For the past couple of seasons, the Georgia Bulldogs have been the undisputed kings of the SEC. Back-to-back conference titles, a roster loaded with five-star talent, and a coach in Kirby Smart who has built a machine in Athens. But according to ESPN's Paul Finebaum, the clock is about to strike midnight on Georgia's reign.
Appearing on On3's Crain & Cone this week, Finebaum was asked whether he's buying the Bulldogs to three-peat as SEC champions. His answer was a swift and definitive "I'm selling that." Instead, the SEC Network personality is putting his stock in Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns.
"I do think this is Sarkisian's year," Finebaum said. "I don't think that is the ultimate goal for him, and quite frankly, that shouldn't be the ultimate goal for Kirby Smart."
Finebaum elaborated on his reasoning, pointing out that while the SEC title is a coveted prize, it's not the endgame for programs like Georgia and Texas. "As important as we want to make that game out to be for schools like Georgia and Texas, the ultimate goal is winning it all," he said. "I think he'll take a longer trip into January this year over holding up that trophy the first Saturday in December in Atlanta."
The Longhorns came close last year, falling to Georgia in the SEC Championship game before getting a measure of revenge in the College Football Playoff. With quarterback Quinn Ewers returning and a roster that's only getting deeper, Texas looks poised to make the leap. Finebaum's prediction adds fuel to what's already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated SEC title games in recent memory.
Meanwhile, Finebaum had some harsh words for another SEC heavyweight. On his self-titled show, he discussed Kalen DeBoer's tenure at Alabama, which has been marred by unexpected losses. "He has been unable to stay out of his own way, really," Finebaum said. "I mean, these losses just keep getting in the way of the narrative that he's done a great job at Alabama."
Finebaum continued, "I think that's why every time you want to believe, or collectively [believe], that DeBoer is the right coach and deserves all of the support the university is giving him, he gives you a reason not to believe in him."
It's a familiar refrain for a fanbase that grew accustomed to the Nick Saban era, where anything less than a national title was a disappointment. The standard at Alabama is impossibly high, and DeBoer's first season has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows.
As the 2026 season approaches, the SEC looks as deep as ever. Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and a host of others are all harboring legitimate championship aspirations. But only one team can hoist the SEC trophy in Atlanta, and if Finebaum's crystal ball is right, it won't be the Bulldogs. This shift in power could also have ripple effects on how the conference's hierarchy is perceived.
While Georgia's recent dominance has been impressive, the landscape of college football is ever-changing. Texas's rise under Sarkisian has been one of the most compelling storylines in the sport, and a conference title would be a major statement. The Bulldogs, for their part, will be looking to prove Finebaum wrong and extend their dynasty. Either way, the road to the College Football Playoff will be paved with SEC clashes that could define the season. And with potential playoff expansion looming, the stakes are only getting higher.
