BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — If the SEC preseason media poll holds, South Carolina will finish third in the Eastern Division behind Georgia and Tennessee, although Carolina did receive three first place votes.
The defending two-time national champion has been predicted to win the 2023 SEC Championship, according to the poll of media covering SEC Football Media Days in Nashville.
The Bulldogs received 181 votes to win the December contest in Atlanta, while Alabama was second with 62 votes.
Georgia was selected to win the Eastern Division with 2011 points, including 265 first-place votes. Tennessee was second with 1682 points and 14 votes to win the division. South Carolina received 1254 points and the three first place votes.
Alabama was picked to win the SEC Western Division with 1899 total points, just ahead of LSU who compiled 1838 points. Texas A&M was third with 1144 points.
Only nine times since 1992 has the predicted champion before the season at SEC Media Days proceeded to win the SEC Championship Game.
The Preseason All-SEC teams were released. South Carolina punter Kai Kroeger landed on the First Team with receiver Juice Wells earning a Second Team nod.
Dakereon Joyner, who has played a variety of positions makes the Third Team as an All-Purpose player. Defensive lineman Tonka Hemingway, kicker Mitch Jeter and tight end Trey Knox were also named Third Team All-SEC.
