2022 Season Preview: SEC vs. AAC

Must-See Matchups, Rising Stars, and Championship Contenders

Preseason Rankings, Key Players, and Expert Analysis

The 2022 college football season is just around the corner, with teams across the country preparing for another exciting year of action. This year will provide an interesting matchup between the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the American Athletic Conference (AAC). Both conferences are home to some of the top teams in the country, including the defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs (SEC) and the up-and-coming UTSA Roadrunners (AAC). With several exciting matchups and standout players, the SEC vs. AAC showdown is one to watch in 2022.

Must-See Matchups

* **Texas Longhorns (SEC) vs. Alabama Crimson Tide (SEC)**: This will be a rematch of the 2021 national championship game, won by Alabama 52-24. Both teams return several key players and are expected to be among the top contenders for the College Football Playoff. * **Florida Gators (SEC) vs. Utah Utes (Pac-12)**: This is a non-conference clash between two teams that finished in the top 10 last season. Utah is moving to the SEC in 2023, so this will be a good preview of what to expect when these two teams become conference rivals. * **Auburn Tigers (SEC) vs. Penn State Nittany Lions (Big Ten)**: Auburn is looking to bounce back after a disappointing 6-7 season in 2021, while Penn State is coming off an 11-2 campaign. This will be a good test for both teams early in the season. * **UTSA Roadrunners (AAC) vs. Houston Cougars (AAC)**: This is a rivalry game between two of the top teams in the AAC. UTSA is the defending conference champion, while Houston is looking to reclaim the title. * **Memphis Tigers (AAC) vs. SMU Mustangs (AAC)**: This is another key matchup in the AAC, as both teams are expected to contend for the conference championship. Memphis won the AAC in 2021, while SMU finished second.

Rising Stars

* **Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas Longhorns**: Ewers is a five-star recruit who is expected to start at quarterback for Texas this season. He is one of the most highly-touted recruits in the country and could be a breakout star in 2022. * **Evan Stewart, WR, Texas A&M Aggies**: Stewart is another five-star recruit who is expected to make an immediate impact for the Aggies. He is a talented receiver who could be one of the best in the SEC this season. * **Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss Rebels**: Evans is a transfer from Georgia who is expected to be the starting running back for Ole Miss. He is a dynamic playmaker who could be one of the most exciting players in the SEC this season. * **Henry To'oTo'o, LB, Tennessee Volunteers**: To'oTo'o is a transfer from Alabama who is expected to start at linebacker for Tennessee. He is a talented defender who could be one of the leaders of the Volunteers' defense this season. * **Domani Jackson, CB, USC Trojans**: Jackson is a five-star recruit who is expected to start at cornerback for USC this season. He is a talented playmaker who could be one of the best cornerbacks in the country this season.

Championship Contenders

* **Alabama Crimson Tide (SEC)**: Alabama is the defending national champion and is once again the favorite to win the SEC West. They return a lot of talent on both sides of the ball and are expected to be one of the best teams in the country. * **Georgia Bulldogs (SEC)**: Georgia is coming off a 14-1 season and is looking to win its second straight national championship. They return a lot of talent on defense, but they will need to replace some key players on offense. * **Texas A&M Aggies (SEC)**: Texas A&M is looking to challenge Alabama for the SEC West title. They have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, led by quarterback Haynes King and wide receiver Ainias Smith. * **Ole Miss Rebels (SEC)**: Ole Miss is looking to make a run at the SEC West title this season. They have a lot of talent on offense, led by quarterback Jaxson Dart and wide receiver Jonathan Mingo. * **UTSA Roadrunners (AAC)**: UTSA is the defending AAC champion and is looking to repeat this season. They have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball and are expected to be one of the best teams in the AAC