After a long six months in the wilderness, August 1st is upon us, and that means teams are reporting for fall camp, and we’re less than 25 days from kicking off the 2023 college football season. Every team is undefeated, and hope is overflowing from the cups of football teams. In a short few weeks, fans from across the country will make their pilgrimages to campuses around the country; they will come from miles around to support the boys of fall. The off-season, for many, has brought on the winds of change that will forever change the landscape of football for generations to come, yet, the excitement of a new season brings an enormous amount of happiness to those who celebrate. With excitement comes lingering questions that deserve an answer.

Three questions in particular that I will be watching closely within the Southeastern Conference.

First, what will the offensive unit look like at Mississippi State following the change within the coaching staff? Mississippi State will return seven starters from the 2022 Mississippi State team that won nine games, including a bowl win over Illinois. Will Rogers is back, but the expansion past the Air Raid offense will be interesting to watch out of Starkville, Mississippi. Mississippi State will likely turn to the spread as under Kevin Barbay. Mississippi State has the talent in Jo’quavious Marks and Jaden Walley to bring Mississippi State into the new era of Bulldogs Football. The offensive line unit has three returning from last season, giving Coach Arnett and his staff the blocks to build around in 2023. By kick-off on September 2nd, Mississippi State will be more comfortable with the new and improved offensive units.

Second, who will emerge in the two most heated QB battles of the Southeastern Conference at Alabama and Ole Miss? Both places have a massive question mark regarding who will earn the title as starting quarterback to open the 2023 season. For Alabama after losing Bryce Young to the NFL, the Crimson Tide will turn to either Jalen Milroe or Ty Simpson as the next quarterback at Alabama. According to multiple reports, neither made a splash in the spring and will have a lot of ground to make up as the fall camp opens. At Ole Miss, Head Coach Lane Kiffin has packed quarterback room with three guys that could start at any other program in the Southeastern Conference. With Jaxson Dart expected to be the week one starter, the battle between Spencer Sanders and Walker Howard will be the one to watch as the Rebels prepare for Mercer.

Lastly, what will come about from the Auburn fall camp? Expectations for Hugh Freeze and his Auburn are low after Former Head Coach Bryan Harsin left the cupboard bare. Yet, Coach Freeze has hit the transfer portal, recruited well, and has a raw but respectful team heading to the new season. Lately, Coach Freeze has landed some big-name recruits for the 2024 class and has a lot of momentum heading into the 2023 Auburn Football season. Year one under Hugh Freeze won’t be a College Football Playoff year, but fall camp is likely to be the start of something special on the Plains.

Southeastern Conference Football will kick off on August 26th when Vanderbilt welcomes Hawaii to Vanderbilt Stadium for a Week Zero thriller.