
SEC 2026: A New Coaching Era and Shifting Power Balances
The Southeastern Conference enters 2026 with a wave of new leadership, key player returns, and strategic shifts that could reshape the college football landscape.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Pete Golding across Football.

The Southeastern Conference enters 2026 with a wave of new leadership, key player returns, and strategic shifts that could reshape the college football landscape.
Lane Kiffin discusses the fallout from his sudden move to LSU, the denial of a playoff spot, and the upcoming 2026 matchup with Ole Miss.
Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding enters the 2026 season with what many analysts describe as an open championship window, bolstered by the return of star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and standout running back Kewan Lacy.

The University of Mississippi’s football program is targeting a 2026 College Football Playoff berth, fueled by a revamped roster, a cohesive coaching staff and standout players eyeing the Heisman.

The Rebels aim to build on a recent College Football Playoff appearance with fresh leadership, impact transfers and standout players eyeing Heisman honors.

Jonathan Maldonado's recent commitment to Ole Miss illustrates how the Rebels have transformed from a peripheral program into a coveted landing spot for elite talent seeking both championship contention and a clear pathway to the NFL.

From Lane Kiffin's early embrace of NIL to Pete Golding's championship‑caliber portal classes, Ole Miss is reshaping how college football programs compete for talent and titles.

Ranked inside the top ten by ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Ole Miss returns key playmakers, adds high‑caliber transfers and addresses secondary concerns, aiming to translate preseason optimism into on‑field success.

Benny Easter Jr., a highly coveted 2027 wide receiver, is scheduled for official visits to Ohio State, Ole Miss and Texas, sparking a recruitment battle that could reshape the class.

The Rebels are set to reshape their secondary with high‑profile transfers and key returners, aiming to climb from a fifth‑worst passing defense in the SEC to a championship‑contending unit.

Steve Sarkisian decries the NCAA’s lax enforcement as programs like Ole Miss face accusations of tampering in high‑profile player moves.

The Rebels open against Louisville in Nashville, lose key alumni, welcome fresh transfers, and face a schedule ranked among the nation’s toughest.

The Rebels must blend transfers, replace key departures and prove that their 2025 breakthrough was more than a one‑off.

The 2026 schedule presents a gauntlet of elite opponents for Auburn's new head coach, Alex Golesh, as the program seeks to rebound

During a recent interview with Matt Hayes, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian decried the uneven academic standards across programs, pointing to Ole Miss as a contrasting example. His comments coincided with a surge in transfer portal activity that saw Texas secure 22 commitments while Ole Miss added 29, prompting reactions from new coaches Pete Golding and Jon Sumrall.

A look at how Steve Sarkisian’s public challenge to Ole Miss’s academic standards has sparked a wider conversation among college football coaches about transparency, the playoff structure, and the need for proactive solutions.
The conference has locked in broadcast times for three key matchups, highlighting Pete Golding’s debut and a slate that will be aired on ABC and SuperTalk Mississippi.
ESPN has confirmed the kickoff time for the third‑week clash, slated for Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. CT, with the game to be televised on ABC.

Crain & Cone’s latest rankings identify the most promising head coaches for 2026, highlighting Lane Kiffin at LSU, Kyle Whittingham at Michigan, Pete Golding at Ole Miss, Matt Campbell at Penn State and Jon Sumrall at Florida, while noting key offseason moves across the sport.

A new ranking evaluates how much patience each Power Four program will extend to its newest head coaches, weighing roster quality, NIL investment, portal activity and institutional urgency.
ESPN's College Gameday is set to travel to Baton Rouge for the 2026 season‑opening showdown between LSU and Clemson, marking Lane Kiffin's first game as LSU head coach and building on the program's recent victory over the Tigers' rivals.
ESPN’s College Gameday will broadcast live from Baton Rouge as LSU hosts Clemson on Sept. 5, a game that marks a pivotal moment for new coach Lane Kiffin and revives memories of last year’s upset win.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has sparked controversy by questioning Ole Miss's academic rigor, prompting a heated exchange among SEC coaches.

A look at how early‑season expectations are reshaping the landscape for new coaches across the Power Four conferences.