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

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) remains one of the most competitive and storied conferences in college football, and as teams prepare for the 2025 season, there is a heightened sense of anticipation following a particularly eventful spring practice and a bustling 2025 transfer cycle. The SEC is known for its powerhouse programs, dominant rosters, and high-level recruiting, and as the college football landscape continues to evolve, each of the conference’s teams is adjusting its strategy in response to roster changes, player development, and overall team dynamics.

With the conclusion of spring practices and the ongoing movement of players through the transfer portal, it’s time to break down how each SEC team stacks up heading into the 2025 season. Here’s a comprehensive power ranking of SEC teams, taking into account their performance during spring practice, key transfers, and general team outlooks.

1. Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia continues to dominate as the top dog in the SEC, maintaining their position as the reigning National Champion and the most complete team in the conference. Under head coach Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have built a juggernaut that seems nearly impossible to beat. Georgia’s spring practices showcased a roster filled with depth, talent, and an unrelenting drive to win. The Bulldogs return a strong defensive line and one of the best offensive units in the country, featuring a well-rounded mix of veterans and rising stars.

Georgia’s transfer portal activity was minimal but strategic. The team added a few key players to bolster their depth, particularly in the secondary and on the offensive line. With QB Brock Vandagriff leading the offense and a defense that will again feature elite talents like linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson, the Bulldogs are poised to defend their national title and make another run at the College Football Playoff (CFP).

Key Spring Storylines:

• QB Brock Vandagriff solidifying his role as the starter after the departure of Stetson Bennett.
• Dominant defense that remains the core of Georgia’s success.
• Maintaining offensive balance with a mix of elite running backs and dynamic wide receivers.

Outlook: Georgia remains the team to beat in the SEC. With depth across the roster and a culture of excellence, they are primed for another championship run in 2025.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama, under the legendary Nick Saban, remains one of the most formidable teams in college football. Although they fell short of making the CFP in 2024, the Crimson Tide are a perennial powerhouse with a roster full of top-tier talent. The spring practices saw significant improvements in areas where Alabama struggled in 2024, especially on the offensive line and in the defensive backfield.

The Tide made significant moves in the transfer portal, most notably bringing in highly sought-after quarterback Jalen Milroe, who will battle for the starting spot following Bryce Young’s departure. Additionally, Alabama bolstered its linebacker corps and added a couple of wide receivers to enhance the offensive weapons around Milroe. The defense, as always, will be a focal point of the team, with edge rusher Dallas Turner leading a fierce pass rush.

Key Spring Storylines:

• Competition at quarterback: Who will take the reins between Jalen Milroe and the incoming transfer quarterbacks?
• Defensive line depth and ability to get to the quarterback, a hallmark of Saban’s teams.
• How will the offensive line perform after struggles in 2024?

Outlook: Alabama remains a top-tier program, but the questions surrounding quarterback play and offensive consistency make it a tough battle to see if they can challenge Georgia for the top spot in the SEC.

3. LSU Tigers

LSU enters the 2025 season with one of the most exciting rosters in the SEC. Under head coach Brian Kelly, the Tigers are looking to build upon their strong 2024 season that saw them earn a spot in a major bowl game. The spring practices saw the LSU Tigers make significant strides in the development of both sides of the ball. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, a dynamic dual-threat signal-caller, returns for his senior season and is poised to lead a high-octane offense that will feature one of the best receiving corps in the conference, including star receiver Malik Nabers.

LSU’s defense has been a work in progress, but the Tigers made key additions via the transfer portal to bolster their defensive line and secondary. With Kelly continuing to recruit at an elite level, LSU has the talent to challenge Georgia and Alabama for the SEC crown.

Key Spring Storylines:

• Jayden Daniels’ leadership and growth as a senior quarterback.
• Defensive improvements, particularly in the secondary and along the defensive line.
• Strengthening offensive line play to provide Daniels with better protection.

Outlook: LSU’s potential is immense, and with an experienced quarterback and a recruiting class that continues to impress, the Tigers are positioned to be serious contenders in the SEC in 2025.

4. Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee enters the 2025 season with a strong roster under head coach Josh Heupel. The Vols were one of the most explosive teams in the SEC last season, led by their high-flying offense, and spring practices confirmed that they are ready to build on that success. Quarterback Joe Milton returns after a solid 2024 campaign, and with Heupel’s fast-paced offensive system, Milton will have numerous weapons at his disposal, including wide receiver Bru McCoy and running back Jabari Small.

Defensively, Tennessee showed marked improvements during spring practice. The Vols’ defensive front, which struggled at times in 2024, looked more cohesive, and their secondary—headlined by standout cornerback Kamal Hadden—could be a strength in 2025. Tennessee also made a key addition through the transfer portal, bringing in a defensive lineman who could immediately contribute.

Key Spring Storylines:

• Joe Milton’s development and consistency at quarterback.
• Tennessee’s defense, especially against the run.
• Offensive line improvements to keep Milton protected.

Outlook: Tennessee is poised for another strong season, but the Vols need to continue to improve on defense to truly compete with the elite teams in the SEC.

5. Texas A&M Aggies

Texas A&M, under head coach Jimbo Fisher, remains one of the most talented teams in the SEC, but the Aggies have struggled with consistency. After an up-and-down 2024 season, the Aggies are looking for a bounce-back year, and their spring practices revealed a few key developments. Quarterback Max Johnson showed significant improvement during spring camp and has solidified his spot as the starter, bringing stability to the position.

The Aggies also made major moves in the transfer portal, bringing in several impact players to bolster both the offensive and defensive lines. With a wealth of talent across the roster, Texas A&M’s success in 2025 will largely depend on whether they can put it all together.

Key Spring Storylines:

• Quarterback play: Can Max Johnson take Texas A&M to the next level?
• Depth on both sides of the line of scrimmage.
• Development of young skill players in the offense.

Outlook: Texas A&M has the talent to compete, but whether they can translate that into consistent performance will determine their place in the SEC rankings.

6. Ole Miss Rebels

Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss team remains an offensive powerhouse, but the defense is where the Rebels need to make the most improvements in 2025. Quarterback Jaxson Dart returns for another year, and Kiffin’s high-tempo, pass-heavy offense will continue to challenge defenses across the SEC. Ole Miss made significant strides on defense during spring practice, especially in the secondary, where they added depth and talent from the transfer portal.

The Rebels’ biggest concern remains the running back position, as they look for a reliable option to complement their passing attack. But with Kiffin’s ability to develop playmakers, Ole Miss could once again surprise teams in 2025.

Key Spring Storylines:

• Offensive depth, particularly at running back and wide receiver.
• Defensive improvements, especially in the secondary.
• The leadership and development of Jaxson Dart at quarterback.

Outlook: Ole Miss will remain competitive in the SEC, especially with its offensive firepower, but defensive improvement will be key for them to move up the rankings.

7. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Mississippi State, under new head coach Zach Arnett, enters 2025 with high expectations. After a successful 2024 season, the Bulldogs are looking to continue building momentum, especially with quarterback Will Rogers returning for his final year. The Bulldogs’ offense continues to thrive under Arnett’s system, with Rogers as the key playmaker.

Mississippi State’s defense will need to improve in 2025, and they made a few key additions via the transfer portal to shore up their front seven. The Bulldogs are positioned to be a competitive team in the SEC, but they will need to show more consistency if they are to climb higher in the rankings.

Key Spring Storylines:

• Will Rogers’ leadership at quarterback.
• Defensive development, especially in the front seven.
• Offensive line play and the ability to protect Rogers.

Outlook: Mississippi State is an up-and-coming team, and with Rogers leading the way, they could challenge for a top-tier bowl game in 2025.

8. South Carolina Gamecocks

South Carolina is another team that made strides during the 2025 spring practice. Under head coach Shane Beamer, the Gamecocks are known for their gritty play and strong defensive mentality. Quarterback Spencer Rattler returns for his senior season, and he will look to improve on his 2024 performance with a solid group of skill players around him.

The Gamecocks made some key additions in the transfer portal, particularly in the secondary, and the defense should continue to be a strength in 2025. With Rattler under center, South Carolina has the potential to pull off upsets in the SEC, but they still have a lot to prove against the top teams.

Key Spring Storylines:

• Spencer Rattler’s consistency and decision-making at quarterback.
• Defensive improvements, particularly in pass defense.
• Offensive line play to protect Rattler.

Outlook: South Carolina is a competitive team, but the Gamecocks will need to show more consistency to rise up the rankings.

9. Kentucky Wildcats

Kentucky has made great strides in recent years under head coach Mark Stoops, and they continue to develop a strong, tough, and physical identity. However, the Wildcats face an uphill battle in the SEC, particularly with the need to improve their offensive explosiveness. Quarterback Devin Leary looks poised for a solid season, but Kentucky still needs to find more playmakers on offense.

Their defense, especially in the front seven, should be one of the conference’s strengths, but Kentucky will need to balance that with a more potent offensive attack to challenge for a higher spot in the rankings.

Key Spring Storylines:

• Quarterback play and developing offensive weapons.
• Defensive front dominance.
• Depth at skill positions.

Outlook: Kentucky remains a solid, competitive team, but they will need to find more offensive consistency to move higher in the SEC rankings.

10. Vanderbilt Commodores

Vanderbilt continues to struggle to find consistency in the SEC. Under head coach Clark Lea, the Commodores have made improvements, but they remain one of the conference’s bottom-tier teams. They’ve made strides in recruiting and development, but the gap between them and the elite teams in the SEC remains significant.

Key Spring Storylines:

• Quarterback competition and offensive identity.
• Defensive improvements.
• Building a winning culture.

Outlook: Vanderbilt will likely remain at the bottom of the SEC but continues to work on improving their program.