SEC Breaking News

CONFIRMED LEAGUE / LAWSUIT · Oct 13–21, 2026 · SEC / LSU · Updated Oct 21, 2026

SEC tells a federal court its fight with LSU is still live

In a filing Tuesday, Oct. 13, in U.S. District Court in Alabama, the SEC opposed a motion to dismiss its lawsuit, saying the dispute is unresolved because of LSU’s “ongoing defiance” of the conference’s Professionalism Rules and what it calls “a complete lack of institutional control.” The suit began over LSU’s since-abandoned effort to use football players who had spent time with NFL clubs. The SEC now points to men’s basketball, saying LSU has openly recruited RJ Luis Jr., who spent time with NBA teams, and has not publicly said he won’t be on the roster. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill answered that the case is moot and should be dismissed. LSU’s basketball roster is due the day before the Nov. 3 opener. Update (Oct 15): Murrill told 104.5 ESPN in Baton Rouge that SEC members had voted to have the suit dismissed, but the lawyers couldn't agree on a joint statement because, she said, the SEC wanted LSU to concede wrongdoing, which she said LSU will not do. Those are Murrill's on-the-record claims; the SEC's filing says the dispute remains live, and the court has not ruled. Update (Oct 20): LSU filed its reply Tuesday, Oct. 20, in the Northern District of Alabama, arguing "this case should be dismissed" because the two former pro football players were never rostered and the Sept. 10 meeting went ahead without interference. LSU also disputed the SEC's First Amendment forced-association argument and called the conference's basketball allegations a "Hail Mary," citing Will Wade's public statements on following SEC rules, per The Tennessean. U.S. District Judge Annemarie Carney Axon has not ruled on the motion to dismiss; a ruling is awaited. Update (Oct 21): In a statement released by her office early Wednesday, Oct. 21, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said of the Oct. 20 reply: "Again, no rules were broken. If Greg Sankey won't dismiss the case, the court should do it for him." Her office said both sides now await the court's decision. The SEC has not commented on the reply.

Cajun take: Two kitchens, one pot, and nobody wants to hand over the spoon. This is a slow roux, cher, and it's not close to done.

Sources: AP, ESPN, Fox Sports (AP), Louisiana Radio Network (Oct 15), Tuscaloosa News, The Tennessean (LSU reply, Oct 20), Louisiana Attorney General statement (Oct 21)

CONFIRMED LEAGUE / PLAYOFF · Oct 15–20, 2026 · College Football Playoff

CFP nearing a deal to expand to 24 teams starting in 2027

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported Thursday that the College Football Playoff is nearing a deal to expand to 24 teams starting in 2027, pending final approvals. Thamel also reported the CFP is finalizing a deal with ESPN to purchase the additional games through the 2031 season — the same length as ESPN's current CFP package. On3's Pete Nakos, Chris Low and Brett McMurphy wrote that CFP leaders were expected to meet later Thursday for an expansion update, with early rounds opening on campus, the eight highest seeds getting a bye, automatic bids for the Power Four champions plus the top Group of Six champion, 19 at-large bids, and a move to 24 that would likely end conference championship weekend. CBS Sports and Yahoo Sports also carried the Thamel report. Commissioner Greg Sankey had signaled SEC openness to a 24-team field on Wednesday; this deal report supersedes that as the lead story. Final approvals are still pending. Update (Oct 15, evening): In a statement Thursday evening, the CFP said "constructive discussions with ESPN continued this week" and that it will update on format and media rights "when appropriate." Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger reported, citing sources, that there was no vote Thursday after the ESPN proposal was presented to commissioners and that some executives raised issues; Thamel reported everything remains on track for a 24-team field starting next season. No expansion has been approved yet. Update (Oct 16, morning): Sportico's Anthony Crupi reported Thursday afternoon that an official announcement is expected "within the next few days, pending approvals," with ESPN set to carry the added games and the new deal running through the 2032 championship game. As of Friday morning, the CFP had not announced an approval. Update (Oct 16, afternoon): Former Alabama coach Nick Saban, speaking Friday on ESPN's The Pat McAfee Show, said he would favor 16 teams as "a good compromise," possibly with conference title games as play-ins, but added, "I don't think there's much support for that." He called money "the bottom line" and said his main concern with 24 teams is how many games players would have to play. As of about 1:45 PM CT Friday, the CFP still had not announced an approval. Update (Oct 16, evening): ESPN reported Friday, citing sources, that the CFP has reached a "handshake agreement" with ESPN to broadcast a 24-team playoff beginning with the 2027 season, still subject to board approval by all parties. The Associated Press, citing a person familiar with the talks, also reported a handshake agreement, with the framework in place but many details and an official contract unfinished. Thamel reported ESPN's average additional payment would be about $345 million a year over the next five years on top of the roughly $1.3 billion a year it already pays, with ESPN getting back about $140 million a year from the canceled SEC, ACC and Big 12 title games. Update (Oct 20): Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger reported Monday, Oct. 19, that the Big Ten and SEC, which hold authority over the format, have agreed on the deal and the expansion contract is expected to be signed soon, with commissioners discussing weeknight first- and second-round games. As of Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 20, the CFP had not announced a signed deal or formal approval; its most recent official statement is from Oct. 15.

Cajun take: Twenty-four teams in the gumbo pot? That ain't a playoff, cher — that's the whole parish cook-off, and conference championship weekend might be looking for a new recipe.

Sources: Pete Thamel / ESPN, CBS Sports, Yahoo Sports, CFP statement (Oct 15), Ross Dellenger (Yahoo Sports), Sportico (Oct 15), On3 (Saban, Oct 16), CBS Sports (Saban), ESPN (handshake agreement, Oct 16), AP (Oct 16), On3 ($345M, Oct 16), Yahoo Sports (Oct 19)

CONFIRMED ADMINISTRATION · Oct 16–19, 2026 · Auburn / Iowa State

Auburn's Jared Benko named Iowa State athletic director

Iowa State announced Friday that President David Cook has selected Jared Benko, Auburn's executive deputy athletic director for the past two years, as the Cyclones' next director of athletics. This is an administration move, not a coaching change. Per the school, Benko will start Oct. 30, pending approval by the Iowa Board of Regents, and was formally introduced at a press conference in Ames on Monday, Oct. 19, alongside President Cook. At Auburn he oversaw financial strategy, revenue generation, capital projects, NIL and revenue sharing, and he chaired the SEC's Lead Advisors Committee. His résumé also includes serving as athletic director at Georgia Southern and as deputy athletic director and chief financial officer at Mississippi State. Auburn AD John Cohen said in the release, "Jared is ready for this moment." The Montgomery Advertiser also reported the hire.

Cajun take: Auburn's NIL and revenue-share point man now gets a whole new kitchen to run up in Ames. Best of luck to him, cher.

Sources: Iowa State News Service, Cyclones.com, Montgomery Advertiser, Cyclone Fanatic (Oct 19 presser)

CONFIRMED LEAGUE / NIL · Oct 12–14, 2026 · SEC

SEC presidents adopt a uniform NIL contract and table the SEC transfer rule

SEC presidents voted Monday to adopt standardized NIL and revenue-share contracts across the league, effective immediately, with customizable sections, according to CBS Sports and On3. They also tabled a vote on bringing back a rule that would make athletes who transfer from one SEC school to another sit out a year. Commissioner Greg Sankey said Wednesday at SEC Tipoff that he doesn’t know if the transfer rule will come back and that tabling “was the right action.” For now, intra-SEC transfers stay immediately eligible. (The contract details come from outlets citing sources; Sankey’s comments on tabling are on the record.)

Cajun take: Sixteen schools, one contract, and the transfer rule left simmering on the back burner. Even the SEC knows you don't rush a roux, cher.

Sources: CBS Sports, On3, On3 (Sankey)

CONFIRMED RESULT · Oct 24, 2026 · 7:49 PM CT · LSU / Auburn / South Carolina / Tennessee / Alabama / Texas A&M / Oklahoma / Mississippi State

Saturday SEC finals: South Carolina stuns No. 11 Tennessee 27-24 on a walk-off field goal; LSU, Alabama and Oklahoma win

South Carolina 27, No. 11 Tennessee 24 (Columbia): LaNorris Sellers accounted for three touchdowns, including the tying run with 1:17 left; Dylan Stewart's strip sack of George MacIntyre with 33 seconds left was recovered by Tomiwa Durojaiye, and Malik Orsan hit a 48-yard field goal as time expired. It is the Gamecocks' (4-3, 2-3 SEC) second straight win over a ranked team; Tennessee falls to 6-2 (3-2). No. 18 LSU 38, Auburn 17 (Auburn): Sam Leavitt threw for 387 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another, two of the scoring passes to Jackson Harris, as LSU (6-2, 3-2) ended an eight-game SEC road losing streak; Auburn (4-3, 2-3) visits Ole Miss on Oct. 31. No. 13 Alabama 31, Texas A&M 20 (Tuscaloosa): Keelon Russell threw for 311 yards and three touchdowns, two in the fourth quarter after A&M led 20-17, to end Alabama's two-game skid (6-2, 4-2); A&M is 4-4 (1-4). Oklahoma 23, Mississippi State 15 (Starkville): John Mateer threw two touchdown passes in the first meeting between the schools; MSU QB Kamario Taylor left in the first quarter and did not return (details on the Gumbo Wire). OU is 4-3 (2-2), MSU 4-3 (2-3). Ole Miss at Texas and Vanderbilt at No. 12 Kentucky kicked off at 6:30 PM CT and were in progress at this update.

Cajun take: Full disclosure: T-Rohn leans maroon, so Starkville tastes like burnt roux tonight. Over in Columbia, the Gamecocks served Rocky Top a last-second gumbo nobody saw on the menu, cher.

Sources: AP (UT-USC), AP (LSU-Auburn), AP (A&M-Alabama), AP (OU-MSU), SECSports.com scores. More SEC: SEC Home.

CONFIRMED INJURY UPDATE · Oct 20, 2026 · 7:15 PM CT · Georgia

Kirby Smart: Gunner Stockton had a shoulder stinger, no concussion symptoms; Georgia "hopeful" to get KJ Bolden back

At his bye-week press conference Tuesday, Oct. 20, Georgia coach Kirby Smart said QB Gunner Stockton, who landed head-first on Georgia's first offensive play against Auburn on Oct. 17, "has not had any concussion symptoms, so I can only go off what medical people tell me." Smart said Stockton "did have a stinger in his shoulder," adding, "you bounce back from those quickly." Safety KJ Bolden (right leg) missed the Auburn game and spent it in street clothes and a walking boot. "In terms of him coming back, we're hopeful to get him back," Smart said. "He's just gotta recover and go through the doctor's protocol." Smart gave no timeline for Bolden. Georgia is off this week and plays Florida on Oct. 31 in Atlanta.

Cajun take: Wishing both Dawgs a speedy mend during the off week, cher.

Sources: DawgNation (Stockton), DawgNation (Bolden), AJC. More SEC: SEC Home.

CONFIRMED INJURY UPDATE · Oct 20, 2026 · 7:15 PM CT · LSU

LSU WR Jackson Harris expects to play at Auburn after ankle injury

LSU wide receiver Jackson Harris left the Tigers' 31-0 win over Mississippi State on Oct. 17 with an ankle injury in the third quarter and later wore a walking boot. Speaking at LSU's player interviews Tuesday, Oct. 20, Harris said: "Yeah, I feel like if the game went differently, I could've went back out there and played. So, we'll be all good for this week." Lane Kiffin said Oct. 18, "I think he'll be fine." Harris expects to play when LSU visits Auburn on Saturday, Oct. 24 (11 a.m. CT, ABC); LSU has not issued an official status, and the first SEC availability report comes Wednesday. The quote is on the record (CONFIRMED); his availability is his own expectation, not an official status.

Cajun take: Speedy mend to the Tigers' top target before the trip to the Plains.

Sources: Tiger Rag, 247Sports, TigerDroppings. More SEC: SEC Home.

CONFIRMED LEGAL · Oct 20, 2026 · Ole Miss

Ole Miss QB AJ Maddox arrested on simple domestic violence charge

Ole Miss quarterback Anthony "AJ" Maddox, 21, was booked into the Lafayette County jail at 6:41 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, on a charge of simple domestic violence, according to sheriff's office records cited by the Clarion Ledger, On3 and SuperTalk Mississippi. Booking information alleges he attempted "by physical menace to put a domestic victim in fear of imminent serious bodily harm." Maddox is the Rebels' No. 4 quarterback and has not played this season. No statement from Ole Miss or Maddox had been found at posting time. A charge is an accusation, not a conviction, and Maddox is presumed innocent. Full story: Ole Miss QB AJ Maddox Arrested on Simple Domestic Violence Charge.

Sources: Clarion Ledger, On3, SuperTalk Mississippi. More SEC: SEC Home.

CONFIRMED RECRUITING · Oct 19, 2026 · Georgia

Georgia lands 2028 four-star OT Koehn Dial, its first offensive line commitment in the class

Koehn Dial, a 6-foot-8 offensive tackle from Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tenn., committed to Georgia on Monday night, Oct. 19, per 247Sports, The Tennessean and DawgNation. He picked the Bulldogs over programs including Florida, LSU, Ohio State and Tennessee, per 247Sports. Rivals ranks him No. 70 nationally in the 2028 class, and the 247Sports Composite has him No. 174 nationally and No. 19 among offensive tackles. He is Georgia's first offensive line commitment in the 2028 class. It is Georgia's second notable add in two days after the Christian Mays flip, coming right after the home loss to Auburn.

Cajun take: Best of luck to the young man, cher. Even after a home loss, Kirby's recruiting kitchen never stops stirring.

Sources: 247Sports, The Tennessean, DawgNation. More SEC: SEC Home.

CONFIRMED ROSTER · Oct 20, 2026 · Auburn / LSU · Updated Oct 21, 2026

Auburn dismisses All-SEC linebacker Xavier Atkins; he says he will enter the transfer portal

Auburn has dismissed linebacker Xavier Atkins, a 2025 first-team All-SEC pick who led the league with 17 tackles for loss, according to ESPN, On3, Auburn247 and AL.com, which reported it independently late Monday, Oct. 19. Auburn has not issued a statement. Early Tuesday, Atkins posted on X that he will keep supporting his teammates and will enter the transfer portal "at the appropriate time." He sat out Saturday's win at No. 1 Georgia. Auburn hosts LSU, his former school, on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 11 AM CT. Update (Oct 21): Coach Alex Golesh addressed it publicly for the first time on Wednesday without giving a reason: "I wish X nothing but the best as we move forward," he said, adding he is "not concerned" about linebacker depth. More on the Gumbo Wire.

Cajun take: Best wishes to the young man, cher. Auburn's got a linebacker hole to fill before LSU rolls in.

Sources: ESPN (Pete Thamel), Auburn Wire (USA Today), AL.com, AL.com (Golesh, Oct 21), Gumbo Wire

CONFIRMED SCHEDULE · Oct 19, 2026 · SEC

SEC sets kickoff times for Halloween Saturday, Oct. 31; the Week 8 slate is already locked in

On Monday, Oct. 19, the SEC announced kickoff times and TV networks for its five league games on Saturday, Oct. 31, per SECSports.com and releases from South Carolina and Ole Miss. The network for Mississippi State at Texas (ABC or ESPN) will be decided after the Oct. 24 games. Times for this Saturday's six SEC games were set earlier. All times below are Central.

• Sat Oct 24, 11 AM–2:30 PM CT: LSU at Auburn (11 AM, ABC) · Texas A&M at Alabama (2:30 PM, ABC) · Tennessee at South Carolina (2:30 PM, ESPN) · Oklahoma at Mississippi State (2:30 PM, SEC Network)
• Sat Oct 24, 6:30 PM CT: Ole Miss at Texas (ABC) · Vanderbilt at Kentucky (SEC Network)
• Sat Oct 31, 11:45 AM–3:15 PM CT: Auburn at Ole Miss (11:45 AM, SEC Network) · Florida vs. Georgia in Atlanta (2:30 PM, ABC) · South Carolina at Oklahoma (3:15 PM, SEC Network)
• Sat Oct 31, night: Mississippi State at Texas (6:30 PM, ABC or ESPN, picked after the Oct. 24 games) · Missouri at Arkansas (6:45 PM, SEC Network)

Cajun take: Gators and Dawgs in Atlanta in the afternoon, then a Halloween night double feature in Austin and Fayetteville. Grab the candy bowl and the remote, cher. Full disclosure: T-Rohn leans maroon.

Sources: SECSports.com, South Carolina Athletics, Ole Miss Athletics

CONFIRMED RECRUITING · Oct 19, 2026 · Georgia / Tennessee

Georgia flips the nation's No. 1 JUCO defensive lineman, Christian Mays, from Tennessee

Christian Mays, a four-star 2027 defensive lineman from Northeast Mississippi Community College in Booneville, Miss., flipped his commitment from Tennessee to Georgia on Monday, Oct. 19, after an official visit to Athens for the Bulldogs' game against Auburn, per 247Sports and The Tennessean. The 6-foot-5, 340-pound nose tackle is ranked the No. 1 JUCO defensive lineman in the 2027 class by 247Sports and Rivals. He had committed to Tennessee in June and was the Vols' only defensive line commitment in the class.

Cajun take: Best of luck to Christian in Athens. Kirby walks off with a 340-pound helping from Tennessee's own pot, and that's a big plate to lose in October, cher.

Sources: 247Sports, The Tennessean, 247Sports (GoVols247)

CONFIRMED POLL · Oct 18, 2026 · SEC

AP poll: Georgia drops to No. 5 as Miami takes over No. 1; nine SEC teams ranked, none unbeaten

After five of the top eight teams lost on Saturday, Oct. 17, Miami moved to No. 1 in the Week 8 AP Top 25 released Sunday, Oct. 18, with 40 first-place votes, followed by BYU, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Georgia, which fell from No. 1 to No. 5 after its 27-24 home loss to Auburn, per AP and CBS Sports. Nine SEC teams are ranked: No. 5 Georgia, No. 7 Ole Miss, No. 11 Tennessee, No. 12 Kentucky, No. 13 Alabama, No. 18 LSU, No. 19 Texas, No. 20 Florida and No. 22 Missouri. Auburn (61 points) and Mississippi State (30) also received votes. The SEC has two teams in the top 10 and no unbeaten team left. Full disclosure: T-Rohn leans maroon, and yes, he saw those 30 votes.

Cajun take: Georgia went from the top of the pot to No. 5 in one Saturday, and Kentucky is No. 12 in football. Stir careful, cher, this roux is still moving.

Sources: AP, CBS Sports

CONFIRMED EXHIBITION · Oct 23–24, 2026 · LSU / Georgia

Florida State holds off LSU 89-87; Clemson beats Georgia 82-80 on a buzzer-beater in exhibition finales

LSU rallied from 14 down to tie Florida State with 3:20 left at the Tucker Center in Tallahassee on Saturday, Oct. 24, but lost its final exhibition 89-87. Donovan Dent led LSU with 24 points and nine assists and Skyy Clark added 21, with Clark, Saliou Niang and Brice Dessert making their debuts, per LSU Athletics; Shon Abaev scored 26 for FSU. "They were much more physical than we were," Will Wade said, per FSU Wire. On Friday, Oct. 23, at Littlejohn Coliseum, Georgia tied Clemson at 80 with 13 seconds left before Dylan Faulkner rebounded his own miss and scored at the buzzer for an 82-80 Clemson win; Kanon Catchings had 19 for Georgia. Exhibitions do not count; the regular season opens the first week of November.

Cajun take: Two SEC pots boiled over at the buzzer, cher, but nobody keeps score of the tasting spoon in October.

Sources: LSU Athletics, FSU Wire, Georgia Athletics. More SEC: SEC Home.

CONFIRMED EXHIBITION · Oct 23, 2026 · Kentucky / Mississippi State

No. 23 Kentucky beats No. 19 Texas Tech 76-65; Memphis beats Mississippi State 75-58 as Josh Hubbard returns

Kentucky put five players in double figures and beat Texas Tech 76-65 in an exhibition at Rupp Arena on Friday, Oct. 23, before 19,228 fans. Milan Momcilovic and Malachi Moreno scored 15 each, freshman Mason Williams added 14 off the bench, Alex Wilkins had 13 and Ousmane N'Diaye 10; the Wildcats went 19 of 22 at the line to Texas Tech's 5 of 6, per UK Athletics. Kentucky finishes exhibition play Wednesday, Oct. 28 at home against UCF (6 PM ET, SEC Network) and opens Nov. 3 vs. Manhattan. In Starkville, Memphis beat Mississippi State 75-58 in the Bulldogs' final exhibition. Josh Hubbard came off the bench in his first preseason appearance after missing the previous exhibition with a head injury and played limited minutes, per On3's Colin Damms. Mississippi State opens Nov. 2 at home against Tennessee Tech.

Cajun take: Kentucky's free-throw pot was simmering just right, cher, and in Starkville it's good to see Hubbard back on the floor.

Sources: UK Athletics, Memphis Athletics, On3 (Colin Damms). More SEC: SEC Home.

CONFIRMED NCAA INFRACTIONS · Oct 23, 2026 · Ole Miss

NCAA: Ole Miss men's basketball committed tampering violations; two years' probation and a $455,000 fine, with no penalty for Chris Beard

An NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions panel released a negotiated resolution on Friday, Oct. 23, finding that former Ole Miss assistant Wes Flanigan had impermissible recruiting contact with the advisor of a player at another school who had not entered the transfer portal (16 phone calls and 10 texts). The player later entered the portal, did not visit or get a scholarship offer from Ole Miss and transferred elsewhere. Head coach Chris Beard is responsible under head-coach rules but got no penalties because, the parties agreed, he was not aware of the contact and promoted compliance. The panel also found Ole Miss failed to monitor when it did not disassociate a booster from its 2017 case; he gave $109,240 to the athletics foundation on 18 occasions and received premium seating. Penalties include two years of probation, a $455,000 fine, a two-year disassociation of the booster, and a one-year show-cause order and two-game suspension for Flanigan; the recruiting restrictions and the suspension were already served in 2024-25 and December 2025. Negotiated resolutions cannot be appealed. Flanigan is now an assistant at Georgia Tech, per the AJC.

Cajun take: The NCAA settled this one at the kitchen table, cher: no appeal, the fine gets paid and the Rebels keep cooking.

Sources: NCAA.org, USA TODAY, AJC. More SEC: SEC Home.

CONFIRMED IN MEMORIAM · Oct 23, 2026 · LSU

Dale Brown, the winningest coach in LSU men's basketball history, dies at 90

Former LSU men's basketball coach Dale Brown died on Friday, Oct. 23, at age 90, the program announced, per On3 and WBRZ in Baton Rouge. Brown ran the Tigers for 25 seasons, from 1972 to 1997, and his 448 wins are still the most by any LSU men's coach. His teams reached the Final Four in 1981 and 1986, won four SEC regular-season titles (1979, 1981, 1985, 1991) and made 13 NCAA Tournament trips, and he coached Shaquille O'Neal. Brown was SEC Coach of the Year four times and national coach of the year in 1981, and he is in the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame, per On3. Just two days earlier, on Oct. 21, LSU announced he would receive the Los Angeles Athletic Club's 2027 John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award in April. In a statement shared through WAFB's Jacques Doucet, his family said Brown "always led with his heart." He would have turned 91 on Oct. 31.

Cajun take: Louisiana lost one of its own today, cher. Rest easy, Coach Brown, and thank you for putting LSU basketball on the map.

Sources: On3, WBRZ, LSU Athletics (Wooden award, Oct 21). More SEC: SEC Home.

CONFIRMED EXHIBITION · Oct 22, 2026 · Alabama / Auburn

Alabama edges Auburn 87-85 in “The Feud” exhibition in Birmingham; scuffles at the start and the finish

Alabama beat Auburn 87-85 in the first preseason exhibition between the rivals, billed as "The Feud," at Legacy Arena in Birmingham on Thursday, Oct. 22. Amari Allen led the Tide with 23 points (18 in the second half) and Qayden Samuels added 20, while Auburn's Kevin Overton scored 26. London Jemison's 3 with 2:29 left put Alabama back in front and the Tide finished the preseason 3-0, per Alabama Athletics and Auburn Wire. A first-half rebound tie-up turned into a scuffle that drew four technical fouls, and a shoving incident after the final buzzer led Nate Oats and Steven Pearl to skip the handshake line and send their teams out separate exits. Oats said, "I definitely wouldn't call it a punch," and added, "We've got to clean that up as a program"; Pearl called it "a fiery game," per AL.com and Alabama On SI. No discipline had been announced as of Friday morning, Oct. 23.

Cajun take: Two pots, one stove, and nobody wanted to be the one that boiled over first. Both bunches are ready for November, cher; save the steam for when it counts.

Sources: Alabama Athletics, AL.com, Alabama On SI. More SEC: SEC Home.

CONFIRMED EXHIBITION · Oct 23, 2026 · South Carolina

No. 1 South Carolina routs Benedict 113-34 in its exhibition tune-up

Top-ranked South Carolina beat Benedict 113-34 in an exhibition at Colonial Life Arena on Friday, Oct. 23. Tessa Johnson and freshman Jerzy Robinson scored 17 each, Robinson adding 11 rebounds and five assists, and Joyce Edwards had 15 on 6-of-8 shooting; Ashlyn Watkins and Alicia Tournebize grabbed 10 rebounds apiece, per South Carolina Athletics. The Gamecocks open the season Monday, Nov. 2 against No. 20 Maryland in Paris (noon ET, ESPN).

Cajun take: Dawn Staley's crew cooked a full pot and still has Paris on the menu, cher.

Sources: South Carolina Athletics, The State. More SEC: SEC Home.

CONFIRMED EXHIBITION · Oct 22, 2026 · LSU

No. 9 LSU opens its exhibition slate with a 159-31 win over UNT Dallas; MiLaysia Fulwiley has 32 points and 17 assists

LSU beat UNT Dallas 159-31 in its first exhibition on Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. MiLaysia Fulwiley led the Tigers with 32 points, 17 assists and seven steals, and five LSU players scored 20 or more: Fulwiley, ZaKiyah Johnson (23), Mikaylah Williams (22), Grace Knox (21) and Laila Reynolds (20). LSU shot 70.2 percent and forced 46 turnovers, per LSU Athletics and Tiger Rag. The Tigers play their second and final exhibition against Loyola (N.O.) on Thursday, Oct. 29, and open the regular season against Southeastern Louisiana on Nov. 2 at 6 PM CT on SEC Network.

Cajun take: That ain't a box score, cher, that's a crawfish boil count. Tip of the cap to UNT Dallas for showing up and playing it out.

Sources: LSU Athletics, Tiger Rag, NOLA.com. More SEC: SEC Home.

CONFIRMED PRESEASON POLL · Oct 20, 2026 · SEC

South Carolina is No. 1 in the preseason AP poll; seven SEC teams are ranked

South Carolina opens the 2026-27 season No. 1 in the AP women's basketball preseason poll released Tuesday, Oct. 20, with 23 of 31 first-place votes, per ESPN; UConn (six first-place votes) is No. 2 and USC (two) is No. 3. Seven SEC teams are ranked: No. 1 South Carolina, No. 6 Texas, No. 8 Vanderbilt, No. 9 LSU, No. 14 Kentucky, No. 19 Ole Miss and No. 21 Oklahoma, per LSU Athletics. ESPN notes it is the fifth time in seven years the Gamecocks have been No. 1. The season tips off Nov. 1; South Carolina opens against Maryland in France on Nov. 2. Update (Oct 21): The USA TODAY Sports preseason coaches poll, also released Oct. 20, has South Carolina No. 1 with 26 of 32 first-place votes and UConn No. 2 (six). It also ranks seven SEC teams, in a slightly different order: No. 1 South Carolina, No. 6 Texas, No. 8 LSU, No. 9 Vanderbilt, No. 14 Kentucky, No. 21 Oklahoma and No. 23 Ole Miss.

Cajun take: Seven SEC pots on the preseason stove and the Gamecocks' simmering on the front burner again. Polls are just the roux, cher; March is the gumbo.

Sources: ESPN (Charlie Creme), LSU Athletics, USA TODAY via Yahoo Sports (coaches poll). More SEC: SEC Home.

CONFIRMED EXHIBITION · Oct 19, 2026 · Texas

UConn pulls away from Texas 83-61 in an exhibition in Hartford

Texas and UConn were tied 37-37 at halftime of Monday's exhibition at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford, Conn., before the Huskies won the second half 46-24 to win 83-61, per Texas Athletics. Madison Booker scored 23 points on 11-of-17 shooting and Breya Cunningham had 11 points, six rebounds and four steals for the Longhorns, who forced 17 turnovers. Texas holds its Orange-White scrimmage on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 6 PM CT and hosts UCLA in an exhibition in Cedar Park on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 1 PM CT.

Cajun take: Even for an exhibition, Hartford in October is a hot kitchen. Plenty of time to fix the second-half roux before the games count, cher.

Sources: Texas Athletics, Texas box score

CONFIRMED PRESEASON POLL · Oct 12, 2026 · SEC · Updated Oct 21, 2026

South Carolina picked to win a sixth straight SEC title; Blakes is preseason Player of the Year

SEC media voted South Carolina to win the regular-season title again, with Texas, LSU and Vanderbilt next. Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes was named preseason Player of the Year and joined Texas’ Madison Booker, South Carolina’s Joyce Edwards, Kentucky’s Clara Strack and LSU’s Mikaylah Williams on the preseason All-SEC first team. Vanderbilt’s No. 4 spot is its highest preseason projection under coach Shea Ralph. Update (Oct 21): The SEC coaches' preseason poll, released Wednesday, also picks South Carolina first (239 points), then Texas (215), with Vanderbilt and LSU tied for third (204) and Kentucky fifth (182). The coaches also named Blakes preseason Player of the Year, her third straight such honor per Vanderbilt. Their first team adds Oklahoma's Aaliyah Chavez, Ole Miss' Talaysia Cooper, Vanderbilt's Aubrey Galvan, LSU's MiLaysia Fulwiley and South Carolina's Tessa Johnson to the five media picks.

Cajun take: The Gamecocks are the favorite again, and Vandy's got the Player of the Year. This league's gonna be a dogfight, cher.

Sources: South Carolina Athletics, Vanderbilt Athletics, Vanderbilt Athletics (coaches poll, Oct 21), Ole Miss Athletics

CONFIRMED FALL RESULT · Oct 8, 2026 · Mississippi State / Auburn

Mississippi State sweeps Auburn in a fall exhibition doubleheader in Biloxi

Coach Brian O’Connor said the night helped him see his pitching depth and which hitters could fill the middle of the lineup. He said Jacob Parker was held out with a minor back issue and Carter White, recovering from a minor knee procedure, should return soon. Auburn’s Butch Thompson said earlier in the week that pitchers are limited to an inning or two this early in the fall.

Cajun take: Full disclosure: T-Rohn leans maroon and the cowbell arm got a workout. It's only fall ball, so nobody's cutting a ribbon yet, cher.

Sources: 247Sports (O'Connor Q&A), Auburn Undercover

CONFIRMED FALL RESULT · Oct 11, 2026 · Tennessee

Tennessee opens fall play with an 8-6, 12-inning win over Troy

The Vols used 16 position players and six pitchers at First Horizon Park in Nashville. Coach Josh Elander singled out Levi Clark, Sean Dunlap and Cole Koeninger and said the fall is about getting everyone at-bats and working through pitching plans.

Cajun take: Twelve innings in October and nobody's keeping score for real. That's what the fall is for, cher.

Sources: On3

CONFIRMED FALL EXHIBITION · Oct 18, 2026 · Alabama

Jocelyn Briski throws a seven-inning perfect game with 15 strikeouts as Alabama sweeps Mobile in fall play

Alabama's Jocelyn Briski threw a seven-inning perfect game and struck out 15 of the 21 batters she faced in an 11-0 win over Mobile in the opener of a fall exhibition doubleheader at Rhoads Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 18, per Alabama Athletics. Audrey Vandagriff drove in five, four on an inside-the-park grand slam, and Kailey Plumlee and Vic Moten then combined on a 3-0 shutout in the second game. "Jocelyn picked up where she left off last spring," coach Patrick Murphy said. The Crimson Tide play an exhibition doubleheader against Itawamba CC and Southern Miss in Fulton, Miss., on Sunday, Oct. 25.

Cajun take: Twenty-one up, twenty-one down, and fifteen of them sat down swinging. That's a clean kitchen in October, cher.

Sources: Alabama Athletics, Softball On SI. More SEC: SEC Home.

CONFIRMED ROSTER · Oct 12, 2026 · Alabama

Alabama pitcher Braya Hodges steps away from softball

Hodges announced on Instagram that after 16 years of playing and two at Alabama, she’s stepping away from the sport. Alabama returns its top three pitchers, including reigning SEC Pitcher of the Year Jocelyn Briski, and brought in Tennessee transfer Kailey Plumlee. The Tide are coming off the program’s best regular season of the decade and a Women’s College World Series semifinal run.

Cajun take: Sixteen years of the sport and two in crimson. Thank you for the memories, Braya, and the best of luck, cher.

Sources: Sports Illustrated

CONFIRMED SOCCER · Oct 23, 2026 · Vanderbilt / Texas

No. 1 Vanderbilt clinches the SEC soccer regular-season title with a 5-0 win over Texas

Top-ranked Vanderbilt clinched the SEC regular-season championship on Friday night, Oct. 23, beating Texas 5-0 in Nashville. Melania Fullerton, Lydia Ungashick, Mia Hebert, Margo Matula and Sydney Watts scored, and the defense posted its eighth shutout. The Commodores are 15-0-1 (8-0-1 SEC) and will be the No. 1 seed in the SEC Tournament; it is their first regular-season title since 2018. Vanderbilt is one result from the program's first unbeaten regular season and closes at home against South Carolina on Nov. 1 at noon, per Vanderbilt Athletics.

Cajun take: Vandy's got the regular-season trophy on the stove, cher, and they're eyeing the tournament pot next.

Sources: Vanderbilt Athletics, SECSports.com, The Tennessean. More SEC: SEC Home.

CONFIRMED VOLLEYBALL · Oct 23, 2026 · Florida / LSU / Mississippi State / Oklahoma / Arkansas / Alabama

No. 5 Florida sweeps LSU; Mississippi State sweeps Oklahoma; Arkansas rallies from two sets down at Alabama

No. 5 Florida swept LSU 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-14) in Gainesville on Friday, Oct. 23, holding the Tigers to .043 hitting; Kamryn Chaney led the Gators with 10 kills. Florida is 16-2 and 7-1 in the SEC, LSU 8-10 and 3-6, per Florida Athletics and LSU Athletics. Mississippi State swept Oklahoma 3-0 (25-18, 28-26, 25-16) to stay 6-0 at home, per SECSports.com. Arkansas came back from two sets down to beat Alabama 3-2 (20-25, 23-25, 25-22, 25-19, 15-8) in Tuscaloosa despite 20 kills and 16 digs from Laney Hennessee, per Alabama Athletics. Alabama hosts Oklahoma on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 2 PM CT.

Cajun take: Florida's block was tighter than a lid on a crawfish pot Friday, cher; LSU gets to reset the burner.

Sources: Florida Athletics, LSU Athletics, SECSports.com, Alabama Athletics. More SEC: SEC Home.

CONFIRMED SOCCER · Oct 22, 2026 · Missouri / Texas A&M

Missouri soccer rallies from 2-0 down to beat Texas A&M 3-2

Missouri scored three straight goals to beat Texas A&M 3-2 on Thursday, Oct. 22, at Walton Stadium in Columbia. A&M freshman Ireland Churchill scored twice in the first 6:49, but Taryn Chance answered in the 24th minute, Rylie Morse tied it as the first half ended, and Brianna Buels headed in the winner 59 seconds into the second half. Missouri called it its largest comeback win in SEC play since 2016, per Missouri Athletics and Texas A&M Athletics. Both teams close the regular season on Sunday, Nov. 1: Missouri hosts LSU and A&M hosts Ole Miss.

Cajun take: Down two before the rice was even cooked, and Mizzou still got the gumbo to the table. Hats off to Churchill too, cher, a freshman with 11 goals is no small seasoning.

Sources: Missouri Athletics, Texas A&M Athletics. More SEC: SEC Home.

CONFIRMED VOLLEYBALL · Oct 21, 2026 · Kentucky / Tennessee

No. 9 Tennessee rallies from two sets down to beat top-five Kentucky in five

No. 9 Tennessee beat Kentucky 3-2 (17-25, 18-25, 25-19, 25-21, 15-10) on Wednesday night, Oct. 21, in Knoxville, its first win over the Wildcats since 2023, per UK Athletics and WKYT. Kentucky (ranked No. 3 in UK's release, No. 4 per WKYT) hit better than .450 through two sets, but Tennessee hit .429 over the final two. Chelsea Sutton had 14 kills with no errors for the Lady Vols (15-3, 6-2 SEC), and Brooklyn DeLeye led UK with 25 kills. Kentucky (15-4, 7-2) drops out of first place in the SEC and hosts No. 19 Texas A&M, in a rematch of last season's national championship match, on Sunday, Oct. 25, at noon CT on ABC.

Cajun take: Kentucky had the roux browned through two sets, cher, and Tennessee still stole the pot. That's an SEC kitchen for you.

Sources: UK Athletics, WKYT, Tennessee Athletics box score. More SEC: SEC Home.

CONFIRMED VOLLEYBALL · Oct 20, 2026 · Kentucky / Tennessee

Kentucky setter Kassie O’Brien is the AVCA National Player of the Week; No. 4 UK visits No. 9 Tennessee tonight

Kentucky sophomore setter Kassie O'Brien was named the American Volleyball Coaches Association's National Player of the Week on Tuesday, Oct. 20, after averaging 13.00 assists per set as the No. 4 Wildcats beat Oklahoma in four sets and swept Arkansas, per UK Athletics and the SEC. She had 50 assists against Oklahoma and 41 against Arkansas, the Wildcats hit .344 for the weekend, and she passed 2,000 career assists. The SEC also named her its Player of the Week and Setter of the Week on Monday. She is the sixth Kentucky player to win the national award. Kentucky plays at No. 9 Tennessee in a top-10 match on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 6 PM CT on SEC Network.

Cajun take: Thirteen assists a set is a whole lot of stirring, cher. Congratulations to Kassie, and Knoxville gets a top-10 pot tonight.

Sources: UK Athletics, SECSports.com. More SEC: SEC Home.