SEC Power Rankings: Texas Longhorns Leading the Way! Where Does Your Team Rank? Sorting the College Football Playoff Contenders Before Spring Practice
As spring practice approaches, the college football landscape is starting to take shape. With the 2024 season still fresh in everyone’s minds, it’s time to look ahead and assess the power rankings in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and yes, Texas is now firmly in the conversation as one of the top contenders for the College Football Playoff (CFP). With the Longhorns joining the SEC in 2024, their inclusion in the conference’s power rankings adds a new layer of intrigue for both the league and national football fans alike.
The 2024 season promises to be a monumental year for college football, with Texas’ entrance into the SEC creating ripple effects across the conference. Teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU will be tested in new ways, while Texas looks to assert itself as a legitimate powerhouse. As teams head into spring practice, every program will be looking to fine-tune their roster, evaluate talent, and solidify their aspirations for a shot at the CFP.
Let’s break down the SEC power rankings heading into spring practice and where each team stands as the road to the CFP begins. Here’s a look at the top contenders:
1. Texas Longhorns: The New Contender in the SEC
It’s hard to ignore the Longhorns as the team to watch heading into the 2024 season. Texas has been on the rise in recent years, and with the addition of a few key players — including the highly touted quarterback Arch Manning — the Longhorns are making waves not just in the Big 12 but now in the SEC.
Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, Texas has been steadily improving. The Longhorns’ offense, led by Manning, is expected to be explosive, and with a defense that has improved year after year, Texas is poised to contend for the SEC title in its inaugural season. The program’s national profile has only been elevated by its decision to join the SEC, and now, with the benefit of better recruits, coaching, and facilities, Texas will be a force in the SEC moving forward.
Their 2024 recruiting class and roster adjustments are giving fans and analysts alike reason to believe that Texas could be a College Football Playoff team in its first year in the conference. With top-tier talent at key positions, including Manning, Texas is leading the way in this early SEC power ranking.
Key to Success: Arch Manning’s development and the continued growth of Sarkisian’s offense.
2. Georgia Bulldogs: The Reigning Kings of the SEC
Georgia has earned its spot at the top of the SEC and College Football world after a dominant 2022-2023 campaign that included a national championship and a near-perfect season. Kirby Smart has built a juggernaut in Athens that looks poised for continued success. The Bulldogs are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, especially on defense, where they consistently produce NFL-caliber players.
While Georgia loses a few key pieces after their national title run, including star quarterback Stetson Bennett, they return a wealth of talent and depth. Carson Beck, a highly anticipated QB, will take over under center, and Georgia’s offensive line remains one of the best in the nation. The Bulldogs are equipped with top-tier recruiting classes, and the program’s pipeline to the NFL ensures that Georgia will remain one of the most dangerous teams in the SEC.
Georgia remains a top contender in the SEC and College Football Playoff discussions, with another strong chance to make a run at the national title in 2024.
Key to Success: Development of Carson Beck and maintaining the nation’s most dominant defense.
3. Alabama Crimson Tide: The Always Dangerous Dynasty
No SEC power ranking would be complete without the inclusion of Alabama. Nick Saban’s dynasty has reigned supreme in the SEC for over a decade, and while the Crimson Tide are entering a new era post-Bryce Young, they remain one of the most loaded rosters in college football.
Alabama had a solid 2023 season, but they ultimately fell short in the SEC Championship against Georgia, missing out on the College Football Playoff. But don’t let that fool you — this is still Alabama, and the Tide are once again recruiting at an elite level. Quarterback Jalen Milroe showed promise in his limited action in 2023, and with a roster full of future NFL talent, Alabama is always one of the top contenders for the SEC crown.
The real question for Alabama is whether they can return to their previous dominance and become the CFP favorites again. As long as Saban is at the helm, it’s hard to count them out.
Key to Success: The development of Jalen Milroe and maintaining Saban’s defensive legacy.
4. LSU Tigers: Rising Under Brian Kelly
LSU is quickly becoming one of the most dangerous teams in the SEC under head coach Brian Kelly. In just his second season, Kelly helped guide the Tigers to the SEC Championship Game, signaling that LSU is once again a national contender. With quarterback Jayden Daniels leading the way, the Tigers’ offense is dangerous, capable of putting up points with the best of them.
LSU’s defense remains formidable, and with Kelly’s recruiting prowess and ability to develop talent, LSU has the potential to be a CFP contender for years to come. The Tigers have quickly become one of the top programs in the SEC and should be in the mix for a Playoff spot once again in 2024.
Key to Success: Jayden Daniels’ continued growth and a more consistent defense.
5. Tennessee Volunteers: Continuing the Surge
Tennessee had one of its best seasons in recent memory in 2022, finishing with an 11-2 record and securing a New Year’s Six bowl berth. Head coach Josh Heupel has revitalized the Vols, and quarterback Hendon Hooker was one of the most exciting players in college football last season. However, with Hooker heading to the NFL, Tennessee will have to find a new signal-caller to maintain its high-powered offense.
Despite the uncertainty at quarterback, Tennessee’s upward trajectory remains strong. Heupel’s high-octane offense and improving defense give the Volunteers a solid foundation heading into the 2024 season. If they can find a consistent quarterback, Tennessee could be a serious CFP contender, particularly in the competitive SEC East.
Key to Success: Development of the quarterback position and continuing to improve on defense.
6. Ole Miss Rebels: Building Something Special
Lane Kiffin has built a competitive program at Ole Miss, and while they’re not quite at the level of the SEC’s elite teams, the Rebels have shown that they can compete with anyone. Quarterback Jaxson Dart is a solid leader, and Kiffin has done an excellent job of building a dynamic offense that keeps opposing defenses on their toes.
While Ole Miss still has a way to go to truly challenge for a Playoff spot, they have the talent and coaching to be a significant threat in the SEC. With a strong recruiting class and Kiffin’s ability to build an explosive offense, the Rebels are a team that could surprise a few people and disrupt the traditional powers in 2024.
Key to Success: Continued development of Jaxson Dart and solidifying the defense.
7. Florida Gators: Rebuilding Under Billy Napier
Florida is in a rebuilding phase under head coach Billy Napier, but there is optimism around Gainesville. The Gators had some struggles in 2023, but they showed flashes of potential. Quarterback Graham Mertz will be crucial to their success, and Napier’s recruiting efforts should start to bear fruit in the coming seasons.
Florida is still a couple of years away from being a serious CFP contender, but the foundation is being built. If they can improve their consistency and develop talent, the Gators could return to the SEC’s upper echelon sooner rather than later.
Key to Success: Development of Graham Mertz and improving the defense.
8. Kentucky Wildcats: Tough, But Not Quite There Yet
Kentucky continues to be a tough, physical team under Mark Stoops, but they’re still a step behind the top dogs in the SEC. Will Levis has moved on to the NFL, leaving Kentucky with some questions at quarterback. The Wildcats have a solid defense and strong offensive line play, but they need to find a way to take the next step in order to be a consistent threat in the SEC.
Kentucky has proven it can compete, but they’re still a few pieces away from breaking into the SEC’s elite group of teams.
Key to Success: Find consistency at quarterback and continue to develop the defense.