
Auburn’s 2026 Football slate blends tradition and transition
The 2026 schedule for Auburn University reveals a mix of historic rivalries, new head‑coach debuts and a reshaped SEC format, with the Florida game emerging as the centerpiece.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Jared Curtis across Football, Baseball.

The 2026 schedule for Auburn University reveals a mix of historic rivalries, new head‑coach debuts and a reshaped SEC format, with the Florida game emerging as the centerpiece.

With the 2026 campaign looming, analysts dissect the matchups that pose the greatest challenges, from injury concerns to standout quarterbacks, offering a roadmap for the Bulldogs' preparation

ESPN’s latest Future Power Rankings place Georgia at No. 5 for the 2026 college football season, highlighting both strengths and areas needing improvement.

Under head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia continues to excel, yet ESPN analyst Adam Rittenberg notes that the quarterback succession plan remains a key storyline heading into the Bulldogs' season opener against Tennessee State.

Analyst Joel Klatt doubts Vanderbilt’s ability to maintain its recent momentum after losing star quarterback Diego Pavia, even as the program brings in five‑star recruit Jared Curtis.

Vanderbilt's football program, once a peripheral note in the SEC, has transformed into a recruiting magnet, highlighted by a record‑breaking 10‑3 season, high‑caliber recruits, and the strategic leadership of head coach Clark Lea.

The Southeastern Conference is exploring a league‑run championship and re‑evaluating its role in the College Football Playoff, while new coaching hires and recruiting strategies set the stage for a competitive season.

Colton Nussmeier, a top quarterback recruit from Denton, Texas, announced his commitment to the University of Georgia during an official visit, choosing the Bulldogs over lingering interest from Kentucky and Arkansas. His pledge adds depth to a class already rich in elite talent.

A look at the top eight first‑year quarterbacks in the SEC, their backgrounds, and the battles that could shape the upcoming season.

Analysts forecast Georgia’s 2026 season will feature a demanding schedule, including matchups against Alabama, Oklahoma and Florida, with the Bulldogs expected to finish 11‑1 and secure a berth in the SEC championship game.

Virginia Tech's quarterback competition has a clear frontrunner in Ethan Grunkemeyer, whose collegiate background and personal connections could reshape the team's attack.
Coach Josh Heupel is already turning his attention to the 2026 slate, even though the Volunteers have yet to name a starter under center. Among the most scrutinized opponents is Georgia Tech’s Alberto Mendoza, who enters his first season as a starter after serving as the backup to his Heisman‑winning brother. He will be charged with running a fresh offensive scheme in Atlanta. Texas brings a fresh storyline with Arch Manning slated for his first road test in Knoxville, a game that will pit the heir to a football dynasty against a Volunteers defense that remains a work in progress. Auburn’s Byrum Brown adds a dual‑threat dimension, having posted over 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards last season, a combination that could test Tennessee’s secondary. Alabama’s quarterback situation remains unsettled, with junior Austin Mack and former five‑star recruit Keelon Russell battling for the snap. The Crimson Tide will visit Neyland on October 17, a date that could shape the early narrative of the SEC season. South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, once a top prospect for the No. 1 overall draft pick, struggled to find his footing in 2025, making his performance a potential turning point for the Gamecocks. LSU’s Sam Leavitt could instantly transform the Tigers into a playoff contender, a prospect that adds another layer of intrigue to the Volunteers’ schedule. Beyond the traditional powers, Tennessee will also face home‑grown talent in the portal: Kentucky’s acquisition of Notre Dame transfer Kenny Minchey, a Hendersonville native, and Texas A&M’s return of Nashville native Marcel Reed. Vanderbilt may even start five‑star freshman Jared Curtis, a Nashville Christian star, further deepening the local storylines. All of these quarterbacks bring distinct challenges, and Heupel’s early preparation reflects a desire to stay ahead of the curve as the Volunteers aim to translate their momentum into another strong season.

After a breakthrough 2025 campaign that produced the Commodores' first 10‑win season, Vanderbilt is leveraging momentum to land a 2027 class headlined by 5‑star quarterback Jared Curtis and a suite of top‑rated prospects.
Vanderbilt's unprecedented ten‑win season and a wave of elite commitments signal a transformative era for the Commodores, reshaping SEC recruiting dynamics.

Vanderbilt's 2025 breakthrough fuels a 2027 recruiting surge, highlighted by five‑star quarterback Jared Curtis and a host of top commitments.
After a historic 10‑win campaign, Vanderbilt secures commitments from elite recruits, outpacing traditional powerhouses and signaling a new era for the program.
Vanderbilt's first 10-win season fuels an aggressive recruiting push, highlighted by commitments from Omarii Sanders, Grant Haviland and five-star quarterback Jared Curtis.

Georgia has revealed the start times for its first three 2026 games, and analysts are projecting the rest of the schedule based on network trends and historic patterns.

The Alabama Crimson Tide will venture away from Tuscaloosa for five SEC contests in 2026, each presenting distinct challenges from LSU’s revamped offense to Tennessee’s quarterback transition.

The Commodores revealed kickoff times and TV partners for their opening contests against Austin Peay, Delaware and NC State, while also highlighting recent player moves.
The university revealed kickoff times for the first three games of the 2026 season, highlighting a mix of night and afternoon contests while introducing freshman quarterback Jared Curtis.

The Tennessee prospect's decision highlights Vanderbilt's growing appeal under Coach Clark Lea and sets the stage for a competitive future in the SEC.

Sports Illustrated’s preliminary look at the 2026 SEC quarterback race highlights emerging talents, veteran takeovers and the impact of coaching shifts across the league.

Spring practices across the SEC have already begun to shape the narrative for the 2026 college football season, and early quarterback rankings are emerging from the first wave of games and workouts. Arch Manning, the 2026 Heisman favorite and projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, looms as a focal point of the conversation.