With just three weeks until the kickoff of the 2025 college football season, anticipation is electric among fans and analysts alike. This year, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) once again finds itself primed for a robust competition, with several teams entering the season as potential contenders for the College Football Playoff (CFP). Last season, three SEC teams—Texas, Georgia, and Tennessee—secured spots in the CFP, prompting the intriguing question of whether more teams could follow suit this fall.
As we gear up for the upcoming season, CBS Sports released its updated SEC football rankings, and the results are significant. Not only does one SEC team claim the top spot nationally, but all top 10 teams in the conference figure prominently amongst the top 25 in CBS Sports’ power rankings. The excitement is palpable as we take a deep dive into what makes each of these teams a candidate for success.
Leading the pack is the Texas Longhorns, who sit at No. 1 in the SEC rankings and also hold the prestigious title of being the preseason favorite for the national championship. Despite losing some notable talents to the NFL, Texas boasts a roster brimming with skilled players. The spotlight will be on their quarterback, Arch Manning, as his performance will largely dictate the Longhorns’ trajectory this season.
Following closely is the Georgia Bulldogs, landing at No. 5 overall in the CBS rankings. Under the leadership of Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have reloaded their roster and are gearing up for yet another run at the SEC Championship. The critical question surrounding Georgia is quarterback play. Gunner Stockton will need to establish himself, and having dynamic transfer wide receiver Zachariah Branch on his side should provide valuable support. The Bulldogs’ defense looks to remain one of the top units in the nation, making them formidable contenders again this year.
Moving onto Alabama, expectations are high as Kalen DeBoer enters Year 2 as head coach. The pressure to achieve a College Football Playoff birth is intense, an expectation the Crimson Tide aims to fulfill. Quarterback performance will be an area to watch, particularly from likely starter Ty Simpson, who has a talented roster surrounding him, including star sophomore wide receiver Ryan Williams and left tackle Kadyn Proctor. On the defensive line, LT Overton is ready to wreak havoc on opposing offenses.
Shifting our focus to LSU, they boast a dynamic trio that could lead to a spectacular season. With a Heisman contender in Garrett Nussmeier, standout linebacker Harold Perkins, and experienced head coach Brian Kelly, this season presents a crucial opportunity. The pressure is now on for Kelly to guide this talented squad to at least a College Football Playoff appearance, and their potential to do so is high.
For the Florida Gators, pressure looms large following a lackluster finish to the previous season. Billy Napier must navigate the development of sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway, whose growth will be crucial. The Gators possess greater depth this year, an encouraging sign under Napier’s regime. Although winning the SEC may pose a challenge against the top-ranked teams, a path to the College Football Playoff still remains viable if they can leverage their strengths effectively.
Next up are the South Carolina Gamecocks, who showed considerable promise last season and aim to build on that momentum. Under Shane Beamer, the Gamecocks could target a conference title in 2025. With momentum from the previous season and a strong roster spearheaded by LaNorris Sellers, they have a fighting chance at making a serious run.
The Texas A&M Aggies, led by Mike Elko, aim to bounce back from a rocky finish last season. Entering 2025 with a blend of talent, they rank within the top SEC teams. Rising star quarterback Marcel Reed is expected to play a pivotal role in elevating their performance. Despite last year’s struggles, the Aggies remain optimistic about reclaiming their place among the elite.
The Tennessee Volunteers find themselves in a bit of a situation after the transfer of quarterback Nico Iamaleava to UCLA. In need of a new face under center, they’ve brought in Joey Aguilar from UCLA, which represents a major change for the team. Under the leadership of Josh Heupel, the Volunteers hope to navigate these transitions while aiming to remain competitive within the SEC landscape.
Looking to Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin continues to prove adept at cultivating talent. Led by left-handed quarterback Austin Simmons, the Rebels may face an uphill battle, but they are still considered a top 25 squad per CBS Sports rankings.
Over in Oklahoma, head coach Brent Venables faces a critical season as the Sooners must find their footing in the competitive SEC landscape. After a disappointing previous season, they have high hopes with the arrival of quarterback John Mateer, who could be pivotal in revitalizing the program.
The anticipation for the upcoming SEC season is palpable; it promises excitement, rivalry, and the quest for supremacy within college football. With several teams showcasing potential title runs and storylines unfolding, fans will surely remain glued to their screens as the season progresses.
In the lower tier of the SEC, teams like the Missouri Tigers, Auburn Tigers, Arkansas Razorbacks, Vanderbilt Commodores, Kentucky Wildcats, and Mississippi State Bulldogs are also striving to improve their standings. Each matchup will be critical as they battle for respect and victories against some of the best teams in the nation.
Barkley Truax contributed to this story.