Georgia football star linebacker Jalon Walker was named the winner of the 2024 Butkus Award, which goes to the nation’s best linebacker. And while Walker was somehow only named to the All-SEC second team, he won this award that matters more than any conference team he could be named to.

Walker had a magnificent season with the Bulldogs this year as he recorded 58 takles, 6.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries as he helped lead Georgia to an 11-2 season and SEC Championship win over Texas last week.

Walker is now the third Bulldog to win this award during the Kirby Smart era, which is a massive achievement for the program. But Walker winning this award feels more special than the previous winners, and that is seen in the heartfelt message shared by Smart and the rest of the program in the below video.

Longhorns Daily News: Georgia Congressman Suggests Texas Should ‘Be Sent Back to the Big 12’

A Georgia congressman has made headlines by suggesting that the University of Texas should be “sent back to the Big 12,” an unexpected and bold comment that has sparked debate among college football fans and sports analysts alike. This statement came amid the ongoing discourse about conference realignment in college athletics, particularly regarding Texas’ move from the Big 12 to the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Rep. Rick Allen, a Republican representing Georgia’s 12th district, voiced his opinion in a recent interview, expressing his belief that the University of Texas, along with the University of Oklahoma, should have stayed in the Big 12 instead of making the jump to the SEC. Allen’s comments were made during a radio appearance, where he criticized Texas’ decision as part of the broader trend of larger schools moving to more prominent, financially rewarding conferences. He emphasized that this shift has disrupted longstanding rivalries and traditional college football cultures, especially in the Big 12.

Allen, who is also known for his passion for college sports, particularly football, argued that the SEC should be focused on maintaining regional rivalries and supporting the schools that have historically been part of the conference. “I don’t think we need to keep expanding, and honestly, I think Texas and Oklahoma would be better off back in the Big 12,” Allen said. “Let them be a part of the group that they’ve been historically connected with. We don’t need to keep bringing in teams from out of our region. It’s going to hurt the traditions that make college football great.”

His comments have ignited a wave of reactions. Texas fans, naturally, have pushed back, arguing that the move to the SEC will elevate the program and provide a more competitive environment. The SEC is widely regarded as one of the most powerful conferences in college football, and Texas’ move there, alongside Oklahoma, was seen as a significant power shift in the college sports landscape. The Longhorns are set to join the SEC in 2024, ushering in what many expect to be a new era for the program.

Critics of Allen’s statement suggest that the congressman’s opinion is rooted in regional bias, as Georgia is an SEC powerhouse. The idea of sending Texas “back” to the Big 12 has been received as impractical and nostalgic by many in the Texas fanbase and beyond. Texas, with its deep pockets and large fan base, is seen as a prime asset to the SEC, and most insiders believe the Longhorns will have no problem adjusting to the heightened competition.

On the other hand, some college sports commentators argue that the move to the SEC could present challenges for Texas. The SEC is home to some of the most competitive programs in the country, such as Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, meaning Texas will need to quickly ramp up its recruitment, coaching, and overall team performance to compete at the highest level.

In contrast, the Big 12 has its own set of unique challenges, but many fans in that conference believe that the presence of Texas adds a certain luster and financial stability, despite the departure of the Longhorns. Several Big 12 teams, including Baylor and Kansas State, have also expressed concerns about how realignment will affect the league’s balance and competitiveness.

Ultimately, Rep. Allen’s comment is more than just a sports opinion; it underscores the ongoing debate about conference realignment and the future of college football. As Texas prepares for its new SEC challenge, the Longhorns will have to navigate not just the competition on the field, but also the broader impact that shifting conferences has on the sport’s culture. Whether or not Texas will ever return to the Big 12 remains to be seen, but for now, they’re set to take on the SEC with high expectations and an ambitious vision for the future.