Despite all of the changes, don't expect the contenders to look any different in '24. Georgia and Alabama take the top two spots in the way-too-early power rankings, with Texas, Ole Miss, Missouri, and Tennessee headlining the next tier.
It’s never too early to think about predictions or rankings for the 2024 college football season. With that in mind, Athlon provides its very early power rankings for the SEC for 2024:
2. Alabama The Crimson Tide came just a few plays away from a trip to the national title in a season where it was clear coach Nick Saban didn’t have one of his better squads. Fast forward to ’24, and Alabama has the pieces in place to win it all behind quarterback Jalen Milroe. Finding a steady option at center and replacing right tackle JC Latham tops the list of priorities for coordinator Tommy Rees. As usual, Saban and the defensive staff are set to lose some pieces early to the NFL (linebacker Dallas Turner and likely cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry). However, the next wave of standouts is in place in Tuscaloosa.
3. Texas The Longhorns fell short of a trip to the CFB National Championship in ’23, but coach Steve Sarkisian’s squad is primed for another run at the title next year. Whether it’s Quinn Ewers or Arch Manning, Texas is in good shape under center. One of the nation’s top offensive lines is set to return to Austin, and Sarkisian has plenty of skill talent to deploy, including CJ Baxter and Jaydon Blue at running back, along with Houston transfer Matthew Golden at receiver. Restocking a defense that loses key players at every level is likely to decide just how high this team climbs in its SEC debut.
4. Ole Miss Quarterback Jaxson Dart returns to lead one of the SEC’s top offenses in ’24. Also, the optimism meter is running high in Oxford thanks to the big-time portal additions to boost a defense that allowed 26.9 points a game in coordinator Pete Golding’s debut. Coach Lane Kiffin added impact players at every level, including lineman Walter Nolen, linebacker Chris Paul Jr., and defensive backs Key Lawrence, Tamarion McDonald, and Decamerion Richardson.
5. Missouri After a breakout 11-win season in ’23, coach Eli Drinkwitz and the Tigers have their sights set on one of the bids in the new 12-team CFB Playoff. The pieces are there to make a run, especially with the return of quarterback Brady Cook and receiver Luther Burden III to power the offense. With the defense set to lose a handful of key contributors, the offense may have to carry this team in the early going of ’24.
6. Tennessee After an impressive showing in the Citrus Bowl win over Iowa, the hype meter on quarterback Nico Iamaleava will only rise throughout the offseason. The California native piloting the controls of coach Josh Heupel’s offense is a big reason why the Volunteers will be a threat to make the new 12-team playoff. Tennessee has made strides on defense under coordinator Tim Banks, but there is work to do again to improve the secondary. Edge rusher James Pearce (9.5 sacks in ’23) is one of the SEC’s top returning defensive players.
7. Oklahoma The Sooners took a step forward in coach Brent Venables’ second season and are better equipped for life in the SEC going into ’24. Quarterback Jackson Arnold is one of the conference’s top rising stars next season, with running back Gavin Sawchuk and receiver Nic Anderson headlining a promising group of skill talent. Restocking the offensive line is the top priority for new coordinator Seth Littrell. Linebacker Danny Stutsman’s decision to pass on the NFL for another season in Norman is huge for a defense that held teams to 23.5 points a game last year.
8. LSU Replacing Jayden Daniels’ performance and overall value to the team won’t be easy, but the LSU offense is in good hands with new Garrett Nussmeier. The Tigers should also possess one of the nation’s top offensive lines, and a solid group of contributors is in place to alleviate the loss of Brian Thomas and Malik Nabers at receiver. LSU’s defense struggled mightily in ’23 and coach Brian Kelly hit the reset button on the staff by firing coordinator Matt House and three assistants at the end of the season.
9. Texas A&M The Aggies could easily finish much higher on this list if everything meshes under new coach Mike Elko. Talent certainly isn’t an issue in College Station, but Elko must do a better job of maximizing it than former coach Jimbo Fisher. Quarterback Conner Weigman returns after missing nearly all of ’23 due to injury to work under new play-caller Collin Klein. Texas A&M’s defense will miss linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and lost a few contributors to the portal. However, Elko should find a way to keep this defense among the best in the SEC.
10. Kentucky Mark Stoops is back at Kentucky after a brief flirtation (and some expectation he would take the job) with Texas A&M. The Wildcats have recorded only one losing season since 2016, so even though the SEC is getting bigger and tougher, Stoops will find a way to keep this program trending in the right direction. A pair of transfers – quarterback Brock Vandagriff and running back Chip Trayanum – will be counted upon to power the offense in ’24. Defense is usually a strength under Stoops, but this unit struggled against the pass last season and lost standout linebacker Trevin Wallace early to the NFL.
11. Auburn The Tigers took a step forward in coach Hugh Freeze’s first year but plenty of work remains to join the upper tier of the SEC. A defense that held teams to 22.6 points a game lost a couple of key pieces to the NFL. However, a strong foundation remains in place on this side of the ball. For Auburn to take bigger strides forward, Freeze must find ways to jumpstart the passing game and offense. Is Payton Thorne still the right answer at quarterback?
12. Florida With back-to-back losing seasons and a 6-10 mark in SEC play, the ’24 season is crucial for coach Billy Napier to show the program is trending in the right direction. The defense struggled in ’23 and may need some time to find its footing next year, which means hopes of a winning season rest with quarterback Graham Mertz (2,903 passing yards and 20 TDs) and a handful of talented playmakers.
13. South Carolina A tough schedule and injuries on offense prevented the Gamecocks from a third straight bowl appearance under coach Shane Beamer in ’23. The outlook up front is better for ’24, but the offense is in transition with new quarterback (LaNorris Sellers) is set to replace Spencer Rattler. A solid transfer haul – including former Arkansas running back Rocket Sanders – has restocked the skill talent. The defense must get better against the pass and at generating pressure (just 21 sacks in ’23).
14. Arkansas The ’24 season is likely a make-or-break year for coach Sam Pittman in Fayetteville. Addressing the offense was a priority this offseason and the return of former head coach Bobby Petrino to coordinate this group is a step in the right direction. Boise State transfer Taylen Green should push Jacolby Criswell to start at quarterback, and the Razorbacks received a boost with the return of Andrew Armstrong at receiver. Can Pittman help the offensive line take a big step forward after a poor ’23 season? Arkansas’ defense improved under first-year coordinator Travis Williams last year but suffered a setback when leading tacklers (and top linebackers) Chris Paul Jr. and Jaheim Thomas entered the portal.
15. Mississippi State New coach Jeff Lebby’s offensive scheme will make the Bulldogs a tough out most weeks in the SEC, but a roster in transition will be tough to overcome in Year 1. Baylor transfer Blake Shapen could have the inside track at quarterback, while a handful of portal additions should help reload on offense. Several key players on defense are set to depart, including standout linebackers Jett Johnson and Nathaniel Watson.
16. Vanderbilt The Commodores are just 2-22 in SEC play under coach Clark Lea and took a step back in ’23 with a 2-10 mark. Uncertainty surrounds this team for ’24 after the loss of quarterbacks A.J. Swann and Ken Seals, along with receivers Will Sheppard, London Humphreys and Jayden McGowan to the transfer portal. Vanderbilt has finished last in the SEC in scoring defense every year under Lea’s watch.
It’s never too early to think about predictions or rankings for the 2024 college football season. With that in mind, Athlon provides its very early power rankings for the SEC for 2024:
Early SEC Football Predictions for 2024
1. Georgia Quarterback Carson Beck’s decision to return for ’24 is a big reason why the Bulldogs are No. 1 in the early SEC power rankings. The Florida native had a breakout debut in his first year as the starter this fall, throwing for 3,941 yards and 24 touchdowns to just six picks. Coach Kirby Smart also added help through the portal to restock Beck’s supporting cast, including running back Trevor Etienne (Florida) and receivers Colbie Young (Miami) and London Humphreys (Vanderbilt). Linebacker CJ Allen and safety Malaki Starks headline a defense that should once again be among the best in college football.2. Alabama The Crimson Tide came just a few plays away from a trip to the national title in a season where it was clear coach Nick Saban didn’t have one of his better squads. Fast forward to ’24, and Alabama has the pieces in place to win it all behind quarterback Jalen Milroe. Finding a steady option at center and replacing right tackle JC Latham tops the list of priorities for coordinator Tommy Rees. As usual, Saban and the defensive staff are set to lose some pieces early to the NFL (linebacker Dallas Turner and likely cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry). However, the next wave of standouts is in place in Tuscaloosa.
3. Texas The Longhorns fell short of a trip to the CFB National Championship in ’23, but coach Steve Sarkisian’s squad is primed for another run at the title next year. Whether it’s Quinn Ewers or Arch Manning, Texas is in good shape under center. One of the nation’s top offensive lines is set to return to Austin, and Sarkisian has plenty of skill talent to deploy, including CJ Baxter and Jaydon Blue at running back, along with Houston transfer Matthew Golden at receiver. Restocking a defense that loses key players at every level is likely to decide just how high this team climbs in its SEC debut.
4. Ole Miss Quarterback Jaxson Dart returns to lead one of the SEC’s top offenses in ’24. Also, the optimism meter is running high in Oxford thanks to the big-time portal additions to boost a defense that allowed 26.9 points a game in coordinator Pete Golding’s debut. Coach Lane Kiffin added impact players at every level, including lineman Walter Nolen, linebacker Chris Paul Jr., and defensive backs Key Lawrence, Tamarion McDonald, and Decamerion Richardson.
5. Missouri After a breakout 11-win season in ’23, coach Eli Drinkwitz and the Tigers have their sights set on one of the bids in the new 12-team CFB Playoff. The pieces are there to make a run, especially with the return of quarterback Brady Cook and receiver Luther Burden III to power the offense. With the defense set to lose a handful of key contributors, the offense may have to carry this team in the early going of ’24.
6. Tennessee After an impressive showing in the Citrus Bowl win over Iowa, the hype meter on quarterback Nico Iamaleava will only rise throughout the offseason. The California native piloting the controls of coach Josh Heupel’s offense is a big reason why the Volunteers will be a threat to make the new 12-team playoff. Tennessee has made strides on defense under coordinator Tim Banks, but there is work to do again to improve the secondary. Edge rusher James Pearce (9.5 sacks in ’23) is one of the SEC’s top returning defensive players.
7. Oklahoma The Sooners took a step forward in coach Brent Venables’ second season and are better equipped for life in the SEC going into ’24. Quarterback Jackson Arnold is one of the conference’s top rising stars next season, with running back Gavin Sawchuk and receiver Nic Anderson headlining a promising group of skill talent. Restocking the offensive line is the top priority for new coordinator Seth Littrell. Linebacker Danny Stutsman’s decision to pass on the NFL for another season in Norman is huge for a defense that held teams to 23.5 points a game last year.
8. LSU Replacing Jayden Daniels’ performance and overall value to the team won’t be easy, but the LSU offense is in good hands with new Garrett Nussmeier. The Tigers should also possess one of the nation’s top offensive lines, and a solid group of contributors is in place to alleviate the loss of Brian Thomas and Malik Nabers at receiver. LSU’s defense struggled mightily in ’23 and coach Brian Kelly hit the reset button on the staff by firing coordinator Matt House and three assistants at the end of the season.
9. Texas A&M The Aggies could easily finish much higher on this list if everything meshes under new coach Mike Elko. Talent certainly isn’t an issue in College Station, but Elko must do a better job of maximizing it than former coach Jimbo Fisher. Quarterback Conner Weigman returns after missing nearly all of ’23 due to injury to work under new play-caller Collin Klein. Texas A&M’s defense will miss linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and lost a few contributors to the portal. However, Elko should find a way to keep this defense among the best in the SEC.
10. Kentucky Mark Stoops is back at Kentucky after a brief flirtation (and some expectation he would take the job) with Texas A&M. The Wildcats have recorded only one losing season since 2016, so even though the SEC is getting bigger and tougher, Stoops will find a way to keep this program trending in the right direction. A pair of transfers – quarterback Brock Vandagriff and running back Chip Trayanum – will be counted upon to power the offense in ’24. Defense is usually a strength under Stoops, but this unit struggled against the pass last season and lost standout linebacker Trevin Wallace early to the NFL.
11. Auburn The Tigers took a step forward in coach Hugh Freeze’s first year but plenty of work remains to join the upper tier of the SEC. A defense that held teams to 22.6 points a game lost a couple of key pieces to the NFL. However, a strong foundation remains in place on this side of the ball. For Auburn to take bigger strides forward, Freeze must find ways to jumpstart the passing game and offense. Is Payton Thorne still the right answer at quarterback?
12. Florida With back-to-back losing seasons and a 6-10 mark in SEC play, the ’24 season is crucial for coach Billy Napier to show the program is trending in the right direction. The defense struggled in ’23 and may need some time to find its footing next year, which means hopes of a winning season rest with quarterback Graham Mertz (2,903 passing yards and 20 TDs) and a handful of talented playmakers.
13. South Carolina A tough schedule and injuries on offense prevented the Gamecocks from a third straight bowl appearance under coach Shane Beamer in ’23. The outlook up front is better for ’24, but the offense is in transition with new quarterback (LaNorris Sellers) is set to replace Spencer Rattler. A solid transfer haul – including former Arkansas running back Rocket Sanders – has restocked the skill talent. The defense must get better against the pass and at generating pressure (just 21 sacks in ’23).
14. Arkansas The ’24 season is likely a make-or-break year for coach Sam Pittman in Fayetteville. Addressing the offense was a priority this offseason and the return of former head coach Bobby Petrino to coordinate this group is a step in the right direction. Boise State transfer Taylen Green should push Jacolby Criswell to start at quarterback, and the Razorbacks received a boost with the return of Andrew Armstrong at receiver. Can Pittman help the offensive line take a big step forward after a poor ’23 season? Arkansas’ defense improved under first-year coordinator Travis Williams last year but suffered a setback when leading tacklers (and top linebackers) Chris Paul Jr. and Jaheim Thomas entered the portal.
15. Mississippi State New coach Jeff Lebby’s offensive scheme will make the Bulldogs a tough out most weeks in the SEC, but a roster in transition will be tough to overcome in Year 1. Baylor transfer Blake Shapen could have the inside track at quarterback, while a handful of portal additions should help reload on offense. Several key players on defense are set to depart, including standout linebackers Jett Johnson and Nathaniel Watson.
16. Vanderbilt The Commodores are just 2-22 in SEC play under coach Clark Lea and took a step back in ’23 with a 2-10 mark. Uncertainty surrounds this team for ’24 after the loss of quarterbacks A.J. Swann and Ken Seals, along with receivers Will Sheppard, London Humphreys and Jayden McGowan to the transfer portal. Vanderbilt has finished last in the SEC in scoring defense every year under Lea’s watch.
