Speaking on the last day of a conference? That is rough. Some folks are looking to skip and catch the early flight out. But, not in the conference, that just means more! As we have heard so often this week. As SEC Media Days heads into its fourth day, we wanted to take a look at the last four schools that will be gracing the podium in Atlanta. Is Sam Pittman in the hot seat at Arkansas, or does he have the conference right where he wants it? Does Kentucky have any magic left for Mark Stoops in 2025? Is Mizzou a dark horse in 2025? The people are asking! Finally, can Mike Elko get the Aggies out of the Longhorns’ shadow?
These are some of the overarching storylines as the coaches and teams head into the media car wash. Here are the questions we would ask if we had the chance to sit down with them. Last Word on College Football has your full coverage of SEC Media Days.
SEC Media Days Day 4 Questions
Sam Pittman, Arkansas Razorbacks
Whose on 1st? (Roster churn)
Arkansas has lost over 30 players from its 2024 roster to the Transfer Portal. That number is mind-boggling, but it’s worth noting that Oklahoma and Mississippi State had similar numbers. It must be frustrating for Pittman to see his players leave for Texas, Ole Miss, and Kentucky. The Razorbacks are more than a farm system. The most noise, though, was surrounding the transfer of Madden Iamaleava. The Freshman didn’t stay in Fayetteville long enough to see his coffee get cold. He was an early enrollee in January and hit the portal with his brother in the Spring. Good for Pittman to hold his ground and not pay into the alleged ransom demands, which would require more money for a resume and track record that are thin.
The point remains, though. You gotta win. The Arkansas faithful know that they are a proud program and not a cellar dweller in the SEC. They expect eight, nine, and at times double-digit wins. There has been plenty of speculation that Pittman is on the hot seat in 2025, and that good old Bobby Petrino, along with his motorcycle, is ready to return as head coach again. Pittman knows his team and his roster. He has pushed above his weight and will have to do so again in 2025.
Mark Stoops, Kentucky Wildcats
How does UK get back to good? (Highlight the struggles)
Continuing the hot seat talk. Mark Stoops used to have the “safest” job in America. He would win a MAC championship with his relatively light non-conference scheduling and then win just enough SEC games to ensure Kentucky qualified for a bowl game. Everyone was happy. Or so we thought. Two years ago, it was reported that Stoops had his bags packed and was headed to College Station to be the new head coach. While nobody will go on the record about how close we came or what really happened, it seemed to put a damper on Big Blue Nation.
Kentucky was bad last year. Sure, they had the miracle win in Oxford that cost Ole Miss their shot at the Playoff, but what else did they have to hang their hat on? There were 4-8 overall and just 1-7 in the league. Their quarterback retired. It was just a no-good, very bad year. Stoops will turn to yet another transfer quarterback in 2025, Zach Calzada. Auburn and Texas A&M fans may remember the name. The 7th-year quarterback has spent the last two seasons at Incarnate Word. Will it help? We don’t know, but we do know if it doesn’t, there will be plenty of trouble in Big Blue country.
Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri Tigers
Can you state your name into the microphone? (Under the radar)
Eli Drinkwitz is the best coach nobody knows. Many may mistake him for a librarian rather than a successful head football coach in the SEC. Drink has a 38-24 record in five seasons in Columbia and has a winning record in the SEC, 22-20. After an average first three years, Drink has put together back-to-back double-digit winning seasons. Yet, we still feel like we hardly know him. We saw him troll Dan Mullen when he was with the Gators, but we would like Drink to channel a little more Lane Kiffin. Have some fun and show your wild side. I mean, come on, it is Day four after all.
Mike Elko, Texas A&M Aggies
Can you count to 10? (The struggle for aTm to get to 10 wins)
Texas A&M has played second fiddle to Texas for most of its existence. Few of us are old enough to remember the Junction Boys under the Bear. That was supposed to change when the Aggies moved to the SEC. Johnny Football won a Heisman, and Texas A&M was supposed to surpass the Longhorns. Things got worse when Big Brother joined the party and went to the SEC Championship and made a second straight College Football Playoff Semifinal appearance.
Last year was supposed to be different, too. Jimbo Fisher was fired because he couldn’t muster more than eight or nine wins in a season. Enter Mike Elko, the former Aggie defensive coordinator and savior from Duke. Things were looking up. The Aggies were headed to the SEC Championship game. Then, a terrible second half against LSU and getting thumped on the road in Columbia ended the Aggies’ dreams. Texas A&M finished 8-5 in 2024. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Can Elko help them count to ten in 2025?
Main Photo: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
