Regarding Texas’s entry into the conference, head football coach Josh Heupel of Tennessee informed reporters during SEC media days that “there’s only one real UT” in the conference. With a chuckle, he said, quoting Dan Morrison of On3. “Only one right shade of orange.” It’s understandable why Heupel has those feelings. In 1999 and 2000, he started as Texas’ fiercest competitor at quarterback for Oklahoma. Heupel was 1-1 against Texas, but the Sooners were the national champions in 2000 after a noteworthy 63-14 victory over the Longhorns. In 2024, Texas and Oklahoma will become members of the conference. Heupel will play against his alma mater that season, but the Longhorns and Volunteers won’t face one other.