SEC Football: Spring 2026 Power Rankings
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
Spring practice is already underway or will soon start for all 16 teams in the SEC for the 2026 college football season. Although it’s tough to get an accurate or in-depth read on teams from practices in the spring, this is the first set of official workouts and provides some insight into rosters, coaching outlooks, transfers or impact freshmen for the upcoming year. And with no spring transfer portal this year, the rosters should largely be set for upcoming workouts and for the battle to settle positions on the depth chart.
Georgia has claimed back-to-back SEC titles, and coach Kirby Smart‘s team opens spring practice atop the power rankings. However, Texas isn’t far behind with quarterback Arch Manning returning in ’26. The next tier of teams features plenty of intrigue. Texas A&M and Oklahoma aim to take the next step after making the College Football Playoff last year, with LSU hoping to rebound back into contention under first-year coach Lane Kiffin. Ole Miss brings back quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy. That duo can guide the Rebels into another deep postseason run. The intrigue for the SEC continues down the early rankings. Vanderbilt aims to replace quarterback Diego Pavia with five-star freshman Jared Curtis, while new coaches at Kentucky (Will Stein) and Arkansas (Ryan Silverfield) hope for quick turnaround efforts.
What are the early storylines to watch and how do the teams stack up in the SEC going into ’26? Here are Athlon’s top things to watch and the storylines in the conference going into spring practice:
SEC Football: Spring 2026 Power Rankings
16. Arkansas
The Razorbacks were more competitive than their 2-10 record suggested last season, but new coach Ryan Silverfield has major concerns to address on both sides of the ball. Quarterback KJ Jackson is promising and additions through the transfer portal restocked the skill talent. A defense that allowed 33.8 points a game in ‘25 remains a major concern.
15. Kentucky
This spring is the first look for the Wildcats under new coach Will Stein. Transfer additions in quarterback Kenny Minchey (Notre Dame), running back CJ Baxter (Texas), and offensive linemen Coleton Price (Baylor) and Lance Heard (Tennessee) were brought in to spark an offense that managed only 20.3 points a game in SEC play. This spring is the first chance to see how all of the new pieces are fitting together.
14. Vanderbilt
Diego Pavia will be missed, but five-star freshman quarterback Jared Curtis was a big-time get on the recruiting trail for coach Clark Lea. A revamped offensive line and replacing receiver Tre Richardson and tight end Eli Stowers top the spring practice concerns for coordinator Tim Beck. Five starters return on defense in ‘26.
13. Mississippi State
The Bulldogs are making progress under coach Jeff Lebby and another step forward should be within reach in ‘26. Sophomore quarterback Kamario Taylor is one of the SEC’s top rising stars, and the defense should show major improvement under new coordinator Zach Arnett.
Way-Too-Early 2026 QB Rankings: ACC | Big 12 | Big Ten | SEC
12. Auburn
New coach Alex Golesh will lean on a couple of familiar faces to jumpstart Auburn’s struggling offense. Quarterback Byrum Brown (No. 1 nationally in total offense in ‘25) and help at skill positions followed Golesh from South Florida to the Plains. Golesh retained coordinator DJ Durkin, but this unit is also under construction with just two starters back.
11. Missouri
Both sides of the ball are under the microscope this spring for coach Eli Drinkwitz. A defense that ranked third in the SEC in fewest points allowed returns zero starters and dipped into the portal for help at all three levels. The foundation is better on offense with running backs Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts leading the way, along with Ole Miss transfer Austin Simmons taking over at quarterback.
10. Tennessee
After Joey Aguilar was denied another year of eligibility, the focus for Tennessee’s spring shifts to a quarterback battle between George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon. The Volunteers are also undergoing a significant renovation on defense. Veteran play-caller Jim Knowles takes over a struggling group and a handful of transfers from Penn State followed him to Knoxville. This unit’s progression is under the spotlight this spring.
9. Florida
The Gators have a chance to surprise in ‘26 under new coach Jon Sumrall. Running back Jaden Baugh and receiver Eric Singleton anchor an offense with intriguing potential behind new coordinator Buster Faulkner. This spring is all about Faulkner and Sumrall replacing two key starters (Austin Barber and Jake Slaughter up front) and developing Georgia Tech transfer quarterback Aaron Philo. Three starters return on a defense with room to improve.
8. South Carolina
South Carolina has arguably had one of the best offseason stretches of any team in the SEC. Coach Shane Beamer retained quarterback LaNorris Sellers and defensive end Dylan Stewart and upgraded a struggling offense by hiring Kendal Briles as the team’s new play-caller. Sellers should get back on track after a disappointing ‘24 and return to a spot among the SEC’s top signal-callers.
7. Alabama
The Crimson Tide enter spring practice with more question marks than usual. Coach Kalen DeBoer’s squad returns only five starters, with the offense facing a complete overhaul up front and navigating a quarterback battle featuring Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. More balance is also needed after Alabama struggled to establish a rushing attack in ‘25.
6. Ole Miss
New coach Pete Golding already has two College Football Playoff wins under his belt and steps into one of the best situations for a first-year coach with quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy back in ’26. The Rebels dipped into the portal for help at receiver and on defense.
5. Oklahoma
The Sooners exceeded preseason expectations with 10 victories and a trip to the College Football Playoff last year. To make a deeper run in ‘26, coach Brent Venables’ squad needs more from an offense that averaged only 21.8 points in SEC play. A healthy year from quarterback John Mateer should help. However, the success of the offense will hinge on how far the line and rushing attack develop.
4. LSU
The Bayou Bengals should be the most-improved team in the SEC this season. Coach Lane Kiffin’s arrival, along with a hefty transfer portal haul that includes quarterback Sam Leavitt (Arizona State), offensive tackle Jordan Seaton (Colorado), and a handful of receivers, should provide an instant spark for a sluggish offense. Expect coordinator Blake Baker to find the right mix on defense once again. This spring is the first window into how all of the new pieces are fitting together in Baton Rouge.
3. Texas A&M
If the Aggies want to make another run at the SEC title in ‘26, new play-caller Holmon Wiggins has to elevate quarterback Marcel Reed’s game to the next level. Reed brings back standout receiver Mario Craver, but four starters depart the offensive line and a couple of key skill players must be replaced. Coach Mike Elko hit the transfer portal hard for help on the offensive line and to restock the defense.
2. Texas
The Longhorns didn’t quite meet preseason expectations last year, but quarterback Arch Manning’s return should have coach Steve Sarkisian’s team in the mix to win it all in ‘26. An improved offensive line and rushing attack will aid Manning’s play, along with the arrival of top receiver Cam Coleman from the portal. Defense hasn’t been a problem recently in Austin, but Sarkisian hopes the hire of coordinator Will Muschamp elevates this unit.
Way-Too-Early 2026 QB Rankings: ACC | Big 12 | Big Ten | SEC
1. Georgia
The Bulldogs open spring practice with few glaring concerns. Coach Kirby Smart’s team needs quarterback Gunner Stockton to take a step forward in his development, with a reloaded receiving corps under the spotlight this spring. With eight starters back, the defense should be among the best in the SEC. Smart and coordinator Glenn Schumann need to find ways to spark the pass rush (just 20 sacks in ‘25).
Related: SEC Football: Way-Too-Early 2026 QB Rankings
Related: 10 Biggest Winners in College Football’s Transfer Portal for the 2026 Season
Related: 6 Must-See College Football Revenge Games in 2026
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos