Another week is down in the Southeastern Conference, and the elite teams are starting to take over. Multiple ranked matchups turned into big upsets and incredible finishes. Everyone has now played a conference game, and it is a good time to gauge where everyone is now that everyone has seen a league opponent.
- Georgia (No change from last week)
The biggest problem with Georgia is the lack of true competition, and they have another game against Vanderbilt before the showdown with Alabama. However, 45 points against the Oklahoma defense is very impressive, even against a team that has struggled this season.
- Texas (-)
Texas’ defense recorded 10 sacks in their win over Tennessee Saturday, and defensive lineman Colin Simmons recorded 5.5 of them. It was a spectacular performance for one of the top ranked defenses, and the offense did just enough without running back Hollywood Smothers.
- Alabama (+1)
Alabama scored more than 45 points for the fourth consecutive game, and quarterback Keelon Russell continues to improve, this week going for 365 yards and 4 touchdowns. The next three games are vital for Alabama’s season, with Mississippi State, Georgia and Tennessee lurking.
- Florida (+5)
Florida had the biggest win of the week, completely dominating Ole Miss 52-28. Running back Jadan Baugh is one of the nation’s top rushers, and he didn’t disappoint against the Rebels with 142 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. He is now up to 600 yards on the season with 11 touchdowns.
- Mississippi State (+2)
Another big win for Mississippi State, who took down Missouri 31-24. If they can take down Alabama this week, then quarterback Kamario Taylor could find himself atop the Heisman Trophy ranking, and the Bulldogs may be in the top 10, unheard of for a team that has been in the basement the last couple years.
- Ole Miss (-3)
The Rebels took their first loss of the season in blowout fashion, and the defense is still suspect, but it is not a season ending loss, especially in the SEC. They will get a bye week to figure out those defensive woes and regroup in their next games against Vanderbilt and Missouri.
- LSU (-1)
LSU bounced right back with a 35-6 win over Texas A&M, but they dropped a spot because of the loss to Ole Miss a week prior, who moved down themselves. The Tigers have an FCS tune up game against McNeese State before traveling to Kentucky for an important game for both teams.
- Tennessee (-3)
Texas’ defense was relentless against the Volunteers, who dropped their first game in a close home loss to No. 1. Quarterback Fazion Brandon was out with injury for a portion of the game, but returned later. The offense should be fine, as they have proved earlier in the season.
- Kentucky (+1)
After South Alabama gave them an early scare, the Wildcats ran away with it to move to 3-1 on the season. South Carolina is up next for Kentucky, a game they can not look past if they want to continue their early success.
- Missouri (-2)
Mississippi State claimed another victim, this week it was the Missouri Tigers. Missouri has looked strong so far, but have not put it all together yet in the past couple weeks. Saturday against Florida will be a big opportunity to make another statement.
- Auburn (+2)
Auburn picked up a home win over Vanderbilt, but have been inconsistent on the year, notably from quarterback Byrum Brown, who has been careless at times with the football. Neyland Stadium and the Tennessee Volunteers are up next, and a win there would be a massive step in the right direction.
- Texas A&M (-1)
The Aggies get the benefit of the doubt from their 2025 season, but losing 35-6 is the last straw before the ranking falls off a cliff.
- Vanderbilt (+2)
After further evaluation, Vanderbilt moves up despite the close loss to Auburn. They still have Georgia and Ole Miss coming up, but the Commodores have won the games needed to make a bowl game so far.
- Oklahoma (-1)
Oklahoma’s offense just can’t get going, and they have fallen fast since the season started. Quarterback John Mateer has taken a big step back and despite the defense keeping the Sooners in games, the offense can’t keep up.
- South Carolina (-1)
South Carolina has had past success against Kentucky, and will host them Saturday, a massive opportunity to get out of the SEC basement.
- Arkansas (-)
Arkansas picked up a win in its final non-conference game against Tulsa, who did defeat Oklahoma State in week 1, but there is still a long way to go to get out of this hole. It starts with Texas A&M Saturday.