Sports

SEC Football 2026 Predictions

By Steven Lassan Athlon Sports

Updated June 12, 2026 9:28 AM

The SEC never lacks intrigue. That's especially true for this conference entering the 2026 college football season. A major shift is coming for all 16 teams, as the SEC moved to nine conference games beginning this fall. Harder schedules mean more losses and a more challenging path to bowl eligibility - and potentially the College Football Playoff.

The schedule change wasn't the only noteworthy storyline in recent months for the SEC. Coaching drama surrounded Lane Kiffin's departure from Ole Miss to LSU, with the Rebels and Bayou Bengals on a collision course for a massive showdown on Sept. 19 in Oxford. Five other new coaches - Alex Golesh (Auburn), Will Stein (Kentucky), Ryan Silverfield (Arkansas), Jon Sumrall (Florida), and Pete Golding (Ole Miss) join the conference in ‘26.

In addition to the coaching drama, scheduling for ‘26 and beyond, and College Football Playoff expansion discussions, the SEC is set for an intriguing on-field battle. Georgia gets the nod at the top of Athlon's SEC predictions, but Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, LSU, Ole Miss, and Alabama are all playoff contenders and could push for a spot in Atlanta to play for the conference title. Tennessee, Florida, Missouri, South Carolina, and Auburn could make a surprise run if the pieces fall into place. Mississippi State aims to take another step forward under coach Jeff Lebby, while Vanderbilt hopes to build on momentum established the last two years. Kentucky and Arkansas both have interesting individual talent but might be a year away from making a big jump in the standings.

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How does Athlon Sports project the SEC for 2026? Steven Lassan predicts and ranks all 16 teams in the SEC for this fall:

Ryan Silverfield might have one of the toughest setups for a first-year coach. The Razorbacks were more competitive than their 2-10 record last season suggested, but with a roster filled with question marks and a brutal schedule, progress is likely to be slow in the win column. Silverfield's first order of business is to find a replacement for dynamic quarterback Taylen Green, with KJ Jackson likely holding a slim edge over Memphis transfer AJ Hill. The offensive line has potential thanks to the combination of two returning starters and a handful of transfers. The backfield duo of Braylen Russell and Sutton Smith is intriguing, and the Razorbacks have talented receivers, including Boise State transfer Chris Marshall and junior CJ Brown. Outside of the quarterback competition, Silverfield's biggest concern is a defense that struggled mightily in SEC play last year, surrendering 37.1 points a game and 6.4 yards per snap. Veteran coordinator Ron Roberts should help this group, but Silverfield needs several transfers to hit right away to team with standout defensive lineman Quincy Rhodes.

New coach Will Stein has brought needed optimism and a fresh start to Lexington after the Mark Stoops era grew stale. Although Stein faces a learning curve as a first-time head coach in the rugged SEC, he's one of the top rising stars after coordinating some of the nation's top offenses at Oregon. Aiding Stein's hopes of a quick turnaround is a standout haul of transfers that includes quarterback Kenny Minchey (Notre Dame), running back CJ Baxter (Texas), receiver Nic Anderson (LSU), and offensive linemen Lance Heard (Tennessee), Coleton Price (Baylor), and Tegra Tshabola (Ohio State).The defense returns a solid foundation with safety Ty Bryant anchoring the back end and Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace leading the way up front. Stein also tapped into the portal for help at three levels for new coordinator Jay Bateman. Although the new pieces on offense are generating the bulk of the offseason attention, Kentucky has to improve its defense (28.4 points allowed in SEC play) to contend for a bowl.

The Commodores are coming off their best two-year stretch (17 wins) since the program accumulated 18 from 2012-13. However, coach Clark Lea's team will have a hard time replicating last season's run to 10 victories and nearly the College Football Playoff with quarterback Diego Pavia out of eligibility. Five-star recruit Jared Curtis was a huge get for Lea in the ‘26 signing class and is expected to start right away. The upside is obvious, but it may take Curtis time to get acclimated to the FBS level. Coordinator Tim Beck can help Curtis' development by quickly rebuilding a line with just one returning starter, as well as finding ways to get the ball to a standout group of playmakers that includes running back Sedrick Alexander, receiver Junior Sherrill, and tight end Cole Spence. With the offense likely to be a work in progress, Lea needs more from his defense. This unit allowed 5.9 yards a snap in SEC contests but returns five starters and added end Brian Allen (Iowa) to bolster the pass rush, while safety Ricardo Jones (Clemson) was a key portal addition to improve the secondary.

Jeff Lebby's Bulldogs took a step forward last season with a 5-8 mark after a 2-10 debut. However, Mississippi State has just one win in SEC play over the last two seasons and couldn't find a way to close the door in close contests against Texas, Tennessee, and Florida last year. Although progress has been noticeable, Lebby needs another step forward this fall to ensure his seat doesn't get too warm. With rising star quarterback Kamario Taylor at the controls of Lebby's high-powered offense, the Bulldogs won't have any trouble scoring points in ‘26. Running back Fluff Bothwell returns to anchor the skill talent, but question marks remain about a rebuilt offensive line. Former Mississippi State head coach Zach Arnett returned to Starkville this offseason to take over the defensive coordinator duties. The Bulldogs have struggled mightily on defense under Lebby, but Arnett's return, along with another hefty transfer haul to upgrade the talent and depth, should help this unit hold its own in SEC play. Considering the challenging schedule ahead, Mississippi State could be a better team - but it may not show in the win column.

New coach Alex Golesh's background and track record of producing successful offenses is a welcomed sight on the Plains after watching Hugh Freeze's groups struggle over the last three years. To speed up the transition period, Golesh brought a handful of players from his last stop (South Florida), including quarterback Byrum Brown, running back Nykhai Davenport, and receivers Keshaun Singleton, Jeremiah Koger, Christian Neptune, and Chas Nimrod. Brown's dynamic ability is a huge asset for an Auburn offense that managed only 18.5 points in SEC play last fall. A line breaking in five new starters might be the only thing that could slow Golesh's offense. Coordinator DJ Durkin's defense is also in transition with just one returning starter. Linebacker Xavier Atkins is one of the SEC's top returning defenders, but new faces will be asked to emerge right away to fill needs along the defensive line and secondary. The cornerback spot is likely Durkin's biggest concern entering fall practice.

Under Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri has emerged as one of the SEC's most consistent programs with a 29-10 mark over the last three seasons. Getting back to double-digit victories and into contention for the College Football Playoff will hinge on two factors. Running back Ahmad Hardy's status is uncertain after he was injured in a shooting in early May. If Hardy can't return or is limited, backup Jamal Roberts is a capable No. 1 option. However, Hardy is arguably the best running back in college football and would be missed. The second factor that looms large is the development of Ole Miss transfer quarterback Austin Simmons under new play-caller Chip Lindsey. Simmons brings intriguing potential to the offense but has yet to produce over a full season of snaps. The receiving corps and line - led by Athlon Sports preseason All-American Cayden Green - should be strengths. In addition to Simmons' development, no other factor will determine Missouri's success in ‘26 than a rebuilt defense with zero returning starters. Coordinator Corey Batoon has a strong track record over the last two years in Columbia, but a mix of transfers and returning players may have a hard time matching last season's production (22.5 points allowed in SEC play).

After nearly making the College Football Playoff in 2024, the Gamecocks were one of the SEC's biggest disappointments with a 4-8 record last season. Coach Shane Beamer took steps to fix last year's regression with an offensive staff reset. Veteran coordinator Kendal Briles takes over the play-calling duties, and long-time line coach Randy Clements was brought in to fix the team's biggest weakness. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers passed on the NFL for another season in Columbia, and Briles' arrival should help the junior get back on track or perform closer to his ‘24 level. The health of transfer offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak after a spring knee injury is a major question mark for a unit looking to take a major step forward under Clements. The injury concerns extend to defense. Standout end Dylan Stewart is on the mend from a back injury and needs to be at full strength for this unit to reach its potential. Coordinator Clayton White has a few holes to plug on this side of the ball at all three levels, but has plenty of talent outside of Stewart, including tackle Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy and cornerback Judge Collier. Assuming Stewart is back to 100 percent, this unit should be solid once again in the SEC.

Are the Gators the SEC's biggest sleeper team in 2026? Talent hasn't been an issue in recent years for Florida. However, the roster wasn't necessarily maximized to its strength under former coach Billy Napier. Expect that to change under new coach Jon Sumrall. The Gators have a strong overall foundation in place, starting on offense with running back Jadan Baugh and receivers Dallas Wilson and Vernell Brown III. New coordinator Buster Faulkner is among the nation's top assistant hires and should quickly transform a unit that averaged only 17.6 points in SEC play last year. Regardless of whether Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo (and Faulkner pupil at GT) or Tramell Jones Jr. takes the majority of the snaps, the offense seems to be in good hands with either signal-caller. An offensive line looking to replace three starters - including standouts in center Jake Slaughter and tackle Austin Barber - was the biggest concern exiting spring practice. Sumrall's ability to get the most out of a roster should show up right away on defense. The Gators allowed 27.9 points a game last year but have the talent to quickly turn this group's fortune around. Up front, LJ McCray and Jayden Woods are a promising duo. Aaron Chiles and Myles Graham lead a solid second level, while the secondary left spring with the most uncertainty on defense.

Tennessee took a step back last season after making the College Football Playoff in 2024. Although an 8-5 record isn't awful, coach Josh Heupel took steps to ensure the Volunteers are capable of another playoff run this fall. In addition to changes to the strength and conditioning program, Heupel reset the defense by hiring long-time coordinator Jim Knowles. The former defensive signal-caller at Penn State and Ohio State should bring instant improvement to this unit, but there are question marks about how far it can go after giving up 33.6 points in SEC play. While the linebacker unit should rank among the best in the conference, and the secondary has the pieces to improve, the trenches are a concern, especially with uncertainty surrounding edge rusher Chaz Coleman. Heupel's ability to adapt to personnel strengths will be tested again this fall. True freshman Faizon Brandon and redshirt freshman George MacIntyre are locked into a tight battle for the job. But regardless of which quarterback starts, the supporting cast will ease their transition. The Volunteers have arguably a top-10 offensive line nationally, running back DeSean Bishop is primed for All-SEC honors, and the receiving corps ranks among the best in the SEC. If Brandon or MacIntyre quickly emerges as the No. 1 quarterback, then Tennessee could be poised to exceed all preseason expectations and return to playoff consideration.

Despite a trip to the SEC Championship Game and a playoff win last year, the ‘26 campaign is a big one for the overall direction of Alabama under coach Kalen DeBoer. A favorable slate provides the Crimson Tide with an opportunity for a return trip to the 12-team playoff, but DeBoer has to rebuild the offensive line and regain an element of physicality after the offense managed only 89.9 rushing yards in SEC play last season. True freshman running back EJ Crowell could provide a much-needed spark to the lackluster ground attack. A tight quarterback battle between Austin Mack and rising star Keelon Russell is expected to go deep into fall practice. The Crimson Tide have two capable signal-callers, but Russell has more intriguing long-term ability. The winner of this battle has plenty of weapons on the outside, including Ryan Coleman-Williams, Lotzeir Brooks and true freshman Cederian Morgan. Coordinator Kane Wommack has assembled a top-five SEC defense in each of the last two seasons and has another strong unit in place for ‘26. A secondary featuring safeties Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb, along with cornerback Zabien Brown, should rank as one of the best in the nation. And edge rusher Yhonzae Pierre (14.5 TFL last year) will push for All-America honors. Transfers Terrance Green, Kedrick Bingley-Jones, and Devan Thompkins are tasked with filling the voids in the trenches.

Pete Golding has pushed all of the right buttons so far in Oxford with two victories in the College Football Playoff and a successful offseason in player retention and additions from the transfer portal. However, the real test for Golding starts this September. The Rebels have a tough SEC slate that includes road trips to Oklahoma, Texas, and Florida, while Georgia and LSU visit Oxford. New offensive coordinator John David Baker isn't expected to make many tweaks on Ole Miss' high-powered attack, but the overall coaching transition could create a few bumpy moments for this squad in ‘26. Golding's squad doesn't lack for firepower with quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy returning. Additionally, Golding's work in the portal restocked the receiving corps, which will give Chambliss plenty of weapons to make a run at the Heisman Trophy. The biggest concern on offense is a line replacing both tackles. Golding's successful transfer haul includes help for a defense that allowed 26.3 points in SEC play last season. Tackle Will Echoles is back up front, and linebacker Suntarine Perkins headlines an upgraded second level with transfers Luke Ferrelli (Cal/Clemson) and Keaton Thomas (Baylor). The pieces are in place to take a step forward on defense. If Ole Miss' high-powered offense doesn't miss a beat, and the transition of Golding taking over as the full-time coach continues to be smooth sailing, then the Rebels are too low on this list and will contend for the national title.

It's no secret LSU will be in the spotlight for coach Lane Kiffin's debut this fall. The Bayou Bengals invested heavily in Kiffin and provided all of the necessary resources to build a winner in ‘26 and beyond. Bringing a national championship back to Baton Rouge this season is probably too much to ask, but Kiffin can transform this team into a playoff contender. Quarterback Sam Leavitt (Arizona State) was Kiffin's most-important get from the transfer portal. Leavitt is on the mend from a foot injury suffered in ‘25 with the Sun Devils but is expected to be at full strength this fall. That's critical for Kiffin, as LSU is breaking in several new faces at receiver and along the offensive line. If Leavitt is at 100 percent, and Colorado transfer Jordan Seaton stabilizes the line, and a couple of the new playmakers at receiver hit, Kiffin should find a way to quickly transform this unit into one of the best in the SEC. Improving the running game is also a priority for the new staff. The Tigers return only three starters on defense, but confidence is high in coordinator Blake Baker to keep this unit among the best in the conference. In addition to impact transfers in lineman Princewill Umanmielen (Ole Miss), safety Ty Benefield (Boise State), and linebacker TJ Dottery (Ole Miss), LSU returns one of the nation's top linebackers in Whit Weeks and has a breakout star at cornerback in sophomore DJ Pickett.

Last season's 11 wins and trip to the College Football Playoff clearly show Texas A&M is trending up under coach Mike Elko. But the Aggies aren't just satisfied with getting to the 12-team field. The next challenge for Elko is figuring out how to elevate this program beyond the first round. A key piece of that equation is the next step on offense. Elko is taking a bit of a risk by promoting receivers coach Holmon Wiggins to play-caller for the first time in his career. Wiggins is tasked with elevating quarterback Marcel Reed's game after a disappointing end to the ‘25 campaign. While Reed's ceiling and Wiggins' ability to coordinate an offense are in question, this unit doesn't lack for firepower at receiver with Mario Craver, Isaiah Horton, and Ashton Bethel-Roman returning. An offensive line that returns only one starter (center Mark Nabou) is another major concern for Elko. There's turnover on the defense with just five starters back. However, considering Elko's track record here, it's safe to assume this unit will find the right answers. Northwestern transfer Anto Saka or sophomore Marco Jones could be the next star off the edge for Elko, while linebacker is a post-spring concern after Daymion Sanford is on the mend from injury. Expect the secondary to be among the best in the SEC.

What a difference a year makes for coach Brent Venables. After spending last offseason squarely on the hot seat, Venables quickly changed the conversation around the SEC with a 10-win season and trip to the College Football Playoff. A dominant defense (15.5 points a game allowed) with Venables calling the plays led the way for Oklahoma last year and remains a strength despite the loss of a couple of standouts. The Sooners return Athlon Sports' preseason All-Americans in Taylor Wein and David Stone in the trenches, with linebacker Kip Lewis anchoring the second level. Three starters return to headline one of the nation's top defensive backfields. The only concern for Venables is the unit's overall depth. After carrying the team to the playoff last year, the defense should have more help from the offense in ‘26. Quarterback John Mateer should be more comfortable in his second year in Norman, and the offensive line is poised for a step forward with Michael Fasusi, Eddy Pierre-Louis and Ryan Fodje gaining valuable experience as freshmen last year. Isaiah Sategna is back, with transfers Trell Harris (Virginia) and Parker Livingstone (Texas) adding key playmakers to the receiving corps. Also, the Sooners have much-needed help coming at tight end in the form of Florida transfer Hayden Hansen. If Mateer elevates his game after an up-and-down (and injury-filled) ‘25 debut, the Sooners have a chance to go deep in the playoff.

Although the Longhorns didn't meet preseason expectations of national championship contention, a 10-3 finish gave the program its third consecutive double-digit win total. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian addressed last year's shortcomings with an aggressive portal haul that included offensive tackle Melvin Siani, running backs Hollywood Smothers (NC State) and Raleek Brown (Arizona State) and receiver Cam Coleman (Auburn) to help elevate quarterback Arch Manning's play. After an inconsistent start to ‘25, Manning emerged down the stretch and was arguably one of the top QBs in the nation by December. A deeper (and more talented) offensive line will aid in Manning's development this year, while the one-two punch of Brown and Smothers should bring better balance to the offense. Sarkisian also sought to upgrade the defense by hiring Will Muschamp as coordinator. Texas gave up only 20.3 points a game last year, so the bar is set high for Muschamp to succeed. The good news for the Longhorns? This group is loaded with talent. Edge Colin Simmons is one of college football's top pass rushers, with transfers in linebacker Rasheem Biles (Pitt) and cornerback Bo Mascoe (Rutgers) solidifying key concerns. Considering Manning's growth at the end of ‘25, along with transfer additions and defensive tweaks, it would be a major surprise if Texas misses the 12-team field again this fall.

The path to a SEC title runs through Athens once again. Coach Kirby Smart's Bulldogs have claimed back-to-back SEC titles but have not won a playoff game since the ‘22 season. Georgia seems poised to end that streak this fall and contend for the national championship. Quarterback Gunner Stockton returns after a solid debut in ‘25, and the offense has no shortage of talent in the backfield, as Nate Frazier headlines a deep group for coordinator Mike Bobo. With five of the top six statistical options gone from last season, a receiving corps surrounded with question marks looms large this fall. Can Georgia develop enough playmakers for Stockton to consistently stretch the field? Although some shuffling is needed, the offensive line is arguably one of the top returning units in the SEC. As usual, expect Georgia to field another elite defense. The Bulldogs could use a little more from the pass rush (20 sacks), but eight starters are back, including Gabe Harris, Elijah Griffin, and Quintavious Johnson up front. Both cornerback Ellis Robinson IV and safety KJ Bolden are among the nation's top defenders, and Raylen Wilson is back to anchor the second level. After holding opponents to 17.6 points per contest last season, Georgia has all of the pieces in place to improve on that total in ‘26.

Georgia over Texas

This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 9:10 AM.

Georgia over Texas

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