It might seem that SEC play just began for the 2025 college football season, but there has already been some shakeup among the elite (and the bottom) of the conference as we head into Week 6 of the season.
Alabama outlasted Georgia in Athens on Saturday night, proving that the Crimson Tide aren't as dead as the season-opening loss at Florida State might have suggested. Texas A&M pulled out a win against Auburn in a defensive battle in which Jackson Arnold and the Tigers' offense put up just 177 yards, and Ole Miss took care of LSU at home in a rivalry game.
So, where does that put everyone heading into October? Let's take a look at our SEC football rankings.
1. Texas A&M (4-0, 1-0 SEC)
It was the Aggies' defense, not Marcel Reed and the offense, that got them over the finish line on Saturday against Auburn. The Aggies have arguably the best non-conference road win (Notre Dame) of any SEC team, and Mike Elko's group is rolling.
2. Ole Miss (5-0, 3-0)
It's never dull when Lane Kiffin is involved, but the Rebels' head coach got a massive win on Saturday against the Bayou Bengals, possibly proving that this might be the season the Rebels finally make it to Atlanta for the SEC title game.
3. Alabama (3-1, 1-0)
The death of the Alabama football program was proven wrong with a win in Athens last night against Georgia. Ty Simpson continues to improve at quarterback after a disastrous first start, and the Crimson Tide are looking like a College Football Playoff team again.
4. Georgia (3-1, 1-1)
Death. Taxes. Kirby Smart being unable to beat the Crimson Tide.
5. Texas (3-1, 0-0)
Is Arch Manning for real? It didn't seem like it in the season-opening game against Ohio State. After three cupcakes, the Longhorns travel to The Swamp to take on a desperate Florida team.
6. Oklahoma (4-0, 1-0)
The Sooners would be higher except they are missing star quarterback John Mateer for some time.
7. Vanderbilt (5-0, 1-0)
Are the Commodores SEC title contenders? We will learn a lot when Diego Pavia and company travel to Tuscaloosa this Saturday for a marquee matchup.
8. LSU (4-1, 1-1)
Much like Auburn, LSU's defense is good enough to keep them in any game, but it is the offense that struggles.
9. Tennessee (4-1, 1-1)
The loss to Georgia still stings the Volunteers, but an overtime win at Mississippi State helps alleviate that sting somewhat. A home game against Arkansas awaits before Josh Heupel's team travels to Alabama for a highly anticipated matchup.
10. Missouri (5-0, 1-0)
We don't know much about the Tigers outside of their close victory over Kansas.
11. Mississippi State (4-1, 0-1)
A massive win over Arizona State in Week 2 gave the Bulldogs hope, and that should remain after a tough overtime loss to Tennessee.
12. Auburn (3-2, 0-2)
Will Hugh Freeze's team fight back, or will they fold? The Tigers have a bye week to decide that before hosting Georgia in a night game at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
13. Florida (1-3, 0-1)
Billy Napier is clinging to his job in Gainesville, and a visit from Texas is on the way.
14. South Carolina (3-2, 1-2)
Shane Beamer's Gamecocks responded after two straight losses with a 35-13 victory over Kentucky. Which brings us to ...
15. Kentucky (2-2, 0-2)
This has to be Mark Stoops' last stand in Lexington. The program has continued to decline after some solid years.
16. Arkansas (2-3, 0-1)
Sam Pittman is out after an embarrassing home loss to Notre Dame in which the Razorbacks showed no fight. Now, Bobby Petrino is in charge as the interim head coach. This should go smoothly.