Josh Pate Predicts Two Major Programs To Make First SEC Championship Game Appearance

The SEC will enter a new era next season as Texas and Oklahoma join the conference, while it will also be the first season without divisions.

Georgia was voted the overwhelming favorite in the SEC preseason media poll, receiving over 300 more points than the next closest team. Texas received the second-most votes, while Alabama, Ole Miss, and LSU rounded out the top five.

On a recent episode of " Late Kick with Josh Pate ," Pate made his official prediction for the SEC Championship game. He believes that history will be made in Atlanta as two programs will make their first appearance in the SEC Championship game.

"You know who I put in the SEC Championship game?" Pate asked. "I got Ole Miss in the SEC Championship game because I hate them so much, and I've got Texas in the SEC Championship game. Both are very dependable teams. I think they're both well-rounded.

"I think Ole Miss, defensively, will come into form and be as well-rounded a product as we've seen them under Lane Kiffin. It's a must-win moment this year. I think there's pressure, but pressure they can deliver upon over there."

Ole Miss enters next season with plenty of momentum after the Rebels won 11 games for the first time in program history last season. After an impressive offseason haul, the expectations are extremely high in Oxford.

Former five-star defensive lineman Walter Nolan headlined the transfer portal class and will be joined by multiple other notable players, including South Carolina wide receiver Juice Wells and Florida EDGE Princely Umanmielen.

Pate also predicted the Longhorns to win the conference in their first season, defeating the Rebels in Atlanta to secure an automatic bid in the College Football Playoff.

"I got Texas winning the SEC, which I don't need to tell anyone, would be a pretty big story, but as of right now, I got Texas winning the SEC," Pate said. "I think they will draw a lot upon what they did last year. They got a taste, and then they got a taste when they got to the playoffs. That means something."

The Longhorns made their first appearance in the College Football Playoff season after winning the first conference championship since 2009. The return of quarterback Quinn Ewers has the program primed for another run to the postseason.

Texas added multiple key contributors via the transfer portal, most notably former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Bond and former Clemson safety Andrew Mukuba. All-American offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. will anchor the offensive line, while Jaydon Blue and CJ Baxter return to solidify the rushing attack.

Texas opens the 2024 season on Aug. 31 against Colorado State at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. Ole Miss will kick off the season against Furman on Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. CT.

Related: Rece Davis Names Two Long Shots With Best Chance To Make College Football Playoff