Jeff Durham
Calm Waters Hide Deep Currents
For once, the SEC enters a season without a single new head coach and just four coordinator changes . That’s rare stability in a league where the coaching carousel usually spins faster than a mullet in Tuscaloosa. Oddsmakers still list Texas as the favorite, but at +250 those are the longest championship odds for an SEC front‑runner in at least 15 years . Translation: even Vegas isn’t sure who’s emerging from this storm.
Power Rankings & Contenders
Texas Longhorns – Steve Sarkisian returns Arch Manning and a loaded skill group (DeAndre Moore Jr., Ryan Wingo, Quintrevion Wisner and CJ Baxter), but the Horns must replace four starting offensive linemen and patch holes on defense . Georgia Bulldogs – Gunnar Stockton got his feet wet late last season; if the offensive line improves and his receivers catch the ball, Georgia can reclaim the crown . Alabama Crimson Tide – Year 2 under Kalen DeBoer should see a rebound; replacing Nick Saban was always going to be ugly . LSU Tigers – The offense will light up scoreboards again and Brian Kelly’s defense is improving . Dark-horse national title talk isn’t crazy . Texas A&M Aggies – Mike Elko’s squad has talent galore; if quarterback Marcel Reed keeps growing, they could shock everyone .
Next tier: Ole Miss (elite defense returns, but a new QB must avoid turnovers ), Tennessee (tough schedule and new quarterback after losing Nico Iamaleava and Dylan Sampson ), Oklahoma (transfer QB John Mateer leads a retooled offense but a brutal four‑game stretch looms ), and Florida (freshman phenom DJ Lagway is exciting, but the Gators face six ranked teams ).
Overrated and Underrated
CBS Sports calls Texas the most overrated team, not because of Manning but because it must rebuild both lines . South Carolina’s 9‑3 feel‑good story might regress with six of its top seven tacklers gone . Ole Miss, Florida and Tennessee also get “buyer beware” tags . On the flip side, LSU is the popular underrated pick , while Texas A&M and Missouri are trendy sleepers .
Games You Can’t Miss
Texas at Ohio State & LSU at Clemson (Aug 30) – Early tests that could make or break playoff dreams .
Georgia at Tennessee (Sept 13) – The Volunteers host early; existential crises begin .
Alabama at Georgia & LSU at Ole Miss (Sept 27) – A doubleheader that may decide divisionless SEC standings .
Texas at Florida (Oct 4) – If the Gators improve, this is trap city .
Ole Miss at Georgia (Oct 18) – Can Lane Kiffin’s defense repeat last year’s 28‑10 upset?
Texas at Georgia (Nov 15) – Rematch of last year’s lone SEC loss for the Horns.
Freshmen & Transfers to Know
Florida’s 6‑foot‑4 receiver Dallas Wilson has 10‑inch hands and real track speed . Tennessee’s David Sanders Jr. might start at right tackle as a true freshman . LSU’s 6‑foot‑4 corner DJ Pickett could anchor an overhauled secondary . And keep an eye on transfer quarterback John Mateer, who threw for 3,139 yards and 29 TDs at Washington State and added over 1,000 rushing yards .
Hot Take: A Tiger on Top
Stability usually breeds dominance, but 2025 feels different. The league is so deep that the eventual champion will likely have two losses . My pick? LSU. The Tigers’ offense, led by Garrett Nussmeier (he threw for 4,000 yards last season ), will overwhelm opponents, and a revamped defense will do just enough. Meanwhile, Texas will drop at least two games (Ohio State, Georgia, maybe Florida) . That leaves LSU and Texas A&M to slug it out in Atlanta. Don’t be surprised if the purple and gold hoist the trophy before charging into the playoff.