Fact or Fiction: Tommy Rees to Alabama, Texas & OU to the SEC, Ainias Smith's Return

In today’s Fact or Fiction, I look at three big recent topics in college football and decide whether the statement is indeed FACT or if it’s FICTION.

1. Tommy Rees is a good hire for Alabama.

Farrell’s take: FICTION

I’m not a fan of this. The Notre Dame offense wasn’t dynamic and was very run-heavy which was fine and dandy nearly a decade ago if you have Derrick Henry. But in 2023 you have to pass the ball — and pass it a ton. Rees will have a lot more talent at Alabama than at Notre Dame and will have better QBs than Ian Book, Jack Coan, and Drew Pyne, but can he adapt? Or does Nick Saban want to go back to power-running football? Rees isn’t horrible, but people complaining about Bill O’Brien may want him and his balanced attack back sooner than later.

Apr 23, 2022; Notre Dame, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive coordinator Tommy Rees talks to quarterback Drew Pyne (10) during warmups before the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium.

2. Texas and OU have no shot to join the SEC early.

Farrell’s take: FICTION

It’s not over, don’t believe the rumors. If this was talk about the 2023 season it would obviously be an issue but we’re talking 2024 and there is more time. So while rumors of talks being stalled are true, a Hail Mary wish isn’t what’s needed here. The money is hard to line up with the TV deals and potential loss of revenue for the Big 12 but I’ve seen some pretty amazing financial creativity over the years in expansion and if talks continue this could still happen.

Jul 18, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; SEC commissioner Greg Sankey delivers comments to open SEC Media Days at the College Football Hall of Fame.

3. Ainias Smith returning makes the Aggies a sleeper in SEC West.

Farrell’s take: FICTION

It’s important to have the speedy WR back and he will make some noise with QB Conner Weigman, but this is false hope. A&M has a lot of talent but also lost a ton in the portal and I don’t think this team will be a lot better than 2022. Maybe they will have a winning season, but better than Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State? No way.