222 days. That’s how long college football fans have waited since Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza kneeled the final snap of the College Football Playoff National Championship game Jan. 19 to get their next taste of college football action. And on Aug. 29, that all changes.
For the 16 teams in the Southeastern Conference, all the hype is just that, hype, until the season begins. Then, each team has a shot at making their mark and competing for the ultimate crown. For the SEC, this season is crucial: it's been three seasons since a team from the conference that “just means more” won a national title, as the Big 10 Conference has claimed the last three golden trophies.
With all that being said, some teams have brighter outlooks than others ahead of opening kickoff. The Alligator’s UF football beat reporters — Max Bernstein, Curan Ahern, Ava DiCecca and Riley Orovitz — ranked every team in the SEC from top to bottom, and the average ranking for each team determined our ultimate order.
1. Georgia Bulldogs (Average ranking: 1.00)
Bernstein (1): Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs have appeared in each of the last five SEC Championship Games and eight of the last nine. With QB Gunnar Stockton, RB Nate Frazier, and an elite strong offensive line, I’ll wager they’ll make it nine for 10 and capture their third straight conference crown.
Ahern (1): As much as it seems boring to rank the Bulldogs as the SEC’s top team, Smart and Co. are poised to lead the conference for a second straight season. With fifth year Gunner Stockton returning at quarterback, now holding a pair of SEC championship titles, it’ll be hard to slow down the Georgia offense, especially with the return of Frazier.
DiCecca (1): Georgia has been top dog in the SEC for a minute now, and until Gunner Stockton or Kirby Smart book their ticket out of town, I’d be hesitant to suggest that’ll change. With the schedule not all that daunting, and the Bulldogs’ consistency being one of their greatest – and most promising – attributes, the sky’s the limit for this team.
Orovitz (1): Unfortunately for the remainder of the conference, I expect UGA to take home its third SEC crown in as many years. The Bulldogs have loomed large atop the rest of the pack throughout Kirby Smart’s tenure, and I don’t anticipate that changing in 2026. The Smart/Gunner Stockton duo should be fully capable of bringing home yet another SEC title to Athens to much of the South’s dismay.
2. Texas Longhorns (Average ranking: 2.75)
Bernstein (2): Last season’s preseason No. 1 team, Texas disappointed by missing the College Football Playoff. Steve Sarkisian’s team is too talented to fall short of expectations once again, though. I’m very excited to see if QB Arch Manning can continue his elite play from the backend of 2025.
Ahern (2): While many have Texas as an SEC Championship winner, I’m not as high on Manning and the Longhorns’ offensive consistency. However, it’s impossible to ignore the wave of talent that’s been brought into Austin, Texas. The additions of receiver Cam Coleman and running back Hollywood Smothers give Texas explosive potential, and the addition of defensive coordinator Will Muschamp was what has me sold on the Longhorns.
DiCecca (3): Don’t be surprised to see the Longhorns at the top of plenty of SEC predictions. And the high honor is for good reason. I expect a team hungry to have an elite season start-to-finish, and while they have everything in place to achieve that, Texas has a lot riding on Arch Manning, and the team’s inconsistencies were prevalent last year even with a much lighter schedule.
Orovitz (4): Texas has received a vast amount of praise and hype in preseason polls, but I don’t expect them to sniff the SEC Championship come December. We will learn a lot about the Longhorns and what Arch Manning is truly made of this year, but I believe the lights will be too bright for the kids from Austin.
3. Mississippi Rebels (Average ranking: 3.75)
Bernstein (3): Lane Kiffin departed Oxford, but Pete Golding proved he belonged on the big stage with a great CFP run last season. With QB Trinidad Chambliss and RB Kewan Lacy returning, this offense is arguably the best in the conference. If the talent on defense shines, watch out for Ole Miss.
Ahern (4): It’s no question Ole Miss has one of the highest ceilings of all SEC teams with Chambliss and Lacy back at the helm of the offense. But with Golding entering his first full season as a head coach and a slew of talented defenders’ departures into the transfer portal and 2026 NFL Draft, I’m still skeptical about whether the defense can support the run-and-gun offense manned by Chambills. Even with the question marks surrounding the program, especially its defense, the Rebels still easily crack the top five. I believe the additions of Joenel Aguero, Sharif Denson and Edwin Joseph in the secondary will prove valuable.
DiCecca (6): If there is any squad I’m probably underestimating on this list, it’s the Rebels. Mississippi returns with two of the premier offensive players in the league in Kewan Lacy and Trinidad Chambliss. However, “Life after Lane” sounds like it would be a great movie. But a great reality? I’m not so sure.
Orovitz (2): While some may consider this a hot take, I predict Ole Miss to find itself in the SEC Championship this season. The Kiffin-less Rebels retained their high-powered offense with Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy, while also promoting a former defensive coordinator with immense experience and three SEC titles at Alabama. While they may fly under the radar, Pete Golding has the tools at his disposal to orchestrate a Rebel run through the SEC.
4. Texas A&M Aggies (Average ranking: 4.00)
Bernstein (5): The perennial good-but-not-great Aggies finally broke out under Mike Elko in 2025, winning 11 games for the first time since 2012. QB Marcel Reed returns, and if he can become more consistent, the Aggies have the firepower to return to the playoffs for a second consecutive year.
Ahern (3): I am a strong believer in Reed’s ability as a dual-threat quarterback, but his 12 interceptions in 2025 leave me cautious. The loss of now-Browns receiver KC Concepcion was a big one, as he accounted for over 29% of Reed’s passing yardage, but I expect Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton to fill the void and add several contested catches during TAMU’s run at the conference title.
DiCecca (2): I am definitely on the A&M hype train. If Reed can have the ultra-elite season he is capable of, the pieces around him are certainly enough to make the Aggies an all-around top contender. There is also not a single unwinnable game on the schedule, even with the Longhorns lying in wait in what is one of the most anticipated games in college football.
Orovitz (6): The Aggies had a viable shot at making a push in the CFP last season, until it failed to generate any offensive semblance in the first round against Miami. Now, they face a more difficult schedule, but I believe Reed will continue to excel alongside a talented line of wideouts.
5. LSU Tigers (Average ranking: 4.50)
Bernstein (6): Kiffin arrives in Baton Rouge and brings in some highly-touted transfers, headlined by QB Sam Leavitt and OT Jordan Seaton. With so much talent on the roster, it's all about gelling together. If that happens quickly, watch out. If it doesn’t, the floor remains high with quality coaching and talent.
Ahern (5): With the addition of Kiffin – and the wave of top talent he brought to Baton Rouge – it seems to be boom-or-bust for LSU. With over 50 new players and a new-look roster, the Tigers could dominate the SEC. They could also fall flat in a much-anticipated season under Kiffin, with the coach’s additions proving unworthy of the hype. While I favor the latter and still want to see more out of Leavitt, LSU’s floor remains high in 2026.
DiCecca (4): The Tigers found immense success in the transfer portal this offseason and have certainly made up for lost talent. And with Kiffin at the helm, expect quick results with the revamped roster.
Orovitz (3): Ironically, I have LSU directly following Ole Miss in the SEC rankings, but don’t be surprised if Kiffin is looking up at his old club at the end of the year. The Tigers’ ringleader will be watched under a microscope all year, especially on Sept. 19, when he roams Vaught Hemingway Stadium from the opposite sideline.
6. Oklahoma Sooners (Average ranking: 5.75)
Bernstein (7): Defense wins football games. That’s Oklahoma’s motto under Brent Venables, and it brought them to the playoff last season despite some offensive inconsistency. If QB John Mateer can remain healthy and regain his early 2025 form, the Sooners have the pieces to contend.
Ahern (6): The Sooners were one of the hardest teams for me to rank, largely because of the volatility of Mateer. While I’m extremely bought into Venables’ defensive scheme, there are too many question marks on the opposite side of the ball. I expect Oklahoma to be a strong run-stopping team for a second straight year, but I don’t have the confidence in its receiving corps. – led by Isaiah Sategna – to rank them in the SEC’s top five.
DiCecca (5): Oklahoma’s potential this season is in the hands of its offense. The Sooners’ defense was tops in the SEC last season, and there’s nothing to suggest that will change. If their offense can match up, this team is a threat to anyone.
Orovitz (5): In order for the Sooners to return to their late-2010s stature, John Mateer must be more consistent this season. He proved OU can dance with the top of the SEC, but the senior has to make the jump to greatness for the Crimson and Cream to succeed.
7. Alabama Crimson Tide (Average ranking: 6.25)
Bernstein (4): Under Kalen DeBoer, Alabama has a 20-8 combined record. That’s not good enough for the rowdy fans in Tuscaloosa. I understand being low on the Tide this season, but this defense could be tops in the conference, and I expect this talented offense, led by QB Keelon Russell, to do enough for a playoff berth.
Ahern (7): As always, Alabama has the talent to make another appearance in the SEC Championship game, but I’m too apprehensive of Russell’s ability as a weekly starter. Sure, he arrived in Tuscaloosa as a blue-chipper and flashed through minimal opportunities as a freshman, but the SEC is a different beast. While the Crimson Tide could make another run under DeBoer, especially with an elite defense, I think it’ll take too much time for the offense to hit full stride. But if it does, watch out.
DiCecca (7): This is truly a year brimming with potential for the Crimson Tide. Alabama’s defense downfield could be the SEC’s most threatening, but the crew drops due to an offense riddled with uncertainty. A quarterback battle just ended, the offensive line is brand new and the struggling run game doesn’t look much more promising than it did last season.
Orovitz (7): “Give me Alabama.” Just kidding and slow down, Pat McAfee. The glory days for the Crimson Tide left with Nick Saban in 2023. While they will remain one of college football’s most mainstream programs, recently named starting quarterback Russell won’t be even close to hoisting the conference championship trophy.
8. Tennessee Volunteers (Average ranking: 8.25)
Bernstein (8): The Vols have won at least 8 games in each of the last 4 seasons and are on track to reach that benchmark again. They’re my highest-ranked team with a QB controversy, but no matter which of Faizon Brandon or George MacIntyre starts, they’ll be able to thrive under Josh Huepel.
Ahern (8): While Tennessee doesn’t stand out as a sure-fire conference winner – and is far from it – I wouldn’t expect a down year from the Vols. Coming off an 8-5 season, I don’t see Heupel and Co. drastically improving or regressing in 2026, but the uncertainty at quarterback makes Tennessee’s situation difficult to read. Though I wouldn’t expect an elite season in Knoxville, it’s possible for the Vols to snag a few upsets.
DiCecca (9): The Volunteers have been plenty consistent, but as far as the push they needed to break through to a double-digit win season, I’m not so sure they got it. There is nothing to suggest this team will falter under Heupel, but a significant jump doesn’t seem all too promising either.
Orovitz (8): Josh Heupel has yet to make a decision regarding the Vols’ starting signal-caller after Joey Aguilar’s departure to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the big leagues. Tennessee has remained wildly consistent over the years, hovering around 9.5 wins since 2022, and I expect a similar outcome for 2026.
9. Florida Gators (Average ranking: 8.75)
Bernstein (9): Right smack dab in the middle of my rankings are Jon Sumrall’s Gators. On a talent level, UF can contend with almost every team in the conference thanks to standouts like Jadan Baugh, Vernell Brown III and Myles Graham. However, questions about starting quarterback, offensive line consistency and health in the secondary place Florida at this spot. Still, a major improvement from 2025 to 2026.
Ahern (9): While the talent in Gainesville is undeniable, uncertainty around multiple position groups leaves me cautious of ranking the Gators any higher. Florida has a newfound chemistry, and its players are hungry following a 4-8 season. However, on-field results will prove whether the electric atmosphere under Sumrall can translate to success for the program. While there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the Gators, Sumrall and his quarterbacks have yet to prove themselves against SEC competition.
DiCecca (8): Somehow, the Gators have one of the highest ceilings and lowest floors of any team in the SEC, and their position right in the middle of my rankings reflects that. I have tremendous faith in Sumrall and a stacked wide receiver corps – and Baugh in the mix certainly doesn’t hurt – but with an offensive line Sumrall doesn’t seem all too pleased with protecting a quarterback with minimal experience – no matter who they choose – I’m hesitant to put the Gators too high.
Orovitz (9): Ah, yes. The ever-anticipated UF prediction. The Gators carry incredible uncertainty as we stand just shy of two weeks out from Week 1, which leads me to believe they will find themselves in the middle of the pack. Sumrall has generated a decent amount of buzz in Gainesville, but a lack of quarterback security and defensive depth may be the recipe for the No. 9 spot.
T-10: South Carolina Gamecocks (Average ranking: 10.5)
Bernstein (10): I subscribe to the Shane Beamer “every other year” voodoo. When expectations are low, the Gamecocks seem to thrive, and expectations are mostly tame. If QB LaNorris Sellers, WR Nyck Harbor and EDGE Dylan Stewart can be more consistent, this is a scary team.
Ahern (11): Sellers is another quarterback I’m very high on. He has the intangibles needed to excel in the SEC, but inconsistencies and an unproven offensive line stand in the way. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Gamecocks finish the season as a top-10 team in the conference, but I’m tempering expectations after a brutal one-win SEC slate in 2025.
DiCecca (10): After last year’s underwhelming campaign, the Gamecocks are primed to bounce back. They are flying a little under the radar right now, but if all the key talents on this team – including Sellers – shine, this team can contend with most of the opponents on its schedule. For the Gamecocks this season, it will be about how it all comes together.
Orovitz (11): Outside of Ole Miss, South Carolina is my SEC team to watch this season. I believe Sellers will take a huge leap forward and the Gamecocks will improve upon their brutal 2025 mid-year conference stretch.
T-10: Missouri Tigers (Average ranking: 10.5)
Bernstein (11): Eli Drinkwitz has commanded Mizzou to 29 wins in the past three seasons, easily the best stretch in the Tigers’ SEC history. The status of RB Ahmad Hardy is a major question mark, but if he can recover in time for conference play, Missouri has the ability to run all over anyone.
Ahern (10): Missouri boasts an extremely explosive offense entering 2026, but its defense is lackluster compared to those of Georgia, Oklahoma and Alabama. Even if Drinkwitz has a chance to harness a healthy Hardy, I don’t see the Tigers coming close to making a run at the conference title. They do, however, have ample opportunity to surprise fans in 2026.
DiCecca (11): The Tigers will be a solid unit this season, especially if they can add a fully healthy Hardy to their arsenal. However, Missouri’s defense presents a lot of question marks that could set the crew back, even with the potential of the run game being arguably the highest in the SEC.
Orovitz (10): The Tigers retained Drinkwitz and fended off other suitors along the way. Hardy will look to stay healthy in his junior campaign fresh off a 1,649-yard, 16-touchdown season. If the Mississippi native can sniff last season’s stats, watch out for Missouri to make a run early.
12. Auburn Tigers (Average ranking: 12.25)
Bernstein (12): After major success at South Florida, Alex Golesh brings QB Byrum Brown and his explosive offense scheme to Auburn. Questions remain about how well that will translate to SEC play, but even if there are some hiccups, there is plenty of defensive talent that lifts the overall floor.
Ahern (12): I’m not high on the additions of Golesh and Brown. While Golesh has proven himself at USF, and Brown offers great versatility as a mobile quarterback, I don’t think their success will transfer to the SEC. With a revamped coaching staff and the absence of vital offensive playmakers, I don’t expect Auburn to make a strong push through its conference slate.
DiCecca (12): I’m a fan of the Golesh hire and bringing some of South Florida’s offensive spark to Auburn. While the ceiling is relatively high, factoring in the schedule and some expected kinks with a new system moves the Tigers down the list a bit.
Orovitz (13): I have seen a decent amount of buzz surrounding Brown and Golesh, but I’m not buying in. Brown was a consistent passer in his fourth season at USF, but Auburn will be without its two leading receivers in Cam Coleman and Eric Singleton Jr., who left for Texas and Florida, respectively.
13. Vanderbilt Commodores (Average ranking: 12.75)
Bernstein (13): Clark Lea made history in 2025, bringing Vanderbilt to its first-ever double-digit win season. However, the Commodores lost Heisman finalist QB Diego Pavia and are likely to give true freshman Jared Curtis the keys to the offense. Some growing pains are likely.
Ahern (13): Vanderbilt has plenty to be proud of after an electric 10-win 2025 season. But it’s no longer 2025. Pavia is gone, and the Commodores’ defense appears lackluster, especially against pass-heavy offenses. With talent like Stockton and Chambliss on the schedule, it’s hard to expect Vanderbilt to match last year’s success.
DiCecca (13): The Commodores’ 2025 season was a fruitful one, but the arm powering it will not be in their arsenal for this year’s campaign. Vanderbilt’s roster is very capable, but confidence without Pavia is simply not as high.
Orovitz (12): Vandy is one of the handful of SEC teams to hold a quarterback competition leading up to the regular season. Pavia’s shenanigans are over with and the Commodores will have their eyes fixated on building off of their second bowl game appearance in seven years.
14: Mississippi State Bulldogs (Average ranking: 14.25)
Bernstein (14): It may sound crazy, but for myself, this was the hardest team to rank. I am a huge believer in QB Kamario Taylor, and I feel he has the potential to become a star. Ultimately, there are just too many questions for me to rank them above others, but I am likely too low on them here.
Ahern (15): Putting Mississippi State at No. 15 may feel like a slap in the face to Bulldog fans, but there is too much uncertainty surrounding the program. Though I am a believer that Taylor can become a strong leader under center, the Bulldogs’ new-look roster comes with skepticism about how transfers will build chemistry and settle into a rhythm. If Mississippi State can somehow develop into a well-oiled machine, it may very well surprise many. But until then, I’ll leave them near the bottom of the bunch.
DiCecca (14): I’d really like to give the Bulldogs a little more credit, but they will likely find themselves towards the bottom yet again. They have a lot more in the chamber than they did heading into last season, but the SEC has proved just too challenging for the crew. While their roster is in a much better place holistically and Taylor certainly has massive potential, both the offensive and defensive lines still have some catching up to do.
Orovitz (14): Mississippi State carries just two wins against SEC foes since 2023 — both of which were against Arkansas — making it difficult for me to pick them to finish above many teams. We don’t exactly know what QB Taylor can do, but the Bulldogs may need a miracle to climb higher in the ranks.
15: Kentucky Wildcats (Average ranking: 14.75)
Bernstein (15): I love the hire of Will Stein as head coach and I believe that this program is headed in the right direction. But that progress is likely to wait another season at least. There are so many questions surrounding this roster, but they will be tough to beat, especially in Lexington.
Ahern (14): Though Stein was a great pickup for Kentucky, storybook turnarounds don’t happen often in the SEC, especially in year one. Despite a solid home advantage, I can’t see the Wildcats producing enough offense to outshoot their conference competition. Though Kentucky could steal wins over Florida, Alabama or Vanderbilt in Lexington, I wouldn’t bet on UK making a strong run within the conference.
DiCecca (15): The Wildcats simply do not have the firepower to push past the amount of tough SEC opponents standing in their way of climbing up this list. The roster still has a few too many holes, and the program needs to orient itself with Stein at the helm before it can live up to its potential.
Orovitz (15): The final spot to round out the SEC was a toss-up between Kentucky and Arkansas, so I wouldn’t be surprised if either winds up in the bottom once December rolls around. Sumrall’s old stomping grounds hoist a new-look offense and a first-year head coach, making it easy to fall behind the pack.
16: Arkansas Razorbacks (Average ranking: 16.00)
Bernstein (16): I’m sure I won’t be the only one of us to put Arkansas at No. 16. I’m not the biggest fan of the hire of Ryan Silverfield, and to me, this stacks up as the worst roster in the conference. Pair that with a pretty brutal schedule and this may be a long year for the Razorbacks.
Ahern (16): It’s never fun to kick somebody while they’re down, but Arkansas doesn’t stand on the same pedestal – talent-wise or depth-wise – as its SEC foes. The Razorbacks have only logged a winning record in conference play once through their last 14 seasons (5-3 SEC in 2015), and that trend isn’t likely to change. With major vulnerabilities, especially on defense and its offensive line, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Arkansas produce an 0-8 conference record for a second straight year, much like in 2018 and 2019.
DiCecca (16): It is a tough combination of things for the Arkansas Razorbacks this season. They face the toughest schedule in the SEC and have probably the least star power to be able to battle through it, all while getting accustomed to a new head coach. With four of my predicted top five SEC teams on their schedule, expect a tough year for the Hogs.
Orovitz (16): Last season’s No. 16 team in the conference may complete the feat in back-to-back years. The Razorbacks are coming off a 10-game losing streak and plenty of question marks riddling the roster. It’s safe to say that a defense that allowed 37 points per game last season will struggle once again.
Contact Max Bernstein at mbernstein@alligator.org. Follow him on X @maxbernstein23.
Contact Curan Ahern at cahern@alligator.org. Follow him on X at @CuranAhern.
Contact Ava DiCecca at adicecca@alligator.org. Follow her on X at @avadicecca24.
Contact Riley Orovitz at rorovitz@alligator.org. Follow her on X at @rileyorovitz.
Ava DiCecca is a third-year sports and media journalism student and is the Summer 2026 assistant sports editor. Now in her fourth semester at The Alligator, she previously served as sports editor, the Gators volleyball beat reporter and an enterprise writer. In her free time she watches Boston sports (Brad Marchand we still love you).
Max Bernstein is a fourth-year sports and media journalism major and sports management minor. This Fall, he is a Sports Editor and a Florida Gators and Jacksonville Jaguars reporter at The Alligator. Now in his ninth semester with The Alligator, Max previously served in roles including Digital Managing Editor, Sports Editor, Assistant Sports Editor and Football Reporter. He has also made appearances on the Paul Finebaum Show. In the rare moments Max isn't working, he's usually with his girlfriend Reese, watching sports with his fraternity brothers or missing his family and his two cats.
Curan is a senior sports journalism student in his fifth semester at The Alligator. He is currently the sports editor, and previously served as a reporter for men's tennis, sports enterprise and football. He is currently pursuing a public relations minor and is an avid Duval sports fan. (#DTWD)
Riley is a sophomore sports journalism student in her second semester at The Alligator. She is the beat reporter for Gators Gymnastics and Swim & Dive while also contributing to the Gators Football Beat. She previously served in the same role in her first semester with the newspaper. Riley is an avid South Florida sports fan and enjoys playing/following all sports in her free time.
