2025 College Football Preview: SEC

And here we are, our final conference of the college breakdown series. The SEC is an absolute gauntlet of a conference, with several potential Top 25 teams. Up to four SEC teams could realistically win the championship, with a couple more dark horses primed to make a run.

The big trend in this conference is young QBs. So many sophomores with the talent to blow open games, with Arch Manning, Lanoris Sellers, Marcel Reed, DJ Lagway, and more. The list of must watch QB’s in this league is bona fide crazy. Add in Heisman hopeful Garrett Nussmeier, and the list of must watch QB’s in this league is bona fide crazy. But the discussion must start with one guy so let’s get to it.

1. Texas Longhorns

2024 Record: 13-3 (7-1)
2025 Projected Record: 11-1 (8-0)

Arch Manning. That’s the headline.

The latest in the royal QB lineage is finally taking the field as the Longhorns starter after waiting behind Quinn Ewers for 2 years. Will he stay or will he go after this year is anyone’s guess right now (despite what grandpa Archie may say), but for now, the important thing is what he does this year.

Manning has one of the most talented rosters in the country around him, so the sky is the limit. Sophomore Ryan Wingo could quickly become a top receiver, and tight end Jack Endries could be an underrated breakout candidate in Texas’ pass-happy offense.

Anthony Hill Jr. leads the defense as a top-5 defender, but there are some questions along the defensive line. Returning snaps aren’t there, and if your best returning player is a sophomore (admittedly talented), you need to find some answers quickly. This team can go all the way, and is an easy top-5 selection going into the year.

Key Returning Players:
QB Arch Manning (RS SO), WR Ryan Wingo (SO), LB Anthony Hill Jr. (JR), DE Colin Simmons (SO)

Key Incoming Transfers:

TE Jack Endries (RS JR), WR Emmett Mosley V (SO), DT Cole Brevard (SR), DT Maraad Watson (SO)

Heisman Watch: QB Arch Manning

I wish I could write this with a bit more statistical backing, but the reality is that this Heisman Watch is entirely based on what could be. Manning has been followed since his early high school days and the expectations are outrageous. If he somehow meets them, he’ll win the Heisman.

2. Georgia Bulldogs

2024 Record: 11-3 (6-2)
2025 Projected Record: 10-2 (6-2)

The Bulldogs have more lineup turnover than one might expect, but it’s because this team churns out pro-ready prospects. Is this roster up to that standard?

It will be hard to tell if the QB position doesn’t play up to previous level, so new starter Gunner Stockton will need to quickly step up. The redshirt junior takes over for Carson Beck, who left unceremoniously for Miami after suffering a season-ending injury in 2024. I’m a believer in what Stockton brings to the table, but he’s still a fairly unproven talent at this point.

The problem for Stockton is that there’s a lot of unknown talent surrounding him as well. The Bulldogs are relying on high-potential prospects and end-of-career senior transfers, so chemistry will need to be built quickly. On defense, this team will be led by their defensive backfield while they try to fill numerous holes in their front seven. This team always sorts things out on that side of the ball, so I’m less concerned about that than the offense. 

Key Returning Players:
QB Gunner Stockton (RS JR), S JaCorey Thomas (SR), RB Nate Frazier (SO), CB Daylen Everette (SR)

Key Incoming Transfers:

WR Noah Thomas (SR), WR Zachariah Branch (JR), RB Josh McCray (RS SR), CB Adrian Maddox (SR)

3. LSU Tigers

2024 Record: 9-4 (5-3)
2025 Projected Record: 10-2 (6-2)

LSU has been oh-so-close to being the team. The defense is there, the Heisman-potential QB is experienced,, the offense has fired on all cylinders under Brian Kelly…and yet something has always gone just wrong enough.

The Tigers have been prone to ill-timed blunders, losing games they should win. With Nussmeier in his final year and vying for the top QB slot in the upcoming draft, it’s now-or-never for the Tigers. They’ve got defensive stars in Perkins and Delane, intriguing transfers like the massive WR Nic Anderson, and a potential star in sophomore RB Caden Durham.

LSU will need to lock in and eliminate the trap games and silly mistakes, but if they can, this could be the year for the Tigers.

Key Returning Players:
QB Garrett Nussmeier (RS SR), RB Caden Durham (SO), LB Harold Perkins Jr. (RS JR), LB Whit Weeks (JR)

Key Incoming Transfers:

C Braelin Moore (RS JR), G Josh Thompson (RS SR), WR Nic Anderson (RS JR), CB Mansoor Delane (SR)

Heisman Watch: QB Garrett Nussmeier

Nussmeier will be given every opportunity to lead this offense as the QB and captain. He’s got the arm talent, the supporting cast, and the green light to let it air – all ingredients for a strong Heisman campaign. Kelly wants a playoff championship, and that’ll be won on the back of Nussmeier as he vies for the Heisman and the #1 overall pick slot in next year’s draft.

4. Alabama Crimson Tide

2024 Record: 9-4 (5-3)
2025 Projected Record: 9-3 (6-2)

We are into the second year post-Saban, and the Crimson Tide are still rolling.

Alabama will be looking to get back to double digit wins after a one-year respite, and they’ll have to do it with a brand new quarterback. Ty Simpson is the frontrunner for the starting job and offers a different variation of Jalen Milroe’s game, with a little less athleticism but more ball control. The question is whether that’s what Alabama needs to get over the hump?

There’s a ton of continuity in the defense, one which was top-tier last year, so there’s big expectations on that side of the ball. LT Isaiah Overton is one of the better defensive players in the country, and may be the most pro-ready talent on the team. He’s primed for a big year as he preps for the NFL.

For Alabama to get back to the Saban-era sky-high standard, Ty Simpson will need to build familiarity with the playbook while also building chemistry with his weapons, primarily promising young stud WR Ryan Williams.

Key Returning Players:

QB Ty Simpson (RS JR), WR Ryan Williams (SO), OT Kadyn Proctor (JR), DE LT Overton (SR)

Key Incoming Transfers:

WR Isaiah Horton (RS JR), G Kam Dewberry (SR), TE Brody Dalton (RS SR), CB Cam Calhoun (RS SO)

5. Ole Miss Rebels

2024 Record: 10-3 (5-3)
2025 Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3)

Ole Miss just missed out on the playoffs last year, and many fans were upset by it. The reality is that they struggled to differentiate themselves from the rest of the SEC pack.

Unfortunately for the Rebels, they’ll need to aggressively rebuild their lineup after losing a ton of starters and snaps this offseason. No change is more glaring than at the quarterback position, where Austin Simmons steps in to replace long-time starter and current New York Giant, Jaxson Dart. Simmons offers a similar combination of athleticism and IQ, though his limited snaps to this point means there’s a lot to be seen before we can know what this team is.

The defense will need transfers and young players to step up if they want to remain competitive. This team will still win their fair share of games, but it feels like it could be a disappointing transition year for the Rebels.

Key Returning Players:
QB Austin Simmons (RS SO), WR Cayden Lee (JR), LB Suntarine Perkins (JR), DT Jamarious Brown (RS SO)

Key Incoming Transfers:

WR De’Zhaun Stribling (RS SR), DE Princewill Umanmielen (JR), S Sage Ryan (RS SR), CB Ricky Fletcher (RS JR)

6. Tennessee Volunteers 

2024 Record: 10-3 (6-2)
2025 Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3)

The Volunteers are primed to be a defensive juggernaut in 2025. They have a plethora of returning starters and contributors. The big issue is Jermod McCoy, a key starter at cornerback, who will be trying to return from an ACL injury suffered in January. Recent updates have him practicing in a limited capacity, so it is possible he plays Week 1 which would be great news for Vol fans.

The offense has new starters at QB, RB, and multiple O-Line spots. Joey Aguilar comes over from Appalachian State to replace departed starter Nico Iamaleava, now at UCLA.  While Aguilar had an impressive year for the Mountaineers in 2024, the jump up to the SEC is a big one and how he handles it will be critical. No matter how good the defense is, if Aguilar can’t get it done in this powerhouse conference, the Volunteers will fall short of expectations this year.

Key Returning Players:
CB Jermod McCoy (JR), LB Arion Carter (JR), DE Joshua Josephs (SR), OT Lance Heard (JR)

Key Incoming Transfers:

QB Joey Aguilar (SR), G Sam Pendleton (RS SO), G Wendell Moe Jr. (RS JR), RB Star Thomas (GR)

7. Texas A&M Aggies

2024 Record: 8-5 (5-3)
2025 Projected Record: 8-4 (5-3)

Marcel Reed is the most underrated of the young QBs in the SEC, but if he can continue to play at the level he did in 2024, people will quickly take notice.

Reed will be throwing to a young receiving corp while leaning on a veteran running back in Le’Veon Moss. The O-line is also almost entirely intact, so there is quite a bit of potential for this offense to go off.

The Aggies will be looking for their defensive front seven to find some consistency, which in turn should help their young secondary continue to improve. T.J. Searcy will be integral to their pass rush finding an identity. If he can accomplish that, this team could be a surprise contender.

Key Returning Players:
QB Marcel Reed (RS SO), RB Le’Veon Moss (SR), CB Will Lee III (SR), DE Cashius Howell (RS SR)

Key Incoming Transfers:

WR KC Concepcion (JR), WR Mario Craver (SO), DE T.J. Searcy (JR), CB Julio Humphrey (RS JR)

8. Florida Gators

2024 Record: 8-5 (4-4)
2025 Projected Record: 8-5 (4-4)

We talked about Arch Manning, so we have to talk about DJ Lagway.

Lagway came onto the scene last year as a true freshman, making massive plays with both his arm and his legs in 2024. His mental game mirrored his youth at times, with some questionable decisions under pressure. That said, it is evident Lagway has explosive potential and could lead this team to a top 5 finish in conference if everything falls into place. He is that good.

A headscratcher thought is Florida’s lack of significant moves in the transfer portal during the offseason. The Gators will look very much the same as last year at most positions, with minimal lineup turnover and a little more veteran leadership. Unfortunately for the Gators, I’m not sure who their real defensive stud will be, and for Lagway’s offense to matter, the defense will need to bring it.  If they do, this team could reach double digits and a CFP berth.

Key Returning Players:
QB DJ Lagway (SO), OT Austin Barber (RS SR), DE Tyreak Sapp (RS SR), CB Devin Moore (SR), WR Eugene Wilson III (RS SO), RB Jadan Baugh (SO)

Key Incoming Transfers:

WR J. Michael Sturdivant (RS SR), DT Brendan Bett (RS SO)

9. South Carolina Gamecocks

2024 Record: 9-4 (5-3)
2025 Projected Record: 7-6 (4-4)

Similar to Florida, the Gamecocks will win or lose based on the play of their second year sophomore quarterback. LaNorris Sellers, like Lagway, is one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the country. But there is still too much inconsistency, with ill-timed sacks and untimely picks. The hope for Gamecock fans is that his huge runs and impressive bombs will overshadow any mental mistakes he makes. He’s certainly got the physical talent, but slowing the game down and making smart, consistent decisions will be needed to propel this team forward.

One significant problem for the Gamecocks will be lack of stability across the depth chart overall. Rahsul Faison steps into the starting running back role as a graduate student , and the O-Line is being retooled. And the defense has too many holes, so despite an exciting young quarterback, I just don’t see this team cracking the top half of this difficult conference. 

Key Returning Players:
QB LaNorris Sellers (RS SO), DE Dylan Stewart (SO), CB Jalon Kilgore (JR), WR Nyck Harbor (JR)

Key Incoming Transfers:

RB Rahsul Faison (GR), G Nick Sharpe (RS SR), LB Shawn Murphy (RS JR), CB Brandon Cisse (JR)

10. Oklahoma Sooners

2024 Record: 6-7 (2-6)
2025 Projected Record: 7-5 (4-4)

Brent Venables is on the hot seat, and he’s hoping that Washington State transfer QB John Mateer can help get things back on track.

Mateer was the surprise of the year at QB as he put up outstanding numbers for the Cougars in 2024. On the flip side, the Sooners struggled all season long to move the ball so they will welcome this stud quarterback with open arms.

The good news is that their defense is a near-sure thing, with high end talent at every level, led by DE Mason Thomas. This team will keep opposing offenses out of the end zone, but if Mateer doesn’t bring the magic and leadership everyone is expecting, it will be another down year in Norman and Venables will be updating his resume.

Key Returning Players:
DE R Mason Thomas (SR), LB Kobie McKinzie (RS JR), WR Deion Burks (RS SR), LB Kip Lewis (RS JR)

Key Incoming Transfers:

QB John Mateer (RS JR), RB Jadyn ott (SR), WR Javonnie Gibson (RS JR), DE Marvin Jones Jr. (SR)

11. Missouri Tigers

2024 Record: 10-3 (5-3)
2025 Projected Record: 7-5 (4-4)

The Mizzou offense is mostly slapped together with transfers, including QB, where Beau Pribula comes in from Penn State and is the assumed starter. Many of the skill positions will see new faces so it is difficult to predict how this offense will fare, but I’m fairly skeptical.

The Tigers’ defense is extremely under-rated and will absolutely be the strength of this year’s squad. I also really like Missouri’s schedule, with their first road game not coming until October 18th! They also miss Georgia, Texas, and LSU.  Despite the good fortune from the schedule makers and a near-premier defense, unless Pribula is the second coming of Chase Daniel, it won’t be enough for this team to even sniff 10 wins again. 

Key Returning Players:
DE Zion Young (SR), CB Daylan Carnell (GR), C Connor Tollison (GR), OT Jayven Richardson (RS JR)

Key Incoming Transfers:

QB Beau Pribula (GR), RB Ahmad Hardy (SO), LB Josiah Trotter (RS SO), S Jalen Catalon (GR)

12. Auburn Tigers

2024 Record: 5-7 (2-6)
2025 Projected Record: 6-6 (3-5)

Jackson Arnold is a castoff from the broken Oklahoma offense of 2024, and yet he’s the favorite to take the starting job for Auburn. That says a lot about what I think this team will accomplish.

The good news for the Tigers is that they have plenty of talent across the roster, particularly on defense where I am a big fan of DE Keldric Faulk and CB Kayin Lee. But I just don’t see Arnold being the savior this team needs at quarterback, and because of that, there is only so much this defense will be able to do to help. If Arnold surprises and takes a giant leap forward, there could be joy on the Plains. But I’m not holding my breath.

Key Returning Players:
WR Cam Coleman (SO), RB Damari Alston (SR), DE Keldric Faulk (JR), CB Kayin Lee (JR)

Key Incoming Transfers:

WR Eric Singleton (JR), OT Xavier Chaplin (RS JR), QB Jackson Arnold (JR), OT Mason Murphy (RS SR)

13. Arkansas Razorbacks

2024 Record: 7-6 (3-5)
2025 Projected Record: 5-7 (3-5)

The Razorbacks have an inconsistent quarterback, a young running back, and a WR room that’s basically brand new. That typically isn’t a recipe for success. Taylen Green has shown glimpses of promise, but not consistently enough.  He will need to take a big step forward in year 2 of Petrino’s offense for this squad to compete.

The defense is in a better spot, but they do welcome several new bodies to the starting lineup. I’m just not sold on Green and think this offense will struggle. And if I’m right,  Razorback fans should prepare a losing record.

Key Returning Players:
QB Taylen Green (RS SR), RB Braylen Russell (SO), LB Xavian Sorey Jr. (RS SR), DT Cameron Ball (RS SR)

Key Incoming Transfers:

WR O’Mega Blake (RS SR), DE Phillip Lee (RS SR), CB Kani Walker (RS SR), WR Raylen Sharpe (RS SR)

14. Kentucky Wildcats

2024 Record: 4-8 (1-7)
2025 Projected Record: 4-8 (2-6)

Starting an FCS transfer at QB in the SEC is a recipe for disaster, but that’s the best option the Wildcats have. Much-traveled Zach Calzada had a couple massive years in the FCS at Incarnate Word, and he started at Texas A&M so he is familiar with this level of competition. So the question will be if he can readjust to this level in his singular remaining year. 

The Wildcat defense lost some good players from last year’s under-rated unit, but with only six starters back, they are middle-of-the-road at best this season. While I love what Stoops has done in Lexington over his thirteen years, I just don’t see this team improving from its four wins in 2024.

Key Returning Players:
WR Ja’Mori Maclin (RS SR), G Jager Burton (RS SR), S Jordan Lovett (RS SR), LB Daveren Rayner (RS SR)

Key Incoming Transfers:

QB Zach Calzada (GR), RB Dante Dowdell (JR), LB Landyn Watson (RS SR), Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace (RS JR)

15. Vanderbilt Commodores

2024 Record: 7-6 (3-5)
2025 Projected Record: 4-8 (1-7)

Head coach Clark Lea may have his best squad yet in his fifth year in Nashville, but whether or not that equates to a winning record is questionable. QB Diego Pavia is seasoned, tough, and brings respect and leadership to the offense. They also bring back 17 total starters, and they upset Alabama last year in one of the season’s memorable games, so they won’t be intimidated by anyone. 

But this is still Vanderbilt and they just don’t have the same level of talent as the other SEC teams they will be battling every week. And their schedule is absolutely brutal this season with trips to South Carolina, Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee. And they host LSU. That is five conference losses right there. 

Sorry Commodore fans but the memory of carrying those goalposts to the Tennessee River will need to suffice for now. It unfortunately looks like it will be tough year in the win column despite a decent roster.

Key Returning Players:
QB Diego Pavia (GR), RB Sedrick Alexander (JR), DE Khordae Syndor (GR), LB Langston Patterson (SR)

Key Incoming Transfers:

S CJ Heard (SO), WR Trent Hudson (RS SR), WR Tre Richardson (JR), OT Isaia Glass (GR)

16. Mississippi State Bulldogs

2024 Record: 2-10 (0-8)
2025 Projected Record: 3-9 (1-7)

QB Blake Shapen coming back from injury could potentially help this team grab a couple extra wins. But this was by far the worst team in the SEC last year, going winless in conference play, so I’m still not hopeful.

This squad brought in a lot of transfers, which could help, but the talent overhaul isn’t nearly enough to get the Bulldogs out of the basement in 2025. 

Key Returning Players:
QB Blake Shapen (GR), RB Davon Booth (GR), CB Isaac Smith (JR), WR Jordan Mosley (RS SR)

Key Incoming Transfers:

OT Blake Steen (RS JR), LB Jalen Smith (RS SO), WR Brenen Thompson (SR), S Toni Mitchell (JR)

Championship Game Prediction

Texas defeats LSU

Games to Circle

Texas at Ohio State (Aug 30th): This came up in our Big Ten games as well, but it’s just a can’t miss game. This is Week 1 fireworks and anybody who misses it is going to regret it.

Alabama at Georgia (Sept. 27th): All of the games between the top 4 teams in this conference are going to be huge, and if Bama can walk in and take a win in Georgia, it will cause a massive shift in the SEC standings and the Top 25 standings.South Carolina at LSU (Oct. 11th): This may seem like a weird one, but the idea of LaNorris Sellers trying to a) put up points on LSU and b) keep pace with Nussmeier feels like a sleeper pick for an absolutely insane game. Depending on how Sellers is playing halfway through the year, this could become a can’t miss game.

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