The 2025 SEC season is finally here, so we will see if the league can return to the top of the college football mountain after (gasp!) two years of failing to even play for a national championship.
The conference is filled with title contenders once again this season, and a good bet to get at least four teams in the College Football Playoff after the selection criteria was given a tweak. There are also several teams looking to reverse downward trends, and more than one coach who might not be around next year if things don’t improve.
So how do the teams in the SEC stack up as we enter the 2025 season? Here’s the Week 1 edition of AL.com’s SEC football power rankings for 2025 (all times Central and all games Saturday unless noted):
Mississippi State running back Davon Booth (21) runs for a first down against Arkansas defensive back Doneiko Slaughter (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/James Pugh)AP16. Mississippi State
2024 season-ending record: 2-10 (0-8)
Last week’s game: None
This week’s game: at Southern Miss, 11 a.m., ESPN
One would think the Bulldogs have nowhere to go but up after last year’s debacle, but we won’t know for a few weeks if Jeff Lebby’s team has in fact bottomed out. A season-opening road trip to face what should be a much-improved Southern Miss team is a potential landmine for State, which at least welcomes back starting quarterback Blake Shapen after an injury-truncated 2024 season.
Mark Stoops, head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, is shown against the Murray State Racers at Kroger Field on November 16, 2024 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)Getty Images15. Kentucky
2024 season-ending record: 4-8 (1-7)
Last week’s game: None
This week’s game: vs. Toledo, 11:45 a.m., SEC Network
Speaking of bottoming out, Mark Stoops might be feeling pangs of regret after pulling out of the Texas A&M coaching search following the 2023 season. Stoops has had a great run in Lexington, but has been on a slow decline since winning 10 games and the Citrus Bowl in 2021. Last year’s losing record was the first in a non-COVID season since 2015. Toledo is usually the best team in the MAC, and could give the Wildcats all they want in the opener.
Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green scrambles during an SEC game against Auburn on Sept. 21, 2024, at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn.(AP Photo/Butch Dill)14. Arkansas
2024 season-ending record: 7-6 (3-5)
Last week’s game: None
This week’s game: vs. Alabama A&M, 3:15 p.m., SEC Network
Sam Pittman survived the hot seat in 2024, but almost certainly needs another winning year to hang on beyond this season. The FCS Bulldogs shouldn’t pose a huge challenge this week, so the Razorbacks will have time to work out the kinks before a much-anticipated date with Arkansas State on Sept. 6. Arkansas returns the core of a potentially solid defense, but is transfer-heavy on offense.
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers (9) plays against South Carolina during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)AP13. Vanderbilt
2024 season-ending record: 7-6 (3-5)
Last week’s game: None
This week’s game: vs. Charleston Southern, 6 p.m., ESPN+/SECN+
The Commodores were everyone’s darlings after recording their first winning record and bowl victory in more than a decade in 2024, a season punctuated by a stunning upset of Alabama in early October. Already legendary quarterback Diego Pavia is back to lead the way again in 2025, along with eight starters on defense. A matchup with the FCS Buccaneers should allow the party to continue in Week 1.
Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk (15) strips the ball from Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) as he scrambles during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)AP12. Auburn
2024 season-ending record: 6-7 (2-6)
Last week’s game: None
This week’s game: at Baylor, 7 p.m. Friday, Fox
Hugh Freeze is entering a must-win Year 3, and gets no chance to ease into 2025 with a true road game against the Bears, who are expected to contend for the Big 12 title this season. The defense should be excellent once again, but the Tigers’ hopes of a true breakthrough rest with an offense that couldn’t get out of its own way in 2024. To that end, Auburn snared potential play-makers in quarterback Jackson Arnold (Oklahoma) and wide receiver Eric Singleton (Georgia Tech), along with mammoth left tackle Xavier Chaplin (Virginia Tech).
Auburn’s Sam Jackson V (18) is tackled by Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas (32) during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)AP11. Oklahoma
2024 season-ending record: 6-7 (2-6)
Last week’s game: None
This week’s game: vs. Illinois State, 5 p.m., ESPN+/SECN+
The Sooners were ravaged by injuries on offense a year ago, leading to the second losing record in Brent Venables’ three seasons. However, OU has high hopes for 2025 after acquiring arguably the top quarterback (John Mateer) and running back (Jaydn Ott) in the portal during the offseason. The defense could be one of the best in the country. The FCS Cardinals are a nice warmup before a Week 2 matchup with Michigan.
Florida head coach Billy Napier paces the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Miami, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)AP10. Florida
2024 season-ending record: 8-5 (4-4)
Last week’s game: None
This week’s game: vs. Long Island, 6 p.m., ESPN+/SECN+
Billy Napier also pulled a job-saving magic act in 2024, springing multiple upsets down the stretch to get at least one more year in Gainesville. Sophomore DJ Lagway is a potentially dynamic force at quarterback, though he’s battled injuries in the preseason. The Gators shouldn’t face much resistance in the Swamp from LIU, an FCS program that finished 4-8 last year and plays its home games a stadium that seats just 6,500.
FILE – Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) intercepts a pass in the end zone during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)AP9. Tennessee
2024 season-ending record: 10-3 (6-2)
Last week’s game: None
This week’s game: vs. Syracuse (Atlanta), 11 a.m., ABC
The Volunteers lost seven starters on offense (including running back Dylan Sampson, the SEC Offensive Player of the Year) after the 2024 season, then saw starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava fly the coop after spring ball. But at some point, you probably must trust Josh Heupel to put a good product on the field. Tennessee faces a tougher opener than most in the Orange, who are surging under second-year coach Fran Brown.
Missouri head coach Eliah Drinkwitz yells at his team to get back on the field to play one more down with a second on the clock during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Florida Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won 33-31.AP Photo/Jeff Roberson8. Missouri
2024 season-ending record: 10-3 (5-3)
Last week’s game: None
This week’s game: vs. Central Arkansas, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, SEC Network
Speaking of results, Eli Drinkwitz and the Tigers continue to get little respect despite a combined 23 victories in the last two seasons. Missouri returns eight starters on defense — including the entire secondary — but must retool a bit on offense. All-SEC guard Cayden Green and transfer running back Ahmad Hardy are two players to watch. UCA is a generally solid FCS team — but still an FCS team, so expect the Tigers to roll in the opener.
Texas A&M offensive lineman Ar’maj Reed-Adams, No. 55, and running back Le’Veon Moss, No. 8, react during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi State, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Randy J. Williams)AP7. Texas A&M
2024 season-ending record: 8-5 (5-3)
Last week’s game: None
This week’s game: vs. Texas-San Antonio, 6 p.m., ESPN
The Aggies return the most starters in the SEC, seven on offense (including the entire line and now-healthy running back Le’Veon Moss) and eight on defense. That’s led to some high expectations in Year 2 for Mike Elko, whose team executed its patented November fade again last year. UTSA is one of the better programs in the American, so the opener could be interesting at least for a while.
South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers rolls out during an SEC game against Missouri on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C.(Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)6. South Carolina
2024 season-ending record: 9-4 (5-3)
Last week’s game: None
This week’s game: vs. Virginia Tech (Atlanta), 2 p.m. Sunday, ESPN
Though they wound up on the outside looking in regarding the College Football Playoff, 2024 was a breakthrough year for Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers and edge rusher supreme Dylan Stewart are back to lead the way in 2025, and nothing less than a CFP berth will be satisfactory. The Hokies are a fairly big-name opponent for a season-opener, but South Carolina should win handily at Mercedes Benz Stadium on Sunday.
Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin on the sidelines against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark.AP Photo/Michael Woods5. Ole Miss
2024 season-ending record: 10-3 (5-3)
Last week’s game: None
This week’s game: vs. Georgia State, 6:45 p.m., SEC Network
The Rebels might have missed their best shot at the College Football Playoff with the loaded roster they had last season, but could be good enough to contend again in 2025. Quarterback Austin Simmons showed potential in limited reps a year ago, but won’t have a safety net this season. Lane Kiffin once again hit the transfer market hard, landing what could be seven or more defensive starters via the portal. On the good side, Ole Miss should be able to ease into the schedule a bit with its first two games vs. Georgia State and Kentucky.
LSU running back Caden Durham (29) runs on a 45 yard carry in the first half an NCAA college football game against Alabama in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)AP4. LSU
2024 season-ending record: 9-4 (5-3)
Last week’s game: None
This week’s game: at Clemson, 6:45 p.m., ABC
The Tigers have sky-high potential this season, especially on offense with quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and running back Caden Durham leading the way. LSU’s defensive ceiling might be dictated by which version of Harold Perkins — coming off a knee injury and playing his third position in four years — shows up. Brian Kelly and company have lost five consecutive openers and face a tall task in snapping that streak with a trip to face fourth-ranked Clemson, a legitimate national championship contender. A loss in (the other) Death Valley wouldn’t necessarily derail anything in the 12-team playoff era, though.
Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson (0) celebrates after his sack against Georgia during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)Getty Images3. Alabama
2024 season-ending record: 9-4 (5-3)
Last week’s game: None
This week’s game: at Florida State, 2:30 p.m., ABC
Kalen DeBoer’s first year in Tuscaloosa had some exhilarating highs and some frustrating lows, but the Crimson Tide brings back a loaded roster (14 returning starters) and should be at least steadier at quarterback with Ty Simpson replacing the volatile (both in good and bad ways) Jalen Milroe. Florida State is a big-name opponent for the opener, but also a team coming off a 2-10 finish. Anything less than a convincing win would lead to more consternation among the fan base.
Georgia defensive back Daylen Everette (6) celebrates his interception Texas during the second half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, in Atlanta.AP Photo/John Bazemore2. Georgia
2024 season-ending record: 11-3 (6-2)
Last week’s game: None
This week’s game: vs. Marshall, 2:30 p.m., ESPN
Kirby Smart and company might be flying under the radar as much is possible for as a program that has won two of the last three SEC championships. Georgia returns only seven starters, but has been stacking four- and five-star recruits long enough that it shouldn’t be an issue. Marshall is the defending Sun Belt Conference champion, but is a depleted team after former coach Charles Huff took much of his team to Southern Miss. Look for new quarterback Gunnar Stockton and the Bulldogs to win going away.
Arch Manning finally takes over as Texas’ starting quarterback this season.AP1. Texas
2024 season-ending record: 13-3 (7-1)
Last week’s game: None
This week’s game: at Ohio State, 11 a.m., Fox
Arch Madness is in full effect for the Longhorns, who begin the Manning era ranked No. 1 in the country for the first time in program history. Texas must replace four starters on the offensive line and much of the defensive line, but has stockpiled elite skill players on both sides of the ball and might have the best linebacker corps in the country. The opener at Ohio State is the biggest game in a monumental Week 1, but even a loss to the Buckeyes wouldn’t eliminate any season-long goals for Steve Sarkisian’s team.
Creg Stephenson has worked for AL.com since 2010 and has covered college football for a variety of publications since 1994. Contact him at cstephenson@al.com or follow him on Twitter at @CregStephenson.
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