The SEC opened the 2026 season with a perfect record, going 16-0 in Week 1, but Cole Cubelic made it clear the results didn’t all look the same. In his Sunday breakdown on social media, the ESPN analyst sorted through the league team by team, separating the clean wins from the performances that still left plenty to clean up.
For several programs, Cubelic’s message was simple: job done. He said Alabama “Handled their business” and praised quarterback Keelon Russell for operating the offense well in his first career start. He noted that most of Russell’s throws were on time, credited him for taking a few chances and using timely called quarterback runs, and added that Russell showed “nice ability to keep plays alive & find things after it breaks…”
Georgia got similar treatment. Cubelic said the Bulldogs handled business, liked the offensive mix early and pointed to the quick game helping extend the run game. He also said Georgia showed it has “a few guys with juice that can handle it, mainly 0 & 1,” while noting some missed perimeter and downfield blocks kept the offense from getting even more out of the day.
Cubelic also came away impressed with Kentucky’s first outing under first-year head coach Will Stein, calling the offense “smooth.” He said the quarterback looked in command, got the ball out on time and took his checkdowns without wasting energy. Tight ends played a major role, and Cubelic singled out 81 for blocking “out of his mind!”
Mississippi State and Missouri also drew strong reviews. Cubelic said both quarterbacks looked confident and in control, with Mississippi State’s passer showing “almost zero doubt” and handling RPOs well.
Missouri’s quarterback, meanwhile, looked “extremely comfy & confident,” operated with authority and made the offense feel like “pitch & catch.” Cubelic added that Missouri minimized miscues and was good off play action.
Elsewhere, LSU’s win over Clemson was labeled “tone setting,” with Cubelic saying the offense was rolling and that the quarterback made “a LOT happen on his own.” He also said the zone scheme gained momentum as the game went on and that the backs did a strong job after contact, especially 13. Florida, meanwhile, got what Cubelic called an “Impressive 1st win for Sumrall,” with Baugh described as “immaculate” and the quarterback operating the offense efficiently.
Oklahoma earned a positive note too. Cubelic said the Sooners handled their business, called the offense effective and said there was still “Plenty of room to grow.” He was especially high on 1, calling him “just insanely impressive,” while noting the quarterback flashed brilliance and had some “wow plays.”
South Carolina and Tennessee were also grouped into the handled-business category. Cubelic liked getting 8 involved early in the screen game for South Carolina and said the designed quarterback run element should help the traditional ground game.
For Tennessee, he said the quarterback looked composed and confident, was decisive when leaving the pocket and would be a big part of the run game. He also noted that the offensive line put in good effort, though the tackles gave up the edge in pass protection a few times.
Texas A&M drew a more cautionary review despite the win. Cubelic said the Aggies handled their business and liked the size and power up front, pointing out that 71 “got after folks” and 76 “can move people.”
But he also said he was a little concerned about handling movement and quickness, adding that body control needs to improve and that the protection breakdowns early were an issue. The quarterback bailed them out, Cubelic said, but “that can't” continue.
Not every SEC opener came without rough edges. Arkansas’ 31-14 win over North Alabama came with warning signs, as Cubelic said the offense “got bogged down” and the quarterback play was “off and on.”
He said the quarterback missed a few throws, saw a lot of different looks from the secondary and noted that turnovers can’t happen in the red zone. Still, he pointed out the strong use of the tight end and fullback.
Auburn’s narrow win over Baylor in Atlanta left Cubelic with a similar verdict: the Tigers just needed the win, and getting it was huge. But he added that there was “plenty to work on.”
He said the offense had some good spots, the zone scheme was going and the offensive line wasn’t bad in protection aside from issues against twists. He also said Auburn needed more movement at the point of attack.
Cubelic said he would post his Ole Miss takeaways later in the week. For now, his Sunday summary made one thing clear: the SEC went unbeaten, but some of those wins came with a lot more polish than others.
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