Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz speaks on SEC expansion; doesn't hold back to deliver his opinion 

Texas and Oklahoma are now members of the SEC and Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz knows what that means. The two powerhouses officially transitioned to the conference on Jul. 1, marking a new era in the history of the conference and college football as a whole.

In his appearance on the Jim Rome Show this week, Drinkwitz gave his view on the addition of the Longhorns and the Sooners to the SEC family. He believes the two programs have heightened the competition in the league, bringing the best out of every team.

“You’re just adding two extremely difficult games to the schedule and to the competition, which I think is a good thing,” Drinkwitz said. "It’ll be interesting to see what their learning curve is and what our learning curve is in bringing those schools in here."

Eli Drinkwitz elaborated more on SEC expansion; believes college football enthusiasts

While many college football enthusiasts feel Texas and Oklahoma might struggle in their early days in the SEC, Eli Drinkwitz holds a different opinion. Citing Missouri’s early-year experience and the recruitment level of the two schools, he believes they are bound to thrive early on.

“I think that some people think that they’re gonna struggle coming into the SEC. Missouri firsthand knows. Their first two seasons in the SEC, won the SEC East. So, they’re very good, very capable, very talented,” Eli Drinkwitz said.

“Both of those schools have recruited at an elite level. Specifically at the football level. So, I know this. We all have our hands full when you look at our schedules.”

Texas and Oklahoma are entering the SEC following a strong season in the Big 12. The Longhorns won the league title with an 11-1 record in the regular season and also reached the College Football Playoff. The Sooners, on the flip side, narrowly missed out on the championship game after a 10-2 finish.

Drinkwitz describes the competition in the SEC

While Eli Drinkwitz is aware of the level of both Texas and Oklahoma, as well as what they bring to the SEC, he also described what it means to compete every week in the conference.

“I know they’re well coached and have a lot of talent … It ain’t quite the jungle but it is a hell of a fight each week in the SEC,” Drinkwitz noted.

The Longhorns and the Sooners have a host of top SEC opponents to face in the upcoming season. It is to be seen how the two schools fare in their first season in the league.