Mississippi State's new head coach Jeff Lebby will face his former colleague and Tennessee coach Josh Heupel in their upcoming SEC game, marking the first time the two will compete against each other as head coaches. Both have a long history together, having worked at Central Florida and sharing roots at Oklahoma. Heupel, a former national championship-winning quarterback for Oklahoma, will also have a homecoming when Tennessee plays Oklahoma in Norman on September 21. This game will be Oklahoma's debut in the SEC, adding to the excitement. Heupel expressed his respect for his former team and the unique experience of returning to his alma mater. Both Heupel and Oklahoma's coach Brent Venables share a history, further intensifying the matchup.