With spring ball about to get underway across the country, it’s the perfect time to take a shot at ranking each Power Four conference in College Football.
Next is the SEC. Here’s how I view the conference from a top‑ten power‑ranking perspective as we head into spring practices.
All recruiting and transfer portal rankings are via 247sports.com.
Table of Contents
#1 Texas Longhorns
Entering Steve Sarkisian’s sixth season, there are no excuses for Texas not to be, at minimum, a playoff team in 2026. The Longhorns return what may be the best quarterback talent in the country in Arch Manning; add a dynamic running back duo in Raleek Brown (Arizona State) and Hollywood Smothers (NC State); and bring in top portal wide receiver Cam Coleman (Auburn) to join an already loaded group featuring Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosley V. They also bolster an already strong offensive line with key additions like Laurence Seymore (Western Kentucky) and Melvin Siani (Wake Forest), alongside former four-star recruit Trevor Goosby and five-star prospect Brandon Baker.
Defensively, Will Muschamp returns to Texas as defensive coordinator, a role he previously held from 2008 to 2010. Muschamp takes over a reloaded unit headlined by EDGE Colin Simmons and Hero Kanu on the defensive line, with a boost from five-star EDGE signee Richard Wesley. On the second level, Rasheem Biles (Pittsburgh) and Justin Cryer (Florida State) arrive to help offset the loss of Anthony Hill Jr. to the NFL, while five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson is expected to make an immediate impact. In the secondary, Jelani McDonald, Graceson Littleton, and former five-star recruit Xavier Filsaime all return, with three additional four-star prospects, and Rutgers transfer Bo Mascoe at corner.
Spring Storylines:
– What does Sarkisian change about this preseason now that Texas once again enters with national title expectations?
– How effective is Will Muschamp in his return to Austin?
– Can Arch Manning start faster this season than he did last year?
#2 Georgia Bulldogs
This isn’t your traditional Georgia team from the early 2020s. However, for Kirby Smart, now entering his 11th season as the Bulldogs’ head coach, this group should very much be in the national title picture once again.
Quarterback Gunner Stockton returns after leading Georgia to a 12–2 record, an SEC championship, and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2025. The two-headed monster of Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens returns in the backfield, joined by Kentucky transfer Dante Dowdell, who adds explosive speed to the Dawgs’ running back room.
The biggest questions offensively are at wide receiver, where Georgia must replace its top three targets from 2025. London Humphreys is the top returning name, and multiple former four-star recruits are poised to earn valuable snaps alongside Georgia Tech transfer Isiah Canion, who recorded 480 yards and 4 TDs in 2025. At tight end, Lawson Luckie returns as a reliable target for Stockton, joined by four-star prospect Kaiden Prothro. The offensive line appears solid, with three starters back from 2025, headlined by center Drew Bobo.
Defensively, Glenn Schumann returns six defensive linemen who saw significant playing time in 2025, plus Auburn transfer Amaris Williams and five four-star prospects from the most recent recruiting class. Chris Cole and Raylen Wilson headline the linebacker room, while KJ Bolden leads a deep secondary that brings back heavy 2025 production and adds standout portal transfers Ja’Marley Riddle (ECU) and Khalil Barnes (Clemson). Peyton Woodring also returns as the Dawgs’ kicker, having gone 15-for-16 on field goals in 2025.
Spring Storylines:
– What impact will the new-look receiver room have on the Georgia offense?
– How high is this defense’s ceiling compared to recent Bulldogs units? I’m very high on this group entering 2026.
– Does Gunner Stockton have enough to get Georgia back to the mountaintop?
#3 LSU Tigers
Entering year one of the Lane Kiffin era, things couldn’t look better on paper for this LSU roster. After bringing in the top-ranked portal class along with a top-15 recruiting class, LSU is squarely in the race not only for the SEC but for the national championship heading into 2026.
Headlined by top portal quarterback Sam Leavitt (Arizona State), this Tigers offense will be must-watch TV every weekend. They retain their top two running backs, Caden Durham and Harlem Berry, and add Dilin Jones from Wisconsin. Wide receiver is where the real overhaul comes, as they replace their top eight receivers from 2025 but do so with proven production. Jackson Harris (Hawaii), Jayce Brown (Kansas State), and Tre’ Brown III (Old Dominion) all arrive after posting 700+ yards and 4+ touchdowns in 2025. They’re joined by Eugene Wilson III (Florida) and Winston Watkins (Ole Miss), who bring significant young upside to this receiver room. At tight end, 6’7” Trey’Dez Green returns and is joined by Pittsburgh transfer Malachi Thomas. The offensive line also undergoes a major overhaul, with center Braelin Moore and right tackle Weston Davis the only returning starters from 2025. But there’s no need for panic: five-star, No. 1 portal offensive lineman Jordan Seaton (Colorado) headlines the newcomers, along with Devin Harper (Ole Miss), William Satterwhite (Tennessee), Aliou Bah (Maryland), and Sean Thompkins (Baylor).
Defensively, the Tigers see significant changes as well. Retaining defensive coordinator Blake Baker was a must for Kiffin, as he guided the Bayou Bengals to a top-30 defense in 2025. Keeping core talent such as DT Dominick McKinley, LBs Whit Weeks and Davhon Keys, and CB DJ Pickett was also crucial. The real standouts, however, are the additions. Top portal edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen (Ole Miss) joins LSU alongside former five-star recruit and Tennessee transfer Jordan Ross, as well as Stephiylan Green from Clemson. Five-star freshmen Lamar Brown and Richard Anderson also arrive, giving this front a lethal look heading into next season. TJ Dottery joins the linebacking corps from Ole Miss, while standout secondary additions Ty Benefield (Boise State) and Faheem Delane (Ohio State) round out a stacked portal class.
If the Tigers build momentum through the spring, watch for them to jump to the top of my pre-season power rankings.
Spring Storylines:
– How quickly does this overhauled roster mesh together?
– If Sam Leavitt stays healthy, how deadly can this LSU offense be?
– How much improvement will LSU show in its run game? (122nd in rushing yards per game in 2025: 102.1)
#4 Texas A&M Aggies
Coming off one of their better seasons in recent memory, Texas A&M and head coach Mike Elko look to return to the College Football Playoff in 2026. How will a top-12 transfer portal class and a top-10 recruiting class translate next season?
Notably, offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins was promoted from within after former coordinator Collin Klein took the Kansas State head coaching job. Quarterback Marcel Reed returns, with Reuben Owens II back in the backfield and Jamarion Morrow expected to be the primary change-of-pace option. Standout receiver Mario Craver returns as the top target, joined by former five-star Terry Bussey and Ashton Bethel-Roman. Several incoming four-star receivers join the program alongside Alabama transfer standout Isaiah Horton. Tight end is a major area of emphasis, with Houston Thomas (UTSA) and Richie Anderson III (Fresno State) brought in to upgrade the position. The biggest offensive question is up front, as A&M must replace four of five starting linemen from 2025. Mark Nabou Jr. returns at center, surrounded by incoming talents Wilkin Formby (Alabama), Coen Echols (LSU), Trovon Baugh (South Carolina), Tyree Adams (LSU), and multiple four-star prospects.
Defensively, the Aggies also had to replace coordinator Jay Bateman, who left for Kentucky; Lyle Hemphill was promoted from within to fill the role. Key returnees include EDGE T.J. Searcy, DT D.J. Hicks, LB Daymion Sanford, and corners Dezz Ricks, Marcus Ratcliffe, and Jordan Shaw. The defensive front is bolstered by transfers Anto Saka (Northwestern), C.J. Mims (North Carolina), Angelo McCullom (Illinois), Ryan Henderson (San Diego State), and Brandon Davis-Swain (Colorado). Linebacker Ray Coney (Tulsa), secondary additions Tawfiq Byard (Colorado) and Rickey Gibson III (Tennessee), and five-star freshman Brandon Arrington also join the mix.
If the newcomers live up to expectations, Texas A&M should be back near the top of the SEC.
Spring Storylines:
– Can Marcel Reed replicate his hot start from 2025 while cutting down on the turnovers that plagued him late in the season?
– How will the transition to two new coordinators impact this Aggies team?
– Mike Elko has A&M back in the national conversation—but what are his next steps to make the Aggies a consistent contender?
#5 Oklahoma Sooners
Coming off the best season of Brent Venables’ tenure in Norman, the Sooners are looking to return to the College Football Playoff in his fifth year at the helm.
Offensively, Ben Arbuckle returns as offensive coordinator alongside several key contributors from the 2025 campaign. Quarterback John Mateer is back, joined in the backfield by Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock. Colorado State transfer running back Lloyd Avant is expected to provide an additional spark for the Sooners’ offense.
Several notable receivers also join the roster to complement returning standout Isaiah Sategna III. Transfers Trell Harris (Virginia), Parker Livingstone (Texas), and Mackenzie Alleyne (Washington State), along with multiple four-star prospects, arrive to bolster the receiver corps. At tight end, Jaren Kanak returns alongside fan-favorite Colorado State transfer Rocky Beers. Once again, the Sooners bring back four of five starting offensive linemen from 2025, with Arkansas transfer E’Marion Harris a strong candidate to fill the open right tackle spot.
Defensively, Oklahoma returns most of its 2025 production, headlined by defensive linemen Taylor Wein and David Stone, linebacker Kip Lewis, and defensive backs Peyton Bowen, Courtland Guillory, and Eli Bowen. Newcomers to the unit include EDGE Kenny Ozowalu (UTSA), defensive tackle Bishop Thomas (Georgia State), linebacker Cole Sullivan (Michigan), and cornerback Dakoda Fields (Oregon).
Spring Storylines:
– Can John Mateer become a more efficient and consistent passer in 2026?
– Will the running game take a step forward with so much returning production?
– Can the defense replicate its dominant 2025 performance in 2026?
#6 Alabama Crimson Tide
After an embarrassing loss to Indiana in the Rose Bowl, Kalen DeBoer and his Crimson Tide look to retool their squad heading into 2026.
At quarterback, Ty Simpson heads to the NFL, leaving the door open for highly touted prospects Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. Replacing the production of Jam Miller at running back will fall to Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley, as well as incoming freshman Ezavier Crowell. There will be some turnover at receiver as well, with Germie Bernard and Isaiah Horton both departing the program. Ryan Coleman-Williams and Lotzeir Brooks return, joined by transfer Noah Rogers from NC State and five-star freshman Cederian Morgan. Kaleb Edwards appears to be the front-runner for the tight end spot in place of Josh Cuevas. The offensive line will see significant movement, with four of five starters from 2025 and multiple depth pieces departing. New talent includes Ty Haywood (Michigan), Jayvin Q. James (Mississippi State), Ethan Fields (Ole Miss), and Kaden Strayhorn (Michigan), along with three four-star offensive line prospects.
Defensively, Kane Wommack’s unit looked spotty at times last season and has lost some of that production going into 2026. Edric Hill and London Simmons are the standout returners on the defensive line, joined by incoming prospects Jamarion Matthews and Nolan Wilson, as well as Terrence Green (Oregon), Devan Thompkins (USC), and Kedrick Bingley-Jones (Mississippi State). Desmond Umeozulu (South Carolina) and Caleb Woodson (Virginia Tech) bolster the linebacker group alongside returners Yhonzae Pierre, Justin Hill, and Cayden Jones. The secondary returns the most production, with Keon Sabb, Bray Hubbard, Zabien Brown, Dijon Lee Jr., and Red Morgan all back from the 2025 unit.
Spring Storylines:
QB battle: Who takes the reins as Alabama’s quarterback?
Ground game must improve: Can they bounce back after a dreadful 2025 on the ground?
Upgraded trenches: Will improvements on both lines translate into meaningful production?
#7 Ole Miss Rebels
Following the drama surrounding Lane Kiffin’s departure, new head coach Pete Golding led the Rebels to their best season in modern history, reaching the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Quarterback is arguably the most scrutinized position for the Rebels heading into the spring. The status of star Trinidad Chambliss remains uncertain, though optimism is growing after his injunction was approved by a local court. However, the Rebels did add former Auburn five-star prospect Deuce Knight. Still, the Rebels return standout running back Keway Lacy behind three of five starting offensive linemen, and they add Carius Curne from LSU. At wide receiver, Ole Miss loses four of its top targets to graduation or the transfer portal, with Deuce Alexander the best returning option. Incoming receiver talent includes Cam Miller (Kentucky), Horatio Fields (Auburn), Johntay Cook (Syracuse), and Darrell Gill Jr. (Syracuse). At tight end, Brady Prieskorn arrives to replace the departed Dae’Quan Wright.
On defense, Will Echoles, Jamarious Brown, and Suntarine Perkins return on the front line, joined by transfer additions Blake Purchase (Oregon), Michai Boireau (Florida), Jeheim Oatis (Colorado), and Jordan Renaud (Alabama). The Rebels also bolster the linebacking corps with Johnathan Maldonado (Nevada), Keaton Thomas (Baylor), Luke Ferrelli (Cal), and Tah’j Butler (Georgia Tech). In the secondary, Antonio Kite and Jaylon Braxton return alongside incoming transfers Jay Crawford (Auburn), Edwin Joseph (Florida State), Joenel Aguero (Georgia), Tony Mitchell (Mississippi State), Sharif Denson (Florida), and Dominick Kelly (Georgia).
Spring Storylines:
– Will Trinidad Chambliss return?
– How will Pete Golding fare in his first full season?
– How will the many newcomers on defense and at receiver translate from 2025?
#8 Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee enters 2026 with another quarterback battle on its hands. Head coach Josh Heupel is reportedly on the hot seat heading into the season, and his quarterback choice could ultimately determine his future in Knoxville.
Returnee George MacIntyre, incoming five-star Faizon Brandon, and Colorado transfer Ryan Staub are all competing for the starting job. DeSean Bishop returns as the lead back, with Tulane transfer Javin Gordon expected to handle rotational duties. Freshman standout Braylon Staley is back at wide receiver alongside fellow returner Mike Matthews. Five-star prospect Tristen Keys is projected to take a major step forward and become an instant impact player in this offense in 2026. A key advantage for the Vols is continuity up front: they return four of five starting offensive linemen from 2025, with LSU transfer Ory Williams expected to fill the lone vacancy.
On defense is where Tennessee will see the most turnover. New defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has brought in a wave of former Penn State players and other additions. EDGE Chaz Coleman, DT Xavier Gilliam, LB Amare Campbell, and S Dejuan Lane are all ex-Nittany Lions joining Knowles in Knoxville. Other new faces include Qua Moss (Kansas State), TJ Metcalf (Michigan), Kayin Lee (Auburn), Jadais Richard (Miami), and Jordan Norman (Tulane).
Spring Storylines:
– Can the Vols’ defense return to its 2024 form after a dreadful 2025?
– Which quarterback will separate himself and win the starting job?
– How will Jim Knowles’ scheme compare to his previous stops?
#9 Florida Gators
Heading into a new era of Gators football under Jon Sumrall, hired from Tulane, should be a breath of fresh air after the disappointment of Billy Napier’s tenure. So, how do the Gators look heading into the spring?
On offense, Buster Faulkner arrives as the new coordinator from Georgia Tech and brings quarterback Aaron Philo with him. At running back, they retain Jadan Baugh alongside additions Evan Pryor (Cincinnati) and London Montgomery (East Carolina). Two of the most important returning pieces on offense are at receiver in Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson, especially after most of the 2025 receiver room transferred or graduated. To backfill, they added Bailey Stockton (Georgia Tech), Eric Singleton Jr. (Auburn), Jaylen Lloyd (Oklahoma State), and multiple four-star high school recruits. With their top two tight ends leaving the program, they brought in Luke Harpring (Georgia Tech), Lacota Dippre (JMU), and Evan Chieca (New Haven). The offensive line will also see turnover, with three of five starters from 2025 departing. Newcomers include Eagen Boyer (Penn State), TJ Shanahan Jr. (Penn State), Harrison Moore (Georgia Tech), and Emeka Ugorji (Stanford), along with a handful of recruits.
On the other side of the ball, Brad White comes over from Kentucky to lead the Gators’ defense and has multiple newcomers joining him. On the defensive line, Kamren James, Brendan Bett, and Jamari Lyons return, joined by Emmanuel Oyebadejo (Jacksonville State), DK Kalu (Baylor), and Mason Clinton (Southern Miss). At linebacker, the Gators retain their top four from 2025, headlined by Myles Graham and Jayden Woods, and bolstered by the addition of UCF transfer TJ Bullard. The secondary will see some churn, with three of their main defensive backs exiting the program. Incoming defensive backs include DJ Coleman (Baylor), Cam Dooley (Kentucky), Kayne Clark (UCLA), Jordy Lowry (ECU), and four-star prospects CJ Bronaugh and Dylan Purter. Patrick Durkin (Tulane) also joins as the new kicker after going 25-for-28 on field goals last season.
Spring Storylines:
- How big of an immediate impact will Jon Sumrall make on this Gators program in Year 1?
- What will the offensive scheme look like with DJ Lagway no longer in the program?
- How effective will this new-look secondary be for the Florida defense?
#10 Missouri Tigers
Coming off a solid 8–5 season under head coach Eli Drinkwitz, the Tigers return several key pieces to build on in 2026. The question is: how much of an impact will those pieces have this fall?
New offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey arrives from Michigan, overseeing a roster with several notable changes. Quarterback Austin Simmons transfers in from Ole Miss with proven SEC starting experience and will compete with returner Matt Zollers. The most prominent returnee is All-American running back Ahmad Hardy, who led the FBS in 2025 with 1,648 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. His backfield mate, Jamal Roberts, is also back, joined by Xai’Shaun Edwards, a 1,000-yard rusher from Houston Christian.
Mizzou’s top three receivers from last season are gone, replaced by transfers Cayden Lee (Ole Miss), Caleb Goodie (Cincinnati), Naeshaun Montgomery (Florida), and four-star signee Jabari Brady. Along the offensive line, the Tigers must replace two of five starters, and have added Josh Atkins (Arizona State), Zack Owens (Mississippi State), Luke Work (Mississippi State), and Will Kemna (Kansas State).
Defensively, the Tigers lose their top four defensive linemen but bring back proven production in Darris Smith, Marquis Gracial, and Jalen Marshall. They also add Jaden Jones (Florida State), Donta Simpson (Miami), CJ May (Louisville), and Cavan Tuley (Houston). At linebacker, Nicholas Rodriguez is the leading returning producer, with young talent Jeremiah Beasley a name to watch. The group is bolstered by Robert Woodyard Jr. (Auburn), Malik Bryant (Miami), four-star prospect JJ Bush, and Bobby Washington Jr. (Miami).
The secondary will see turnover as well, with Santana Banner and Trajen Greco providing the most returning experience. New additions include Sione Laulea (Oregon), Jahlil Florence (Oregon), Elijah Dotson (Michigan), Chris Graves Jr. (Ole Miss), JaDon Blair (Notre Dame), and Kensley Louidor-Faustin (Auburn).
Spring Storylines:
– Can Austin Simmons regain his Ole Miss form?
– How does Ahmad Hardy’s workload compare to 2025?
– How well does this rebuilt secondary complement the front six?
Here are quick looks for the remaining teams in the SEC.
#11 Auburn Tigers
New head coach Alex Golesh comes over from USF, bringing highly productive quarterback Byrum Brown with him. I expect the Tigers to take a step forward offensively to complement last season’s strong defensive play. However, the significant roster turnover might prove to be too much for Golesh in Year 1.
#12 Kentucky Wildcats
I’m a huge fan of new head coach Will Stein and the portal haul he’s brought in, headlined by OL Lance Heard (Tennessee), Coleton Price (Baylor), and Tegra Tshabola (Ohio State); QB Kenny Minchey (Notre Dame); LB Elijah Barnes (Texas); RB CJ Baxter (Texas); and WR Nic Anderson (LSU). I expect the Wildcats to be far more competitive than last season and potentially move into that middle tier—or higher—if their transfer additions can hit on all cylinders.
#13 Vanderbilt Commodores
I expect some regression for Vandy and head coach Clark Lea. Coming off a ten-win season in 2025, I don’t see them reaching that level again next season, but I am intrigued by their additions. The headline addition is five-star quarterback prospect Jared Curtis, WR additions Ja’Cory Thomas (ODU) and Cole Adams (Alabama), OL Micah DeBose (Alabama), Lyndon Cooper (Pitt), and Beau Johnson (North Dakota State). They also made multiple key defensive signings, and I expect them to have an impact. I think Vandy will be a solid SEC team, just think this is a transition year from the Diego Pavia era to the Jared Curtis era.
#14 South Carolina Gamecocks
Head coach Shane Beamer has been rumored to be on a “simmering” hot seat, so 2026 is a massive year in his tenure. He has an athletic quarterback, LaNorris Sellers, returning, along with a wide variety of incoming and returning talent around him. I like the receiver group, which should be improved from last season, headlined by returner Nyck Harbor and incoming transfers Jayden Gibson (Oklahoma) and Nitro Tuggle (Purdue).
The offensive line has a ton of questions, as returning starting left tackle Josiah Thompson has already suffered a season-ending injury, and promising incoming right tackle Jacarrius Peak (NC State) will miss the entire spring practice window. Star EDGE Dylan Stewart also returns on the defensive side, surrounded by substantial incoming portal talent. Overall, there are simply too many unanswered questions around the Gamecocks right now for me to rank them any higher in my early fall power rankings.
#15 Mississippi State Bulldogs
I don’t doubt head coach Jeff Lebby’s ability to call an offense, but whether he can be a successful head coach in the SEC remains to be seen. Mississippi State made some solid portal additions with Marquis Johnson (Missouri) at wide receiver and Daelyn Evans (Texas A&M) on the defensive line.
The biggest concern for me is the offensive line, which has to replace four of its five starters from last season, as well as its entire secondary from 2025. I’m also not entirely sold on Zach Arnett returning as defensive coordinator, but he was part of the 9–4 team in 2022, so time will tell.
#16 Arkansas Razorbacks
Simply put, I’m not a huge fan of the Ryan Silverfield hire at Arkansas. He was a decent to solid head coach at Memphis, but I think he punched above his weight with the talent he had there. For now, I’ll give him some grace as he works to rebuild the roster, but at least in Year 1 of his tenure, I expect Arkansas to struggle.
