SEC Football: Post-Spring 2026 Power Rankings

Story by

Steven Lassan

Wed, May 6, 2026 at 1:10 PM UTC ·

4 min read

Spring practice provided the first extended glimpse at all 16 teams in the SEC entering a critical 2026 college football season. In addition to the usual roster movement and changes from the transfer portal, the league features six new coaches this year. All of that transition was on display this spring, as teams started the rebuilding process and sorted through the strengths and areas of weaknesses.

Although everything in spring practice should be taken with a grain of salt, Georgia and Texas flexed the strength that should put those two teams atop the conference. Additionally, coach Lane Kiffin’s rebuilding effort at LSU is on track, while Tennessee , Oklahoma , and Texas A&M worked on solidifying key areas of turnover to make another playoff run. A handful of quarterback battles - including high-profile ones at Alabama , Florida , and Tennessee - remain unsettled after spring practice.

How does the SEC stack up after spring ball? Athlon Sports ranks all 16 teams prior to preseason predictions release later this summer:

A fresh start under new coach Ryan Silverfield and a roster revamp after a 2-10 season isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, the Razorbacks have major concerns on defense and left spring with a close quarterback battle between KJ Jackson and AJ Hill .

Notre Dame transfer quarterback Kenny Minchey had a solid debut this spring in Lexington. Can new coach Will Stein find the right mix of pieces around Minchey and on defense to push for a bowl?

The Commodores will miss Diego Pavia , but the development of five-star quarterback prospect Jared Curtis is one of the SEC’s top storylines in ‘26.

The Bulldogs are making progress entering coach Jeff Lebby’s third year. Did the staff find the right answers on the offensive line and on defense to go bowling once again?

Don’t put too much stock into quarterback Byrum Brown’s performance in the spring game. The South Florida transfer will be just fine under center for the Tigers in ‘26. New coach Alex Golesh should direct a much-improved offense this fall.

The spring progression of quarterback Austin Simmons was a good sign for a Missouri offense already returning the nation’s top backfield with running back Ahmad Hardy . A defense with zero returning starters is under the spotlight this summer.

New coordinator Kendal Briles will help quarterback LaNorris Sellers get back on track. The health of transfer left tackle Jacarrius Peak (knee injury) and end Dylan Stewart (back) is a key summer storyline to monitor.

Expect the Gators to improve and contend for a finish in the top 25 under new coach Jon Sumrall. The ongoing quarterback battle between Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones tops the list of offseason priorities, but Florida also has question marks on both lines of scrimmage exiting spring ball.

Coach Josh Heupel’s offense returns one of the SEC’s top lines and skill talent, but the quarterback competition between George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon will continue into fall practice. The Volunteers should be improved on defense behind new coordinator Jim Knowles.

Keelon Russell’s spring game performance showcased his potential in ‘26, but the battle with Austin Mack will continue into the fall. How far Alabama’s rebuilt offensive line and ground game progress will determine how high this team climbs in ‘26.

The health of quarterback Sam Leavitt after offseason foot surgery looms large this summer. The Bayou Bengals should be much improved (and in playoff contention) under new coach Lane Kiffin this fall.

Quarterback Trindiad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy are back to anchor the high-powered Ole Miss offense in coach Pete Golding’s first year. The Rebels have a few question marks to address on defense and on the offensive line.

This spring showcased an improved supporting cast for quarterback John Mateer to go with another standout defense in Norman. After winning 10 games and earning a playoff spot last season, the Sooners could be even better in ‘26.

How quarterback Marcel Reed develops under new coordinator Holmon Wiggins will decide whether or not the Aggies return to the College Football Playoff in ‘26. The defense should be among the best in the SEC once again.

A year after falling short, high expectations will once again surround coach Steve Sarkisian’s squad. The Longhorns seem poised to meet high preseason projections this time around, however. Quarterback Arch Manning took a big step forward late in the year and has an improved supporting cast at his disposal.

Coach Kirby Smart ’s team is positioned to take home its third consecutive SEC title in ‘26. Did the Bulldogs do enough at receiver to help quarterback Gunner Stockton elevate his game this fall?

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.