Dari Nowkhah speaks on A&M's renewed conference rivalry with Texas

Now a 16-team league at 2024 SEC Media Days, host and anchor at ESPN and the SEC Network, Dari Nowkhah sat down with David Nuño to discuss all things SEC, including the additions of Texas and Oklahoma and what Texas A&M can do under Mike Elko.

Key notes from Dari Nowkhah interview

• This has been fun. The Oklahoma and Texas news feels like it was ten years ago. It was only three. I am just glad it’s here.
   
• It was surreal when it became official that those schools were coming to the league. Now, it is reality. Let’s play some games.
   
• I talked to Brent Venables last week. We look at Oklahoma’s schedule vs. Texas’. There’s no question Texas’ is a little bit easier. Venables goes, “What am I going to do? Complain about the schedule? We’re in the SEC.” They have no choice but to face it.
   
• I look forward to seeing what Mike Elko does at Texas A&M. It feels like the Aggies are in a good place at the quarterback position. We know they can recruit. Everybody talks about the resources they have.
   
• A&M just didn’t take advantage when Texas was down. Now, you get Texas. Like it or not, they will be connected at the hip. One of the great storylines this year is: Who will have the more positive season: A&M or Texas?
   
• I would love for A&M to have been in a better position when Oklahoma and Texas came into the league, but it’s a new start. In this era, you can flip something in a hurry thanks to the portal and NIL. Nobody is in a better position than A&M is.
   
• I think Jim Schlossnagle leaving for Texas would spice up the rivalry a little bit. I was in Omaha for the Men’s College World Series Finals. We stayed in the same hotel as A&M. When David Pierce got fired, one Aggie looked at me and went, “How Texas is that?” It will be special when they play in football.
   
• LSU believes in Garrett Nussmeier. He has been there forever. With LSU, it comes down to the defense. Blake Baker turned the Missouri defense into one that was well respected. I wouldn't put LSU in the top tier yet.
   
• I have gotten to know Greg Sankey very well. I don't think he says things to say things. I am sure he takes calls. Unless he feels a school — whether it’s a Clemson, Florida State, North Carolina, Virginia or whoever — will bring legitimate value, not just financially but also its brand... Sankey will not waste anyone’s time by bringing them in. He is happy with 16, and I think everybody is.