SEC football power rankings ahead of 2026 — Texas, Georgia lead the way – The Big Lead

Fall camp kicked off around the college football landscape on Wednesday. Part of that was teams from the SEC and one of the premier conferences in football, wants to prove it can win a national title this season.
The Big Ten has won the last three, but the SEC has some top-heavy teams that should be in contention at the end of the season.
Here’s how the SEC teams stack up against one another entering the 2026 season.
MORE: Big Ten football power rankings ahead of fall camp
There is little question these are the bottom four teams in the SEC heading into the 2026 season. Arkansas, Miss. State, and Kentucky all had five or fewer wins last season and missed a bowl game. At this point, getting back into bowl contention is the main priority.
As for Vanderbilt, it was the talk of football last season. Savvy quarterback Diego Pavia led the way, but he is no longer there and the Commodores are turning to five-star quarterback Jared Curtis. Time will tell how he does, but it’s a daunting assignment being a true freshman in the SEC.
Missouri won eight games last season, and despite returning Ahmad Hardy at running back, the Tigers might be up against it to compete in the SEC this season. But there should still be enough talent there to give fans hope.
Both Florida and Auburn had a changing of the guard. Alex Golesh is in at Auburn and Jon Sumrall takes over in Gainesville. Neither team made a bowl game last season, but with changes and transfer portal additions, fans are going to have excitement entering the season.
South Carolina was a major disappointment a season ago, winning just four games. However, the Gamecocks have staying power and return star power of LaNorris Sellers, Nyck Harbor, and Dylan Stewart. At nothing else, South Carolina will provide entertainment.
Any of these four teams could make a run in the SEC, but entering 2026, there are a few questions regarding these programs that set them outside the top four.
The Volunteers should be good defensively, but Josh Heupel’s offense will start redshirt quarterback George MacIntyre this season. He runs a quarterback-friendly system, but MacIntyre will have to show that he’s capable of running the high-powered offense.
Alabama is turning over a new leaf and could start former five-star Keelon Russell at quarterback, or veteran Austin Mack. Either way, it’s not Ty Simpson, and the Tide will have to adapt.
Both the Sooners and Aggies reached the College Football Playoff last season, and both return their starting quarterbacks. Oklahoma’s offense was the prime issue last season, and with a healthy John Mateer, let’s see if the Sooners can correct those woes.
Texas A&M is essentially breaking in a new starting offensive line this season, and even with Marcel Reed back, we need to see how well the offense gels in College Station.
Getting back both Arch Manning and Gunner Stockton was massive for Texas and Georgia, respectively. The Longhorns and Bulldogs are at the top of the SEC and both defenses should be elite this season.
Lane Kiffin’s new team and former team round out the top four. LSU went portal-heavy to ensure Kiffin has a good first season with the Tigers. Sam Leavitt will provide stability for Kiffin, along with a solid defense. Ole Miss gets back both quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy. With head coach Pete Golding, the defense should be elite, too.
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