SEC football power rankings: How teams stack up following spring practice, busy 2025 transfer cycle

As college football teams around the Southeastern Conference (SEC) gear up for the 2025 season, the intensity of the spring practice period has proven to be more crucial than ever. This time of year not only serves as an opportunity for teams to refine their strategies and get a head start on the competition but also coincides with a busy transfer cycle, with key players transferring into and out of SEC programs. The combination of spring practices, transfer portal additions, and coaching adjustments makes for a dynamic shift in the SEC power rankings.

The SEC has long been recognized as one of the most competitive conferences in college football, consistently producing top-ranked teams, NFL-bound players, and thrilling seasons. In 2025, the conference continues to be as unpredictable as ever, with every team eager to make its mark. This article explores the current SEC football power rankings, evaluating how teams stack up following the conclusion of spring practice and the busy 2025 transfer portal cycle.

1. Georgia Bulldogs: Aiming for Continued Dominance

The Georgia Bulldogs enter the 2025 season as the undisputed top team in the SEC, fresh off a remarkable season in 2024 that solidified their position as one of college football’s elite programs. The Bulldogs continue to dominate the recruiting trail and make significant strides during spring practice.

Under head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia’s defense remains one of the most feared units in the nation, with depth and talent at every position. The Bulldogs return several key contributors on defense, including standout linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson, and continue to develop their secondary with top-tier recruits. On the offensive side of the ball, Georgia continues to develop their quarterback situation, with former five-star recruit Brock Vandagriff looking to establish himself as a starter. The program also bolstered its offensive line depth during spring practice, ensuring that Georgia’s offensive line will be one of the toughest units in the country.

One of the most significant moves in Georgia’s transfer portal activity was the addition of wide receiver Malik Nabers from LSU, who brings explosiveness to their already loaded receiving corps. With the Bulldogs maintaining a well-balanced roster, they appear poised to make another run at the College Football Playoff (CFP) and defend their national championship aspirations.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide: Reloading for Another Title Push

The Alabama Crimson Tide remains a perennial powerhouse in the SEC and college football. Head coach Nick Saban’s reputation for developing top talent and running a disciplined program is unmatched, and despite key departures, Alabama’s continued dominance is hard to overlook.

While the offense enters the 2025 season with questions at quarterback, Alabama is blessed with several playmakers who can carry the load. Former five-star recruit Jalen Milroe is expected to lead the offense, and his dual-threat abilities could provide a dangerous dynamic for the Tide. Alabama’s offensive line is as stout as ever, with talented prospects vying for starting roles. Meanwhile, Alabama’s defense continues to be a force, with elite players such as Dallas Turner anchoring the front seven.

The Tide made notable moves in the 2025 transfer portal cycle, most notably adding wide receiver Keyonte George from Baylor to bolster their receiving corps and defensive back James Williams from Miami to further strengthen their secondary. The combination of established stars and dynamic transfer portal additions makes Alabama a top contender in both the SEC and the CFP.

3. LSU Tigers: Strengthening Both Sides of the Ball

LSU has made tremendous strides under head coach Brian Kelly, and 2025 is poised to be another strong season for the Tigers. With an explosive offense that features quarterback Jayden Daniels and a deep pool of talented wide receivers, LSU has the firepower to challenge the SEC elite. The Tigers’ offensive line also saw significant improvements during spring practice, creating more opportunities for Daniels and running backs like Josh Williams to shine.

On defense, LSU’s secondary is one of the strongest in the conference, led by All-American candidate Greg Brooks Jr. The defensive line, with veterans such as Maason Smith, provides the pass-rush needed to stifle opposing offenses. The addition of tight end Jaden Wooten from the transfer portal adds yet another weapon for Daniels to use in the passing game.

As LSU continues to build its depth across both sides of the ball, the team has positioned itself as a formidable contender in the SEC West. With a balanced roster, LSU looks like a real threat for the College Football Playoff, and their spring performance has only reinforced this view.

4. Tennessee Volunteers: Building Momentum for a Big 2025 Season

The Tennessee Volunteers have made great strides under head coach Josh Heupel, and the 2025 season promises to be another year of growth for this rising program. With one of the most explosive offenses in college football, Tennessee is a nightmare for opposing defenses. Quarterback Joe Milton III, who has proven himself to be one of the most gifted signal-callers in the nation, will lead the Volunteers’ high-powered offense. Alongside him, running back Jabari Small and wide receiver Squirrel White offer big-play potential on every snap.

Spring practice allowed Tennessee to sharpen their offensive attack while also solidifying their defense, which remains a work in progress. The Vols made key moves in the transfer portal to enhance their defensive line, adding depth to their defensive front. Tennessee’s defense was historically a weak point in the past, but their ability to recruit and build depth has been a key to their improvement.

Tennessee’s offensive system, designed by Heupel, remains one of the most difficult to stop in the SEC, and with improvements on defense, the Vols have the potential to challenge Georgia and Alabama for supremacy in the conference.

5. Ole Miss Rebels: Offensive Firepower and a Strong Quarterback Play

Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Rebels are always a threat in the SEC West due to their offensive prowess and the program’s ability to develop quarterbacks. Jaxson Dart is expected to continue leading the offense in 2025, coming off a strong performance in 2024. Dart’s development in Kiffin’s system has been impressive, and his ability to extend plays with his legs makes Ole Miss’ offense difficult to contain.

Ole Miss’ running back corps, led by Quinshon Judkins, is as dangerous as any in the SEC, with a physical and explosive style of play that complements the Rebels’ pass-heavy attack. Kiffin’s ability to use a wide array of offensive strategies makes Ole Miss unpredictable, and the offensive line has steadily improved, giving Dart more time to execute Kiffin’s offense.

On the defensive side, Ole Miss has made strides but remains a work in progress. The addition of defensive back Tyreek Chappell from Texas A&M is one of several key moves to help bolster the defense. If Ole Miss can improve defensively, they will become an even more dangerous team, capable of upsetting SEC heavyweights.

6. Texas A&M Aggies: Searching for Consistency

Texas A&M has been a team of extremes under head coach Jimbo Fisher, with some seasons showing promise and others revealing significant shortcomings. Following a disappointing 2024 season, the Aggies are in search of consistency. Texas A&M’s offensive line, which has been one of the weaker points in recent years, showed promise during spring practice. Still, much of the team’s success hinges on quarterback play, and there are questions about who will lead the offense in 2025.

Defensively, Texas A&M remains one of the most physically imposing teams in the SEC, with standout players like defensive lineman Walter Nolen and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper leading the way. However, the Aggies will need to develop more depth and playmaking ability across the entire defense to compete with the elite programs in the conference.

The Aggies also made moves in the transfer portal, adding running back Reuben Owens from Louisville and linebacker Chris Braswell from Alabama to provide much-needed depth. If Texas A&M can get consistent quarterback play and continue developing under Fisher, they will be a team to watch in 2025.

7. Arkansas Razorbacks: Building a Competitive Roster

Arkansas has quietly become one of the more competitive teams in the SEC under head coach Sam Pittman. The Razorbacks’ success is built on a tough, physical brand of football, particularly in the trenches. Arkansas’ offensive line is one of the most underrated in the SEC, providing room for running backs Rocket Sanders and A.J. Green to exploit opposing defenses.

The biggest question for the Razorbacks heading into 2025 is quarterback play, with KJ Jefferson potentially returning for one more season. Jefferson’s ability to lead the offense and make plays with his legs is a key component of Arkansas’ offensive success. With a strong run game and solid defensive units, Arkansas could be a dark horse in the SEC West.

Arkansas also made improvements in the transfer portal, adding depth to both the offensive and defensive lines. While Arkansas may not be a top contender for the SEC title in 2025, their physicality and coaching under Pittman make them a tough out in the SEC.

8. Mississippi State Bulldogs: Rebuilding Under New Leadership

Mississippi State enters the 2025 season with a new head coach following the tragic passing of Mike Leach. The Bulldogs will have to adjust to a new system, but the program still has some solid pieces. Quarterback Will Rogers is one of the SEC’s more experienced signal-callers, and he will be pivotal in the Bulldogs’ success.

Defensively, Mississippi State has built a solid unit, with linebacker Jett Johnson anchoring the defense. However, the lack of playmakers on offense could hold the Bulldogs back in 2025, and they may need to lean on their defense and special teams to stay competitive in a tough SEC West.

 An Unpredictable and Fierce SEC in 2025

As spring practice wraps up and teams adjust their rosters following a busy 2025 transfer cycle, the SEC remains as competitive as ever. Georgia and Alabama continue to sit atop the rankings, with LSU and Tennessee nipping at their heels, while teams like Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Arkansas are making strides to close the gap. With talent at every position, the SEC promises to deliver another thrilling season of college football, and the power rankings can shift quickly as teams solidify their identity in the weeks leading up to the fall.

The 2025 SEC football season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent memory, with multiple programs poised to make their mark.