Our Power Rankings are back! But wait, there’s a twist! With Oklahoma’s transition to the SEC, we’ve decided to expand our coverage and bring you weekly SEC power rankings.
This is our inaugural attempt at ranking the SEC teams, so your feedback is crucial. Each of us has carefully evaluated the 16 SEC teams, ranking them from first to worst. These individual rankings were then compiled into a consensus ranking.
First place is worth 16 points, second place 15, and so on.
Below, you’ll find our individual rankings, along with explanations for our top three and bottom two choices. Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Let’s see if you agree with our rankings and how we stack up the SEC.
2024 Heartland Sports SEC Power Rankings, Week 1
| Ranking | Points |
| 1. Georgia | 47 |
| 2. Alabama | 43 |
| 3. Ole Miss | 42 |
| 4. Texas | 40 |
| 5. Oklahoma | 36 |
| 6. Tennessee | 31 |
| 7. LSU | 30 |
| 8. Missouri | 29 |
| 9. Texas A&M | 26 |
| 10. Auburn | 18 |
| 11. Florida | 17 |
| 12. Kentucky | 16 |
| 13. South Carolina | 15 |
| 14. Arkansas | 8 |
| 15. Mississippi State | 7 |
| 16. Vanderbilt | 3 |
Individual Thoughts
Caleb
1 Ole Miss | Coming off their best season in program history, expectations are high for Ole Miss coming into this season. With Dart at QB, this offense should not miss a beat from last season. With the addition of the number 1 transfer class, Ole miss will definitely be a top dog in the SEC.
2 Georgia | Quarterback Carson Beck returns to lead an offense that averaged 40.1 points a game last season, while they should have one of the offensive lines in college football. While Smarts Defense should be a standout like they have been the best few years, they will need to stop the run a little better than what they did last season.
3 Alabama | Even with Saban retiring, Alabama still have key pieces to make a run at the SEC title and the CFP. With QB Jalen Milroe, there’s no reason DeBoer should struggle offensively in his first year with the Tide.
4 Texas
5 Oklahoma
6 Missouri
7 Tennessee
8 Texas A&M
9 LSU
10 Florida
11 South Carolina
12 Auburn
13 Kentucky
14 Mississippi State
15 Arkansas | After a 4-8 season, the razorbacks will need a lot of work to go bowling this season. I’m not sure if adding Bobby Petrino was a step in the right direction.
16 Vanderbilt | After going winless in the SEC last year, I don’t see their offseason additions enough for them to make a splash in the SEC this season.
Craig
1. Georgia | Georgia has been the top dog in all of college football for the last 5 years. Until someone dethrones the Bulldogs they will remain on top of the SEC power rankings.
2. Alabama | Some expect a big falloff from Alabama in the post Saban era. However, powerhouses don’t disappear overnight. We may not see the same dominant Bama teams that we have been accustomed to, but they are still a serious threat to win the SEC.
3. Ole Miss | Ole Miss is going to surprise a lot of people this season. Lane Kiffin is one of the best play callers in all of football, and he arguably has his most talented team yet.
4. LSU
5. Texas
6. Oklahoma
7. Tennessee
8. Texas A&M
9. Missouri
10. Kentucky
11. Auburn
12. South Carolina
13. Florida
14. Arkansas
15. Mississippi State | Mississippi State failed to make it to a bowl game last season. They will struggle to make one this year as well.
16. Vanderbilt | This one pretty much goes without saying. Vanderbilt has the second lowest win percentage of any SEC team, and they have never had a 10 win season.
Matt
1. Georgia | The Bulldogs appear poised for another strong season. The Bulldogs return a talented roster, including a potent offense led by Heisman hopeful quarterback Carson Beck. However, they’ll need to replace some key defensive players and could face a tougher schedule in the newly expanded SEC.
2. Texas | The Longhorns enter the 2024 season with high expectations thanks to the return of Heisman favorite QB Quinn Ewers and a talented receiving corps. However, replacing key losses on defense and integrating new players will be crucial for their success in a competitive SEC.
3. Alabama | Despite questions surrounding their receiving corps and a new head coach in Kalen DeBoer, Alabama remains a contender. Returning quarterback Jalen Milroe’s mobility will be crucial, and a talented defense should keep them in games.
4. Oklahoma
5. Ole Miss
6. Tennessee
7. Missouri
8. LSU
9. Texas A&M
10. Auburn
11. Florida
12. Kentucky
13. South Carolina
14. Arkansas
15. Mississippi State | New head coach Jeff Lebby, formerly Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator, will look to ignite a lackluster passing attack with a new system, but questions remain on defense with several key departures. The Bulldogs’ success might hinge on the development of new talent and Lebby’s offensive scheme.
16. Vandy | Vanderbilt embarks on a new era under Head Coach Clark Lea. The Commodores will implement a unique option-style offense led by transfer quarterbacks vying for the starting role. Their success hinges on reviving a struggling run game and improving a porous defense.
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