AD doesn't get fired before he can fire you. And then Auburn, they're probably not going to have the same week one acclimation period that we're going to see across college football. Like what, 10 starters on offense, including the center and the quarterback, as well as this goal system. And he's coming over. So, like, it should be a situation that looks more like week four than it does week one. And everyone's trying to get their footing in week one. I just, I Think Auburn having a head start on everybody schematically and chemistry wise, I just. I think that's going to pay huge dividends, especially in that game with a defense that I don't have a lot of confidence in.
[08:53]
Host 1
Was Media Days a preview of? It seems like the new blood in the sec. Like, is the SEC changing with all these new guys? We talked about it all offseason, but it seemed like most of the new guys have made a huge impact just at this event. You think they'll make a huge impact on the field this fall at a
[09:11]
JD Miguel
portal level or just like the new faces?
[09:13]
Host 1
It just seems like we're changing the conference. Like with Summerall and Golden and even will stop Kentucky. It's like, well, it's Kentucky. They usually put them at the end because nobody cares and everybody leaves. No, they put them what day one, Will Stein. We're gonna win because of my ass.
[09:26]
JD Miguel
You know what I mean?
[09:27]
Host 1
So it feels like bravado. It just feels like a new SEC is coming to life before our eyes.
[09:32]
JD Miguel
It feels like you met a bunch of cousins that, you know, you had, you know, at the family reunion. It's like, oh, you got some extra juice.
[09:38]
Host 1
Like, that was like us when we first met.
[09:42]
JD Miguel
Well, the reason I say, I was doing a hit yesterday for a station in Oklahoma and they talked about Texas and OU being the crazy cousins that are now in the sec. And I was like, man, that's a great way to look at it. You take that metaphor to new head coaches, crazy cousins. One caused a lot of noise at the holidays. You know, they're maybe carrying the conversation at Thanksgiving saying something they shouldn't. They shouldn't say, whatever. But what they also do is they cause you to maybe up your game a little bit, like your head's on a swivel. You got to come to Christmas dinner with a one liner or two in the back pocket. So all that's to say, man, I just. I was talking about it with our producer last night, Kaden Smith. It feels like the SEC is just going to be a free for all. Bloodbath, Hunger Games, Squid Games. Like, it's going to be, I think, a lot of fun because of the fact that you mentioned Texas and Georgia. Maybe take a step back in terms like the roster depth we're used to seeing at the top of the sec. And then maybe Kentucky's frisky, maybe Florida's frisky, maybe Ole Miss is staying where they are. Oklahoma. There's a number of teams I'm really interested to see who the media picks to win the sec. At the end of the day, I
[10:47]
Host 2
can't remember who it was. Somebody was trying to convince us that the Big Ten is getting better in the lower tier system. Is that, Is that true or is that just. They're working on their propaganda on why a 10 and 2 should get in.
[11:00]
JD Miguel
Propaganda season. Isn't it Propaganda season? I mean, so I, I'm speaking out of both sides of my mouth, but I think there's just important, like, concrete stuff to talk about. One is like, the SEC has not won a national championship the last couple of years. I mean, the Big Tens won the last three, right? At the same time, the SEC did have darn near half the playoff field last year. So I hear so much about the SEC is falling off this and that, and I'm like, man, I don't know. 5 of 12 is a pretty good percentage, especially when two spots are going to the G5. Like, I don't, I don't know. I do think right now there is greater depth at the head coaching level in the Big Ten. I think that's a real thing. And I mean, rosters to me feel like they are. I mean, it's, it's a taste test, in my opinion. I mean, you take what you like. I will say the NFL draft going with the SEC once again. If SEC bias is real, the NFL's in on it.
[11:51]
Host 1
Who do you think will be the. Regarded as the best quarterback in the conference by the end of the season?
[11:56]
JD Miguel
So I think it's Gunner Stockton, man. I think Gunner Stockton, I mean, he just got such a high floor now. His receiving core has to step up for him, right? But man, I was looking at the passing splits by quarter and who was the best. And you look at fourth quarter and overtime and Gunner Stockton is like way up here. So when the chips are stacked and you need somebody to go get it for you, Gunner Stockton's hands just staying nice and steady, even keel. And he doesn't fit the first round mold of an NFL quarterback and he maybe isn't like the flashiest, but I mean, when it's, when it's time to go into a dark alley and fist fight like, I want that dude rocking with me.
[12:33]
Host 1
And I think that hurts him in the perception when people talk about top quarterbacks because we're not really supposed to be who's the best draft pick, right? That's. That's irrelevant.
[12:42]
JD Miguel
Right.
[12:42]
Host 1
Diego Pavia was not a draft pick.
[12:45]
JD Miguel
Best quarterback in the SEC, but he was awesome. Yeah, yeah, I 100% agree. And so I do think there's like some Georgia fatigue too, that exists in our space. You've seen him win. I think we all want to be a little bit hipster, right? We all want to kind of be ahead of the curve and have the pick no one else has and whatnot. But.
[13:00]
Host 1
And I think him playing in two playoff years, it almost seems like he's been around forever. But that, that first one, he was just inserted because Carson, this is really year two for him. And that's generally when these quarterbacks take a big step. And he, his statistically was awesome last year.
[13:14]
JD Miguel
He had a fastball. I think people look at him and there's the Georgia tax in some ways in terms of optics. But I mean, against Texas, against Ole Miss, the first time they played against Tennessee, like, he's got the fastball, you know, like his, his best stuff, I think is up there with anyone in the country, and so they can do more of that consistently, which is the name of the game. I don't, I don't question the skill set at all with Gunner, man, I think he's got it.
[13:37]
Host 2
What happens if Georgia doesn't do it, though? I mean, wide receiver rooms obviously in question here. If, if they fall short, which I don't. I mean, Texas, Georgia, those are going to be the two teams you're going to hear toward the top and especially when the rankings come out. But if they fail to meet that or if they're bounced out first round of the playoffs because of a inept offense, what. What do you think happens to. What do you think if I give you the keys is going to happen to Georgia at the end of the season?
[14:05]
JD Miguel
I don't think anything happens, but I'm with you, man. Like, it's, it will be a, A eerie feeling in Athens of, huh, not that we need to, you know, reinvent ourselves necessarily, but like, hey, what are we. What are we doing wrong? Because the first time you lose Notre Dame and it's like, okay, it is what it is. Then you go out and lose last year to Ole Miss, a team that you beat in the regular season, and you're like, man, we didn't have our best stuff when we needed it. If they can't win a playoff game this year, it'll just be a very, maybe eye opening for all of us of, okay, there truly is two seasons in college football. And how do you, how do you prepare yourself to play your best football in the playoff while also chasing after your conference championship in the regular season?
[14:50]
Host 1
Best offense and Best defense in the SEC this year is who
[14:56]
JD Miguel
the best defense in the SEC is Oklahoma. The best offense in the sec. I think it's Texas. I think it's Texas. I have to go back and check out. We did a top 10 offenses in college football and I believe we had Texas in that top five range. But man, just if they're, if they're all firing on all cylinders, he's buying into camp. They're going to be tough to. Tough to mess with, man. Be fun.
[15:19]
Host 2
Well, let's. On that same vein, the most improved football team this year will be who and most disappointing team or I shouldn't say disappointing. We're going the wrong direction. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Sorry. I watched the Hogan video and I realized we're all going to die. So I'm a little downright.
[15:40]
JD Miguel
How about that? Gosh, man. In terms of most improved, I think Florida will be a force and that's sort of a boring answer for. I think them and Auburn will both be bull eligible football teams. The refreshing thing for fans in the SEC will be okay, I know what Auburn is or I have a better gauge for how Florida is supposed to look. I just, I really think that the, the way Florida could win in the margins this year even with some of the questions which you hate with the offensive line and the, the middle of that defensive line, you don't know who's playing quarterback. Like I feel like they're just. You'll ever go to the chiropractor and you just get a little, a little pop and you're like I couldn't walk coming in here and I got a little adjustment and like I could go, you know, compete in the Olympics right now. That, that might be John Sumrall chiropractor effect in Gainesville.
[16:32]
Host 1
So you probably just answered that question, but biggest bump from a first year coach. You think it will be summer all.
[16:37]
JD Miguel
I think it's some raw man and honestly I don't want to be too like philosophical because it is a bottom line business and we're going to talk about their records and whatnot. But like man, just getting Florida to feel like Florida again similar to LSU needing to feel like LSU again. I just, I think he's exactly what that place needed. I mean we all saw him at the podium and I watched people walk out of that place and it was like they had all seen the Odyssey. It was like hair was blown back, eyes big. You just saw it on imax. Like just the way he can get buy in and he's so authentic about it. You don't feel like you're getting a used car salesman, you know, talking to you. I just, I think that's. I think that's paramount to winning at the highest level in college football. And they got a good roster, too. Is it the best in the sec? No, but it's enough to win.
[17:18]
Host 2
You know, you mentioned Oklahoma earlier. We're talking about some of the toughest schedules in the country and it's so fun to kind of pick through these and say, hey, what about this game? What about this game? But you know, we get a Sooner over here. They say, hey, the big house man. Don't, don't. Yeah, this is going to be a big, big game. So how big is the Michigan game for Oklahoma Sooner?
[17:37]
JD Miguel
Oh, it's huge. I mean, you got to get one of those first two on the road against Michigan and then at Georgia. Like those two in the first month of the season is like, all right, baby. Want to go back to the playoff? About to find out real quick because then you got Red River a couple weeks later. So that's one of those, those games too, where with it being so early in the season and Bryce Underwood from Michigan will be in his first year at a new system still, you would think working out some kinks, like you have got to get that one on the road because then you give yourself a little bit of an. Oakland won't feel this way internally, but for us as fans, you give yourself a little bit of a room to work with. If you drop that game in Athens, which I don't think is a game, they'll be favored in Oklahoma, that is. But man, if you lose those first two and then you got to go play in Red river and it's like we were playoff mode from October forward. That's a, that's a really tough place to be. So getting the one against Michigan feels like the more winnable of those two. Between Georgia and Michigan and Venables against quarterbacks in their, in their first few starts and a new system, the numbers and he's unconscious.
[18:40]
Host 2
I want to ask you some other. Just, just because I know you. One thing I enjoy about your content is you don't just cover one particular conference, you cover them all. So we got some other games. Arizona State, we got Georgia Tech, we've got Louisville. Is there, is there any of these teams that you really feel like could give the SEC a problem this year? Some of these non conference games?
[19:02]
JD Miguel
I think Louisville's going to be fun to watch, man. Sunday night Nashville. And there's just a good amount of unknowns with, with Louisville. You know, Lincoln Keenholz coming over from Ohio State. My take is always, hey, if Ohio State wants you to play quarterback and you, you can't play quarterback there, I'm not going to doc you too much, man. It's a tough place to play. So Jeff Braun, man, each of the last three years has won nine games since getting to Louisville and Ole Miss will be walking in there with all the expectations. I mean, journey, that said it, he's like, the expectation here is winter national championship. You're like, okay, that's awesome. I don't think you're lying. But to, to feel that weight and to go play a neutral site game against a good football team in Louisville to start out early with some new pieces, like they're. That's going to be a really, really good litmus test. So that's, that's one. I'm really intrigued to see how Ole Miss responds to the offseason pressure they felt.
[19:50]
Host 1
I've got Tennessee as a playoff team this year.
[19:53]
JD Miguel
No kidding.
[19:54]
Host 1
Last team in the SEC to make it. So I'm not saying they're going to be like dominant, but I see a path to 10 and 2. I love the talent around the quarterback. I know everybody likes to just hyper focus on the.
[20:04]
JD Miguel
I'm with you, I'm with you. Talent around them.
[20:06]
Host 1
Defense getting better. They hired Indiana strength coach. I think Hypo is very underrated at this point in time. He's coming in here, he's taking accountability. We don't lose to Vanderbilt even though he just lost Vanderbilt. But you know, to me that's a guy that's taken accountability is, do you believe Tennessee could make the playoff?
[20:25]
JD Miguel
Could. Could's a funny word. Could, a tough word to go with there.
[20:29]
Host 1
Maybe a scale of 1 to 10, where would you go? 10 being absolutely 1 being no shot,
[20:35]
JD Miguel
man, I'd probably fall closer to like a four in terms of likelihood. Three and a half. But I think what you're saying is on the money. There is a chance. There's a chance. It's funny because what you just said, the national story is who's starting at quarterback for Tennessee? Who's it going to be? And I'm like, man, if I got a question for a head coach and I get to pick what it is, I'd love to have a quarterback question for Josh Hyple. If that's the only like, big question I have now. The other question is, hey, can the defense not suck this year? That'd be cool, but you'd hope Jim Knowles and some new pieces there can, like, expedite that learning curve. But, man, the. The offense has got a. Like, you know, I don't think that quarterback needs to be a world beater. To your point. Like, if we just don't crash the car, a pretty good engine, pretty good set of wheels from thousand yard back to Sean Bishop to their top three receipt. Like, there's. There's a lot there that we could name to feel some confidence about that unit. So, man, I. I would be. I would be very surprised if they made the playoff. But I just. I think the thing I said on Firebomb yesterday, man, I think they're just like. People look at hippos and they think they're all cute and they think they're just on it. You know, you go out in the wild, you see, oh, this is. This is big. Big. I don't even know what you would compare it to. This big aquatic animal. I want to go just. Just pet and. And they're responsible for more deaths than the other animal on the planet. I think Tennessee is lethal.
[21:56]
Host 2
I think I just saw one like, it killed some sunfish. I don't know.
[21:59]
JD Miguel
Did it really?
[22:00]
Host 2
Yeah, it was unreal. It just blew it up. And I mean, it was. It was a wild scene. But I appreciate your time. I want to ask you one last question, because I know you're a married man and you got the family. How. And how annoyed do they get when you get the camera and say, honey, just one second. I've got to post this video because I know mine comes in. She's like, are we. Is it not uploaded yet? She has no idea how the process.
[22:25]
JD Miguel
Tough, man. It's tough. I'm trying to think of, like, the last time that really happened, and I think it was. Oh, I know what it was. We're on vacation in San Diego. My cousin's getting married. And it's kind of a hybrid situation of like, okay, we'll go to San Diego, do the wedding, have some family time out in great weather. It's amazing. I'm at my cousin's. It's the day after the wedding, so we're all with the family. It's all. It's all well and good, you know, having a great time. I get a text from our producer. It just says lol. And it's a link to the Brendan Sorsby. He got the injunction granted and he's gonna play in 2026. I'm like, oh, my gosh I was like, hey, babe, I know we're on vacation. I have to go do a video. She's like, are you serious right now? I was like, if it was anything else, I promise I wouldn't be. I wouldn't be talking about this right now, but this is really important. She's like, I mean, she's phenomenal. She's holding it down right now at home with it with a 20 month old. But golly, man, that was one where we toed the line a little bit. Toed the line a lot of it.
[23:32]
Host 2
Yeah.
[23:32]
Host 1
That's called love of the game. You know that's right.
[23:34]
JD Miguel
Love it. It's called a tolerant wife.
[23:37]
Host 2
Yeah.
[23:39]
Host 1
All right, J.D. really appreciate you. So we're asking everybody this. This week, all our media days coverage is brought to you by Tennessee legend Whiskey.
[23:46]
JD Miguel
Okay.
[23:47]
Host 1
The best whiskey you could buy in Tennessee. So your Tennessee legend. Boldest take of the SEC season. Can you give us.
[23:54]
JD Miguel
I thought it was gonna be a whiskey question. I thought it was gonna be, hey, what are you. What are you working with? Oh, man. Boldest take of the sec. That is. I don't know how bold it is. We got to go bold here. We're on that SEC podcast, man. We got it. We got to let it rip a little bit here. I think we got five teams from the SEC in. I think Alabama is not one of those teams. Is that bold enough for y'?
[24:23]
Host 1
All?
[24:23]
JD Miguel
We got to go. We got to go, Boulder. Yeah, I see.
[24:27]
Host 2
I see.
[24:28]
JD Miguel
Shane's like, well, see, I've been calling. That's not too bold all week.
[24:32]
Host 1
So he's. He's heard enough of Bama.
[24:34]
Host 2
Your boy was over here saying South Carolina was going to make the playoffs.
[24:37]
JD Miguel
That was. Yeah, that's a. Yeah, that's a strong sip right there. You say. Hang on a second. I almost want to pull up the schedules here and take a look at what
[24:51]
Commercial Narrator
I think.
[24:51]
JD Miguel
Tennis. I think Ole miss might be 8 and 4.
[24:53]
Host 2
8 and 4.
[24:54]
Host 1
That's good.
[24:55]
Host 2
Yeah.
[24:56]
JD Miguel
As much as I love Trinidad, I think that might be an eight football team. I got some. I got some reservations there.
[25:00]
Host 2
It's a bold one. I like it. Approved.
[25:03]
JD Miguel
There we go, man. That's all I'm looking for.
[25:05]
Host 2
Is Gunner going to win the Heisman. I know you're really high on him.
[25:07]
JD Miguel
I love Gunner, man.
[25:08]
Host 2
I think he. The way they play. Would he have the ability to win a Heisman Trophy?
[25:15]
JD Miguel
I think he. I mean, he was top 10 last year in the voting. I really worry about how much help he'll get from his receivers. I, I, I would be a little bit surprised if he was in New York City for the, for the actual ceremony. I mean, he could, Georgia goes for championships.
[25:32]
Host 1
They don't go for trophies.
[25:33]
JD Miguel
Yeah, man. I mean, they'll, they'll be comfortable winning a game 17 7. And Gunner will throw for 120 yards and two touchdowns. And they'll be like, all right, let's see. That was Good.
[25:44]
Host 1
All right, J.D.
[25:44]
JD Miguel
we appreciate, appreciate y', all, man.
[25:46]
Host 2
Way to go.
[25:46]
Host 1
Tell our audience how to follow you, how to find all your work over at On3.
[25:49]
JD Miguel
Yeah, man. You want to go to All3. YouTube channel. We're there on all the socials. Mad Jenny Pel. But, man, this is so fun to again be at these things with you guys. Watch how y' all work. It's, it fires me up, man. It's a lot of fun. So thank you guys for what y' all do for college football as well. This is awesome.
[26:13]
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[26:43]
Commercial Narrator
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JD Miguel
unparalleled motion separation, isolating movement with our pocketed coil technology while providing individualized support for every sleeping position.
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Summary7 min read

That SEC Football Podcast

Episode: JD Pickell On3 SEC Media Days Interview
Host: Michael Bratton (SEC Mike) & Co-host (Cousin Shane)
Guest: JD Pickell, On3 Sports
Date: August 2, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode features an in-depth conversation with On3’s JD Pickell, recorded live during SEC Media Days 2026. The discussion covers the changing landscape of the SEC, the impact of NIL and the transfer portal, quarterbacks to watch, playoff expansion implications, and bold predictions for the upcoming season. Authentic insights, personal anecdotes, and characteristic Southern wit run through the episode.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

SEC Media Days Takeaways & Emerging Storylines

Timestamp: 02:17–03:30

Comfort of Returning Players:
- John Mateer (Oklahoma QB) notably more acclimated and poised this year compared to last year.
  - JD Pickell: “He just seemed much more comfortable in this setting, which—what does that mean for the season? TBD.”
- Josh Heupel (Tennessee HC) also appeared notably relaxed, possibly due to recently landing a five-star running back.
NIL’s Positive Impact:
- NIL is helping retain talented upperclassmen quarterbacks, deepening the conference’s quality:
  - Host: “The football is getting better because NIL.”

Quarterback Experience, Playoff Expansion & Second-Year Starters

Timestamp: 03:30–04:54

Quarterback Play, Playoff Impact:
- Many SEC teams now sport QBs with playoff experience (Stockton, Mateer, Trinidad, Sam Levitt), enhancing readiness for the new 12-team playoff era.
  - JD Pickell: “We've seen now experienced quarterback play the last two national title games in the 12 team playoff era. It's like guys with a lot of skins on the wall played a lot of games and it pays massive dividends when the chips are stacked.”
SEC Playoff Bubble Scenarios:
- With expanded playoffs, real possibility of 9–3 SEC teams being considered, but skepticism about selection:
  - JD Pickell (05:15): “I will be surprised if a 9 and 3 team gets in. I just, I don't, I don't trust the committee to value the total body of work over that extra loss.”

Shifting Team Perceptions After Media Days

Timestamp: 06:07–07:31

Texas A&M & Marcel Reed:
- Pickell maintains high expectations for A&M, cites QB Marcel Reed’s confidence as a notable encouraging factor.
  - JD Pickell: “His answer was, I threw for 361 yards my first ever college football game. Like, that was the moment I knew I'm pretty good at this. I like that swagger.”

Week 1 Matchups and Under-the-Radar Games

Timestamp: 07:45–08:53

Auburn vs. Baylor:
- Auburn’s experience (10 returning starters) and coaching stability give them a week-one advantage over a rebuilding Baylor.
  - JD Pickell: “I think Auburn having a head start on everybody schematically and chemistry wise...I think that's going to pay huge dividends.”

The “New SEC” – Fresh Blood, Culture Shift, and Coaching

Timestamp: 08:53–10:46

New Coaches & Conference Dynamic:
- Influx of new coaches (Summerall, Will Stein, etc.) and teams (Texas, Oklahoma) is shaking up longtime SEC traditions.
  - JD Pickell (09:31): “It feels like you met a bunch of cousins...It's like, oh, you got some extra juice.”
- Metaphor: New teams/coaches likened to “‘crazy cousins’ at the family holiday,” raising the energy and competition.
Competitive Depth & Unpredictability:
- SEC is moving toward a “free-for-all. Bloodbath. Hunger Games, Squid Games” competitive landscape.

SEC vs. Big Ten: Depth, Talent, and National Narrative

Timestamp: 10:46–11:50

Perceptions and Reality of Conference Strength:
- While Big Ten gets national title attention, the SEC retains much of the playoff field and leads the NFL draft pipeline.
  - JD Pickell: “If SEC bias is real, the NFL’s in on it.”

The Quarterback Discussion: Who Will Be the Best?

Timestamp: 11:50–14:04

Gunner Stockton (Georgia):
- Pickell is highest on Gunner Stockton for best SEC QB by season’s end, citing calm under pressure and proven clutch stats.
  - JD Pickell (12:14): “When it’s time to go into a dark alley and fist fight like, I want that dude rocking with me.”
- “Georgia fatigue” impacts perceptions and national coverage of Stockton and the Bulldogs.
Georgia’s Playoff Pressure:
- If Georgia’s offense falters in the postseason, the program may face introspection, but no radical change is expected:
  - JD Pickell (14:04): “It’ll just be a very...eye opening for all of us of, okay, there truly is two seasons in college football.”

Offense, Defense, Most Improved, and New Coach Impact

Timestamp: 14:49–17:17

Best Units (Offense/Defense):
- Defense: Oklahoma picked as best in SEC.
- Offense: Texas lauded for talent and efficiency.
Most Improved Teams:
- Florida and Auburn picked as likely bounce-back teams; John Summerall (Florida) predicted to have the biggest impact as a first-year coach.
  - JD Pickell (16:37): “Just getting Florida to feel like Florida again...I think he’s exactly what that place needed.”

Brutal Schedules, Key Non-Conference Games, National Perspective

Timestamp: 17:17–19:50

Oklahoma’s Crucial Early Games:
- Road games at Michigan and at Georgia in the opening month will define their playoff trajectory.
Non-Conference Litmus Tests:
- Louisville-Ole Miss highlighted as a sneaky-tough opener, especially with Louisville’s explosive potential and new QB Lincoln Kienholz.

Tennessee’s Playoff Hopes & Perennial Questions

Timestamp: 19:50–21:55

Tennessee as Playoff Dark Horse:
- Hosts make the case for Tennessee reaching the playoff, citing improved defense and supporting cast; Pickell cautious but optimistic.
  - JD Pickell (20:35): “Man, I’d probably fall closer to like a four in terms of likelihood...There is a chance. It’s funny because what you just said, the national story is who’s starting at quarterback for Tennessee?”
  - Host: “If we just don’t crash the car, a pretty good engine, pretty good set of wheels…there’s a lot there to feel some confidence about that unit.”
Memorable Comparison:
- JD Pickell likens Tennessee to a hippo: “People look at hippos and they think they’re all cute...They’re responsible for more deaths than any other animal. I think Tennessee is lethal.” (21:50)

JD’s Personal Anecdote: Family Life & Content Grind

Timestamp: 21:58–23:37

Balancing Family & Content Creation:
- JD recounts “toeing the line” with his wife over work interruptions during a wedding week:
  - JD Pickell: “That was one where we toed the line a little bit. Toed the line a lot of it.”

Boldest Takes & Rapid Fire Predictions

Timestamp: 23:38–25:43

Boldest SEC Take:
- Five SEC teams in the playoff—excluding Alabama.
  - JD Pickell (24:23): “I think we got five teams from the sec in. I think Alabama is not one of those teams. Is that bold enough for y’?”
Ole Miss Prediction:
- Predicts an 8–4 finish for Ole Miss despite high profile QB Trinidad.
Gunner Stockton & the Heisman:
- Stockton will have a stellar year, but unlikely to get enough statistical support from receivers or game plan to win the Heisman.
  - JD Pickell: “Georgia goes for championships. They don’t go for trophies.”

Notable Quotes (with Speaker & Timestamps)

On SEC’s changing vibe:
- “It feels like you met a bunch of cousins that, you know, you had, you know, at the family reunion. It's like, oh, you got some extra juice.”
  —JD Pickell [09:31]
On Playoff Selection Skepticism:
- “I will be surprised if a 9 and 3 team gets in. I just, I don't, I don't trust the committee...”
  —JD Pickell [05:15]
On QB Gunner Stockton:
- “When it’s time to go into a dark alley and fist fight like, I want that dude rocking with me.”
  —JD Pickell [12:14]
On Florida’s new coach, John Summerall:
- “Just getting Florida to feel like Florida again…he’s exactly what that place needed.”
  —JD Pickell [16:37]
On Tennessee’s sleeper potential:
- “[Tennessee is] lethal...People look at hippos and they think they’re all cute...They’re responsible for more deaths than any other animal.”
  —JD Pickell [21:50]
On balancing personal life and sports coverage:
- “That was one where we toed the line a little bit. Toed the line a lot of it.”
  —JD Pickell [23:37]
On boldest SEC prediction:
- “I think we got five teams from the SEC in. I think Alabama is not one of those teams. Is that bold enough for y’?”
  —JD Pickell [24:23]

Important Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------------|-------------| | Interview Begins & Media Days Standouts | 02:05 | | QB Experience, Playoff Expansion | 03:30–04:54 | | Playoff Bubble: 9–3 Teams Discussion | 04:54–06:07 | | Team Stock up/down after Media Days | 06:07–07:31 | | Auburn-Baylor Week 1 Matchup | 07:45–08:53 | | The “New SEC” & Texas/Oklahoma Metaphor | 08:53–10:46 | | SEC vs Big Ten Depth, Playoff Spot Debate | 10:46–11:50 | | Best SEC QB Discussion (Gunner Stockton) | 11:50–14:04 | | Best Offense, Defense, Coaching Bumps | 14:49–17:17 | | Oklahoma’s Tough Early Schedule Analysis | 17:17–18:40 | | Non-Conference Threats (Louisville, etc.) | 19:01–19:50 | | Tennessee’s Playoff Potential | 19:50–21:55 | | JD on Work/Life Balance | 21:58–23:37 | | Bold SEC Takes & Quick Picks | 23:38–25:43 |

Final Thoughts

This episode delivers a comprehensive, witty, and insightful breakdown of the evolving SEC:

Key emerging teams are highlighted, with special focus on QBs, new coaches, and program cultures.
Media Days are positioned as both a measuring stick and a peek into off-field dynamics.
Playoff scenarios get nuanced discussion amid the reality of a deeper conference and expanded field.
JD’s bold takes—no Alabama in the playoff, SEC sending five teams, skepticism on Ole Miss and cautious optimism for Tennessee—set the tone for the year's hottest debates.

Fans get an essential primer for the 2026 SEC season, with plenty of memorable metaphors and practical context for every storyline that will unfold this fall.

Loading summary

Transcript108 lines

[00:01]
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[00:50]
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JD Miguel
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[01:15]
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[01:17]
Host 1
Nope.
[01:18]
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[01:19]
JD Miguel
We make the world's best mattress.
[01:21]
Commercial Narrator
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[01:56]
Host 1
Speaking of as good as good can get, JD Miguel, Odd three, the best of the best in the biz and one of the hardest workers. Really appreciate you making time for us, man.
[02:06]
Host 2
I appreciate y'.
[02:06]
JD Miguel
All. This is awesome. It's always fun to look over here when we're going back down to our set and see y' all just talking to somebody, doing a show like y' all are grinders. And it's. It's fun to watch you guys do what you do.
[02:18]
Host 2
Well, I always think on three, like he's one of the three, right? Every time I turn it on, there you are giving me a take on Something. What? So, so what was the. I mean obviously Lane and Sark in the building gonna be the big buzz, but leading up to this day, what. What's one or two things that really stand out to you?
[02:39]
JD Miguel
It's a great question, I think how acclimated John Mateer felt, you know what I mean? Like he just seemed. We were in Atlanta a year ago and it wasn't like he was a deer in the headlights. But hey, you came over from Pullman, Washington, you led college football on touchdowns. Now you're in the SEC and Oklahoma won six games last year. Are you going to bring them back? There was just, there was all these like storylines, spotlights on him and he just seemed much more comfortable in this setting, which. What does that mean for the season? Tbd. In the same vein, I thought Josh Hyple seemed pretty chill now maybe it was. He was 24 hours out from landing a five star running back, but he had the Turks and Caicos stand like he was, he just seemed pretty at ease. And I was like, huh? If I had a quarterback battle going on between a true freshman who's been on campus for six months and another cat who's been in our system for a year and hasn't started a game, I might not be as relaxed, but I don't know. We'll see.
[03:30]
Host 1
You said something interesting there. John Mateer, more comfortable. Year two Gunner, Lenora Sellers, I can't forget Trinidad. So many guys back and you know, nil. There's people are like, oh God, I hate nil. Well, it's keeping a lot of really great football players in college football and it's going to make it that much better next year. So I just think that is, that is something that is not looked. Looked upon on enough. The football is getting better because Nil
[03:58]
JD Miguel
and a lot of those guys that we just mentioned, like those second year starters, a lot of guys like playoff experience under their belt. From Trinidad, Sam Levitt, playoff experience. Gunner Stockton, two games of playoff experience. John Mateer, playoff. Like there's a lot of guys where you say, okay, when you do get back to that field of 12, if, you know we see the LSU's in Oklahoma's and Georgia's in the mix there Ole Miss in the mix there shouldn't have a sped up heart rate, should be pretty even. Keel Marshall Reed, another guy in that group. So yeah, it's gonna be, it's gonna be a lot of fun to watch how those guys play if they're back in the postseason because we've seen now experienced quarterback play the last two national title games in the 12 team playoff area. It's like guys with a lot of skins on the wall played a lot of games and it pays massive dividends when, when the chips are stacked.
[04:41]
Host 2
I mean we're all thinking about it, right? I mean we're talking up and down this row about how good this team's going to be, how good this. And I'm convinced, I'm convinced that there's six, seven teams that could make the run legitimately.
[04:54]
JD Miguel
Yeah.
[04:54]
Host 2
And I feel like we're trying to avoid the conversation that we're going to have late December and saying who's getting in, who's not. What happens when we have three or four nine and three SEC football teams? You think they are more up to let some of those guys in or do you feel like we going to have a bubble that's going to explode at the end of the season?
[05:16]
JD Miguel
I think the bubble's going to pop, man. I hear the take creeping up of 9 and 3 this year maybe gets you in if it's the right looking nine and three and the nine conference games and the one non powerful or the one non conference power four game. And I think that's a very fair assessment for us that actually sit down, watch the games, live and breathe the stuff. I just don't trust the committee enough, you know. And the thing too is last year, I mean shoot, we had Vandy at 10 and 2. As you see team that missed the playoff, we had BYU 11 and 1 in the regular season that missed the playoff. Utah 10 and 2 missed the play. So like if we're not allowing 10 and 2 and 11 and 1 teams in the playoff. I understand now we're restructuring things with how the whole playoff works but man, I will, I will be surprised if a 9 and 3 team gets in. I just, I don't, I don't trust the committee to value the total body of work over that extra loss.
[06:08]
Host 1
Hey, one of our favorite questions to ask people at media days, because we do it too, you know, we talk about this year round so we have all these preconceived notions on all these teams heading into media days. Is there anybody that after as we're winding down, stuff you've learned either from interviews or just talking with people, maybe team a team or two that you're higher on than you were entering or maybe even a team or two that you're lower on exiting media days. Does anything stand out to you there?
[06:33]
JD Miguel
No, I was pretty high on am coming into this thing and I leave probably at the same level with them. But Marcel Reed specifically, I mean, he's a, he's a massive question mark for everyone. You know, can he take that next step is like the, the buzz phrase you hear on College Station. Can he, you know, become the reason why they win football games and not just a great cog and a really good machine. I was just impressed by his demeanor, which, again, it's media days, you're taking a lot from a little. But I remember asking him when he came by and visited with us, hey, you don't really seem too rattled by much, man. Whether it's you're finding out you're starting, you know, against Florida at breakfast or, you know, you go into Death Valley. And his answer was, I threw for 361 yards my first ever college football game. Like, that was the moment I knew I'm pretty good at this. And so I was like, huh, okay. Like, I like that swagger. I'll, I'll back that. So that, that kind of gave me a little bit more encouragement around Marshall Reed and who he's going to be here in 2017.
[07:32]
Host 2
Well, we had a little buzz going around when the Auburn boys were running around, but I got to ask you, I feel like the Week 1 matchups that we're kind of overlooking is, what was that? What was that team out there in Texas? Is it Baylor? Baylor?
[07:45]
JD Miguel
Yeah.
[07:45]
Host 2
Yeah. What do you think about that? I know if for the listeners, JD's got a special place in his heart for them.
[07:51]
JD Miguel
Baylor Bears. True.
[07:53]
Host 2
I'm curious your thoughts on that week one matchup. Maybe one that we're overlooking.
[07:58]
JD Miguel
So I thought last year was going to be the year where Baylor would sneak up and get that one in Waco and how good is Jackson Arnold? And then it went how it went and Baylor couldn't stop. I mean, it was a Swiss cheese looking defense out there. The thing that gives me pause if I'm rooting for Baylor in that scenario is your head coach probably should have been fired last year if the AD doesn't get fired before he can fire you. And then Auburn, they're probably not going to have the same week one acclimation period that we're going to see across college football. Like what, 10 starters on offense, including the center and the quarterback, as well as this goal system. And he's coming over. So, like, it should be a situation that looks more like week four than it does week one. And everyone's trying to get their footing in week one. I just, I Think Auburn having a head start on everybody schematically and chemistry wise, I just. I think that's going to pay huge dividends, especially in that game with a defense that I don't have a lot of confidence in.
[08:53]
Host 1
Was Media Days a preview of? It seems like the new blood in the sec. Like, is the SEC changing with all these new guys? We talked about it all offseason, but it seemed like most of the new guys have made a huge impact just at this event. You think they'll make a huge impact on the field this fall at a
[09:11]
JD Miguel
portal level or just like the new faces?
[09:13]
Host 1
It just seems like we're changing the conference. Like with Summerall and Golden and even will stop Kentucky. It's like, well, it's Kentucky. They usually put them at the end because nobody cares and everybody leaves. No, they put them what day one, Will Stein. We're gonna win because of my ass.
[09:26]
JD Miguel
You know what I mean?
[09:27]
Host 1
So it feels like bravado. It just feels like a new SEC is coming to life before our eyes.
[09:32]
JD Miguel
It feels like you met a bunch of cousins that, you know, you had, you know, at the family reunion. It's like, oh, you got some extra juice.
[09:38]
Host 1
Like, that was like us when we first met.
[09:42]
JD Miguel
Well, the reason I say, I was doing a hit yesterday for a station in Oklahoma and they talked about Texas and OU being the crazy cousins that are now in the sec. And I was like, man, that's a great way to look at it. You take that metaphor to new head coaches, crazy cousins. One caused a lot of noise at the holidays. You know, they're maybe carrying the conversation at Thanksgiving saying something they shouldn't. They shouldn't say, whatever. But what they also do is they cause you to maybe up your game a little bit, like your head's on a swivel. You got to come to Christmas dinner with a one liner or two in the back pocket. So all that's to say, man, I just. I was talking about it with our producer last night, Kaden Smith. It feels like the SEC is just going to be a free for all. Bloodbath, Hunger Games, Squid Games. Like, it's going to be, I think, a lot of fun because of the fact that you mentioned Texas and Georgia. Maybe take a step back in terms like the roster depth we're used to seeing at the top of the sec. And then maybe Kentucky's frisky, maybe Florida's frisky, maybe Ole Miss is staying where they are. Oklahoma. There's a number of teams I'm really interested to see who the media picks to win the sec. At the end of the day, I
[10:47]
Host 2
can't remember who it was. Somebody was trying to convince us that the Big Ten is getting better in the lower tier system. Is that, Is that true or is that just. They're working on their propaganda on why a 10 and 2 should get in.
[11:00]
JD Miguel
Propaganda season. Isn't it Propaganda season? I mean, so I, I'm speaking out of both sides of my mouth, but I think there's just important, like, concrete stuff to talk about. One is like, the SEC has not won a national championship the last couple of years. I mean, the Big Tens won the last three, right? At the same time, the SEC did have darn near half the playoff field last year. So I hear so much about the SEC is falling off this and that, and I'm like, man, I don't know. 5 of 12 is a pretty good percentage, especially when two spots are going to the G5. Like, I don't, I don't know. I do think right now there is greater depth at the head coaching level in the Big Ten. I think that's a real thing. And I mean, rosters to me feel like they are. I mean, it's, it's a taste test, in my opinion. I mean, you take what you like. I will say the NFL draft going with the SEC once again. If SEC bias is real, the NFL's in on it.
[11:51]
Host 1
Who do you think will be the. Regarded as the best quarterback in the conference by the end of the season?
[11:56]
JD Miguel
So I think it's Gunner Stockton, man. I think Gunner Stockton, I mean, he just got such a high floor now. His receiving core has to step up for him, right? But man, I was looking at the passing splits by quarter and who was the best. And you look at fourth quarter and overtime and Gunner Stockton is like way up here. So when the chips are stacked and you need somebody to go get it for you, Gunner Stockton's hands just staying nice and steady, even keel. And he doesn't fit the first round mold of an NFL quarterback and he maybe isn't like the flashiest, but I mean, when it's, when it's time to go into a dark alley and fist fight like, I want that dude rocking with me.
[12:33]
Host 1
And I think that hurts him in the perception when people talk about top quarterbacks because we're not really supposed to be who's the best draft pick, right? That's. That's irrelevant.
[12:42]
JD Miguel
Right.
[12:42]
Host 1
Diego Pavia was not a draft pick.
[12:45]
JD Miguel
Best quarterback in the SEC, but he was awesome. Yeah, yeah, I 100% agree. And so I do think there's like some Georgia fatigue too, that exists in our space. You've seen him win. I think we all want to be a little bit hipster, right? We all want to kind of be ahead of the curve and have the pick no one else has and whatnot. But.
[13:00]
Host 1
And I think him playing in two playoff years, it almost seems like he's been around forever. But that, that first one, he was just inserted because Carson, this is really year two for him. And that's generally when these quarterbacks take a big step. And he, his statistically was awesome last year.
[13:14]
JD Miguel
He had a fastball. I think people look at him and there's the Georgia tax in some ways in terms of optics. But I mean, against Texas, against Ole Miss, the first time they played against Tennessee, like, he's got the fastball, you know, like his, his best stuff, I think is up there with anyone in the country, and so they can do more of that consistently, which is the name of the game. I don't, I don't question the skill set at all with Gunner, man, I think he's got it.
[13:37]
Host 2
What happens if Georgia doesn't do it, though? I mean, wide receiver rooms obviously in question here. If, if they fall short, which I don't. I mean, Texas, Georgia, those are going to be the two teams you're going to hear toward the top and especially when the rankings come out. But if they fail to meet that or if they're bounced out first round of the playoffs because of a inept offense, what. What do you think happens to. What do you think if I give you the keys is going to happen to Georgia at the end of the season?
[14:05]
JD Miguel
I don't think anything happens, but I'm with you, man. Like, it's, it will be a, A eerie feeling in Athens of, huh, not that we need to, you know, reinvent ourselves necessarily, but like, hey, what are we. What are we doing wrong? Because the first time you lose Notre Dame and it's like, okay, it is what it is. Then you go out and lose last year to Ole Miss, a team that you beat in the regular season, and you're like, man, we didn't have our best stuff when we needed it. If they can't win a playoff game this year, it'll just be a very, maybe eye opening for all of us of, okay, there truly is two seasons in college football. And how do you, how do you prepare yourself to play your best football in the playoff while also chasing after your conference championship in the regular season?
[14:50]
Host 1
Best offense and Best defense in the SEC this year is who
[14:56]
JD Miguel
the best defense in the SEC is Oklahoma. The best offense in the sec. I think it's Texas. I think it's Texas. I have to go back and check out. We did a top 10 offenses in college football and I believe we had Texas in that top five range. But man, just if they're, if they're all firing on all cylinders, he's buying into camp. They're going to be tough to. Tough to mess with, man. Be fun.
[15:19]
Host 2
Well, let's. On that same vein, the most improved football team this year will be who and most disappointing team or I shouldn't say disappointing. We're going the wrong direction. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Sorry. I watched the Hogan video and I realized we're all going to die. So I'm a little downright.
[15:40]
JD Miguel
How about that? Gosh, man. In terms of most improved, I think Florida will be a force and that's sort of a boring answer for. I think them and Auburn will both be bull eligible football teams. The refreshing thing for fans in the SEC will be okay, I know what Auburn is or I have a better gauge for how Florida is supposed to look. I just, I really think that the, the way Florida could win in the margins this year even with some of the questions which you hate with the offensive line and the, the middle of that defensive line, you don't know who's playing quarterback. Like I feel like they're just. You'll ever go to the chiropractor and you just get a little, a little pop and you're like I couldn't walk coming in here and I got a little adjustment and like I could go, you know, compete in the Olympics right now. That, that might be John Sumrall chiropractor effect in Gainesville.
[16:32]
Host 1
So you probably just answered that question, but biggest bump from a first year coach. You think it will be summer all.
[16:37]
JD Miguel
I think it's some raw man and honestly I don't want to be too like philosophical because it is a bottom line business and we're going to talk about their records and whatnot. But like man, just getting Florida to feel like Florida again similar to LSU needing to feel like LSU again. I just, I think he's exactly what that place needed. I mean we all saw him at the podium and I watched people walk out of that place and it was like they had all seen the Odyssey. It was like hair was blown back, eyes big. You just saw it on imax. Like just the way he can get buy in and he's so authentic about it. You don't feel like you're getting a used car salesman, you know, talking to you. I just, I think that's. I think that's paramount to winning at the highest level in college football. And they got a good roster, too. Is it the best in the sec? No, but it's enough to win.
[17:18]
Host 2
You know, you mentioned Oklahoma earlier. We're talking about some of the toughest schedules in the country and it's so fun to kind of pick through these and say, hey, what about this game? What about this game? But you know, we get a Sooner over here. They say, hey, the big house man. Don't, don't. Yeah, this is going to be a big, big game. So how big is the Michigan game for Oklahoma Sooner?
[17:37]
JD Miguel
Oh, it's huge. I mean, you got to get one of those first two on the road against Michigan and then at Georgia. Like those two in the first month of the season is like, all right, baby. Want to go back to the playoff? About to find out real quick because then you got Red River a couple weeks later. So that's one of those, those games too, where with it being so early in the season and Bryce Underwood from Michigan will be in his first year at a new system still, you would think working out some kinks, like you have got to get that one on the road because then you give yourself a little bit of an. Oakland won't feel this way internally, but for us as fans, you give yourself a little bit of a room to work with. If you drop that game in Athens, which I don't think is a game, they'll be favored in Oklahoma, that is. But man, if you lose those first two and then you got to go play in Red river and it's like we were playoff mode from October forward. That's a, that's a really tough place to be. So getting the one against Michigan feels like the more winnable of those two. Between Georgia and Michigan and Venables against quarterbacks in their, in their first few starts and a new system, the numbers and he's unconscious.
[18:40]
Host 2
I want to ask you some other. Just, just because I know you. One thing I enjoy about your content is you don't just cover one particular conference, you cover them all. So we got some other games. Arizona State, we got Georgia Tech, we've got Louisville. Is there, is there any of these teams that you really feel like could give the SEC a problem this year? Some of these non conference games?
[19:02]
JD Miguel
I think Louisville's going to be fun to watch, man. Sunday night Nashville. And there's just a good amount of unknowns with, with Louisville. You know, Lincoln Keenholz coming over from Ohio State. My take is always, hey, if Ohio State wants you to play quarterback and you, you can't play quarterback there, I'm not going to doc you too much, man. It's a tough place to play. So Jeff Braun, man, each of the last three years has won nine games since getting to Louisville and Ole Miss will be walking in there with all the expectations. I mean, journey, that said it, he's like, the expectation here is winter national championship. You're like, okay, that's awesome. I don't think you're lying. But to, to feel that weight and to go play a neutral site game against a good football team in Louisville to start out early with some new pieces, like they're. That's going to be a really, really good litmus test. So that's, that's one. I'm really intrigued to see how Ole Miss responds to the offseason pressure they felt.
[19:50]
Host 1
I've got Tennessee as a playoff team this year.
[19:53]
JD Miguel
No kidding.
[19:54]
Host 1
Last team in the SEC to make it. So I'm not saying they're going to be like dominant, but I see a path to 10 and 2. I love the talent around the quarterback. I know everybody likes to just hyper focus on the.
[20:04]
JD Miguel
I'm with you, I'm with you. Talent around them.
[20:06]
Host 1
Defense getting better. They hired Indiana strength coach. I think Hypo is very underrated at this point in time. He's coming in here, he's taking accountability. We don't lose to Vanderbilt even though he just lost Vanderbilt. But you know, to me that's a guy that's taken accountability is, do you believe Tennessee could make the playoff?
[20:25]
JD Miguel
Could. Could's a funny word. Could, a tough word to go with there.
[20:29]
Host 1
Maybe a scale of 1 to 10, where would you go? 10 being absolutely 1 being no shot,
[20:35]
JD Miguel
man, I'd probably fall closer to like a four in terms of likelihood. Three and a half. But I think what you're saying is on the money. There is a chance. There's a chance. It's funny because what you just said, the national story is who's starting at quarterback for Tennessee? Who's it going to be? And I'm like, man, if I got a question for a head coach and I get to pick what it is, I'd love to have a quarterback question for Josh Hyple. If that's the only like, big question I have now. The other question is, hey, can the defense not suck this year? That'd be cool, but you'd hope Jim Knowles and some new pieces there can, like, expedite that learning curve. But, man, the. The offense has got a. Like, you know, I don't think that quarterback needs to be a world beater. To your point. Like, if we just don't crash the car, a pretty good engine, pretty good set of wheels from thousand yard back to Sean Bishop to their top three receipt. Like, there's. There's a lot there that we could name to feel some confidence about that unit. So, man, I. I would be. I would be very surprised if they made the playoff. But I just. I think the thing I said on Firebomb yesterday, man, I think they're just like. People look at hippos and they think they're all cute and they think they're just on it. You know, you go out in the wild, you see, oh, this is. This is big. Big. I don't even know what you would compare it to. This big aquatic animal. I want to go just. Just pet and. And they're responsible for more deaths than the other animal on the planet. I think Tennessee is lethal.
[21:56]
Host 2
I think I just saw one like, it killed some sunfish. I don't know.
[21:59]
JD Miguel
Did it really?
[22:00]
Host 2
Yeah, it was unreal. It just blew it up. And I mean, it was. It was a wild scene. But I appreciate your time. I want to ask you one last question, because I know you're a married man and you got the family. How. And how annoyed do they get when you get the camera and say, honey, just one second. I've got to post this video because I know mine comes in. She's like, are we. Is it not uploaded yet? She has no idea how the process.
[22:25]
JD Miguel
Tough, man. It's tough. I'm trying to think of, like, the last time that really happened, and I think it was. Oh, I know what it was. We're on vacation in San Diego. My cousin's getting married. And it's kind of a hybrid situation of like, okay, we'll go to San Diego, do the wedding, have some family time out in great weather. It's amazing. I'm at my cousin's. It's the day after the wedding, so we're all with the family. It's all. It's all well and good, you know, having a great time. I get a text from our producer. It just says lol. And it's a link to the Brendan Sorsby. He got the injunction granted and he's gonna play in 2026. I'm like, oh, my gosh I was like, hey, babe, I know we're on vacation. I have to go do a video. She's like, are you serious right now? I was like, if it was anything else, I promise I wouldn't be. I wouldn't be talking about this right now, but this is really important. She's like, I mean, she's phenomenal. She's holding it down right now at home with it with a 20 month old. But golly, man, that was one where we toed the line a little bit. Toed the line a lot of it.
[23:32]
Host 2
Yeah.
[23:32]
Host 1
That's called love of the game. You know that's right.
[23:34]
JD Miguel
Love it. It's called a tolerant wife.
[23:37]
Host 2
Yeah.
[23:39]
Host 1
All right, J.D. really appreciate you. So we're asking everybody this. This week, all our media days coverage is brought to you by Tennessee legend Whiskey.
[23:46]
JD Miguel
Okay.
[23:47]
Host 1
The best whiskey you could buy in Tennessee. So your Tennessee legend. Boldest take of the SEC season. Can you give us.
[23:54]
JD Miguel
I thought it was gonna be a whiskey question. I thought it was gonna be, hey, what are you. What are you working with? Oh, man. Boldest take of the sec. That is. I don't know how bold it is. We got to go bold here. We're on that SEC podcast, man. We got it. We got to let it rip a little bit here. I think we got five teams from the SEC in. I think Alabama is not one of those teams. Is that bold enough for y'?
[24:23]
Host 1
All?
[24:23]
JD Miguel
We got to go. We got to go, Boulder. Yeah, I see.
[24:27]
Host 2
I see.
[24:28]
JD Miguel
Shane's like, well, see, I've been calling. That's not too bold all week.
[24:32]
Host 1
So he's. He's heard enough of Bama.
[24:34]
Host 2
Your boy was over here saying South Carolina was going to make the playoffs.
[24:37]
JD Miguel
That was. Yeah, that's a. Yeah, that's a strong sip right there. You say. Hang on a second. I almost want to pull up the schedules here and take a look at what
[24:51]
Commercial Narrator
I think.
[24:51]
JD Miguel
Tennis. I think Ole miss might be 8 and 4.
[24:53]
Host 2
8 and 4.
[24:54]
Host 1
That's good.
[24:55]
Host 2
Yeah.
[24:56]
JD Miguel
As much as I love Trinidad, I think that might be an eight football team. I got some. I got some reservations there.
[25:00]
Host 2
It's a bold one. I like it. Approved.
[25:03]
JD Miguel
There we go, man. That's all I'm looking for.
[25:05]
Host 2
Is Gunner going to win the Heisman. I know you're really high on him.
[25:07]
JD Miguel
I love Gunner, man.
[25:08]
Host 2
I think he. The way they play. Would he have the ability to win a Heisman Trophy?
[25:15]
JD Miguel
I think he. I mean, he was top 10 last year in the voting. I really worry about how much help he'll get from his receivers. I, I, I would be a little bit surprised if he was in New York City for the, for the actual ceremony. I mean, he could, Georgia goes for championships.
[25:32]
Host 1
They don't go for trophies.
[25:33]
JD Miguel
Yeah, man. I mean, they'll, they'll be comfortable winning a game 17 7. And Gunner will throw for 120 yards and two touchdowns. And they'll be like, all right, let's see. That was Good.
[25:44]
Host 1
All right, J.D.
[25:44]
JD Miguel
we appreciate, appreciate y', all, man.
[25:46]
Host 2
Way to go.
[25:46]
Host 1
Tell our audience how to follow you, how to find all your work over at On3.
[25:49]
JD Miguel
Yeah, man. You want to go to All3. YouTube channel. We're there on all the socials. Mad Jenny Pel. But, man, this is so fun to again be at these things with you guys. Watch how y' all work. It's, it fires me up, man. It's a lot of fun. So thank you guys for what y' all do for college football as well. This is awesome.
[26:13]
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[26:43]
Commercial Narrator
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JD Miguel
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[27:45]
Commercial Narrator
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