SEC SQUAD - WAY TOO EARLY SEC Rankings | Where does Ole Miss rank?

Locked On Ole Miss - Daily podcast on Ole Miss Rebels Football, Basketball & Baseball35mApril 16, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

The SEC Squad podcast dives into ESPN's 'Way Too Early' top 25 rankings, with a sharp focus on Ole Miss's placement at No. 9. Host Chris Gordy and panelists from across the SEC network debate the validity of early projections, questioning whether teams like Ole Miss, Texas, and Florida are overrated due to lack of real on-field evidence. The discussion centers on key storylines: Alabama's quarterback battle between Keelan Russell and Austin Mack, with Russell emerging as the clear favorite based on spring performance; Florida's uncertain quarterback competition between Aaron Filo and Tramiel Jones, with concerns over turnovers and inexperience; and the broader narrative of the SEC's competitiveness, with skepticism about whether any team will dominate this season. The panel also previews upcoming spring games, highlighting intriguing matchups like Vanderbilt’s Jared Curtis vs. Blaise Berlowitz and Texas A&M’s new offensive coordinator Holman Wiggins. Betting lines are discussed, with most leaning under on Alabama and Florida due to offensive questions and a tough nine-game SEC schedule. The episode closes with sponsor plugs for Indeed and Rocket Money, promoting hiring tools and financial management.

Key Takeaways
1

Ole Miss’s No. 9 ranking in ESPN’s way-too-early top 25 is seen as overly optimistic by many panelists, especially given Pete Golding’s lack of experience as a full-season head coach.

2

Keelan Russell is emerging as the likely starter at Alabama, with impressive spring game performances against the first-team defense, raising expectations for the offense.

3

Florida’s quarterback battle remains unresolved, with Aaron Filo struggling with turnovers and Tramiel Jones showing higher ceiling but limited real-world proof.

4

The SEC’s nine-game conference schedule is expected to level the playing field, making 7-2 or 8-4 records more common than dominant 10+ win seasons.

5

Spring games offer early signals, but panelists caution against overvaluing them—especially with quarterbacks like Jared Curtis and Marcel Reed still unproven in real competition.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
8 min

ESPN's Way Too Early Top 25: Ole Miss at #9

I'm quite certain it is, in your opinion. It is kind of interesting, though, guys, because on three did their way too early, I guess like a week or so ago, and they had Ole Miss down at 15...

Highlight
7:30
15 min

Alabama’s Quarterback Battle: Russell vs. Mack

After his 8A performance, I think it would be almost a shock if it was anyone other than Keelan. Keelan put up really impressive numbers. He did it largely against the first team defense.

Highlight
22:30
18 min

Florida’s QB Uncertainty and Offense Concerns

I don't think he's got a very high caliber arm that, that terrifies me. I saw you throw a deep pick against Gardner Webb.

Highlight
40:00
10 min

Spring Game Preview: Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, A&M

The squad previews six upcoming SEC spring games, spotlighting Jared Curtis at Vanderbilt, John Mateer at Oklahoma, and Marcel Reed at Texas A&M. The focus is on quarterback development, coaching changes, and early signs of improvement.

50:00
10 min

Betting Lines and Season Outlook

Panelists share their over/under predictions for Alabama (8.5) and Florida (7.5), with most leaning under due to offensive questions and the demanding nine-game SEC schedule. The consensus is that no team will dominate, and many top-25 teams will drop out by season’s end.

High-Impact Quotes
After his 8A performance, I think it would be almost a shock if it was anyone other than Keelan. Keelan put up really impressive numbers. He did it largely against the first team defense.
Brandon Olson13:30
Viral: 85.0
You're going to have a bunch of eight and fours. And I just see that some of these teams that are in the top 25, they're going to get a harsh reality.
Chris Gordy8:18
Viral: 80.0
I don't think he's got a very high caliber arm that, that terrifies me. I saw you throw a deep pick against Gardner Webb.
Brandon Olson19:31
Viral: 75.0
Speakers

Host

Chris Gordy

Guests

Corey BurtonStephen WillisBrandon OlsonJohn MillerJimmy SteinJohn Neighbors
Topics Discussed
Alabama Quarterback Competition95%SEC Football Preseason Rankings90%Florida Quarterback Battle88%Ole Miss Football Outlook85%SEC Schedule Impact82%Spring Game Analysis80%College Football Betting Lines75%Coaching Changes and Transfers70%
People & Brands

Alabama Crimson Tide

other

15xPositive

Ole Miss Rebels

other

12xNeutral

Florida Gators

other

11xNeutral

Keelan Russell

person

10xPositive

Vanderbilt Commodores

other

8xPositive

Texas A&M Aggies

other

8xNeutral

Austin Mack

person

7xNeutral

ESPN

organization

6xNeutral

Jared Curtis

person

6xPositive

Aaron Filo

person

6xNeutral

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