The signs are clear—the unthinkable has happened. The fearsome figure is gone.

Georgia, the SEC, and everything associated with it.

Following Georgia’s disheartening 23-10 loss to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff Sugar Bowl quarterfinal, the SEC’s final chance for a national title now rests with a newcomer.

This newcomer has come from a conference the SEC once looked down upon.

Look who’s smiling now: everyone in college football. Once Ohio State defeats Texas next week in the Cotton Bowl semifinal, it will be undeniable.

Celebrate, everyone. The SEC has finally faced retribution.

All those who have been worn down by the SEC’s dominance over the past twenty years, and those previously sidelined, now find reprieve following Michigan’s recent national title victory.

The fearsome figure is finished. The only question left is: how long will it stay that way?

Georgia has not won a College Football Playoff game since clinching back-to-back national championships in 2021-22.

Alabama’s last College Football Playoff victory came in 2021 when they defeated Cincinnati, a Group of Five school.

LSU has not recorded a College Football Playoff win since 2019.

The SEC’s Challenges Ahead in 2025

If you think that’s troubling, consider what lies ahead in 2025. As college football charges forward into a new era driven by cash—where the SEC leads—the once flawless system is faltering across the conference.

Alabama has just ended a season with four losses for the first time since Nick Saban’s inaugural season in 2007. Just hours before the Sugar Bowl, Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe announced he is entering the NFL, plunging the program into chaos in their most critical position.

Moreover, there’s uncertainty surrounding head coach Kalen DeBoer.

Georgia has recorded three losses in a season for the first time since 2018. It’s become evident that head coach Kirby Smart’s decision to bring on his college roommate and jobless friend, Mike Bobo, as offensive coordinator was a major misstep.

The Bulldogs previously claimed back-to-back national titles with a former walk-on quarterback, Stetson Bennett, under the guidance of an actual offensive coordinator, Todd Monken. They have since been outsmarted for two seasons with Bobo at the helm, relying on pure talent until it mattered most.

Now, the Georgia quarterback room is filled with uncertainty and inexperience, while the offensive coordinator remains unchanged. What’s next?

Alabama also faced a rough end to the season, succumbing in a bowl game against a one-dimensional Michigan team. The season was marked by confusing losses that have cast doubt on the leadership. Now, they look ahead to former five-star recruit Ty Simpson stepping into a significant role, with the program appearing vulnerable for the first time since the Mike Shula era.

The Mike Shula era.

A wave of concern is sweeping through Tuscaloosa, echoing throughout the SEC. What happens next?

LSU, after hiring Brian Kelly from Notre Dame three years ago, has lost every season opener since and hasn’t penetrated the playoffs. Their performance hit rock bottom this season with only eight regular-season wins, following a year where Kelly wasted a standout performance from quarterback Jayden Daniels due to defensive ineptitude.

The Tigers failed to capitalize on the transfer portal while Kelly was still establishing himself in southern high school recruiting, and talented quarterback Garrett Nussmeier continues to make alarming mistakes. What’s next for them?

The Other Contenders in the SEC

Tennessee made its playoff debut but suffered a 25-point loss to Ohio State, highlighting a little-known fact about the selection committee: the earlier you lose in the SEC, the more secure your position appears.

The Volunteers finished the season with 10 wins, with their standout victory in October against Alabama at home, which many teams also accomplished. To round out their season, Tennessee had to defeat Texas-El Paso and Vanderbilt, while other teams were struggling through a tough November.

If you think Tennessee was truly worthy of the playoffs, I have an overrated team from Bloomington, Indiana to introduce you. The Volunteers have struggled to be a significant threat since talented quarterback Hendon Hooker left the field. What’s next?

Ole Miss invested heavily in the transfer portal yet still faced two losses as favorites and failed to make the CFP. Despite coach Lane Kiffin’s record-setting achievements, the Rebels are capable of defeating Georgia and then losing to Kentucky.

Meanwhile, Texas A&M risked $90 million on Jimbo Fisher’s tenure, leading to a return to a mediocre Texas 8&5 record under Mike Elko just a year later.

Oklahoma, a team many still remember, has not been the same since Lincoln Riley departed three years ago, leaving a declining roster behind—taking the top player, Caleb Williams, with him.

Florida has struggled since a player’s errant shoe cost them a vital game in November during the playoff race. Four years and two coaching changes later,

The conference’s most unpredictable elite program is gaining momentum while not being from Texas, as we approach 2025.

Despite any setbacks in their upcoming game against Ohio State, Texas remains a strong contender for the national title in 2025 due to their impressive recruitment and the skill of their team. The key will be for another star player, like Arch Manning, to have an outstanding season in the SEC.

However, it’s worth noting that neither Peyton nor Eli Manning managed to win a national championship.

Georgia’s Strategy Defeated by Notre Dame

Following their defeat to Notre Dame, coach Kirby Smart was questioned during the post-game press conference about a crucial moment in the game, where he was outwitted by Marcus Freeman, the coach of the Irish.

In a strategic move, Notre Dame was set to punt on fourth-and-1 early in the fourth quarter to manage the clock while maintaining a two-touchdown lead. Instead of punting, they switched to offense, prompting Georgia to adjust their lineup too.

Georgia then committed a costly offside penalty before the play, allowing Notre Dame to continue their drive and consume valuable time on the clock. Smart’s reaction to this turning point was revealing.

“Our head officials in the SEC have informed me that this is not allowed,” Smart remarked.

It’s amusing to think that the powerful SEC is now expressing concerns over fairness.

The fear factor is gone, folks.