The leaves are beginning to change color, signaling the arrival of fall and the much-anticipated SEC football season. Fans across the Southeastern Conference are buzzing with excitement as they gear up for another thrilling campaign. In preparation for the 2025 season, ESPN has unveiled its final preseason SEC football rankings, based on the SP+ metric, a sophisticated measure that evaluates college football efficiency while considering both tempo and opponent strength.
The SP+ rankings serve as a predictive tool, focusing on sustainable and predictable football aspects, rather than simply reflecting past performance. As such, these rankings often differ significantly from the preseason AP Top 25, which highlights the evolving nature of college football. With 16 teams to analyze, let’s dive into ESPN’s final preseason rankings for the SEC.
ESPN has positioned the Alabama Crimson Tide as the top team in the SEC and the second-best in the nation, trailing only the reigning national champion, Ohio State. Recently, Alabama secured its starting quarterback, naming Ty Simpson as the QB1. Simpson’s dynamic playstyle is set to inject new energy into the Crimson Tide’s offense. Furthermore, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, known for his successful tenure with head coach Kalen DeBoer at Washington, is expected to bring significant changes to Alabama this fall, enhancing their championship aspirations.
Despite the unexpected transfer of starting quarterback Carson Beck to Miami, the Georgia Bulldogs remain a formidable contender. Quarterback Gunner Stockton, who led Georgia to victory over Texas in the SEC Championship last season after Beck’s injury, will take the helm. With stellar additions like wide receiver transfers Zachariah Branch and Noah Thomas, Georgia’s offense is poised for a successful season ahead.
Texas finds itself at No. 3 in the SEC rankings, despite being ranked first in the preseason AP Top 25. The Longhorns are returning just three offensive starters from last season, but expectations are high as quarterback Arch Manning steps into the spotlight. With key defensive players like Colin Simmons and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. returning, Texas aims to build on its strong performance from previous seasons.
This season marks a transition for the Ole Miss Rebels, as Jaxson Dart will not continue as the starting quarterback. Instead, Austin Simmons will lead the offense. The Rebels face challenges, returning only three offensive starters, including just one offensive lineman. However, the defense, featuring All-SEC preseason selections like linebackers Suntarine Perkins and Princewill Umanmielen, is expected to provide a solid foundation as the offense finds its rhythm.
The LSU Tigers will benefit from the experienced Garrett Nussmeier, who is a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy following a breakout season last year. LSU also boasts a strong defensive unit, highlighted by linebacker Whit Weeks, who had the second-most tackles in the country last season. With Nussmeier leading the charge, LSU is looking to reclaim its status among the elite teams in the SEC.
The Tennessee Volunteers faced a surprise offseason when quarterback Nico Iamaleava entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, reportedly due to an NIL dispute. While the Volunteers have yet to announce Iamaleava's successor, UCLA transfer Joey Aguilar is a leading candidate. Aguilar brings impressive stats from his time as Appalachian State's starter, which could significantly bolster Tennessee’s offensive capabilities. On defense, the Volunteers retain seven starters under the guidance of defensive coordinator Tim Banks, enhancing their chances for success this season.
Under the leadership of Mike Elko, the Texas A&M Aggies achieved an 8-5 overall record last season. However, the excitement dwindled as the team lost four of its last five games. With an impressive 15 returning starters, Texas A&M is looking to regain its momentum in the 2025 campaign. Additionally, the Aggies secured the No. 16 class in On3’s 2025 Team Transfer Portal Rankings, suggesting a bright future ahead.
After a challenging first season in the SEC, the Oklahoma Sooners are determined to make a significant comeback in 2025. To achieve this, they hired Ben Arbuckle from Washington State as their offensive coordinator, bringing along star quarterback John Mateer. Assuming no further complications arise from his off-field issues, Mateer is expected to become a standout player in the conference.
Last season proved to be pivotal for the Florida Gators when freshman DJ Lagway stepped up following Graham Mertz’s injury. Lagway's impressive performance, which included a 6-1 record as a starter, has set high expectations for this season. Although he is currently dealing with a calf injury, he is expected to be ready for the season opener. Florida's defense, returning seven starters, should help cushion any early struggles from Lagway.
The South Carolina Gamecocks defied expectations last year by finishing with a 5-3 conference record, narrowly missing the College Football Playoff. As they enter the 2025 season, they aim to silence critics once again. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers will be essential to the Gamecocks' success, having recorded 2,534 passing yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Additionally, running back Rahsul Faison will play a crucial role in replacing the departed All-SEC RB Rocket Sanders.
As the 2025 SEC football season approaches, fans and teams alike are gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating journey filled with rivalries, surprises, and outstanding performances. Make sure to stay tuned for updates and insights as the season unfolds.
