## Oklahoma Shocker: Analyst Predicts Sooners to Dominate SEC in 2025

**Texas and Georgia Remain Top Contenders, But One Bold Prediction Shakes Up the Forecast**

The consensus among Southeastern Conference experts points to Texas Longhorns and Georgia Bulldogs as the top contenders for the 2025 SEC Championship.  In the preseason SEC football media poll following SEC media days in Atlanta, Texas garnered 96 votes to win the conference championship, followed by Georgia with 44 votes. Alabama Crimson Tide secured a distant third with 29 votes.

However, amidst these predictions, one analyst has made a daring claim.  Matt Hayes, a veteran columnist for USA TODAY Sports, boldly predicts that the Oklahoma Sooners will emerge victorious in the SEC in 2025.  

Speaking on "That SEC Podcast," Hayes stated, "I know many people here told me that I'm crazy, but I said I think Oklahoma is going to win the SEC. I think (John) Mateer is going to play really well, and that defense will be as good as any defense in the league. They're going to shock some people this year."

Hayes' prediction seems unlikely considering Oklahoma's performance last season. The Sooners finished with a 6-6 regular season record in their first year in the SEC, despite a memorable upset victory over Alabama in Norman. They ultimately ended up with a 2-6 conference record and lost to Navy in a bowl game. Head coach Brent Venables enters the 2025 season facing pressure.

Oklahoma has brought in Mateer from Washington State via the transfer portal along with offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Ben Arbuckle.  Mateer, entering his junior season, had a stellar year at Washington State, throwing for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns to seven interceptions while also rushing for 826 yards and 15 touchdowns on 178 carries (4.6 AVG).

Despite the preseason media poll placing Oklahoma in the middle of the pack, Hayes remains confident:

"I think Mateer is a lot better than people think he is. He's a very good player, number one. Number two, I think he is going to have that type of impact (where) it's not just on the field, it's also in the locker room. I think you're going to see that, I really do. I may be way out there, and you guys in three months may say, 'Remember when you said Oklahoma was going to win the SEC and they finished such and such?' Yeah, I think they're going to win it."

A truly unexpected SEC champion has been scarce in recent years. Gus Malzahn's Auburn team in 2013 is the last team to defy preseason expectations and claim the league title.  The Tigers were predicted to finish 10th but ultimately reached the national championship game, riding Alabama's downfall in that year's Iron Bowl.

Oklahoma will face Alabama on November 15 at Bryant-Denny Stadium, a week after Alabama's annual clash with LSU. Only time will tell if Hayes' prediction holds weight or remains another bold offseason forecast. 




## Oklahoma Shocker: Analyst Predicts Sooners to Dominate SEC in 2025

**Texas and Georgia Remain Top Contenders, But One Bold Prediction Shakes Up the Forecast

USA TODAY Sports analyst&#39;s &#39;crazy&#39; prediction fo

USA TODAY Sports analyst&#39;s &#39;crazy&#39; prediction for which team will win 2025 SEC title

## 100 MPH Powerhouse Finds New Home in Louisiana

**Texas A&M loses promising pitcher to Ragin' Cajuns.**

College Station, TX - Kyrin LeBlanc, a highly touted right-handed pitcher known for his blazing fastball, has transferred from Texas A&M to the University of Louisiana Lafayette. 

LeBlanc, who arrived at Texas A&M last season after transferring from Cisco College, will bring a potent weapon to the Ragin' Cajuns roster. Reports indicate he has reached speeds of 100 mph with his fastball during his career.  "IM HOMEEEEEE🌶️🌶️🌶️ Let’s #geaux#Ragin' Cajuns Baseball," LeBlanc announced on X, confirming his move to Lafayette.

While his raw talent is undeniable, control has been a challenge for the young pitcher. If he can harness his power, LeBlanc's future in baseball appears bright. He will finally get the chance to see action on the mound in 2026 after being held back by Texas A&M's pitching depth chart.

"Pitchers of his caliber are rare," a source close to the program commented. "While plenty of former quarterbacks and high school pitchers can throw in the upper 90s, control is the key to playing in college, and, of course, the MLB."


**Texas A&M's Pitching Landscape Shifts**

LeBlanc's departure signals a significant shift in Texas A&M's pitching rotation for the 2026 season. Returning relievers Weston Moss and Shane Sdao are expected to take on starting roles, likely paired with one of the newly acquired transfer additions.


The transfer portal era has brought about unprecedented player movement, and LeBlanc's decision exemplifies this trend. The Aggies will look to rebuild their pitching staff as they enter the 2026 season.  


## 100 MPH Powerhouse Finds New Home in Louisiana

**Texas A&M loses promising pitcher to Ragin' Cajuns.**

College Station, TX - Kyrin LeBlanc, a highly touted

#College

USA TODAY Sports analyst's 'crazy' prediction for which team will win 2025 SEC title

Former Texas A&M RHP will transfer to Louisiana at Lafayette

#College

USA TODAY Sports analyst&#39;s &#39;crazy&#39; prediction for which team will win 2025 SEC title

Former Texas A&M RHP will transfer to Louisiana at Lafayette

USA TODAY Sports analyst's 'crazy' prediction for which team will win 2025 SEC title