SEC football took a major step back in 2025. That much is undeniable.
While newcomer Texas willed its way into the College Football Playoff semifinals, traditional powers like Alabama and Georgia came up short -- the latter in the CFP's second round, the former while playing 6-6 teams like Vanderbilt and Oklahoma during the regular season.
While there were an excess of SEC teams in the CFP picture by season's end, almost none of them were taken seriously as true contenders. Notre Dame and Ohio State were the talk of the field instead.
Have the times changed drastically in just a few years' time? Did the demise of SEC football finally arrive?
USA Today's John Adams believes that while the 2024 season was a bad look for the conference, the "It Just Means More" will be put to the test this offseason and the SEC's biggest donors will spend their programs back into relevancy.
"I wouldn't think they'd bemoan the changes brought on by NIL. College football fans in the South remain as ravenous as they are anywhere. Ohio State outspent the Joneses this season, but the SEC didn't suddenly move into the poor house. However, there's no denying that changes within the sport made it harder for any single program to stockpile a two-deep of all-stars," Adams wrote.
"Being forced to eat a dose of humility this season won't sit well with fans of many SEC teams. While many SEC programs stomach underachieving seasons, fans and donors will be more motivated than ever to see their teams back on top. That could mean donating more than ever before. The SEC slipped off its lofty perch, but I expect the league to come roaring back."
Truthfully, this conversation is about Alabama and Georgia. Unless those two teams are at the top, there will be a narrative that the SEC has taken a step back -- even if Auburn, Florida, South Carolina, and the like may be ready to ascend to the top instead.
A rising tide lifts all boats, but maybe it'll be Tigers, Gators, and Gamecocks doing the heavy lifting in 2025.