Around the SEC

Alabama's Transfer Portal departures, Lane Kiffin's first experience at a Buc-ee's, and more

There are many different happenings around the SEC right now. The offseason is producing some fun and important moments. Let's start with more of the fun variety, via the SEC's most comedic coach.

Lane Kiffin Being Lane Kiffin

Many of you probably know what a Buc-ee's is. The all-in-one gas station, grocery store, and retail store is becoming more common in the South. It can be found at several different interstate stops in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and more.

Someone finally convinced Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin to stop by a Buc-ee's and check it out himself. Here's the commentary from his tweet regarding Buc-ee's. 

"My first time ever at @BuceesUSA. My life will never be the same!!"

Kiffin's X handle is a fun follow for those who enjoy the social media platform. He's certainly going to send out some interesting tweets from time to time.

Alabama Transfer Woes

It's difficult to put together just how impactful the loss of Alabama's Nick Saban would be. Looking at Bama's Transfer Portal losses certainly places it into perspective. According to ESPN and as of Jan. 19, 10 members of the Crimson Tide left after Saban's departure.

Current players that are fleeing Tuscaloosa like cornerback Antonio Kite picking in-state rival Auburn, Kadyn Proctor heading home to play for Iowa, and Caleb Downs deciding on Ohio State.

It's one thing to no longer have those ten players, but it's also difficult when those players include elite recruits like cornerback Jameer Grimsley from Tampa (Fla.) Catholic and quarterback Julian Sayin from Carlsbad (Calif.) High School before they ever took the field for Bama. Grimsley will play for Florida and Sayin for Ohio State.

Auburn Tight End Made Plays

The 2023 season includes many ups and downs for Auburn. However, one thing that cannot be denied is that flex tight end Rivaldo Fairweather is a playmaker. According to Pro Football Focus, the Auburn pass catcher "Led all Power Five tight ends" with "11 contested catches last season."

Auburn has several key members of the 2023 offense returning in 2024, including Fairweather. Look for the Tigers to be much more explosive with the experience, plus the 2024 recruiting class possessing four talented pass catchers led by Perry Thompson and Cam Coleman.

Georgia loses recruit

The class of 2025 is already seeing de-commitments. For the University of Georgia, it's defensive back Tae Harris. The rising senior committed to Kirby Smart and the Dawgs last June, but also to former UGA defensive backs coach Fran Brown. He's now the head coach for Syracuse.

The Cedartown (Ga.) High School prospect is going to have plenty of options for his final decision. Harris has a big offer list that includes programs like Oklahoma, Tennessee, LSU, Florida, Miami, and Georgia Tech.