After getting humbled in several season-opening non-conference games, the SEC regained some juice in Week 2.
Mississippi State, Oklahoma, Vanderbilt and Missouri all won in head-to-head matchups with power-conference opponents, while Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and Texas all won in fairly comfortable fashion against Group of Six competition. Only a classic faceplant by Florida kept it from being a banner week for the conference.
So how do the teams in the SEC stack up heading into Week 3 of the 2025 season? Here’s the latest edition of AL.com’s SEC football power rankings for 2025 (all times Central and all games Saturday unless noted):
Kentucky wide receiver Hardley Gilmore IV (17) rushes down the field during the fourth quarter of an NCCA college football game against Mississippi in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Tanner Pearson)AP16. Kentucky (1-1, 0-1)
Last week’s ranking: 16
Last week’s game: Lost to Ole Miss, 30-23
This week’s game: vs. Eastern Michigan, 6:30 p.m., ESPNU
The Wildcats kept things close vs. Ole Miss, even tying the game at about the two-thirds mark of the third quarter. Still, it never seemed like Kentucky was going to win the game, and the Rebels put their foot to the gas late to close things out. The Wildcats should handle Eastern Michigan to get into their bye week at 2-1, then take back-to-back trips to South Carolina and Georgia that should dictate how the rest of the season is going to go.
Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green (10) runs past Arkansas State defensive back Brandon Barnes (8) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Little Rock, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)AP15. Arkansas (2-0)
Last week’s ranking: 14
Last week’s game: Beat Arkansas State, 56-14
This week’s game: at Ole Miss, 6 p.m., ESPN
The Razorbacks did exactly what they needed to in their first-ever meeting with Arkansas State, dominating the entire way and not allowing the Red Wolves to pick up any momentum against the state’s flagship program. Taylen Green is off to an excellent start as both a passer and runner, and looks like one of the better quarterbacks in the SEC. Arkansas travels to meet a less-than-dominant Ole Miss team and might have a decent shot to beat the Rebels for the first time since 2022.
Florida running back Jadan Baugh (13) tries to escape a tackle by South Florida cornerback James Chenault (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)AP14. Florida (1-1)
Last week’s ranking: 10
Last week’s game: Lost to South Florida, 18-16
This week’s game: at LSU, 6:30 p.m., ABC
The Gators continue to be a one-step-forward, one-step-back program under Billy Napier. The latest slip-up came in the form of an embarrassing loss to an in-state Group of Six team, punctuated by an unconscionable loss of poise by one of its defensive lineman. Brendan Bett spit in the face of a USF offensive lineman, resulting in a 15-yard penalty (and an ejection) that helped the Bulls in their drive for the game-winning field goal. Florida’s defense has been pretty good otherwise, though quarterback DJ Lagway has stagnated in Year 2. Florida’s offensive limitations make it unlikely the Gators can score enough to beat LSU on Saturday night.
Mississippi State fans react to the team winning an NCAA college football game against Arizona State in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)AP13. Mississippi State (2-0)
Last week’s ranking: 15
Last week’s game: Beat Arizona State, 24-20
This week’s game: vs. Alcorn State, 5 p.m., ESPN+/SECN+
Saturday night’s comeback win over the defending Big 12 champion Sun Devils was the Bulldogs’ high point since the death of coach Mike Leach at the end of the 2022 season. It’s been a long climb back to respectability for Mississippi State, who have already equaled their win total from 2024 after two weeks. Jeff Lebby’s team should get to 3-0 after hosting what appears to be a fairly weak Alcorn State team, and 4-0 is highly doable with Northern Illinois visiting the following week. Things get real when Tennessee visits on Sept. 27, but it appears thus far the Bulldogs are no longer a pushover.
Vanderbilt tight end Brycen Coleman (82) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Virginia Tech during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Robert Simmons)AP12. Vanderbilt (2-0)
Last week’s ranking: 13
Last week’s game: Beat Virginia Tech, 44-20
This week’s game: at South Carolina, 6:45 p.m., SEC Network
The Commodores outscored the Hokies 34-0 in the second half on Saturday, their most-decisive half of football on the road against a major-conference opponent maybe ever. Vanderbilt not only totaled nearly 500 yards of offense, but held Virginia Tech to less than 300. These are high times indeed in Nashville, with Diego Pavia and the boys playing like they have no reason to fear anyone. SEC play begins this week to face South Carolina, which hasn’t really played up to its capabilities so far this year.
Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) celebrates after a touchdown on a pass reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Louisiana-Monroe, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)AP11. Alabama (1-1)
Last week’s ranking: 12
Last week’s game: Beat Louisiana-Monroe, 73-0
This week’s game: vs. Wisconsin, 11 a.m., ABC
The Crimson Tide took out a week’s worth of frustration on the poor Warhawks, posting its most points in 51 years and scoring its largest margin-of-victory in 74 years. Alabama had the ball 11 times and scored 10 touchdowns and a field goal, with quarterback Ty Simpson completing all 17 of his pass attempts. It only counts as one victory, though, and Kalen DeBoer’s team faces a power-conference peer this week as the Badgers make their first-ever trip to Tuscaloosa. It’s as close as can be to a must-win for the Crimson Tide, which has an open date leading into a trip to Georgia on Sept. 27.
Missouri tight end Brett Norfleet (87) scores a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)AP10. Missouri (2-0)
Last week’s ranking: 9
Last week’s game: Beat Kansas, 42-31
This week’s game: vs. Louisiana, 3 p.m., ESPN+/SECN+
The first “Border War” in 14 years looked like a nightmare early for the Tigers, who fell behind 21-6 in the first quarter before largely controlling things over the final 45 minutes of game time. Missouri piled up 595 yards of total offense and numerous explosive plays, including Jamal Roberts’ 63-yard touchdown run that finally iced the victory with less than two minutes to play. The Tigers get a wounded Louisiana team at home this weekend, so they should be 3-0 heading into the SEC opener vs. South Carolina on Sept. 20.
South Carolina running back Oscar Adaway III (27) celebrates after a touchdown against the South Carolina State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)AP9. South Carolina (2-0)
Last week’s ranking: 6
Last week’s game: Beat South Carolina State, 38-10
This week’s game: vs. Vanderbilt, 6:45 p.m., SEC Network
The Gamecocks were not quite as dominant vs. an in-state FCS opponent as the score might have indicated, scoring just 17 points on offense for the second straight week. South Carolina managed to pull away thanks to a pair of Vicari Swain punt return touchdowns and a Jaron Willis fumble return. LaNorris Sellers has played just OK under first-year offensive coordinator Mike Shula, and Carolina will need a big game from its quarterback to keep pace with Diego Pavia and Vanderbilt on Saturday night in Columbia.
Texas A&M cornerback Tyreek Chappell (7) tackles Utah State running back Javen Jacobs (8) at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)AP8. Texas A&M (2-0)
Last week’s ranking: 8
Last week’s game: Beat Utah State, 44-22
This week’s game: at Notre Dame, 6:30 p.m., NBC
The Aggies improved from Week 1 to Week 2, particularly on defense. Quarterback Marcel Reed also had a big game, accounting for four touchdowns prior to leaving the game with an apparent injury late in the third quarter. Coach Mike Elko indicated he’ll be OK to play on Saturday night at Notre Dame, and he’d better be if Texas A&M is to have any chance to win in South Bend. The Fighting Irish had an open date following a Week 1 loss at Miami, so they should be fairly well-rested and prepared when the Aggies visit Notre Dame Stadium for the first time since 2000.
Mississippi head coach Lane Kiffin is interviewed after a NCCA college football game against Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Tanner Pearson)AP7. Ole Miss (2-0, 1-0)
Last week’s ranking: 5
Last week’s game: Beat Kentucky, 30-23
This week’s game: vs. Arkansas, 6 p.m., ESPN
For whatever reason, Mark Stoops seems to have Lane Kiffin’s number, with Kentucky winning in Oxford last season and making things closer than they probably should have been last Saturday. Quarterback Austin Simmons threw two early interceptions and then left the game due to injury late, but Kiffin said afterward he’s expected to be healthy enough to face Arkansas this week. Ole Miss hasn’t played a complete offensive game vs. an SEC opponent since the last time it faced Arkansas, a 63-31 victory in Fayetteville early last November. The Razorbacks appear to upped their game both offensively and defensively this year, so things might not come as easily this time around.
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) hands off to running back Jovantae Barnes (2) during a play against Michigan during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)AP6. Oklahoma (2-0)
Last week’s ranking: 11
Last week’s game: Beat Michigan, 24-13
This week’s game: at Temple, 11 a.m., ESPN2
Brent Venables’ team made a statement that they appear to be a different team this year, handling a higher ranked team at home and never allowing Michigan freshman phenom quarterback Bryce Underwood to get comfortable. Oklahoma’s own newcomer quarterback John Mateer had his second straight big game, accounting for three touchdowns. The Sooners don’t yet have much of a running game outside of Mateer, but should be able to get that going this week despite making an inexplicable trip to face Temple in the Philadelphia Eagles’ home stadium.
Tennessee wide receiver Mike Matthews (4) makes a touchdown catch in the endzone over ETSU defensive back Jason Duclona during (2) and Tennessee wide receiver Travis Smith Jr. (1) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)AP5. Tennessee (2-0)
Last week’s ranking: 7
Last week’s game: Beat East Tennessee State, 72-17
This week’s game: vs. Georgia, 2:30 p.m., ABC
The Volunteers set all kinds of modern-era program records, scoring their most points since 1915 and eclipsing the 700-yard mark in total offense for the fourth time under Josh Heupel. Among several wild stats, Tennessee’s quarterbacks completed passes to 13 different receivers on Saturday. If one thing is clear in the early going, it’s that the Volunteers do not miss former quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Things get serious this week, however, with Georgia visiting Knoxville for the SEC’s premier game of the week on Saturday afternoon. The Volunteers have lost to the Bulldogs eight consecutive times, with Tennessee’s last win coming in Kirby Smart’s debut season of 2016.
Auburn running back Durell Robinson (21) carries the ball for a touchdown against Ball State during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)AP4. Auburn (2-0)
Last week’s ranking: 4
Last week’s game: Beat Ball State, 42-3
This week’s game: vs. South Alabama, 11:45 a.m., SEC Network
The Tigers posted one of the more impressive defensive performances in recent SEC history on Saturday night, holding the Cardinals to 68 yards of total offense (minus-3 rushing) and five first downs. The passing offense also showed improvement, with Jackson Arnold completing 24 of 28 attempts for three touchdowns. Auburn will be heavily favored against in-state opponent South Alabama this week, with perhaps the only worry that the early kickoff will make for a less-than-100% locked-in crowd at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Arnold will make his much-anticipated return to Oklahoma for the following week’s SEC opener, which could be a matchup of Top 15 teams.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning plays in an NCAA college football game against San Jose State, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Thomas)AP3. Texas (1-1)
Last week’s ranking: 3
Last week’s game: Beat San Jose State, W, 38-7
This week’s game: vs. UTEP, 3:15 p.m., SEC Network
A week after an uneven and humbling performance at Ohio State, Arch Manning and the Longhorns took care of business against an inferior opponent on Saturday. Texas did exactly what it needed to do, dominating from the opening kickoff and getting a chance to rest its starters for much of the fourth quarter. Steve Sarkisian’s team likely won’t be challenged much the next two weeks vs. UTEP and Sam Houston, either, with an open date before the SEC schedule begins with a trip to Florida on Sept. 27 leading into the Red River showdown with Oklahoma on Oct. 4. If Texas isn’t 4-1 heading to Dallas, something has gone horribly wrong.
Georgia defensive backs Joenel Aguero (8) and KJ Bolden (4) tackle Austin Peay wide receiver Nate Garnett Jr., center, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)AP2. Georgia (2-0)
Last week’s ranking: 2
Last week’s game: Beat Austin Peay, 28-6
This week’s game: at Tennessee, 2:30 p.m., ABC
Kirby Smart’s team has made a habit of sleepwalking through games against FCS and bad Group of Six opponents in recent years, and the game vs. the Governors was no exception. The Bulldogs fumbled the ball away twice and continue to have issues on the offensive line, but have shown the ability in the last few years to turn it on when they really need to do so. That will certainly be the case for Georgia when it travels to Knoxville to face a Tennessee team that is clicking on all cylinders offensively.
LSU wide receiver Nic Anderson (4) celebrates his touchdown reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Louisiana Tech Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)AP1. LSU (2-0)
Last week’s ranking: 1
Last week’s game: Beat Louisiana Tech, W, 23-7
This week’s game: vs. Florida, 6:30 p.m., ABC
It was a classic letdown game for the Tigers after the euphoria of winning at Clemson the previous week, and LSU failed to put away what is likely a pretty average Conference USA team until the third quarter. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was just OK and the running game was barely even that, but the Tigers’ defense barely allowed the Bulldogs any breathing room. Florida visits Baton Rouge after stunning Brian Kelly’s team in Gainesville a year ago, so the Tigers should have plenty of motivation this time around.
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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