Chris Goforth Breaks Down SEC Media Days: QB Battles, Georgia’s Youth, and Saban Rumors
SEC Media Days 2025 kicked off in high gear this week with some of the league’s top names—Kirby Smart, Josh Heupel, and Steve Sarkisian—taking center stage. On-site to cover the action, Atlanta sports radio host Chris Goforth joined ESPN Cleveland’s The Drive to break down the most buzzworthy moments.
At Tennessee, head coach Josh Heupel confirmed a full-blown quarterback competition heading into fall camp. With former UCLA signal-caller Joey Aguilar in the mix alongside Jake Merklinger and freshman George MacIntyre, Heupel is counting on internal competition to maintain the Vols' recent resurgence. “Once you get back to national relevance, the challenge is staying there,” Goforth said. Heupel also emphasized the need for faster starts after the Vols failed to score in the first quarter in six of their last nine games last season.
In Athens, Georgia coach Kirby Smart leaned into leadership as the Bulldogs prepare with a roster made up of more than 50% freshmen and sophomores. Sophomore quarterback Gunner Stockton drew praise for his poise and preparation in last year’s game against Texas, and Smart's decision to bring Stockton to media days was seen as a show of confidence. Smart also introduced a new philosophical pillar to the program: “Fire,” joining passion and energy as key traits he believes are necessary for success in the new era of college football.
Meanwhile, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian highlighted the stability of his program, pointing out that he and both coordinators have now been together for five straight seasons. Sarkisian also brought along star quarterback Arch Manning, who continues to generate buzz—and lofty comparisons. “He’s got that Manning wit,” Goforth noted, saying Manning already speaks with the maturity of a seasoned NFL veteran.
And then there was the elephant in the room: the rumor of a potential return to coaching for legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban. The speculation was reignited by former quarterback Greg McElroy, but Goforth—and Smart—downplayed the idea. “If Nick Saban comes back, it won’t be his decision,” Smart joked. “It’ll be Miss Terry’s.” According to Goforth, Saban’s departure was largely due to frustrations with the current NIL landscape and player demands—not football itself.
As the unofficial kickoff to the college football season, SEC Media Days delivered storylines filled with intrigue, strategy, and a touch of nostalgia—exactly the fuel fans need to carry them through to opening kickoff.