For the third time in 2026, Alabama rebounded from a second-half deficit to win a game and keep itself at least in the chatter for both the final SEC Championship Game and the College Football Playoff – sometimes despite what looked like its best efforts to avoid both conversations. A frustrating game for most of the day, the Crimson Tide battled injuries (and their consequences) both old and new for the better part of three quarters. But when the chips were down in the fourth quarter, the Tide put up two touchdowns and held Texas A&M scoreless to do what it was unable to do the last two weeks against Tennessee and Georgia: finish. It probably wasn't a finish that's going to show up in any best-of reels or generate any Daniel Moore artwork. Texas A&M is a mediocre team hamstrung by its own decision to put its offense in the hands of an inexperienced offensive coordinator. Alabama has already lost twice, and fortunately for Alabama, there are no elite teams in college football this year; the Crimson Tide wouldn't be in their company if there were any, anyway.

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.