The SEC heads into week 6 with some of its biggest rivals going toe to toe in pivotal matchups. Some of the conference’s best stories were on full display, some getting big wins and some taking unfortunate losses.
- Georgia (No change from last week)
Once again, no trouble for the Bulldogs as they down Vanderbilt 38-14, but this will be the last of the easy games, as Georgia travels to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for a matchup that will be pivotal for SEC Championship chances.
- Texas (-)
Georgia and Texas have been the top dogs for a while now, but that may change going into this week. Texas was idle in week 5, but will play Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry Saturday. Unfortunately for the Longhorns, a win won’t help much, but a loss may derail what was potential for an SEC Championship.
- Alabama (-)
Alabama may deserve better than third, as they have played tougher games than the top teams have, but this will be their opportunity to climb higher, hosting Georgia, the top ranked team. This week, the Crimson Tide played at Mississippi State and were able to create 4 turnovers, winning 56-23 over an upstart Bulldogs team. Quarterback Keelon Russell has been even better than expected, and one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country.
- Ole Miss (+2)
The middle of the pack in the SEC is hard to rank, and Ole Miss climbs two spots after not playing a game. If they lose to Vanderbilt Saturday, they will fall right back down the list before two ranked games against Missouri and Texas give the Rebels a big challenge.
- Mississippi State (-)
With all the shakeup in the SEC, Mississippi State is the team in the middle that remains the same. Alabama has the one of the best resumes in the country so far, and a loss to the Crimson Tide won’t hurt. The Bulldogs need to protect the football better in their next game against LSU.
- LSU (+1)
LSU had their final tuneup game before the gauntlet of the SEC comes into play. This week, the Tigers will take on Kentucky, who have been on fire offensively in the last couple of weeks. LSU has had their historical struggles in Lexington, and it is a game the Tigers can’t afford to lose.
- Missouri (+3)
The Tigers handled Florida 45-17 in one of the biggest wins head coach Eli Drinkwitz has for Missouri. The defense limited Florida’s loaded rushing attack and their running back, Jamal Roberts, totaled 211 on his own. Up next is Texas A&M, a team they should handle.
- Tennessee (-)
Tennessee picked up a solid win over Auburn at home Saturday. Although not playing the strongest of schedules early in the season, the Volunteers have done the job, and it may be the best defense they have had since Josh Heupel became head coach.
- Kentucky (-)
Hard to put Kentucky any higher since they haven’t beaten the top teams of the SEC, but there may not be a hotter team in the conference right now. The Wildcats completed a 17-point comeback against South Carolina to move to 2-1 in conference play, already matching their 2025 total.
- Florida (-6)
Just about everything went wrong for Florida, who were trounced by Missouri on the road. The offense wasn’t able to get going, especially running back Jadan Baugh, who totaled just 13 yards on 12 carries. The question becomes: Was this a hangover, or did they regress this week?
- Texas A&M (+1)
A 34-7 win for Texas A&M gets the Aggies right back on track, and will need to upset Missouri on the road before getting back into the thick of the standings in the SEC.
- Auburn (-1)
Auburn has been an average team all season. All of the games against their power conference opponents have been close, but the Tigers find themselves at 3-2 on the season. Average won’t cut it in the SEC, and Georgia awaits Auburn on the other side of the bye week.
- Vanderbilt (-)
Georgia was always going to be a tough opponent for Vanderbilt to defeat, but the Commodores made it interesting through the first half. Vanderbilt is still looking for the right starting quarterback, and will have to find one quickly before Ole Miss comes to town.
- Oklahoma (-)
No game this past weekend for the Sooners, but archrival Texas is up next, and an important game for Oklahoma if they want to turn the season around. The game should be low scoring with both offenses having their struggles and both defenses among the top of the SEC, which could play in Oklahoma’s favor.
- South Carolina
South Carolina blew a 17-point lead to Kentucky at home, and have Florida up next on the schedule, who will be looking to take advantage of the lackluster Gamecock defense.
- Arkansas
It’s not getting any easier for Arkansas, who just have to find a way to win a couple of SEC games. It isn’t the hardest remaining schedule, but none of the games will be easy.