{"id":36258,"date":"2025-05-09T11:31:07","date_gmt":"2025-05-09T11:31:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/36258\/"},"modified":"2025-05-09T11:31:07","modified_gmt":"2025-05-09T11:31:07","slug":"ranking-sec-football-programs-by-2025-ncaa-academic-progress-rate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/36258\/","title":{"rendered":"Ranking SEC football programs by 2025 NCAA academic progress rate"},"content":{"rendered":"

The SEC enters its second season with 16 teams after Texas<\/a> and Oklahoma<\/a> joined the conference, which has helped boost the conference’s prestige in every way, including posting respectable NCAA academic progress rates.<\/p>\n

While the Big Ten is the crown jewel when discussing APR standards, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has made it his mission to not just excel on the field, but focus on development in the classroom with every sport, especially football.<\/p>\n

Nationally, one SEC program, which, outside of last season was led by who many consider to be the greatest college football coach of all time, produced a high number of professional young men now in the workforce. Results in the classroom mean much more than personal achievement, as every team must pass certain thresholds to play on Saturday which also serves as a motivational tool.<\/p>\n

To shore up any remaining confusion, here is the technical definition of the NCAA’s APR measurement<\/a>:<\/p>\n

The APR, or Academic Progress Rate, holsds instituions accountable for the academic progress of their student-athletes through a team-based metric that accounts for the eligibility and retention of each student-athlete for each academic term.<\/p>\n

How the APR is calculated is simpler than many think, starting with a baseline of a four-year average no lower than 930 to compete in the postseason, which can have detrimental effects on a program if the average is much lower. For example, Akron received a postseason ban for boasting a 914 APR, becoming the first team banned since the 2014 season. However, if a team, let’s say, finishes 5-7 on the year but has one of the higher APR scores, a bowl invitation could be the end reward.<\/p>\n

Shifting the focus back to the SEC, here is where all 16 teams rank based on the average APR from the 2020-2021-2021-2022 and 2023-2024 seasons, and a comparison to how each team performed last season.<\/p>\n

16. LSU Tigers<\/p>\n

APR Score: 936<\/p>\n

2024 APR Score: 952<\/p>\n

LSU’s poor APR average pales in comparison to the football program’s prestige, as they are just six points from the 930 cutoff that would damage future postseason aspirations.<\/p>\n

For more LSU news, analysis and opinions, visit LSU WIre<\/a><\/p>\n

15. Tennessee Volunteers<\/p>\n

APR Score: 950<\/p>\n

2024 APR Score: 964<\/p>\n

20 points above the cutoff line isn’t terrible, and finishing with a 964 APR is better than a long list of programs. However, this further shows that the SEC has continued to increase its focus on academics with an attempt to match play on the field. Last season, the Volunteers finished with ten wins and a trip to the College Football Playoff, but are now dealing with the drama surrounding QB Nico Iamaleava departing the program.<\/p>\n

For more Tennessee news, analysis and opinion, visit VolsWire<\/a><\/p>\n

APR Score: 954<\/p>\n

2024 APR Score: 956<\/p>\n

Finishing two points about its average, Texas A&M has some work to do next season both on and off the field. During head coach Mike Elko’s inaugural campaign, the Aggies started hot with seven consecutive wins, but finished a disappointing 1-4 on the year, culminating in an 8-5 finish.<\/p>\n

13. Oklahoma Sooners<\/p>\n

APR Score: 969<\/p>\n

2024 APR Score: 975<\/p>\n

During Oklahoma’s first season in the SEC, the program exceeded its APR score to a respectable 975, and while the 2024 season was one of the worst in recent history, many believe it to be a blip on the radar, especially with QB John Mateer entering the mix.<\/p>\n

For more Oklahoma news, analysis and opinion, visit SoonersWire<\/a><\/p>\n

12. Arkansas Razorbacks<\/p>\n

APR Score: 970<\/p>\n

2024 APR Score: 983<\/p>\n

Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman might be on the hot seat, but his teams have consistently moved the needle in the classroom, posting a 983 score well above the 930 cut-line. This season, QB Taylen Green is back in the saddle, and the Razorbacks could be a surprise team in 2025.<\/p>\n

11. Georgia Bulldogs<\/p>\n

APR Score: 970<\/p>\n

2024 APR Score: 979<\/p>\n

The Georgia Bulldogs and head coach Kirby Smart have lived up to the University’s academic expectations, for the most part, and while the off-the-field issues have made national news and have led to questions inside the program, this score can be celebrated.<\/p>\n

For more Georgia news, analysis and opinion, visit UGAWire<\/a><\/p>\n

10. Kentucky Wildcats<\/p>\n

APR Score: 973<\/p>\n

2024 APR Score: 979<\/p>\n

Kentucky finally matched Georgia in something other than basketball: both teams finished with a 979 APR score during the 2024 season. With Mark Stoops set to enter what seems like his 50th season with the Wildcats, expect a couple of upsets with former Texas A&M QB Zach Calzada potentially taking over.<\/p>\n

For more Kentucky news, analysis and opinion, visit UKWildcatsWire<\/a><\/p>\n

9. Vanderbilt Commodores<\/p>\n

APR Score: 975<\/p>\n

2024 APR Score: 979<\/p>\n

While a 975 APR score is pretty darn good, Vanderbilt is one of the top academic institutions in the country, so it is somewhat surprising that they aren’t higher on the list. Still, credit to veteran QB Diego Pavia for making the Commodores watchable again.<\/p>\n

8. Texas Longhorns<\/p>\n

APR Score: 978<\/p>\n

2024 APR Score: 986<\/p>\n

The Texas Longhorns should be proud of what they accomplished last season, both on and off the field, posting an impressive 986 APR, while making it back to the College Football Playoff before falling to eventual champion Ohio State.<\/p>\n

For more Texas news, analysis, and opinion, visit LonghornsWire<\/a><\/p>\n

7. Florida Gators<\/p>\n

APR Score: 981<\/p>\n

2024 APR Score: 982<\/p>\n

Florida is another prestigious university within the SEC and has lived up to such standards with a 982 APR last season, and a solid 981 overall. After a surprising finish to the 2024 campaign, the Gators have a chance to win nine games this season behind the arm of QB DJ Lagway.<\/p>\n

For more Florida news, analysis and opinion, visit GatorsWire<\/a><\/p>\n

6. South Carolina Gamecocks<\/p>\n

APR Score: 981<\/p>\n

2024 APR Score: 975<\/p>\n

South Carolina can credit Shane Beamer for turning the program around and keeping the Gamecocks well above water in the classroom. I believe South Carolina, led by quarterback LaNorris Sellers will be one of the better teams in the SEC next season, which is no surprise under the rising stars in coaching.<\/p>\n

5. Mississippi State Bulldogs<\/p>\n

APR Score: 983<\/p>\n

2024 APR Score: 979<\/p>\n

Mississippi State has been an SEC bottom dweller for the last couple of years, mainly after Mike Leach’s sudden passing. However, the Bulldogs have stayed the course academically, which is very impressive when the results on the field aren’t matching.<\/p>\n

4. Auburn Tigers<\/p>\n

APR Score: 986<\/p>\n

2024 APR Score: 990<\/p>\n

Auburn, take a bow! The Tigers finally look the part heading into the 2025 season under head coach Hugh Freeze, whose rocky start should finally end with a loaded defense, and former five-star QB Jackson Arnold taking the reigns. In the classroom, Auburn has continued to set the standard in the SEC with a 990 APR.<\/p>\n

For more Auburn news, analysis and opinion, visit AuburnWire<\/a><\/p>\n

APR Score: 988<\/p>\n

2024 APR Score: 989<\/p>\n

Missouri is another academic institution that has lived up to the standard, coming in third with a 988 APR, so in the classroom, things are going very well, and should continue under head coach Eliah Drinkwitz.<\/p>\n

2. Ole Miss Rebels<\/p>\n

APR Score: 990<\/p>\n

2024 APR Score: 980<\/p>\n

Lane Kiffin-led teams have consistently led the SEC in APR scores, which is both humorous and revealing after years of the Rebels becoming the villains in the conference, but, hey, we now know why Ole Miss is one of the toughest teams to face year after year; they’re the full package.<\/p>\n

1. Alabama Crimson Tide<\/p>\n

APR Score: 997<\/p>\n

2024 APR Score: 998<\/p>\n

Your No. 1-ranked SEC team in APR is the Alabama Crimson Tide, as former head coach Nick Saban deserves the most credit for creating a winning culture that goes past on-field play, as first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer continued the positive trend, earning a 998 APR, one of the highest in the country last season.<\/p>\n

For more Alabama news, analysis, and opinions, visit RollTideWire<\/a><\/p>\n

Contact\/Follow us\u00a0@AggiesWire<\/a>\u00a0on X\u00a0and like our page on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions.\u00a0Follow Cameron on X:\u00a0@CameronOhnysty<\/a>.<\/p>\n