A rivalry has developed between two collegiate programs in recent years following the news that Texas would be joining the SEC. The introduction of Texas and Tennessee into the same conference raised the question of which school would be recognized as the official UT.
The Southeastern Conference has seemingly weighed in on this debate through its recent announcement of the Preseason All-SEC Teams. The abbreviation “UT” was assigned to the Volunteers, while Texas was abbreviated as “TEX.”
Both schools had an offensive lineman selected for the All-SEC First Team based on media voting. Cooper Mays from Tennessee and Kelvin Banks from Texas received this recognition. However, the conference’s decision on the matter is evident, as Mays was identified with “UT” and Banks with “TEX.”
This minor dispute over naming rights is just one of many seen among college sports fans. For example, within the SEC, South Carolina and Southern California have an ongoing disagreement over the rights to the USC abbreviation.
In the larger context of things, this issue holds little significance. It serves as a way for fans to assert their allegiance and add excitement during the off-season. Unfortunately, the two schools will not have an opportunity to settle this on the football field until at least 2026 due to the conference’s scheduling structure.
The friendly competition between them continues, focusing on a lighthearted debate over whose orange color reigns supreme.
2024 SEC Preseason Media Poll
After an extensive four-day discussion on football, the SEC Media Days in Dallas culminated in the unveiling of the 2024 predicted order of finish as voted on by the attending media members, shedding light on the real predictions for the upcoming season within the SEC.
Following the completion of the voting process, the official ranking based on the consolidated votes of the media was revealed, indicating which teams are anticipated to secure specific positions in the standings.
Georgia emerges once again as the leading team in the Southeastern Conference, receiving 165 first-place votes, which accounts for 77.5% of the total votes. They are accompanied by familiar names in the league, with Alabama positioned in third place, Ole Miss in fourth, and LSU rounding out the top five. Notably, Texas, a recent addition to the SEC, impressively secures the second spot in the rankings, trailing behind only the Bulldogs. Meanwhile, Oklahoma, also transitioning to the SEC, finds themselves placed in eighth position as they embark on their debut in the conference.
1. Georgia Bulldogs – 3,330 (165)
2. Texas Longhorns – 3,041 (27)
3. Alabama Crimson Tide – 2,891 (12)
4. Ole Miss Rebels – 2,783 (4)
5. LSU Tigers – 2,322 (2)
6. Missouri Tigers – 2,240
7. Tennessee Volunteers – 2,168
8. Oklahoma Sooners – 2,022
9. Texas A&M Aggies – 1,684
10. Auburns Tigers – 1,382
11. Kentucky Wildcats – 1,371
12. Florida Gators – 1,146
13. South Carolina Gamecocks – 923 (1)
14. Arkansas Razorbacks – 749
15. Mississippi State Bulldogs – 623
16. Vanderbilt Commodores – 293 (2)
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