The problem with modern scheduling, in the day and age of transfer portal meanderings, is that it's hard to find a team good enough to give the favorite a decent contest, without also being a threat to pull an upset. East Carolina is a problem from all sides: The Pirates went 9-4 in 2025 and defeated Pitt in a bowl game. They are a veteran team, but not one with a lot of starting experience. And they added dozens of new players through the transfer portal in the offseason. Alabama is getting ready to embark on what Crimson Tide fans hope is another potential championship season. But in doing so, Alabama is also breaking in a freshman quarterback, rebuilding an ineffective offensive line and running back corps, and staging a reckoning of sorts on the future of its offensive coordinator. The struggles of the 2025 season can't be repeated if Alabama is to have any kind of success.

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.