Plenty of teams in 2026 were completely rebuilt over the offseason through the transfer portal. Kentucky not only transferred in a lot of talent, it brought in a new coaching staff as well. Will Stein was the playcaller at Oregon a year ago and is now 1-0 as a college head coach, following Kentucky's opening-week defeat of Youngstown State. Whether 45-13 qualifies as a “blowout” when the opponent usually plays at the FCS level is another matter, but Stein's Wildcats put on a pretty good show offensively and winning the opener comfortably lifts all spirits. The biggest question on the board is probably just how good Kentucky's defense is. The pass defense wasn't great against Youngstown State, and the secondary had been identified as a potential weak spot in fall camp. If Alabama can press the advantages it has, the Crimson Tide should come home with its first conference win of the season.

South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers is one of the most dynamic playmakers at the position, but he can't do everything by himself. Fortunately for Sellers, he'll at least have a quality wide receiver and tight end group to throw to once the season starts. Kendal Briles, USC's new offensive coordinator, should help the Gamecocks become more inventive and less predictable. WR Nyck Harbor, who measures at 6'5” and 245 pounds and runs a 4.3 40-yard dash, could wind up being a guy no one has an answer for.

Austin Mack got an unexpected trial under fire in the season-ending loss to Indiana in the playoffs following Ty Simpson's injury at the end of the first half. Mack acquitted himself well, especially given the complete dearth of a running game to help him out, while also buried under a big Indiana lead. The best thing that could be said about him during that time was that he didn't appear to mentally break down given the gravity of the moment, and he made a handful of ace throws at the same time. Mack continued to put up good work in the spring, although he was outplayed by Keelon Russell at A-Day and doesn't enter camp with any kind of built-in lead for the position. If Mack isn't named the starter in the fall, he'll probably play out the season as Russell's backup and then transfer next winter. He's got surprising athleticism for his build, but his calling card is the cannon attached to his right shoulder. If he can fine-tune his shots, especially on midrange throws, Alabama could certainly win with him.