It’s easy to overreact after the first weekend of the 2025 SEC football season, but it also seems pretty clear our preseason perception of several teams was wholly inaccurate.
We have only one “data point” for each team, so there will be more volatility in this week’s rankings than we might see later in the season. A few teams were who we thought they would be, but some have taken a big leap, while others have taken a sharp dive.
So how do the teams in the SEC stack up heading into Week 2 of the 2025 season? Here’s the Week 2 edition of AL.com’s SEC football power rankings for 2025 (all times Central and all games Saturday unless noted):
Kentucky quarterback Zach Calzada (5) throws a pass in the second quarter of an NCCA college football game against Toledo, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Lexington, Ky. (AP Photo/Michael Swensen)AP16. Kentucky
Last week’s ranking: 15
Last week’s game: Beat Toledo, 24-16
This week’s game: vs. Ole Miss, 2:30 p.m., ABC
The Wildcats need all the wins they can get this year, and they mostly took care of business against what should be one of the better teams in the MAC. Kentucky ran for 221 yards and held the Rockets to only 59. However, transfer quarterback Zach Calzada — now at his third SEC school after stints at Texas A&M and Auburn — looked pretty shaky in his Wildcats debut, going 10-for-23 for 85 yards with an interception. What should be a highly motivated Ole Miss team visits Lexington on Saturday, with revenge for last year’s loss on their minds.
Mississippi State wide receiver Anthony Evans III (3) signals a first down to Southern Mississippi linebacker Michael Montgomery (17) during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Hattiesburg, Miss. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)AP15. Mississippi State
Last week’s ranking: 16
Last week’s game: Beat Southern Miss, 34-17
This week’s game: vs. Arizona State, 6:30 p.m., ESPN2
Southern Miss has a new coach and an entirely reconfigured roster, but a true road victory against an in-state opponent was a nice way for Jeff Lebby’s team to put last year’s 2-10 debacle in the past for at least one week. Transfer running back Fluff Bothwell joined with returning starter Davon Booth to give the Bulldogs a nice 1-2 punch in the backfield, while quarterback Blake Shapen was mostly solid. MSU led just 13-10 at halftime, but outscored Southern Miss 21-0 in the third quarter to take control. Defending Big 12 champion Arizona State, which claimed a seven-point win over the Bulldogs in Tempe last season, visits Starkville on Saturday night.
Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Monte Harrison (11) tries to leap through a tackle attempt by Alabama A&M Bulldogs linebacker John Robinson (53) during the college football game between the Alabama A&M Bulldogs and Arkansas Razorbacks on August 30, 2025, at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Andy Altenburger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire via Getty Images14. Arkansas
Last week’s ranking: 14
Last week’s game: Beat Alabama A&M, 52-7
This week’s game: vs. Arkansas State (Little Rock), 4 p.m., ESPN+/SECN+
The Razorbacks did exactly what they were supposed to do against an overmatched opponent, pulling away in the second quarter and scoring the game’s final 45 points. Quarterback Taylen Green was the best player on the field, throwing for 322 yards and a career-best six touchdowns. Arkansas’ defense limited the Bulldogs to just 12 first downs and 1-for-12 on third-down conversions. The Razorbacks play their annual (and maybe last) game in Little Rock this weekend, facing Arkansas State for the first time in program history. It’s a potential land mine for Sam Pittman, whose job security is always tenuous.
Vanderbilt running back Makhilyn Young (22) gains yardage as Charleston Southern safety Shamar Hall (14) defends during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)AP13. Vanderbilt
Last week’s ranking: 13
Last week’s game: Beat Charleston Southern, 45-3
This week’s game: at Virginia Tech, 6:30 p.m., ACC Network
In what was their easiest opening-weekend at home in more than a decade, Diego Pavia and the Commodores built a 28-0 halftime lead at the renovated FirstBank Stadium. Pavia was efficient, completing 20 of 25 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns without an interception in just three quarters. Clark Lea and Vandy will try to keep the good times rolling with a road trip on Saturday to Virginia Tech, who they beat 34-27 in somewhat miraculous fashion to open last season.
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson (15) is sacked by Florida State linebacker Stefon Thompson (7) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)AP12. Alabama
Last week’s ranking: 3
Last week’s game: Lost to Florida State, 31-17
This week’s game: vs. Louisiana-Monroe, 6:45 p.m., SEC Network
The honeymoon is definitely over for Kalen DeBoer, whose team turned in a lifeless performance after an offseason of promising payback for all the disrespect they suffered during last year’s 9-4 disappointment. Aside from an impressive opening touchdown drive, the Crimson Tide offense couldn’t block or consistently move the ball. The defense, however, made up for that by not tackling. Alabama should be able to handle Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday night, but preseason predictions that this team would cruise back into the playoff seem ludicrous at this point.
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer, center, hands off the ball to running back Jaydn Ott (0) during a play against Illinois State during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)AP11. Oklahoma
Last week’s ranking: 11
Last week’s game: Beat Illinois State, 35-3
This week’s game: vs. Michigan, 6:30 p.m., ABC
The John Mateer era of Sooners football got off to a roaring start, as the Washington State transfer threw for 392 yards — the most in program history in a debut — and three touchdowns while completing 30 of 39 passes. Any time you can break a record previously held by Baker Mayfield, you know you’re getting the job done. The Oklahoma defense was as salty as expected, holding the Redbirds to just 151 total yards. Next up is a visit from a Michigan team coming off its own impressive offensive showing behind a newcomer quarterback — freshman Bryce Underwood — for what will likely be the biggest game in the country in Week 2, a primetime ABC broadcast from Norman.
Florida defensive lineman Brendan Bett (90) celebrates a tackle against LIU Brooklyn during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Alan Youngblood)AP10. Florida
Last week’s ranking: 10
Last week’s game: Beat Long Island, 55-0
This week’s game: vs. South Florida, 3:15 p.m., SEC Network
The Gators faced maybe the weakest opponent of any SEC team in Week 1, but to their credit didn’t fool around. Florida held LIU to just 87 yards of total offense and two first downs, while quarterbacks DJ Lagway and Tramel Jones combined for five touchdown passes. Florida has now won five straight games dating to early last November, and this week welcomes what should be a hungry USF team to Gainesville. The Bulls were extremely impressive in Week 1, routing Boise State 34-7 last Thursday night for their first win over a ranked team since 2016.
Missouri Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz shakes hands with Central Arkansas head coach Nathan Brown after after an NCAA college football game in Columbia, Mo., on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. (Liz Rymarev/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)AP9. Missouri
Last week’s ranking: 8
Last week’s game: Beat Central Arkansas, 61-6
This week’s game: vs. Kansas, 2:30 p.m., ESPN2
As with most of the SEC teams facing an FCS opponent, the Tigers had little trouble with the Bears on Thursday, leading 26-0 at halftime and 40-0 after three quarters. New starting quarterback Beau Pribula accounted for four touchdowns, while transfer running back Ahmad Hardy had a 100-yard night in his debut. The Missouri defense limited UCA to 73 yards passing and also returned an interception for a touchdown. This week’s game is among the most-anticipated in recent Missouri football history, a resumption of the “Border War” with Kansas that ended when the Tigers left for the SEC after the 2011 season. The last several games in the series were played in Kansas City, so the Jayhawks will actually visit Columbia for the first time since 2006 on Saturday.
Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion (7) returns a punt for a touchdown against UTSA during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)AP8. Texas A&M
Last week’s ranking: 7
Last week’s game: Beat Texas-San Antonio, 42-24
This week’s game: vs. Utah State, 11:45 a.m., SEC Network
UTSA is a solid Group of Six program, and thus the Aggies weren’t able to put the Roadrunners away until late in the third quarter. It was then that Texas A&M scored three straight touchdowns to break open a close game. Marcel Reed was outstanding at the offensive controls, and might have found a playmaking receiver in Mississippi State transfer Mario Craver. Still, allowing 203 rushing yards has to be a concern for Mike Elko’s defense. The Aggies get another week to work out the kinks with a visit from Utah State, which should serve as another warmup for their trip to Notre Dame on Sept. 13.
Tennessee tight end Miles Kitselman (87) celebrates his touchdown against Syracuse during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)AP7. Tennessee
Last week’s ranking: 9
Last week’s game: Beat Syracuse, 45-26
This week’s game: vs. East Tennessee State, 2:30 p.m., ESPN+/SECN+
The Volunteers were in control from the start in Atlanta, jumping out to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter and never allowing the Orange to get back within 10 points. New quarterback Joey Aguilar — a transfer from Appalachian State via UCLA — was excellent in his first game replacing the departed Nico Iamaleava, throwing for 247 yards and three touchdowns. The Tennessee running game was also outstanding, totaling 248 yards and averaging 6.2 yards per carry. The defense gave up a few big plays via the pass, but many of them after the game was out of reach. ETSU shouldn’t provide much resistance, allowing the Vols to get set for a visit from Georgia on Sept. 13.
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer celebrates after an NCAA college football game against Virginia Tech, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)AP6. South Carolina
Last week’s ranking: 6
Last week’s game: Beat Virginia Tech, 24-11
This week’s game: vs. South Carolina State, 6 p.m., ESPN+/SECN+
Shane Beamer scored a win over his father’s old school in classic “Beamerball” fashion on Sunday in Atlanta, with his team returning a punt for a touchdown and securing two huge interceptions to stop Hokies drives. The offense under first-year coordinator Mike Shula was just OK, but LaNorris Sellers hit enough big plays — including a 64-yard touchdown to Nyck Harbor — to get the job done. The Gamecocks now have a short week, though they face an FCS opponent on Saturday. The SEC portion of the schedule begins Sept. 13 at home vs. Vanderbilt.
Mississippi head coach Lane Kiffin, right, discusses strategy with quarterback Austin Simmons (13) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., against Georgia State, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)AP5. Ole Miss
Last week’s ranking: 5
Last week’s game: Beat Georgia State, 63-7
This week’s game: at Kentucky, 2:30 p.m., ABC
The Rebels rolled up 636 yards of offense, pulling away after a shaky first quarter against what might be the worst team in the Sun Belt Conference. New starting quarterback Austin Simmons passed for 341 yards and three touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions in his first game following the departure of Jaxson Dart. Missouri transfer Kewan Lacy had a big debut at running back, scoring three touchdowns. Ole Miss now gets a chance to avenge arguably its most embarrassing loss of the Lane Kiffin era, when it travels to Kentucky on Saturday. The Wildcats beat the Rebels 20-17 in Oxford last season in what was probably the most inexplicable result of the 2024 SEC season.
Auburn’s Rayshawn Pleasant (14) returns a kickoff for a touchdown at McLane Stadium in Waco, TX on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. (Photo by Zach Bland/Auburn Tigers)Zach Bland/Auburn Tigers4. Auburn
Last week’s ranking: 12
Last week’s game: Beat Baylor, 38-24
This week’s game: vs. Ball State, 6:30 p.m., ESPNU
In his Auburn debut, Jackson Arnold showed what he could do behind a competent offensive line. The Oklahoma transfer ran for 138 yards and two touchdowns, part of a 308-yard rushing day for the Tigers. Less encouraging was the passing game, both on offense (just 108 yards) and on defense (419 yards allowed). But for one week at least, Auburn showed what it was capable of if it can avoid killer mistakes. Transfer return specialist Rayshawn Pleasant also provided a special teams spark with a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown in the second half. Ball State is coming off a shutout loss to Purdue, so the euphoria should continue upon the Tigers’ return to Jordan-Hare.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) catches a high snap in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Ohio State, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025., in Columbus, Ohio. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman via AP)AP3. Texas
Last week’s ranking: 1
Last week’s game: Lost at Ohio State, 14-7
This week’s game: vs. San Jose State, 11 a.m., ABC
Arch Madness became Arch Sadness on the opening weekend of the 2025 season, as the Longhorns continued their red-zone struggles despite the installation of the highly touted Manning at quarterback. Texas finally began moving the ball consistently in the fourth quarter and had a shot at the end, but Ohio State’s defense stood tall in the clutch. Texas’ defense was also excellent, incidentally, holding the Buckeyes to just 215 total yards — 89 rushing on 31 carries. The Longhorns’ No. 1 ranking is gone now, and Manning’s Heisman hopes took a major hit. However, the next three opponents — San Jose State, UTEP and Sam Houston — shouldn’t be much of an impediment. Texas will almost certainly carry a 3-1 record into its SEC opener at Florida on Oct. 4.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart is shown during an NCAA football game against Marshall on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 45-7. (AP Photo/Mike Buscher)AP2. Georgia
Last week’s ranking: 2
Last week’s game: Beat Marshall, 45-7
This week’s game: vs. Austin Peay, 2:30 p.m., ESPN+/SECN+
The Thundering Herd — stripped for parts after coach Charles Huff left to take the Southern Miss following last season — provide Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs with just what they needed in Week 1, a relatively big-name opponent they could push around. New starting quarterback Gunner Stockton accounted for four touchdowns in the first game of the post-Carson Beck era, and Georgia’s always salty defense held Marshall to just seven first downs. Austin Peay visits Athens this weekend fresh off a 20-point win over Middle Tennessee, but these Bulldogs ain’t the Blue Raiders. Look for another dominant win headed into the SEC opener at Tennessee on Sept. 13.
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier passes the ball in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)AP1. LSU
Last week’s ranking: 4
Last week’s game: Beat Clemson, 17-10
This week’s game: vs. Louisiana Tech, 6:30 p.m., ESPN+/SECN+
There were a couple of other impressive wins by SEC teams this weekend, but Brian Kelly’s Tigers ascend to the top spot in these rankings after beating a Top 5 team on the road and winning their opener for the first time since 2019. LSU trailed 10-7 at halftime, but held the ball for 21 of 30 minutes in the final two quarters to grind out an impressive victory (which should have been 24-10 if not for a horrendous blown call that overturned an apparent touchdown pass from Garrett Nussmeier to Barion Brown). Clemson managed just 31 yards rushing, and LSU had quarterback Cade Klubnik on the run all night. Finally off to a winning start for the first time in six years, LSU will try to continue its momentum against the in-state Bulldogs before Florida visits Baton Rouge on Sept. 13.
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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