Rankings of the SEC 2025 recruiting class prior to National Signing Day

As National Signing Day approaches, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) remains one of the most competitive and dynamic college football conferences in the country. Year in and year out, the SEC schools dominate in terms of recruiting, consistently securing top-tier talent that not only strengthens their programs but also elevates the conference’s status as a powerhouse in college football. Heading into the 2025 cycle, each SEC team has been working tirelessly to lock down their respective classes in anticipation of National Signing Day. In this analysis, we will take a look at the rankings of each SEC team’s 2025 recruiting class before National Signing Day and discuss what makes each program’s recruiting efforts unique.

1. Georgia Bulldogs

Class Overview: Georgia continues to be a recruiting juggernaut under head coach Kirby Smart. The Bulldogs have been a consistent force in the SEC and the country at large, making the College Football Playoff in consecutive years. As of now, Georgia is leading the SEC in recruiting for the 2025 class, and it’s easy to see why. They have already secured a number of elite prospects, especially along the defensive line and in the secondary. Georgia’s relentless pursuit of five-star talent and its ability to develop players at all positions continues to make it one of the most coveted programs in the nation.

Notable Recruits:

• Five-star EDGE rusher: A crucial recruit who will contribute immediately in Georgia’s pass rush, a position that has been a staple for the Bulldogs’ defense.
• Five-star quarterback: A highly-rated signal caller that could be the future face of Georgia football.
• Top-tier offensive lineman: Georgia continues to build one of the best offensive lines in the country, and this class has added key pieces to keep the run game dominant.

Why They’re No. 1: Georgia’s consistent top-tier recruiting has been a big reason why they have become a national championship contender. The talent in this 2025 class, particularly on defense, ensures they will continue to be a title contender for years to come.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide

Class Overview: Under Nick Saban, Alabama has been the benchmark for recruiting excellence for over a decade. In 2025, the Crimson Tide’s recruiting efforts are still as strong as ever, as they look to reload for another run at an SEC title and a potential College Football Playoff berth. Alabama is focusing heavily on positions like wide receiver, defensive line, and quarterback, where they have secured some elite-level talent that can make an immediate impact.

Notable Recruits:

• Five-star wide receiver: This playmaker could make an immediate impact in Alabama’s high-powered offense.
• Five-star cornerback: Adding to Alabama’s already stacked defensive backfield, this recruit is a future star.
• Top running back: With Alabama’s run-heavy offense, securing an elite running back is crucial, and this player has all the tools to thrive in that system.

Why They’re No. 2: Alabama is always a contender for the top spot on the recruiting trail, and while they have not been able to pull in as many 5-stars as Georgia, their depth and balance in this class make them a serious threat. Their offensive and defensive line recruits will play a big role in continuing the dominance in the trenches that has been the backbone of Alabama’s success.

3. LSU Tigers

Class Overview: LSU has found itself back in the conversation as one of the SEC’s most dangerous programs, and the 2025 recruiting class is further proof of that. With Brian Kelly at the helm, LSU has been consistently bringing in top-tier talent, especially in the skill positions. LSU’s ability to recruit elite talent in both Louisiana and out of state has paid huge dividends, and the Tigers have filled several important gaps in this class. LSU’s defense, which has been one of the best in the SEC, is getting bolstered with some future stars.

Notable Recruits:

• Five-star defensive tackle: LSU’s defense has always been a point of pride, and this recruit will add an immediate presence to their defensive line.
• Elite wide receiver: LSU is known for developing top-tier wide receivers, and this recruit has the skills to continue that tradition.
• Top quarterback: LSU is securing one of the top quarterbacks in the class, which could become a cornerstone piece for the future.

Why They’re No. 3: LSU’s 2025 class shows that the Tigers are heading in the right direction under Brian Kelly. Their ability to lock down some of the best in-state talent while also going out and landing national prospects is a huge advantage. LSU’s success on both sides of the ball has been bolstered by this class, and they’re a team to watch moving forward.

4. Texas A&M Aggies

Class Overview: Texas A&M, under Jimbo Fisher, has steadily risen in the recruiting rankings, and the 2025 class is a strong continuation of their progress. While they’ve had a few hiccups in terms of on-field results, the Aggies have recruited some serious talent. The 2025 class looks particularly strong at key positions like defensive back, wide receiver, and linebacker. With Texas A&M’s ability to out-recruit other programs for Texas’ top talent, they’re in great shape to have another top-tier team moving forward.

Notable Recruits:

• Five-star linebacker: A player who could make an immediate impact in Texas A&M’s defense.
• Top cornerback: A lockdown corner who will add to the Aggies’ secondary.
• High-caliber wide receiver: A future star for Texas A&M’s receiving corps.

Why They’re No. 4: Texas A&M has always been a competitive program in the SEC, and this class helps continue that trajectory. If Jimbo Fisher can develop these recruits the way he has with others in the past, Texas A&M will be a team to watch in the SEC for years to come.

5. Florida Gators

Class Overview: Florida is another SEC program with a strong 2025 recruiting class. The Gators, led by head coach Billy Napier, are making strides toward rebuilding their roster with an emphasis on skill positions. They have already secured key players at wide receiver, defensive back, and quarterback, positions that are integral to Florida’s style of play. This class is seen as the start of a new era for the Gators under Napier, as they look to reclaim their place among the top teams in the SEC.

Notable Recruits:

• Five-star wide receiver: Florida’s offense will be bolstered by this top-tier recruit who could provide an instant impact in the passing game.
• Elite quarterback: This signal-caller is a huge part of Florida’s future and will lead the Gators’ offense.
• Top safety: Florida continues to build its secondary with this recruit who brings speed and coverage ability.

Why They’re No. 5: Florida has quietly been assembling a very strong class. The Gators’ offensive recruits will help the program move forward while also adding depth on defense. This class could be a springboard for Florida’s future success in the SEC under Billy Napier.

6. Auburn Tigers

Class Overview: Auburn is in a bit of a rebuilding phase, but their 2025 class shows promise. With Hugh Freeze taking over as head coach, the Tigers are focusing on retooling their roster, especially at positions like quarterback, running back, and defensive line. They have secured a few key recruits who should be able to help bring the program back to prominence in the competitive SEC.

Notable Recruits:

• Elite quarterback: A strong dual-threat quarterback who could be the face of Auburn’s future.
• Top running back: A key piece in Auburn’s run-heavy offense.
• Defensive tackle: A strong, physical player who will be a force for Auburn’s defense.

Why They’re No. 6: Auburn has had to make adjustments with a new head coach, but their 2025 class is shaping up well. If Freeze can develop these players and bring in some more talent, Auburn should see success in the near future.

7. Tennessee Volunteers

Class Overview: Tennessee has been steadily improving under head coach Josh Heupel, and the 2025 recruiting class reflects this upward trajectory. The Volunteers are focusing on building depth at key positions like defensive line and linebacker. As Tennessee looks to contend in the SEC, the foundation of this class will help them take that next step forward.

Notable Recruits:

• Defensive lineman: Tennessee is bringing in a top-tier recruit to strengthen its defensive front.
• Linebacker: A versatile linebacker who can contribute immediately to Tennessee’s defense.

Why They’re No. 7: Tennessee’s class isn’t as deep as some of the others in the SEC, but they’re moving in the right direction under Heupel. With a few more key additions, Tennessee could be back at the top of the conference sooner rather than later.

8. South Carolina Gamecocks

Class Overview: Shane Beamer has done a great job rebuilding South Carolina’s program, and the 2025 class will be key to their continued success. South Carolina is focusing on boosting their defensive roster, particularly with defensive backs and linebackers. They have a few standout players in their class, and with continued development, the Gamecocks will be a tough out in the SEC.

Notable Recruits:

• Defensive back: A recruit who excels in coverage and will contribute to the Gamecocks’ secondary.
• Linebacker: A linebacker with great instincts who will improve South Carolina’s defense.

Why They’re No. 8: South Carolina is on the rise, but they are still a bit behind some of the top-tier SEC programs. However, Beamer’s ability to recruit solid talent continues to make South Carolina a formidable opponent.

9. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Class Overview: Mississippi State has always had a strong defense, and the 2025 recruiting class focuses heavily on bolstering that side of the ball. With several key recruits coming in at defensive line and linebacker, the Bulldogs are well-positioned to continue their success in the SEC West.

Notable Recruits:

• Defensive tackle: A physical player who will fit well in Mississippi State’s system.
• Linebacker: Another key addition to the defense.

Why They’re No. 9: Mississippi State’s recruiting class isn’t as highly ranked as some others in the SEC, but they continue to focus on the right areas to build a competitive team.

10. Kentucky Wildcats

Class Overview: Kentucky has been improving under Mark Stoops, and the 2025 class is a solid continuation of that progress. Kentucky has focused on improving its offensive line and linebacker positions to maintain their competitiveness in the SEC.

Notable Recruits:

• Offensive lineman: A physical recruit who will help Kentucky continue to build a strong offensive line.
• Linebacker: A versatile linebacker who can contribute immediately.

Why They’re No. 10: Kentucky’s class is solid, but they remain behind the top-tier teams in the SEC in terms of talent. However, they continue to build a competitive program.