10 observations on SEC football after Week 1

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The SEC football season has started for every team. What details matter more (and less) after Week 1? Let's look at the conference and see what's worth noting:

1 – Trinidad Chambliss looks like a Heisman Trophy finalist

Trinidad Chambliss simply wouldn't let Ole Miss lose to Louisville on Sunday night in Nashville. Ole Miss picked up some injuries to key players such as running back Kewan Lacy. Louisville scored 38 points against the Rebels' highly suspect defense. It didn't matter. Chambliss is a quarterback who covers up a team's many flaws. Pete Golding might not be that good a coach, but with Chambliss on his team, it might not matter that much. Chambliss is a dynamic force with great mental toughness to match his athleticism and playmaking quality. He is the reason Ole Miss is a playoff contender. Take him out of the lineup, and Ole Miss becomes a mediocre team.

2 – Jon Sumrall shows upside at Florida

It's only one game, but Florida's offense looked competent in the Gators' home opener. That's more than what we can say for the entire Billy Napier era. Sumrall doesn't have a good team this year, but give him a few recruiting and portal classes. He might be able to produce a winner in Gainesville.

3 – Alex Golesh hits a speedbump at Auburn

This one will make Arkansas fans happy. Alex Golesh had a sluggish opener against Baylor which came down to a 2-point conversion at the very end. Auburn won 17-16, but Golesh's transfer portal quarterback from South Florida, Byrum Brown, looked bad. If he doesn't play well, Auburn won't have a good season. Arkansas fans will enjoy that outcome if it happens.

4 – Wait and see with Lane Kiffin

LSU's 51-10 win over Clemson was much more a reflection of how untalented Clemson is. LSU merely did what it was expected to do. No one should be elevating their opinion of Lane Kiffin's team. Clemson did not put up a fight.

5 – Alabama needs the O-line to be better

Alabama has electric talent at receiver and quarterback, but if the line doesn't begin to hammer opponents in the run game, the Tide will be in 3rd and 8 for much of the year, and that's not going to be good enough to make the playoff.

6 – Tennessee steps up

It was a cupcake game, but the Vols' offense looked fairly efficient, probably better than most were expecting. Tennessee has a lot to prove, but the first game was a positive step for them.

7 – Oklahoma optimism

The Sooners demolished UTEP and watched their next opponent, Michigan, struggle hugely at home against a MAC team. OU has to like where it sits right now.

8 – South Carolina progress

It was only Kent State, but South Carolina dominated and showed improvement, particularly on its offensive line. Arkansas needs the Gamecocks to be mediocre, since that is one seemingly beatable opponent this year.

9 – Vanderbilt might not be good

The Commodores scored only 28 points against Austin Peay, affirming the doubts about their offense in 2026.

10 – No losses

There were a lot of easy games, but still: 16-0 is 16-0.

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