The Standings Projection
| Projected Order of Finish | Projected Record |
| 1. Georgia | 11-1 (7-1) |
| 2. LSU | 10-2 (7-1) |
| 3. Texas | 10-2 (7-1) |
| 4. Alabama | 10-2 (6-2) |
| 5. Ole Miss | 9-3 (5-3) |
| 6. Tennessee | 9-3 (5-3) |
| 7. Auburn | 8-4 (5-3) |
| 8. Oklahoma | 8-4 (4-4) |
| 9. Florida | 8-4 (4-4) |
| 10. Texas A&M | 7-5 (4-4) |
| 11. South Carolina | 7-5 (4-4) |
| 12. Missouri | 6-6 (2-6) |
| 13. Vanderbilt | 6-6 (2-6) |
| 14. Arkansas | 5-7 (2-6) |
| 15. Mississippi State | 4-8 (0-8) |
| 16. Kentucky | 3-9 (0-8) |
The Team Breakdowns
Georgia
After two consecutive seasons of dominance in 2021 and 2022, the Bulldogs have taken a slight step back over the past two seasons. The defense has failed to reach the heights of the championship years, and the offensive line and running game were not up to the UGA standard in 2024.
2025 Georgia has several big questions that they must answer if they’re going to win a stacked SEC. Junior QB Gunner Stockton steps in to replace Carson Beck and showed some promise in the CFP Quarterfinal matchup against Notre Dame in January. With that being said, he must make improvements in the passing game. Georgia’s offensive line is still not elite, but I think they will improve in 2025, thus aiding the ground attack. Stockton’s athleticism and mobility will come up big in 3rd and 4th down situations.. an interesting dynamic that Georgia has not had in past seasons.
I think the Georgia offense will do just enough to help their defense truly excel and win them ball games. Georgia is the most talented defense on paper in the country, consisting of 11 players who were 5 star recruits at one point. I think the defense will carry Kirby’s squad and lead them to a SEC Championship and potentially more.
Key Players
| Offense | Height/Weight |
| QB Gunner Stockton (Jr.) | 6‘1, 215 |
| RB Nate Frazier (So.) | 5’10, 205 |
| WR Zachariah Branch (Jr.) | 5’9, 180 |
| WR Dillon Bell (Sr.) | 6’1, 210 |
| TE Oscar Delp (Sr.) | 6’5, 245 |
| Defense | |
| NT Christen Miller (Fr.) | 6’4, 305 |
| LB CJ Allen (Jr.) | 6’1, 235 |
| S KJ Bolden (So.) | 6’0, 185 |
| CB Daylen Everette (Sr.) | 6’1, 190 |
| CB Daniel Harris (Jr.) | 6’3, 195 |
Coaches
HC: Kirby Smart (105-19), 10th Season
OC: Mike Bobo
DC: Glenn Schumann
Projected Record: 11-1 (7-1), 1st SEC
LSU
There is no college football program more consistently volatile than the LSU Tigers. Many seasons in Baton Rouge are spent going 9-3 or 8-4 without contending for a title. The hot seat for coaches in the Bayou heats up quickly, and the drama usually comes in droves. However, when LSU peaks, they peak dramatically. The last 3 coaches to lead the Tigers have won a national championship, and I believe that Brian Kelly will get his chance to contend for a title this season.
The LSU offense should be prolific. Garrett Nussmeier has the most upside of any quarterback in the country and will be the first QB picked in the NFL Draft next April. The receiving corps is excellent per usual. The offensive line, while losing some talent, should gel as the season progresses.
The biggest question marks for the Tigers lie on the defensive side of the ball. LSU’s secondary has been cooked in recent seasons, but I think they will improve enough in 2025 to win a lot of games. Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins are legitimately excellent linebackers who will make great leaders of the defense. Second year DC Blake Baker is a great coach who will make the adjustments necessary for LSU to be elite and make the College Football Playoff.
Key Players
| Offense | Height/Weight |
| QB Garrett Nussmeier (Sr.) | 6’2, 200 |
| RB Caden Durham (So.) | 5’9 ,205 |
| WR Aaron Anderson (Jr.) | 5’8, 188 |
| WR Chris Hilton Jr. (Sr.) | 6’0, 190 |
| WR Zavion Thomas (Sr.) | 5’10, 191 |
| Defense | |
| DE Patrick Payton (Sr.) | 6’5, 255 |
| LB Whit Weeks (Jr.) | 6’2, 255 |
| LB Harold Perkins (Jr.) | 6’1, 220 |
| CB Ashton Stamps (Jr.) | 6’0, 190 |
| CB Mansoor Delane (Sr.) | 6’0, 191 |
Coaches
HC: Brian Kelly (29-11), 4th Season
OC: Joe Sloan
DC: Blake Baker
Projected Record: 10-2 (7-1), 2nd SEC
Texas
20 seasons after beating USC and winning a national title at the Rose Bowl in one of the most memorable games in college football history, Texas is officially back and expected to contend at the very top of College Football. Pioneered by the most famous and polarizing player in the country, Arch Manning, the Longhorns are primed for greatness in 2025.
I expect the offense to be efficient and convert often on 3rd and 4th down in 2025. Arch Manning’s athleticism and ability to run should make for an elite short yardage and ground game for the Horns. The offensive line will take a slight step back compared to 2024, but I still expect them to be among the best in college football. Outside of Ryan Wingo, Texas is inexperienced at wideout. I expect Steve Sarkisian will scheme openings for his young receiving corps that will help them succeed as the season progresses.
Defensively, Texas will be rock solid, but I’m not sure they will be as tremendous a unit as they were in 2024. The loss of Thorpe award winner Jahdae Barron looms large. Colin Simmons is a menace off the edge and Anthony Hill is a great linebacker, but I believe Texas’ defense will be slightly worse in 2025.
Texas is going to make the College Football Playoff this season. With that being said, I am slightly lower than the national consensus on this team. I have them losing close games at Ohio State and at Georgia, leaving them at 10-2 and tied for 2nd in the SEC. With the tiebreaker in this situation going to LSU, Texas would come up just short of heading to Atlanta for the SEC championship game.
Key Players
| Offense | Height/Weight |
| QB Arch Manning (So.) | 6’4, 222 |
| RB Quintrevion Wisner (Jr.) | 6’0, 194 |
| WR Ryan Wingo (So.) | 6’2, 214 |
| WR DeAndre Moore (Jr.) | 6’0 ,195 |
| TE Jack Endries (Jr.) | 6’4, 240 |
| Defense | |
| DT Maraad Watson (So.) | 6’3, 313 |
| DE Colin Simmons (So.) | 6’3, 238 |
| LB Anthony Hill (Jr.) | 6’3, 237 |
| CB Malik Muhammad (Jr.) | 6’0, 178 |
| SS Jelani McDonald (Jr.) | 6’2, 204 |
Coaches
HC: Steve Sarkisian (38-17), 6th Season
OC: Kyle Flood
DC: Pete Kwiatkowski
Projected Record: 10-2 (7-1), 3rd SEC
Alabama
Kalen DeBoer learned quickly in 2024 that losing four games and coming up short of the College Football Playoff is not something that will be accepted long term in Tuscaloosa. In 2025, DeBoer has all the talent on paper that he needs to contend for a national title. Historically, everywhere he has coached, he has won big in his second season. This includes making a run all the way to the national championship game in his second season at Washington in 2023. I think dramatic improvements are coming for Alabama in 2025, including a trip to the CFP.
Alabama is particularly loaded on defense, especially in the secondary. I think their ability to cover and blanket opposing receivers will lead to a plethora of sacks for the Tide defense in 2025. Offensively, the biggest question lies with junior starting QB Ty Simpson. If Simpson is simply above average to good, Alabama is good enough to contend for a trip to Atlanta. If Simpson is anything better, they will contend for a national championship. Ryan Williams is the second best receiver in America and is a truly special player to watch. I’m picking Alabama to lose 2 road games in 2025.. at Georgia and at South Carolina.. and narrowly miss out on the SEC championship game.
Key Players
| Offense | Height/Weight |
| QB Ty Simpson (Jr.) | 6’2, 210 |
| RB Jam Miller (Sr.) | 5’10, 220 |
| WR Ryan Williams (So.) | 6’0, 175 |
| WR Germie Bernard (Sr.) | 6’1, 202 |
| LT Kadyn Proctor (Jr.) | 6’7, 360 |
| Defense | |
| DE LT Overton (Sr.) | 6’5, 280 |
| LB Deontae Lawson (Sr.) | 6’2, 230 |
| CB Domani Jakson (Sr.) | 6’1, 195 |
| FS Bray Hubbard (Jr.) | 6’2, 208 |
| SS Keon Sabb (Jr.) | 6’1, 205 |
Coaches
HC: Kalen DeBoer (9-4), 2nd Season
OC: Ryan Grubb
DC: Kane Wommack
Projected Record: 10-2 (6-2), 4th SEC
Ole Miss
Although Alabama received more attention for their missed playoff bid in 2024, I was most disappointed in Ole Miss for missing out on the inaugural 12 team field. The Rebels were absolutely loaded with portal talent on the defensive side of the ball, and showed their true potential in a home blowout win against Georgia in early November. However, they blew their chance at a playoff run with letdown losses against Kentucky, LSU and Florida. This season, with the help of one of the easier schedules in the SEC, I think things will be different.
I think Austin Simmons is the real deal at quarterback for the Rebels. He showcased flashes in 2024, and the 6’4 sophomore will be cleared for takeoff when he’s handed the reigns to Lane Kiffin’s offense in 2025. Kiffin has the unique ability as a coach and play-caller to scheme receivers wide open, and Simmons will take advantage. The defense will take a step back, but I still think the lethal passing attack and overall efficiency of the Ole Miss offense will be enough to propel them to a 9-3 finish. I have them as my last at-large team into the the CFP field.
Key Players
| Offense | Height/Weight |
| QB Austin Simmons (So.) | 6’4, 215 |
| RB Logan Diggs (Sr.) | 6’1, 215 |
| WR Harrison Wallace III (Sr.) | 6’1, 195 |
| TE Dae’Quan Wright (Sr.) | 6’4, 255 |
| LT Diego Pounds (Sr.) | 6’6, 340 |
| Defense | |
| DE Princewill Umanmielen (Jr.) | 6’5, 245 |
| DT Zxavian Harris (Sr.) | 6’7, 320 |
| LB Suntarine Perkins (Jr.) | 6’1, 210 |
| CB Chris Graves Jr. (Jr.) | 6’0, 185 |
| S Sage Ryan (Sr.) | 5’11, 200 |
Coaches
HC: Lane Kiffin (44-18), 6th Season
OC: Charlie Weis Jr.
DC: Pete Golding
Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3), 5th SEC
Tennessee
Tennessee feels like one of the more widely written off teams in the SEC nationally in 2025. With the loss of Nico Iamaleava, it feels like most pundits have projected a significant step back for the Vols after a 10-2 season and a playoff appearance in 2024. I don’t think this will necessarily be the case. While transfer QB Joey Aguilar is a downgrade talent wise from Nico, I think there is a possibility he works better in Josh Heupel’s offensive system. Aguilar will not try to make the hero plays, but instead will aim to make the right play in a system that thrives off of timing and staying ahead of the chains. The run game always excels under Heupel, and I expect more of the same this season.
My main reason for being optimistic about Tennessee is the continued improvement of the defense. Tim Banks has proven to be one of the better defensive coordinators in the SEC, and I believe his defense will be elite in 2025. Powered by stud linebacker Arion Carter and corner Jermod McCoy, Tennessee will have a top 10 defense nationally and will push for top 5. I have Tennessee losing to Georgia, at Alabama and at Florida and narrowly missing out on a playoff bid. Despite this, I do see a potential path to 10-2 and a second straight playoff appearance.
Key Players
| Offense | Height/Weight |
| QB Joey Aguilar (Sr.) | 6’3, 220 |
| RB DeSean Bishop (So.) | 5’10, 208 |
| WR Chris Brazzell II (Jr.) | 6’5, 200 |
| TE Miles Kitselman (Sr.) | 6’5, 255 |
| LT Lance Heard (Jr.) | 6’6, 330 |
| Defense | |
| DT Bryson Eason (Sr.) | 6’3, 316 |
| LB Arion Carter (Jr.) | 6’1, 235 |
| LB Boo Carter (So.) | 5’11, 200 |
| CB Jermod McCoy (Jr.) | 6’0, 193 |
| S Andre Turrentine (Sr.) | 5’11, 195 |
Coaches
HC: Josh Heupel (37-15), 5th Season
OC: Joey Halzie
DC: Tim Banks
Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3), 6th SEC
Auburn
The 2025 Auburn Tigers are perhaps the biggest wild card in the country. Hugh Freeze comes in firmly on the hot seat in need of redemption this season, and I think he will find it on the back of a talented transfer QB and an elite wide receiver corps. With Cam Coleman returning and speedster wideout Eric Singleton Jr. coming over in the portal from Georgia Tech, elite might be an understatement when describing this receiver group. By my calculations, they are the second best receiving unit nationally behind Ohio State. I believe this will give Jackson Arnold the confidence and the ability he needs to effectively move the ball downfield for Auburn. I think the offense will be much improved.
The secondary will be the heart of the defense for Auburn in 2025. Keldric Faulk is an elite pass rusher and I believe the combination of their coverage downfield and his ability to sack the passer will be just enough for them to hang on defensively. Hugh Freeze has shown the ability to be a QB whisperer in the past. I think he channels some of that old magic this season to the tune of a top half SEC finish and a quality bowl appearance.
Key Players
| Offense | Height/Weight |
| QB Jackson Arnold (Jr.) | 6’1, 211 |
| RB Damari Alston (Sr.) | 5’9, 205 |
| WR Cam Coleman (So.) | 6’3, 195 |
| WR Eric Singleton Jr. (Jr.) | 5’11, 190 |
| WR Malcolm Simmons (So.) | 5’10, 178 |
| Defense | |
| DE Keldric Faulk (Jr.) | 6’6, 270 |
| DT Malik Blocton (So.) | 6’3, 301 |
| CB Kayin Lee (Jr.) | 5’11, 178 |
| CB Jay Crawford (So.) | 5’11, 182 |
| SS Kaleb Harris (So.) | 6’1, 201 |
Coaches
HC: Hugh Freeze (11-14), 3rd Season
OC: Derrick Nix
DC: DJ Durkin
Projected Record: 8-4 (5-3), 7th SEC
Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Sooners are the second team I am projecting to save their hot seat coach with a successful campaign in the 2025 season. While I’m not sure if 8-4 and an 8th place SEC finish is where the Sooners want to be as a program long term, it would certainly be a step up compared to recent years and would be the most successful season coach Brent Venables has had at the helm in Norman. The Sooners return a bevy of talent defensively and should be stout on that side of the ball in 2025.
Transfer quarterback John Mateer comes in from Washington State after receiving a hefty NIL payday, and he brought his OC Ben Arbuckle with him. I think this duo will be more than competent at the SEC level, but I question whether or not they have the extra gear needed to beat the best of the SEC. While I think that the Sooners are a quality team on both sides of the ball and I have them power rated as a top 15 team, I have to take into account the brutality of their schedule. I’ve projected four losses for OU considering they have to play Auburn, Texas at the Cotton Bowl, at South Carolina, at Tennessee, at Alabama and LSU at home. If more than two of those games are Sooner wins, they should make the playoff.
Key Players
| Offense | Height/Weight |
| QB John Mateer (Jr.) | 6’1, 224 |
| RB Jaydn Ott (Sr.) | 6’0, 210 |
| WR Deion Burks (Sr.) | 5’9, 181 |
| WR Isaiah Sategna (Jr.) | 5’10, 185 |
| LT Jacob Sexton (Sr.) | 6’6, 333 |
| Defense | |
| DE Mason Thomas (Sr.) | 6’2, 249 |
| DT Damonic Williams (Sr.) | 6’1, 320 |
| LB Kip Lewis (Jr.) | 6’1, 226 |
| CB Eli Bowen (So.) | 5’9, 184 |
| SS Robert Spears-Jennings (Sr.) | 6’0, 214 |
Coaches
HC: Brent Venables (22-17), 4th Season
OC: Ben Arbuckle
DC: Brent Venables
Projected Record: 8-4 (4-4), 8th SEC
Florida
There is a common theme with each of the teams I have from 8th to 11th place in the SEC standings: the schedule. There’s plenty to like about the Gators in 2025, including veteran leadership on both sides of the ball and a young phenom QB in DJ Lagway that has as high of an upside as anyone in the conference. With that being said, the schedule for Florida is a total bear. Combine that with a coach in Billy Napier that is less trustworthy than most SEC head coaches, and I’m out on Florida as a playoff team.
If Florida hits their ceiling, they certainly have a case to make the CFP. DJ Lagway showed that he can be a dynamic playmaker through the air and with his legs in four straight victories to close the 2024 campaign. Jadan Baugh is a total stud at tailback and could be the most prolific in the conference. The receiving corps and offensive line are both above average, and the defense showed improvement under Ron Roberts to close last season. I expect linear improvement from the defense in 2025.. enough to win the Gators 8 games. Yet at the end of the day, Florida is at LSU, at Miami (FL), home for Texas, at Texas A&M, home for Georgia, home for Tennessee, and home for Florida State. If they can find away to reach maximum potential, they’ll contend for a SEC title and beyond. I’m banking on them coming up just short.
Key Players
| Offense | Height/Weight |
| QB DJ Lagway (So.) | 6’3, 241 |
| RB Jadan Baugh (So.) | 6’1, 230 |
| WR Eugene Wilson III (So.) | 5’10, 189 |
| WR J. Michael Sturdivant (Sr.) | 6’3, 216 |
| TE Hayden Hansen (Jr.) | 6’8, 271 |
| Defense | |
| DT Caleb Banks (Sr.) | 6’6, 329 |
| DE Tyreak Sapp (Sr.) | 6’3, 274 |
| LB Myles Graham (So.) | 6’1, 227 |
| CB Devin Moore (Sr.) | 6’3, 199 |
| FS Jordan Castell (Jr.) | 6’2, 217 |
Coaches
HC: Billy Napier (19-19), 4th Season
OC: Russ Callaway
DC: Ron Roberts
Projected Record: 8-4 (4-4), 9th SEC
Texas A&M
I’m the consensus low-man nationally on Texas A&M… and I’m ready to take all the heat for it. I’ve seen A&M projected anywhere from 2nd to 8th in the SEC, and I have them 10th. I understand the strengths of this team on paper and admit that they are appealing. The offensive line should be a well-oiled machine, perhaps the best in the SEC. The defense will continue to improve under the tutelage of defensive mastermind Mike Elko, and they have legitimate studs at all three levels. KC Concepcion, the transfer WR from NC State, is a freak athlete and a great pickup if he can stay healthy.
For me, this is a bet against sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed. While he’s proven he has wheels, I just don’t think Reed can make high level throws consistently enough to beat other top SEC teams. I think he will continue to be inconsistent and inaccurate at times, and it will cost the Aggies ball games in 2025. The schedule doesn’t help either, with A&M playing an out of conference game in South Bend as well as taking trips to Death Valley and Austin in SEC play. While there are a lot of pieces in place on this roster that I really like, I think the ceiling falls short of the CFP because of the QB play.
Key Players
| Offense | Height/Weight |
| QB Marcel Reed (So.) | 6’2, 185 |
| RB Le’Veon Moss (Sr.) | 6’0, 210 |
| WR KC Concepcion (Jr.) | 5’11, 190 |
| LT Trey Zuhn III (Sr.) | 6’7, 320 |
| LG Chase Bisontis (Jr.) | 6’6, 330 |
| Defense | |
| DE Cashius Howell (Sr.) | 6’4, 255 |
| DT Albert Regis (Sr.) | 6’2, 315 |
| LB Taurean York (Jr.) | 6’0, 235 |
| LB Scooby Williams (Sr.) | 6’2, 230 |
| CB Will Lee III (Sr.) | 6’3, 190 |
Coaches
HC: Mike Elko (8-5), 2nd Season
OC: Collin Klein
DC: Jay Bateman
Projected Record: 7-5 (4-4), 10th SEC
South Carolina
South Carolina is my number one candidate to take a step back in the SEC in 2025 for a multitude of reasons. The Gamecocks had a tremendous 2024, going 9-3 and winning their final six regular season contests. They nearly rallied to beat Alabama, which would’ve put them at 10-2 and likely in the CFP. LaNorris Sellers is a stud QB and is the reason why I believe South Carolina will go bowling in 2025. He’s a dual threat beast with gigantic upside and will single-handedly win the Gamecocks some games this season.
Here are my two big negatives that will hold South Carolina back this season: the defense and the schedule. The defense, especially the pass rush, became goblins in October and November last season. While star edge rusher Dylan Stewart returns to anchor the line, the Cocks still lose valuable contributors at all three levels. I think this will lead to a definitive step back in most defensive metrics in 2025. The schedule does South Carolina absolutely zero favors. They play at Mizzou, at LSU, vs. Oklahoma, vs. Alabama, at Ole Miss, at Texas A&M, and vs. Clemson. That’s an absolute gauntlet, and for that reason I have them losing five games.
Key Players
| Offense | Height/Weight |
| QB LaNorris Sellers (So.) | 6’3, 240 |
| RB Rashul Faison (Sr.) | 6’0, 218 |
| WR Nyck Harbor (Jr.) | 6’5 ,235 |
| WR Mazeo Bennett (So.) | 5’10, 185 |
| LT Josiah Thompson (So.) | 6’7, 300 |
| Defense | |
| DE Dylan Stewart (So.) | 6’5, 245 |
| DT Monkell Goodwine (Sr.) | 6’4, 305 |
| NB Jalen Kilgore (Jr.) | 6’1, 211 |
| CB Judge Collier (Jr.) | 6’3, 201 |
| S DQ Smith (Sr.) | 6’1, 219 |
Coaches
HC: Shane Beamer (29-22), 5th Season
OC: Mike Shula
DC: Clayton White
Projected Record: 7-5 (4-4), 11th SEC
Missouri
The reality of these new super conferences in college football is that several teams each season will be exceedingly disappointing because of the sheer inequality of the schedules. Missouri is one of those teams in 2025. Eli Drinkwitz is a terrific coach and he’s done a splendid job so far in Columbia making the Tigers relevant in the SEC. I think the defense is going to be ferocious in 2025, but I have some serious questions about the offensive side of the football.
Former three star Penn State transfer QB Beau Pribula comes to Mizzou this season.. and I’m not sure he’s the answer. He’s a dual threat athlete who has shown he can scramble effectively, but I don’t think he will be consistent enough through the air to be effective week to week in the SEC. I think the defense will keep the Tigers in some games and ultimately help them get to a bowl, but I think a bottom half finish in the SEC is more likely than not for Missouri this season.
Key Players
| Offense | Height/Weight |
| QB Beau Pribula (Jr.) | 6’2, 210 |
| RB Ahmad Hardy (So.) | 5’10, 210 |
| WR Kevin Coleman Jr. (Sr.) | 5’10, 175 |
| TE Brett Norfleet (Jr.) | 6’6, 260 |
| C Connor Tollison (Sr.) | 6’4, 295 |
| Defense | |
| DT Chris McClellan (Sr.) | 6’4, 320 |
| LB Josiah Trotter (So.) | 6’2, 240 |
| LB Triston Newson (Sr.) | 6’2, 225 |
| CB Toriano Pride Jr. (Sr.) | 5’10, 190 |
| S Jalen Catalon (Sr.) | 5’10, 200 |
Coaches
HC: Eli Drinkwitz (38-24), 6th Season
OC: Kirby Moore
DC: Corey Batoon
Projected Record: 6-6 (2-6), 12th SEC
Vanderbilt
The Diego Pavia train is roaring into Nashville for one more season.. and the sound can be heard echoing across the state of Tennessee. Pavia has made quite the mark on the SEC and college football over the course of the past year, most notably after leading the Commodores to a home upset against Alabama in 2024. His trash talking and antics are both enjoyable and borderline comical, and characters like him are why we love college football. With that being said, Pavia is just one part of what is a continuously improving Vanderbilt roster under coach Clark Lea. Lea has done a marvelous job since arriving in Nashville, and I believe with the returning experience on the 2025 roster he has officially elevated Vanderbilt out of the annual SEC preseason basement.
Vanderbilt runs an eccentric offense that does just enough to pester conference opponents. This.. combined with the dual threat ability and the sheer will of super senior QB Diego Pavia.. combined with an experienced and generally disciplined defensive unit.. leads me to believe Vanderbilt will be bowling in 2025. It will be the first time Vanderbilt has been to back to back bowl games in over a decade.
Key Players
| Offense | Height/Weight |
| QB Diego Pavia (Sr.) | 6’0, 207 |
| RB Sedrick Alexander (Jr.) | 5’9, 200 |
| WR Junior Sherrill (Jr.) | 5’11, 188 |
| TE Eli Stowers (Sr.) | 6’4, 235 |
| OG Chase Mitchell (Sr.) | 6’4, 320 |
| Defense | |
| DE Khordae Syndor (Sr.) | 6’4, 266 |
| DE Miles Capers (Sr.) | 6’4, 235 |
| LB Bryan Longwell (Jr.) | 6’1, 227 |
| NB Randon Fontenette (Jr.) | 6’2, 220 |
| CB Martel Hight (Jr.) | 6’0, 180 |
Coaches
HC: Clark Lea (16-33), 5th Season
OC: Tim Beck
DC: Steve Gregory, Nick Lezynski
Projected Record: 6-6 (2-6), 13th SEC
Arkansas
On paper, Arkansas does not have a bad roster. Taylen Green is a talented quarterback who has potential at the next level and will keep Arkansas in games if he can stay healthy in 2025. The defense has several studs, most notably returning DT Cameron Ball who is a run-stopping force.
The Razorbacks are going to fall victim to a daunting schedule this season. They host Notre Dame in the non-conference which is a tall task. I also project they will lose to the bulk of their SEC schedule, including at Ole Miss, at Tennessee, at LSU and at Texas. There is some upside if Green is able to elevate to a truly special QB talent. Ultimately, I don’t think it will be enough to make a bowl game or save Sam Pittman’s job for another season.
Key Players
| Offense | Height/Weight |
| QB Taylen Green (Sr.) | 6’6, 224 |
| RB Braylen Russell (So.) | 6’1, 238 |
| WR O’Mega Blake (Sr.) | 6’2, 182 |
| TE Rohan Jones (Sr.) | 6’3, 236 |
| LG Fernando Carmona (Sr.) | 6’5, 325 |
| Defense | |
| DT Cameron Ball (Sr.) | 6’5, 326 |
| LB Xavian Sorey Jr. (Sr.) | 6’3, 231 |
| LB Stephen Dix Jr. (Sr.) | 6’3, 231 |
| NB Larry Worth III (Sr.) | 6’4 ,225 |
| CB Jaheim Singletary (Jr.) | 6’2, 196 |
Coaches
HC: Sam Pittman (30-31), 6th Season
OC: Bobby Petrino
DC: Travis Williams
Projected Record: 5-7 (2-6), 14th SEC
Mississippi State
It’s going to be another rough season in Starkville in 2025. 2024 saw a winless SEC campaign in Jeff Lebby’s opening season, and I expect the same in 2025. Blake Shapen is a competent QB and should be an upgrade over what the Bulldogs had in 2024. With that being said, the schedule is absolutely brutal for a rebuilding program that’s trying to find their footing in a changing college football landscape. I do project a 2 win improvement for Lebby in year 2 (from 2-10 to 4-8), meaning I’m projecting a non-conference upset of Arizona State at home. Nonetheless, I will be surprised if Mississippi State finishes anywhere higher than the basement of the SEC.
Key Players
| Offense | Height/Weight |
| QB Blake Shapen (Sr.) | 6’1, 210 |
| RB Davon Booth (Sr.) | 5’10, 205 |
| WR Jordan Mosley (Sr.) | 6’0, 195 |
| TE Seydou Traore (Sr.) | 6’4, 235 |
| RT Albert Reese IV (Sr.) | 6’7, 330 |
| Defense | |
| DE Deonte Anderson (Sr.) | 6’3, 280 |
| LB Nic Mitchell (Sr.) | 6’2, 230 |
| LB Zakari Tillman (Jr.) | 6’2, 225 |
| CB DeAgo Brumfield (Sr.) | 6’0, 190 |
| S Isaac Smith (Jr.) | 6’0, 220 |
Coaches
HC: Jeff Lebby (2-10), 2nd Season
OC: Jeff Lebby
DC: Coleman Hutzler
Projected Record: 4-8 (0-8), 15th SEC
Kentucky
Mark Stoops is a terrific football coach, but I believe things have run its course in Lexington. Zach Calzada was named the starting QB for the Wildcats.. and I have very little faith he will guide Kentucky to many wins in 2025. I project Kentucky will go 3-9 and winless in the SEC this season.
Mark Stoops will land on his feet and get another quality job in coming seasons (if he wants to stay in the game). Kentucky will continue to become a more difficult job as the rest of the SEC becomes more loaded and powerful. It feels like it could be quite some time before the Wildcats are contending for bowl games again.
Key Players
| Offense | Height/Weight |
| QB Zach Calzada (Sr.) | 6’4, 230 |
| RB Dante Dowdell (Jr.) | 6’2, 227 |
| WR Ja’Mori Maclin (Sr.) | 5’11, 190 |
| TE Josh Kattus (Sr.) | 6’4, 248 |
| LT Shiyazh Pete (Sr.) | 6’8, 321 |
| Defense | |
| DT Kahlil Sanders (Sr.) | 6’5, 297 |
| LB Kam Olds (Sr.) | 6’4, 252 |
| LB Alex Afari Jr. (Sr.) | 6’2, 222 |
| CB JQ Hardaway (Sr.) | 6’3, 191 |
| S Jordan Lovett (Sr.) | 6’2, 205 |
Coaches
HC: Mark Stoops (77-73), 13th Season
OC: Bush Hamdan
DC: Brad White, Chris Collins
