SEC Preseason Rankings

For years the SEC dominated this sport. While they haven’t won any recent National Titles, many SEC fans will tell you that they are the better conference from top to bottom. We may never know, but if they are, it’s not by as big of a margin as they claim.

There’s 2 teams that have a legitimate shot at a National Title. After them there’s about 4-5 teams that have a legit shot at a playoff spot. The remaining 9-10 teams are no better or worse than the middle/bottom of the Big Ten. Outside of Purdue of course.

1. Georgia: I think this one is self explanatory. This roster is loaded every single year. They’ll be in contention for the SEC Title, the CFP, and a National Title.
   
2. Texas: The Longhorns have a pretty difficult schedule, but this is another roster that is loaded. Last season the o-line and RBs were poor. Those positions look to be significantly improved. Watch out for Texas.
   
3. Oklahoma: This one hurts. I cannot stand Oklahoma, mainly because of their fans. I have to step back from my dislike of the fans and admit that this should be a very good Oklahoma team. The defense will be great, even if they take a step back from last season. The offense should be better? The run game and the o-line HAVE to improve, but also John Mateer needs to make better decisions throwing the football.
   
4. Tennessee: I am uncomfortably high on Tennessee and I hate it. I keep telling myself I’m a year early on them, but I can’t help it. They have a true freshman starting QB who steps into a phenomenal situation. A great o-line, great WRs, a good RB room, and a great offensive mind in Josh Heupel. The defense was horrendous last season, but they brought in Jim Knowles who instantly makes this team better defensively.
   
5. LSU: With the additions of Lane Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr., this offense will automatically be better. Blake Baker is back as DC which is huge. That doesn’t mean I don’t have my concerns on both sides of the ball though. Rumor has it that they will be playing a good amount of freshman in the interior of the d-line. I don’t love that. I’m also not convinced that the o-line is that much better on the interior either. Both could end up being a problem.
   
6. Alabama: The tide could finish higher than 6, but I don’t see them finishing lower. They are bigger on the d-line, with a great secondary, solid WRs, and potentially better RBs. The o-line/run game needs to be better. Especially with a brand new starter in Keelon Russell coming in at QB.
   
7. Ole Miss: This defense could potentially be better than last season. The offense is where all my concerns are. Lane Kiffin/Charlie Wei’s Jr. are gone. The best pass catchers from last year are gone. The OTs are definitely a question. On top of that, can Trinidad Chambliss repeat some of the same magic we saw last season? I’m not sold. 
   
8. Texas A&M: Last season every position group was great, except QB. That’s what held them back. They were also helped out with a very easy schedule. This season, the offense will probably take a step back. They also have what looks to be a much tougher schedule. After being all in on A&M last year, I’m out on them this year.
   
9. Florida: Jon Sumrall was probably my favorite new hire. I think Florida is in a much better place now. If you told me that Florida ends the season 8-4, I wouldn’t be that shocked. Jon Sumrall always has good defenses. They bring in Buster Faulkner as OC and have him a ton of weapons to work with. I’m buying stock in Florida.
   
10. Auburn: This Auburn team will be better than last year. The defense should be just as good, if not better with the retention of DJ Durkin. The offense was the downfall last season. It will be much improved this year. I like this Auburn team, but I don’t like them enough to have higher than 10.
    
11. South Carolina: I’m out on South Carolina until Shane Beamer proves he’s can put together an offensive line. It’s been an issue for years and until I see it, I don’t believe it. Last season LaNorris Sellers had very little help from anyone. With Kendal Briles calling the offense, maybe we see improvement. 
    
12. Mizzou: They are replacing all their starters from great defense. Ahmad Hardy is coming back from injury, and has been confirmed out for the start of the season. I’m not sold on Austin Simmons, but it’s only been a small sample size. Just too many concerns with this team for me to buy in. 
    
13. Mississippi State: The rehiring of Zach Arnett is huge for this team. I’m not going to predict the defense makes the jump from 2nd worst in the SEC to a top half defense. They will be significantly better defensively. On offense the o-line has to be better than what we’ve seen the last few years. Mississippi State has a chance to be a better team than last year. 
    
14. Vanderbilt: Losing Pavia is huge. They are going to miss him A LOT. I still trust Tim Beck/Jerry Kill, but the offense will take a step back. If the defense does not take a step forward, this could be a long season.
    
15. Arkansas: It may not look like it, but I’m kinda high on Arkansas. The offense won’t be nearly as dominant as last season. The defense will be better than last season. I think they could have one of the better d-lines in the SEC. They could be a tough team to beat.
    
16. Kentucky: This is the one team that I’m struggling to read. With a brand new coach, with a brand new roster, you just never know what you’re getting. One thing I am pretty confident in, is the o-line. If you have a good o-line, it can help cover up any deficiencies on offense. A rising tide lifts all boats. 
    

SEC fans will vehemently disagree with these rankings. Everyone else might be a little more level headed. That’s what makes this sport so great. The ability to agree or disagree on things we literally don’t know. So sound off in the comments. Who’s too high? Who’s too low? What changes would you make to these rankings?