It’s almost time to end the guesswork. An offseason’s worth of conjecture surrounding Texas football, Alabama, Georgia and the rest of the top teams in the SEC is about to come crashing down as the conference’s 16 teams’ seasons start this week. 

So, one last time, let’s set the baseline. Who’s the class of the SEC? Is it the Longhorns? The Bulldogs? The Crimson Tide? Maybe someone else?

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If you’ll recall, Texas went 7-1 in league play last year to win the conference in its first season.  

Let these SEC power rankings whet your appetite for the full return of college football.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs across the field between drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs across the field between drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanOffensive linemen Connor Stroh (79) and Daniel Cruz (51) cool off during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Offensive linemen Connor Stroh (79) and Daniel Cruz (51) cool off during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanDefensive backs Jordon Johnson-Rubell (23), Graceson Littleton (29) and Wardell Mack (27) watch a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Defensive backs Jordon Johnson-Rubell (23), Graceson Littleton (29) and Wardell Mack (27) watch a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian takes notes during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian takes notes during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanWide receiver Rett Andersen (35) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Wide receiver Rett Andersen (35) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanWide receiver Parker Livingstone (35) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Wide receiver Parker Livingstone (35) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanDefensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanA running back carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

A running back carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanA running back carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

A running back carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanWide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanWide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanWide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Tight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Tight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Tight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanWide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanWide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanLinebacker Brad Spence (14) watches a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Linebacker Brad Spence (14) watches a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanWide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) chats with tight end Jack Endries (88) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) chats with tight end Jack Endries (88) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian runs across the field with the quarterbacks during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian runs across the field with the quarterbacks during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian speaks to his team during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian speaks to his team during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian speaks to his team during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian speaks to his team during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanQuarterback Arch Manning (16) throws during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesmanduring a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesmanduring a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanWide receiver Jaime Ffrench (2) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Wide receiver Jaime Ffrench (2) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanDefensive lineman Justus Terry (15) runs drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) runs drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanDefensive lineman Maraad Watson (98) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Defensive lineman Maraad Watson (98) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanWide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTexas players, including offensive linemen Cole Hutson (54) and Connor Stroh (79) warm up during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Texas players, including offensive linemen Cole Hutson (54) and Connor Stroh (79) warm up during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTexas football players huddle during a practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Texas football players huddle during a practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanDefensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanDefensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanDefensive lineman Justus Terry (15) drinks water during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) drinks water during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanDefensive lineman Hero Kanu (93) does drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Defensive lineman Hero Kanu (93) does drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanQuarterbacks, including Joe Tatum (18) and Arch Manning (16) run across the field during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Quarterbacks, including Joe Tatum (18) and Arch Manning (16) run across the field during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTexas quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs across the field between drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs across the field between drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTexas quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands off to running back CJ Baxter (4) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands off to running back CJ Baxter (4) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanRunning back CJ Baxter (4) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025. during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Running back CJ Baxter (4) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025. during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanRunning back Christian Clark (6) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Running back Christian Clark (6) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTexas quarterback Arch Manning (16) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanPlayers including defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) run to a new drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Players including defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) run to a new drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanDefensive back Graceson Littleton (29) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanRunning back Jerrick Gibson (9) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Running back Jerrick Gibson (9) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanRunning back CJ Baxter carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Running back CJ Baxter carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanQuarterback Arch Manning (16) gets ready to throw during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Quarterback Arch Manning (16) gets ready to throw during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) adjusts his helmet as he speaks with Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) adjusts his helmet as he speaks with Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian oversees a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian oversees a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Kobe Black (6) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Kobe Black (6) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian oversees a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian oversees a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) receives the ball during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) receives the ball during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ty Boatright (89) receives the ball during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ty Boatright (89) receives the ball during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) smiles during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) smiles during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive lineman Maraad Watson (98) practices hits during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Maraad Watson (98) practices hits during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive lineman Josiah Sharma (90) and Texas Longhorns tight end Spencer Shannon (83) run a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Josiah Sharma (90) and Texas Longhorns tight end Spencer Shannon (83) run a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive lineman Travis Shaw (44) takes a water break during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Travis Shaw (44) takes a water break during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive lineman Josiah Sharma (90) and Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Isaiah Coleman (94) practice drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Josiah Sharma (90) and Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Isaiah Coleman (94) practice drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Joe Tatum (18) passes to a teammate during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Joe Tatum (18) passes to a teammate during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Luke Dunham (25) passes to a teammate during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Luke Dunham (25) passes to a teammate during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) takes a water break during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) takes a water break during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns edge Zina Umeozuku (9) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns edge Zina Umeozuku (9) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Bryce Chambers (48) catches a pass during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Bryce Chambers (48) catches a pass during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) passes to a teammate during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) passes to a teammate during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) runs the ball forward during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) runs the ball forward during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ty Boatright (89) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ty Boatright (89) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Ryan Niblett (21) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Ryan Niblett (21) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman

1. Texas

Dec 31, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) is hit by Baylor Bears linebacker Josh White (44) in the second half at NRG Stadium.

Dec 31, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) is hit by Baylor Bears linebacker Josh White (44) in the second half at NRG Stadium.

Thomas Shea/Imagn ImagesMissouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz on Monday predicted that Marcel Reed, not Conner Weigman (who was listed atop Texas A&M's depth chart), would start Saturday's game in College Station. Weigman, playing his first game since Week 2, played from start to finish.

Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz on Monday predicted that Marcel Reed, not Conner Weigman (who was listed atop Texas A&M’s depth chart), would start Saturday’s game in College Station. Weigman, playing his first game since Week 2, played from start to finish.

Maria Lysaker/Imagn Images

The Arch Manning hype train is being powered by nitrous instead of coal. He’s the Heisman favorite with all of two collegiate starts under his belt. But, with a defense anchored by Anthony Hill Jr. and Colin Simmons, the Longhorns don’t need him to be the best player in college football in order to be a national title threat. 

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This week: at No. 3 Ohio State 

2. Alabama

If you’re bedding in a new quarterback, you can’t ask for a much better support system than Kadyn Proctor at tackle and Ryan Williams at wide receiver. Ty Simpson, a former five-star prospect, takes charge of the offense as Bama looks to bounce back from a 9-4 season that registered as a disappointing debut for coach Kalen DeBoer. 

This week: at Florida State 

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Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian leads the team onto the field as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, Dec. 21, 2024.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian leads the team onto the field as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, Dec. 21, 2024.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

3. Georgia 

Linebacker Christen Miller and safety KJ Bolden are expected to lead what should be another quality defense. Gunner Stockton deputized for the injured Carson Beck in the College Football Playoff with mixed results. Now the ceiling for the Bulldogs depends on whether he can provide the dynamism at quarterback that Beck couldn’t deliver in 2024. 

This week: vs. Marshall 

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MORE: YouTube TV, Fox dispute could impact how you watch the Texas vs Ohio State game

4. LSU

Will this be the year Brian Kelly stops pounding on press conference platforms and starts delivering on playoff expectations? Garrett Nussmeier has a case to be the best quarterback in a conference loaded with good ones. Thanks to a tasty opening matchup with Clemson, we won’t have to wait long to find out if the Bayou Bengals have the goods. 

This week: at No. 4 Clemson 

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5. Florida 

The Gators were 6-1 last season in games started by quarterback DJ Lagway. The rest? Well, it was ugly. But after an injury-laden offseason that included problems with his shoulder and his calf, Lagway is set to start for UF’s opener. Keep the sophomore superstar healthy and this could be the year the Gators escape from mediocrity. 

This week: vs. Long Island University 

6. Texas A&M 

Mike Elko has the roster looking strong entering his second year at the helm, and it should be fun to monitor the development of Marcel Reed at quarterback. But a brutal schedule that includes trips to Notre Dame, LSU and Texas might make the Aggies the subject of 8-4 jokes for yet another year. 

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7. South Carolina 

There might not be a more entertaining quarterback to watch in the SEC than LaNorris Sellers, who threw for more than 2,500 yards and rushed for nearly 700 more in his first season as a starter. Will that fun translate into success for Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks? USC hasn’t ever cracked the top 10 of the CFP rankings. Don’t be surprised if this is the year that changes. 

This week: Virginia Tech (neutral site) 

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MORE: How far will Texas football, Arch Manning and Sark go? My 2025 predictions | Golden

8. Ole Miss 

Lane Kiffin followed his typical roster-building blueprint in Oxford, signing a top-five transfer class for the fourth consecutive year. But the Rebels must replace an eight-man NFL draft class that included Jaxson Dart, who started at quarterback for three years. As always, Ole Miss will be talented thanks to the portal. But can Kiffin make that talent sing in short order?

This week: vs. Georgia State 

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9. Oklahoma 

The 2024 defense wasn’t the elite unit Brent Venables was expected to deliver, but it remained in the top half of the SEC despite buckling under pressure from a disastrous quarterback situation. Washington State transfer John Mateer represents a definitive upgrade. His ability to translate elite 2024 production to college football’s best conference will determine the Sooners’ fate. 

This week: vs. Illinois State

10. Tennessee 

The Vols recently extended the contract of coach Josh Heupel by a year, with AD Danny White crediting him for the “revival” of the football program. After NIL drama ousted QB Nico Iamaleava and forced Heupel to make a desperate trip to the transfer portal overstock store, it’ll take a fantastic coaching job for Tennessee to crack the CFP for a second consecutive year. 

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This week: Syracuse (neutral site) 

11. Missouri 

The adage is if you have two quarterbacks, you don’t have one. Eliah Drinkwitz is putting that wisdom to the test to begin the season, reportedly planning to give both Beau Pribula and Sam Horn a half to play in Week 1. The schedule projects as one of the easiest in the SEC, so the Tigers’ win total might not always reflect their true quality. 

This week: vs. Central Arkansas

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MORE TEXAS FOOTBALL: 5 things to know about the Ohio State Buckeyes

12. Arkansas 

Let’s hope a renewable fuel source is being used to power the heater under Sam Pittman’s seat. The Razorbacks lost 41 players to the portal this offseason. Maybe that’s a disaster or maybe it gave Pittman a chance to wipe the slate clean heading into a season where he has to deliver results. 

This week: vs Alabama A&M

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13. Auburn 

Hugh Freeze hasn’t shown anything so far that indicates he has the juice to get this program going. But the quarterback play hasn’t been up to SEC standard in either of his first two seasons. Can Jackson Arnold light the spark Freeze needs after Arnold struggled as a redshirt freshman last year at Oklahoma? A Week 1 game at Baylor should prove instructive. 

14. Vanderbilt 

With quarterback Diego Pavia back to man Jerry Kill’s option-based scheme, Vandy is going to scare the daylights out of every good team on its schedule. The Commodores play football designed to shrink margins, and that’s going to position them to lose to some inferior talent on occasion, too. 

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This week: vs. Charleston Southern 

15. Kentucky 

After their worst campaign since Mark Stoops’ debut 2013 season, the Wildcats overhauled their roster with 26 transfer portal commitments. One of them was Incarnate Word quarterback Zach Calzada, who’s playing his seventh season at his fourth school. With six ranked teams on the schedule, this looks likely to get ugly. 

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16. Mississippi State

A season-opening clash with Southern Miss might position Mississippi State closer to its level than any SEC matchup it will play in 2025. After another trip around the transfer portal merry-go-round, Jeff Lebby’s rebuilding job in Starkville is still looking quite close to impossible.  

This week: at Southern Miss 

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