The SEC is about to start a new journey. In the last decade or so, the league was ruled by Alabama and Nick Saben. Every once in a while, another team grew to prominence for a season, but Saben's team was always in the conversation. Now, the seven-time (six at Alabama) national champion coach is out of the game.
There are also the new kids in town. Historic powerhouses Texas and Oklahoma are officially SEC teams. Arkansas fans are excited to rekindle the rivalry with the Longhorns, especially after the game in 2021. But they're a different team now and may have a shot at taking the SEC crown in their inaugural season.
The rest of the conference looks different, too, with Ole Miss and Missouri vying for a trip to Atlanta. With the talent it has, Alabama will still be good without Saben, but Kalen DeBoer might find it difficult to fill his predecessor's shoes in his first year.
Week one SEC Power Rankings
Rank | Team |
|---|---|
1 | Georgia |
2 | Texas |
3 | Ole Miss |
4 | Missouri |
5 | Alabama |
6 | Tennessee |
7 | LSU |
8 | Oklahoma |
9 | Kentucky |
10 | Auburn |
11 | Texas A&M |
12 | Florida |
13 | Arkansas |
14 | South Carolina |
15 | Mississippi State |
16 | Vanderbilt |
The bottom of the league could fluctuate throughout the season, with Auburn and Texas A&M as wild cards. However, Arkansas could be a surprise team with Bobby Petrino back in Fayetteville. On the other hand, Sam Pittman is on the hot seat after a 4-8 season. Another coach feeling the heat is Florida's head coach, Billy Napier. Both could crumble under the pressure this season.
Mississippi State is in the middle of a rebuild with new head coach Jeff Lebby. The odds that the Bulldogs will move much higher than their current position are low. And, of course, Vandy is Vandy. When Clark Lea was hired, he said, "In time, Vanderbilt football will be the best program in the country," but it doesn't look like that will happen this season.