Oklahoma and Texas joining the SEC will add a unique wrinkle to the 2024 college football season. Of course, plenty is changing. A 12-team College Football Playoff format is being introduced. NIL and transfer portal are still king in the sport. Conference realignment is finally being put into action in a big way.
While the Sooners and Longhorns have to adapt to a completely new schedule, the SEC teams are really only adjusting to two programs. Still, for both sides, the new pairing is going to be entertaining to watch as new rivalries and matchups come to fruition after years of anticipation.
Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart complements Sooners and Longhorns
With SEC spring meetings taking place in Destin, FL, Oklahoma got a chance to get around the conference and begin immersing itself in college football’s toughest league. Sooners head coach Brent Venables got a chance to speak on life in the SEC, and other coaches were asked about the addition of the two programs.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart shared his concern with Oklahoma and Texas joining the league, while also dishing compliments to the head coaches of both programs.
“It’s extremely tough, the fact that they’re in our conference,” Smart said.
Oklahoma is a blue-blood program. Texas is among those with the richest of histories. The two will fare just fine in joining the SEC and facing some of the biggest brands in the sport.
“Both their coaching staffs are really good,” Smart continued. “Sark and Brent both have SEC experience, with Brent being over in the ACC and playing at Clemson he’s played SEC teams forever. They both know the climate they’re jumping into and we think it makes our conference better.”
As a defensive-oriented coach, Venables will have the Sooners ready to play at a heightened level. The team is going to fit the bill on both sides of the trenches, with a talented defensive line and stout offensive line. They’ll be a feared program on the schedule for legacy SEC teams, and they’ll be able to shake things up within the conference.
“Two tremendous programs,” Smart said. “When you add those two in, it makes the scheduling much tougher.”
READ MORE: Missouri HC Elijah Drinkwitz Comments on Potential Oklahoma Rivalry
Want to join the discussion? Like SoonerPulse on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Bookmark SoonerPulse.com to stay informed about all things Sooners.
Follow Kade Kimble on Twitter.
