SEC Power Rankings: Texas Longhorns Leading the Way! Where Does Your Team Rank? Sorting the College Football Playoff Contenders Before Spring Practice

As we approach the 2025 college football season, one team has stood out above the rest in the preseason power rankings — the Texas Longhorns. With a roster that boasts talent on both sides of the ball and a head coach in Steve Sarkisian that has steadily built the program into a perennial contender, Texas is poised for greatness in the 2025 season. But how does the Longhorns’ dominance shake up the SEC power rankings, and where do the other College Football Playoff (CFP) hopefuls stack up before spring practice?

Let’s dive into the power rankings and break down each team’s chances at making the 2025 College Football Playoff — and where they sit in the ever-competitive SEC landscape.

1. Texas Longhorns

2024 Record: 12-1 (Big 12 Champion, CFP Semifinalist)

Texas enters the 2025 season as the presumptive No. 1 team in the SEC, having dominated the Big 12 and narrowly missing a spot in the national title game last year. With a wealth of talent, both offensively and defensively, and an experienced coaching staff, the Longhorns are built to contend for the national championship.

Offense:
Quarterback Quinn Ewers returns for his senior season, poised to further develop into one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football. Ewers has an excellent group of wide receivers, including Xavier Worthy, who will likely be a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Longhorns’ offensive line remains one of the best in the country, providing ample protection for Ewers and paving the way for running back Bijan Robinson to shine.

Defense:
Texas’ defense is no slouch either, with cornerbacks like Ryan Watts and defensive linemen such as T’Vondre Sweat anchoring a defense that can suffocate the best offenses in college football. Their ability to stop the run and rush the passer will be crucial in big games against SEC powers later in the season.

Outlook:
Texas is in a favorable position to make a run for the College Football Playoff. While they have the talent to win the Big 12, their move to the SEC starting in 2025 will present a new level of competition. However, Texas is well-equipped to handle it. The Longhorns are the team to beat heading into the season.

2. Georgia Bulldogs

2024 Record: 11-2 (SEC Champion, CFP Finalist)

Georgia has established itself as one of the premier programs in college football under head coach Kirby Smart. The Bulldogs were national champions in 2022 and came within a whisker of repeating in 2024, losing in the CFP Final to Michigan. Georgia will enter the 2025 season with the hope of claiming a third consecutive SEC title and returning to the CFP Final.

Offense:
Georgia’s offense is built around a dominant offensive line and a strong running game. The Bulldogs are likely to lean on their talented running backs, including Kendall Milton and freshman phenom Andrew Harris. Quarterback Brock Vandagriff, a highly touted prospect, takes over after a couple of seasons learning behind Stetson Bennett. Vandagriff has big shoes to fill but has the physical tools to excel in Georgia’s pro-style offense.

Defense:
Defensively, Georgia remains a powerhouse. The Bulldogs have a next-generation defense, with playmakers at every level, from the secondary to the defensive line. Defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann has turned Georgia into a unit capable of dominating top-tier offenses. With stars like linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson and defensive tackle Jalen Carter leading the charge, Georgia will be tough to beat.

Outlook:
Georgia should once again be in the mix for the SEC championship and a playoff berth in 2025. While they might take a slight step back offensively with the transition at quarterback, their defense remains elite, which will keep them in contention for another CFP appearance.

3. Alabama Crimson Tide

2024 Record: 11-2 (SEC West Champion, CFP Semifinalist)

Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide have been the standard of excellence in college football for more than a decade. Although 2024 ended in disappointment with a loss in the CFP semifinals, Alabama remains a force to be reckoned with.

Offense:
Alabama has traditionally dominated with an NFL-caliber offensive line, and they should continue that trend in 2025. The big question will be at quarterback, where Jalen Milroe showed flashes of brilliance last season but also struggled with consistency. If Milroe can improve his decision-making and accuracy, Alabama’s offense has the potential to explode, with elite talent at wide receiver (like Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bond) and running back (Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams).

Defense:
Defensively, Alabama is always one of the nation’s best. With future NFL draft picks like edge rusher Dallas Turner and linebacker Henry To’o To’o, the Crimson Tide will once again have a stout defense that can stop the run, get after the quarterback, and shut down opposing passing games.

Outlook:
Alabama has a tough road ahead but is certainly capable of making another deep playoff run. If Milroe takes the next step at quarterback and the offensive line continues to dominate, Alabama will be in the mix for another SEC title.

4. LSU Tigers

2024 Record: 10-3 (SEC West Runner-up, Citrus Bowl Champion)

Brian Kelly’s second season at LSU was marked by growth and improvement, culminating in a strong finish to the season. With a loaded roster and a more seasoned coaching staff, LSU is poised to challenge for the SEC title in 2025.

Offense:
Quarterback Jayden Daniels was one of the most electrifying players in college football in 2024. Daniels returns for his senior season, and with a wealth of weapons at his disposal, including wide receiver Malik Nabers and running back Josh Williams, LSU’s offense should be explosive. The Tigers will also benefit from a veteran offensive line that can protect Daniels and open up holes for the running game.

Defense:
Defensively, LSU will lean on elite pass rushers like Harold Perkins Jr. and a secondary that has some of the best young talent in the country. LSU’s defense took significant strides under defensive coordinator Matt House last season, and they will look to continue that momentum in 2025.

Outlook:
LSU is a dark horse to win the SEC and could very well find itself in the mix for a CFP spot. With Daniels’ leadership and LSU’s depth on both sides of the ball, this is a team that could make noise in the SEC West.

5. Ole Miss Rebels

2024 Record: 9-4 (Outback Bowl Champion)

Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Rebels continue to climb in the SEC under his leadership. After a strong 2024 season, Ole Miss is poised to challenge the top teams in the SEC.

Offense:
Quarterback Jaxson Dart has been one of the SEC’s most efficient passers, and with playmakers like Quinshon Judkins at running back, the Rebels’ offense is poised to put up points in bunches. Kiffin’s air-raid offense is dynamic, and Dart will look to take the next step in 2025.

Defense:
Ole Miss’ defense is a work in progress but has made strides under defensive coordinator Pete Golding. The defense will need to improve, especially in the secondary, if the Rebels are to keep pace with the top-tier teams in the SEC.

Outlook:
Ole Miss is an exciting team but is still a few pieces away from seriously contending for an SEC title. However, with Kiffin at the helm and a potent offense, they could surprise some people and make a run at a New Year’s Six bowl.

6. Tennessee Volunteers

2024 Record: 8-5 (Music City Bowl Champion)

Tennessee’s 2024 season was filled with ups and downs, but head coach Josh Heupel is building something special in Knoxville. The Volunteers have the offensive firepower to compete with anyone in the SEC.

Offense:
Quarterback Joe Milton III will be the key for Tennessee in 2025. Milton has the arm strength to make every throw on the field, but his consistency has been a question. He will need to take the next step for Tennessee’s offense to function at its best. Running back Jabari Small and wide receivers like Bru McCoy and Squirrel White give Tennessee the weapons to make a serious run.

Defense:
Tennessee’s defense took a step forward in 2024 but still has some holes to fill, particularly in the secondary. With new defensive coordinator Tim Banks continuing to implement his scheme, the Volunteers will need to improve their pass rush and coverage if they want to compete at the highest level.

Outlook:
Tennessee is an exciting team with explosive offensive potential, but the defense will need to improve before they can challenge for a playoff berth. Still, a 9-3 season and a strong bowl game appearance is within reach.

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Conclusion

With spring practice just around the corner, the 2025 college football season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. The Texas Longhorns lead the way with their loaded roster, but they will face stiff competition from traditional SEC powerhouses like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU. Teams like Ole Miss and Tennessee also present potential dark horses, ready to surprise the SEC elite.

In the ever-competitive SEC, every team will be vying for a chance to claim the conference title and make a run at the College Football Playoff. The road to the CFP will be challenging, but as we head into the 2025 season, it’s clear that Texas and the SEC will be at the center of the college football conversation.