The SEC is loaded with playoff contenders again, but is still pushing through an uncharacteristic national-title drought. It doesn't get much easier this season as its 16 members move to a nine-game conference schedule. That's eight additional losses for teams – and you just know that not all of those losses will fall on the cellar dwellers.
The contenders are the usual suspects. Georgia leads after back-to-back SEC titles, but Texas looms with perhaps the league's most talented roster. Arch Manning and Steve Sarkisian have to make that final push across the finish line.
Don't forget about Alabama or LSU, particularly after Lane Kiffin's arrival set the transfer portal ablaze with superstars landing in Baton Rouge. Oh, and there's Ole Miss, fresh off a Kiffin-less playoff appearance and the returns of quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy. Will another contender rise?
Might Oklahoma, saddled by a subpar offense last season, contend for the SEC title? Will Vanderbilt fall back into the SEC cellar without superstar Diego Pavia throwing and running the ball? The SEC might be the deepest conference in the country, but supremacy requires a team raising the CFP trophy in January.
Let's get ready for another incredible SEC season before kickoff arrives with CBS Sports' predictions on how everything will shake out. Texas A&M: The Aggies had a dream 10-0 start to the 2025 season before it came crashing down in home losses to in-state rival Texas and first-round playoff opponent Miami. Texas A&M coach Mike Elko had to replace his offensive and defensive coordinators (Collin Klein, Jay Bateman) and a program-best 10 NFL Draft picks from last year's team.
The No. 8 Aggies get No. 5 Texas at home this year, but its other three highest-ranked opponents (No. 10 Oklahoma, No. 11 LSU and No. 13 Alabama) all come on the road. There's plenty of talent on this Aggies team but it feels a nudge below and a bit more unproven than the conference's elite teams. -- John Talty (also Tom Fornelli, Chip Patterson, Brandon Marcello, Richard Johnson and Brad Crawford) Alabama: Compared to some of the other favorites in the SEC, the Tide simply have more questions. Most people point to the inexperienced Keelon Russell as Alabama's weak point.
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