The SEC is entering 2025 with a rare storyline: three Group of Five head coaches making the jump into the nation’s toughest conference. None of them have coached a single SEC snap yet, but early impressions, résumé strength, cultural fit, and fan enthusiasm already provide a fascinating power ranking of who looks strongest on paper heading into Year 1.
These early rankings aren’t based on roster talent or projected win totals: only fit, potential, and early fan/base excitement.
1. Alex Golesh (Auburn)
Auburn appears to be the only SEC fanbase genuinely thrilled with its Group of Five hire. After initially being viewed as Arkansas-bound, Golesh stunned everyone by flipping to Auburn late, an SEC-to-SEC twist few saw coming. Rumors about him already signing with Arkansas “turned him away” after whispers of a premature agreement only added fuel to the drama.
Golesh arrives with a 23–15 record at USF, including a 9–3 season, the program’s best since 2017. His offensive background is the primary driver of excitement. Auburn football hasn’t looked electric on offense since the Gus Malzahn era, and Golesh brings the DNA that powered Josh Heupel’s high-tempo Tennessee machine.
With Auburn’s resources, Golesh has a chance to hit the ground running, whether that’s convincing freshman QB Deuce Knight to remain committed, bringing Byrum Brown with him from USF, or landing another portal option entirely. The defensive side is his biggest challenge. Tempo offenses stress defenses heavily, but retaining DC DJ Durkin was viewed as a stabilizing move after Auburn’s strong defensive play this season.
Why he ranks No. 1:
He’s the cleanest fit, brings instant identity, energizes the fanbase, and inherits one of the SEC’s most portal-ready rosters for a schematic reboot. Biggest boom or bust potential with this hire.
2. Jon Sumrall (Florida)
Sumrall has long been considered one of the best young coaches in the country, but the Florida fan reaction was lukewarm at best. The Swamp247 announcement thread racked up downvotes, more a reflection of missing on Lane Kiffin than on Sumrall himself.
On paper, Sumrall is an elite hire. He’s won two conference titles in four seasons, has never won fewer than nine games, and owns a 28–4 conference record. He brings a tough, defensive-minded approach that fits the grind of SEC ball.
But the uneasiness among Florida fans comes from flashbacks to Billy Napier:
- Napier: 40–12 overall | Sumrall: 42–11
- Napier: 27–5 in conference | Sumrall: 28–4
- Napier: 16–3 in one-score games | Sumrall: 15–3
- Napier’s offense (pre-UF): 50th nationally | Sumrall’s: 53rd
The parallels are eerily similar, and that’s why the fanbase is cautious. Still, Sumrall is more fiery, more direct, and carries a stronger defensive pedigree than Napier ever did. Florida won’t be soft under his watch. But whether he can generate explosive offense in an SEC that demands it remains the question.
Why he ranks No. 2:
The résumé is undeniable, but fan buy-in and offensive concerns keep him from the top spot.
3. Ryan Silverfield (Arkansas)
Arkansas swung hard for Alex Golesh but ended up landing Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield, a respected program-builder who kept Memphis competitive after the Fuente/Norvell era.
Silverfield’s strengths are clear:
- Elite recruiter
- Portal-savvy team builder
- Attracted Power Four-level talent at Memphis
- Signed 31 transfers in 2024 and 40 in 2025
Arkansas needs roster reconstruction badly, and Silverfield excels at exactly that.
But here’s the issue: Memphis never made the AAC Championship Game under him, and he struggled against winning opponents:
- 12–20 vs. teams above .500
- 3–12 on the road vs. winning teams
That profile is concerning in a league with Alabama, LSU, Texas, Oklahoma, and a loaded rest of the conference with many teams normally over that .500 record mark. Still, his player-development background, offensive toughness, and ability to modernize the roster could surprise early, especially if he lands the right quarterback through the portal.
Why he ranks No. 3:
He brings stability and roster talent, but hasn’t yet proven he can elevate a program from good to great.
Final Thoughts
All three hires come with questions, but each brings something unique:
- Golesh: offensive innovator who can make Auburn dangerous fast.
- Sumrall: proven winner with a defensive edge and championship résumé.
- Silverfield: roster-building machine who may thrive with SEC resources.
The SEC never lacks storylines, but entering 2026 with three Group of Five risers stepping into the league brings a level of intrigue not seen in years and some spicy new rivalries.