Updated SEC power rankings following huge Week 1 for conference

Updated SEC power rankings following huge Week 1 for conference

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Updated SEC power rankings following huge Week 1 for conference

The Week 1 slate has officially passed for the SEC, and looking back now, what a showing it was for the conference overall.

With all 16 teams in action, the SEC got things going Thursday with a big win for Missouri, with Oklahoma following suit Friday night. The conference then saw 13 teams take the field Saturday for the first time, a few of which played in matchups that garnered national attention, and concluded the weekend with a Top 25 showdown in Nashville on Sunday night.

The SEC also had a number of teams do exactly what most expected in Week 1 against non-power four opponents, posting impressive all-around performances that eventually resulted in sizable margins of victory. Others squeaked by in their respective matchups, while one team in particular was the talk of college football following their showing Saturday night.

Here is the first SEC power rankings update of the 2026 season, which takes a look at how each team performed in Week 1, while also taking a look at what lies ahead next Saturday.

16. Arkansas Razorbacks

Sep 5, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jackson (7) awaits a snap during the fourth quarter against the North Alabama Lions at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 16

The Ryan Silverfield era at Arkansas (1-0 overall, 0-0 SEC) began with a 31-14 home win over North Alabama. The Razorbacks' defense had an overall solid showing in the win, while KJ Jackson threw three touchdown passes from the quarterback position.

Arkansas now has a chance to make a statement in Week 2 as the Razorbacks travel out west to face Utah looking to pull off the upset.

15. Kentucky Wildcats

Sep 5, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Kenny Minchey (3) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Youngstown State Penguins at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Arden Barnes-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 15

Kentucky (1-0, 0-0) began the Will Stein era with a 45-13 home win over Youngstown State. Kenny Minchey led the Wildcats during the victory, throwing four touchdown passes in what was his debut as Kentucky's new quarterback.

The Wildcats will host the first SEC conference game of the season in Week 2, welcoming Alabama to Lexington.

14. South Carolina Gamecocks

Sep 5, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) passes against the Kent State Golden Flashes in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 14

South Carolina (1-0, 0-0) opened the season with a huge showing in Columbia via a 57-0 shutout of Kent State. This was a game loaded with positives to takeaway for South Carolina, headlined by a solid showing from LaNorris Sellers that included three touchdown passes.

The Gamecocks remain heavy favorites in Week 2 against Towson.

13. Vanderbilt Commodores

Sep 5, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) scrambles against Austin Peay Governors linebacker Eli Jones (34) during the first half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 12

The post-Diego Pavia era at Vanderbilt (1-0, 0-0) began with a 28-9 win at home over Austin Peay. Both of Blaze Berlowitz and Jared Curtis saw action at quarterback in the win, with the former finding the end zone once via a rushing touchdown.

Vanderbilt is set to host Delaware in Week 2 as a heavy favorite.

12. Auburn Tigers

Auburn Tigers safety Eric Winters (5) celebrates his game winning tackle as Auburn Tigers take on Baylor Bears in the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. Auburn Tigers defeated Baylor Bears 17-16.

  • Previous Ranking: No. 13

Auburn (1-0, 0-0) opened the Alex Golesh era with a 17-16 win over Baylor in Atlanta, but it required a clutch stop from Eric Winters on a two-point conversion in the game's final seconds to do so. Byrum Brown also struggled at times in his Auburn debut, throwing three interceptions while rushing for 1.3 yards per carry on 21 attempts.

The Tigers will make their home debut in Week 2 against Southern Miss.

11. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Sep 5, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs the ball for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 11

Mississippi State (1-0, 0-0) put on an offensive showcase in a dominant 62-13 home win over UL Monroe. Kamario Taylor accounted for five total touchdowns, while the Bulldogs overall racked up 762 total yards of offense, 345 of which came on the ground.

The Bulldogs will travel during Week 2 for a SEC vs. Big Ten matchup against Minnesota.

10. Florida Gators

Sep 5, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators running back Jadan Baugh (13) runs with the ball against the Florida Atlantic Owls during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 10

Florida (1-0, 0-0) kicked off the Jon Sumrall era with a big 66-21 win over in-state foe Florida Atlantic. Aaron Philo had three touchdown passes in his Gators debut, while star running back Jadan Baugh began the season on a high note, rushing for 160 yards and three scores.

The Gators will remain in the swamp during Week 2 against Campbell.

9. Missouri Tigers

Sep 3, 2026; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Austin Simmons (13) throws a pass against the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 9

Missouri (1-0, 0-0) was the first SEC team to play in Week 1, opening the season with a 54-14 rout of Arkansas-Pine Bluff in Columbia. Austin Simmons impressed during his first start by throwing for four touchdowns, while Missouri's defense limited the Golden Lions to only 198 yards of total offense.

The Tigers will now travel to Kansas for what is one of the more underrated national matchups of the Week 2 college football slate.

8. Tennessee Volunteers

Sep 5, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) runs for a touchdown against the Furman Paladins during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 8

Tennessee (1-0, 0-0) opened the season with a dominant 56-9 home win over Furman. Faizon Brandon, a freshman quarterback, was undoubtedly the biggest story for Tennessee coming out of the victory, accounting for five total touchdowns in his collegiate debut.

The Volunteers travel to Georgia Tech in Week 2 for an intriguing SEC vs. ACC showdown in Atlanta.

7. Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma's Isaiah Sategna III get by UTEP's Carver Cheeks as he returns a punt for a touchdown n the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.

  • Previous Ranking: No. 7

Oklahoma (1-0, 0-0) opened the season at home Friday night with a 51-0 shutout of UTEP. John Mateer accounted for three passing touchdowns in the win, while Isaiah Sategna III also found the end zone twice, one of which came on an 88-yard punt return for a score.

The Sooners now travel to Michigan in Week 2 for the high-profile SEC vs. Big Ten showdown in Ann Arbor.

6. Alabama Crimson Tide

Sep 5, 2026; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Keelon Russell (12) carries the ball during the first quarter against the East Carolina Pirates at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 6

Alabama (1-0, 0-0) routed East Carolina at home in Week 1, 48-10. Keelon Russell led a big day for the Crimson Tide on the ground in the win, while the Alabama defense held the Pirates to 0-for-9 on third downs in a huge showing.

The Crimson Tide will open SEC play in Week 2, traveling to Lexington for a showdown against Kentucky.

5. Texas A&M Aggies

Sep 5, 2026; College Station, Texas, USA; Missouri State Bears wide receiver Isaiah McMorris (8) attempts to tackle Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed (10) during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 5

Texas A&M (1-0, 0-0) pitched a shutout in College Station on Saturday with a 50-0 win over Missouri State. Marcel Reed threw for two touchdowns in the win, but arguably the biggest story was the Aggies' defense, which allowed only 67 yards of total offense.

The Aggies will remain at home in Week 2 for an intriguing SEC vs. Big 12 showdown against Arizona State.

4. LSU Tigers

Sep 5, 2026; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) passes against Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Champ Thompson (29) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 4

Lane Kiffin's debut at LSU (1-0, 0-0) was arguably the SEC's biggest storyline entering Week 1, and the Tigers went on to make a statement in front of a national audience Saturday night with an impressive 51-10 rout of Clemson. The Tigers defense surrendered only 145 total yards of offense to Clemson, while Sam Leavitt had a big showing during his first start as LSU's quarterback, rushing for 113 yards with three total touchdowns.

LSU will remain at home during Week 2 for an in-state showdown against Louisiana Tech.

3. Ole Miss Rebels

Sep 6, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) carries the ball against the Louisville Cardinals during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 3

Ole Miss (1-0, 0-0) picked up the SEC's lone ranked win of Week 1, finishing the weekend off for the conference in Nashville on Sunday night with a thrilling 41-38 victory over Louisville. Lucas Carneiro made a 48-yard field goal as time expired, while Trinidad Chambliss accounted for four total touchdowns in the win.

The Rebels will host Charlotte in Oxford during Week 2.

2. Texas Longhorns

Sep 5, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) catches a pass for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Texas State Bobcats at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 2

Texas (1-0, 0-0) took care of business Saturday with a 59-7 home rout of Texas State. The Longhorns were led by four touchdown passes from Arch Manning in the win, while offensive transfer additions Cam Coleman and Raleek Brown each found the end zone twice.

Austin will be home to college football's biggest matchup in Week 2, as Texas hosts Ohio State in a monster SEC vs. Big Ten showdown.

1. Georgia Bulldogs

Sep 5, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) passes the ball against the Tennessee State Tigers at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 1

Georgia (1-0, 0-0) was simply dominant during a Week 1 home rout of Tennessee State, 63-3. The Bulldogs were led by three touchdowns each from Gunner Stockton and Nate Frazier, while Georgia's defense held the Tigers to only 109 total yards of offense.

Next up is another home game as a big favorite in Week 2, coming against Western Kentucky.

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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Updated SEC power rankings following huge Week 1 for conference

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