As the SEC moves forward past Week Four and into its conference schedule, it’s clear that some teams are living up to the hype while others are struggling to find their footing. The top teams stayed consistent — Alabama continued its usual dominance, and Texas continued to make a strong impression in its first season in the SEC. The middle of the pack is where things get interesting. LSU has gained momentum after a shaky start, while Vanderbilt’s narrow loss to Missouri suggests untapped potential. Here’s how the SEC teams stack up in The Hustler’s Week 5 power rankings.
1. Texas (4-0, 0-0)
The Texas Longhorns continued their undefeated season with a win over UL Monroe last weekend. Quarterback Arch Manning made his first career start, leading the Longhorns to a commanding 51-3 victory and tossing two touchdown passes. Running back Jaydon Blue fueled Texas’ ground game with four touchdowns, but the Longhorns’ defense was equally dominant. Texas limited UL Monroe to just 3 points and 111 total yards, marking the second time Texas has kept an opponent out of the end zone this season. The Longhorns racked up 494 yards of offense, with 237 on the ground and 257 through the air. The team will monitor the health of quarterback Quinn Ewers as it begins SEC play, hosting a favorable matchup against Mississippi State on Sept. 28.
2. Georgia (3-0, 1-0)
The Bulldogs narrowly escaped a tough game against Kentucky in Week Three, edging out a 13-12 victory thanks to a game-winning touchdown drive in the fourth quarter. Georgia’s offense struggled at times against a strong Wildcat Defense, highlighting areas for improvement as it prepares for its upcoming showdown against No. 4 Alabama. A problem for Georgia through the opening weeks has been settling for field goals instead of touchdowns, but extra rest during its bye week in Week Four should help with that. On the defensive side, Georgia must improve its pass rush and tighten up its secondary if it wants to steal a road win against Alabama. Ball control will also be crucial, as Kentucky consistently out-possessed Georgia, a recipe for disaster in the SEC, no matter the team. The Bulldogs are set to face the Crimson Tide in a marquee matchup at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Sep. 28.
3. Alabama (3-0, 0-0)
Coming off of a 42-10 blowout win against Wisconsin in Week Three, the Crimson Tide will look to keep their undefeated season alive at home against Georgia in Week Five. Like the Bulldogs, Alabama likely spent its bye week working on struggles in its game. Offensively, Alabama must focus on converting red zone opportunities into touchdowns while improving its offensive line’s protection of quarterback Jalen Milroe. Defensively, the team can ensure astrong start with clean open-field tackling to limit Georgia’s yards after contact. The Crimson Tide must also avoid penalties, as they had multiple touchdowns called back due to infractions against South Florida in Week Two. Alabama is set to play Georgia on Sep. 28th at home in one of the SEC’s most highly-anticipated games of the season.
4. Tennessee (4-0, 1-0)
The Volunteers faced Oklahoma this past week, marking the Sooners' first-ever SEC game. Tennessee’s defense played an important part in securing the win, holding Oklahoma to just 222 total yards of offense while forcing an interception. The Volunteers’ quarterback Nico Lamaleava completed 13-of-21 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown, a 66-yard bomb to wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. Tennessee now has a bye week to improve ball security and continue to gel as an offense before facing Arkansas on Oct. 5.
5. Ole Miss (4-0, 0-0)
The Ole Miss Rebels showed off their offensive firepower in a decisive 52-13 win over Georgia Southern this weekend. Quarterback Jaxson Dart — who ended the day with four touchdown passes — set the tone early with two scores in the opening nine minutes of the game. The Rebels’ defense has also been dominant throughout the season, ranking first in the nation for scoring defense, allowing just 5.5 points per game. As Ole Miss prepares to face Kentucky, it should look to maintain its defensive intensity. Its potent passing game, balanced with a strong running game, should keep Kentucky’s defense off balance. The Rebels face off next against the Wildcats in the Vaught Hemingway Stadium on Sep. 28.
6. Missouri (4-0, 1-0)
Missouri secured a tight 30-27 double overtime win over Vanderbilt on Saturday, as the Tigers overcame three missed field goals from kicker Blake Craig during regulation. Still, Craig redeemed himself when he hit the would-be game-winning kick during the second overtime period. Quarterback Brady Cook was good but not great, completing 23-of-37 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns while missing a handful of key throws. The narrow win and overall shaky performance dropped the Tigers from No. 7 to No. 11 in the AP Poll. The Tigers will get Week Five off, allowing them to reset and learn more about their offensive identity.
7. LSU (3-1, 1-0)
LSU hosted UCLA at Tiger Stadium this weekend, coming out strong and ultimately winning 34-17. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeir had a strong showing under center, completing 32 of 44 passes for 352 yards and 3 touchdowns. Standout tight end Mason Taylor made his impact as well, catching 8 passes for 77 yards. While the Tigers have looked solid through a third of the season, they may benefit from cleaning up their red zone efficiency (80%) and limiting unnecessary penalties. LSU will use its bye week to regroup after the loss of star linebacker Harold Perkins Jr., who tore his ACL this weekend. The Tigers are set to play South Alabama on Sept. 28 as they look to win their fourth straight game.
8. Oklahoma (3-1, 0-1)
Oklahoma lost to Tennessee 25-15 in its first-ever game in the SEC. Although the Sooners’ defense played well, holding Tennessee to 345 total years, they only managed to gain 222 yards offensively. Starting quarterback Jackson Arnold was benched after completing 7 of 16 passes for 54 yards and an interception in the first two quarters. Freshman Micheal Hawkins Jr replaced him and finished the day as a bright spot, going 11-for-18 with 132 yards and a touchdown. Looking towards their upcoming game against Auburn, the Sooners may have to reevaluate their offensive strategy. Improving scoring opportunities in the red zone and establishing consistency at the quarterback position will be key to competing in their new conference. Oklahoma will look to improve to .500 in conference play on the road against Auburn on Sept. 28.
9. Texas A&M (3-1, 1-0)
Texas A&M secured a narrow 26-20 win at home over Bowling Green this past weekend. Backup quarterback Marcel Reed got his second collegiate start, stepping in for an injured Conner Weigman and delivering 264 total yards and 2 touchdowns. The Aggies' defense held Bowling Green to just 85 rushing yards, but the Falcons stayed competitive throughout the game thanks to a dazzling performance from receiver Harold Fannin Jr. Texas A&M's win marks its third straight and sets it up for a crucial stretch of games as SEC play rages on in the coming weeks. A matchup against Arkansas at AT&T Stadium this weekend will be followed by a homestand against No. 11 Missouri. Despite the win this weekend, it is clear that the Aggies have room to improve as they continue to find their footing under first-year head coach Mike Elko.
10. South Carolina (3-1, 1-1)
South Carolina dominated Akron this weekend in a 50-7 victory, bouncing back from a frustrating SEC loss against No. 14 LSU the week before. Backup quarterback Robby Ashford excelled in place of an injured LaNorris Sellers, amassing 376 total yards (243 passing and 133 rushing yards) and 3 touchdowns. The Gamecocks’ defense was impressive all night, allowing only 51 total yards in the second half while recording two sacks. With this win, South Carolina will head into a bye week before a challenging stretch that will feature games against Ole Miss, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M.
11. Arkansas (3-1,1-0)
The Arkansas Razorbacks opened their SEC season this weekend with a 24-14 away victory over Auburn, forcing the Tigers into five turnovers. Transfer quarterback Taylen Green contributed 230 total yards, including 151 passing yards and a touchdown, despite throwing two interceptions. Running back Ja’Quinden Jackson led the ground attack with 180 yards and 2 touchdowns. Arkansas’ defense — highlighted by TJ Metcalf’s two interceptions and a crucial forced fumble — helped secure the win, though the team will need to address its own turnover issues moving forward. Arkansas will face No. 24 Texas A&M at AT&T Stadium this weekend.
12. Kentucky (2-2, 0-2)
Kentucky bounced back from a tough loss to No. 2 Georgia last week with a commanding 41-6 victory over Ohio. The Wildcats’ offense finally clicked, as quarterback Brock Vandagriff threw for 237 yards and running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye scored twice. The scoring avalanche broke a nine-quarter touchdown drought for Kentucky dating back to Week One. Wideout Dane Key had a standout performance with a career-high 145 receiving yards, and Kentucky’s rushing attack added 206 yards. Defensively, the Wildcats limited the Bobcats to just 108 rushing yards, significantly below their yearly average of 203 yards per game. Kentucky's defense also held Anthony Tyus III, who ranks ninth in the nation with 367 rushing yards, to only 24 yards. With this win, Kentucky improved to 2-2, but its real test will come next week when it faces No. 6 Ole Miss on the road.
13. Vanderbilt (2-2, 0-1)
Vanderbilt nearly pulled off a top-10 upset but fell short in a 30-27 double-overtime loss to No. 11 Missouri in Week Four. The Commodores showed that they could compete with the better teams in the conference, largely thanks to a scrappy mentality from their signal caller. Diego Pavia contributed 262 yards of total offense to go with two scores, and the defense made key stops outside the red zone. Despite forcing two overtime periods, the Commodores lost when Brock Taylor’s kick fell short. While the result is disappointing, the quality of play is an encouraging sign for Vanderbilt after its Week Three defeat to Georgia State. After its bye week, Vanderbilt will look for its first SEC win, hosting No. 4 Alabama at FirstBank Stadium before traveling to Kentucky.
14. Florida (2-2, 1-1)
Florida's 45-28 win over Mississippi State gave head coach Billy Napier some much-needed breathing room, ending a seven-game losing streak against FBS opponents. Quarterbacks Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway combined to complete 93% of their passes, leading the Gators to 503 yards of total offense. Mertz threw for three touchdowns and rushed for another, helping Florida find offensive rhythm for the first time in weeks. While the victory provides temporary relief for Napier, his job security remains a major storyline as Florida faces a tough schedule ahead, starting with a home game against UCF after its upcoming bye week.
15. Auburn (2-2, 0-1)
Auburn's quarterback struggles continued during a brutal 24-14 loss to Arkansas, with Hank Brown and Peyton Thorne combining for five turnovers. Despite solid defensive play — holding Arkansas to just 334 yards of offense and forcing two interceptions — Auburn's offense left more to be desired. The Tigers outperformed Arkansas in some areas but were undone by their costly turnover margin (-3). These offensive issues are keeping Auburn from being a competitive opponent. Head coach Hugh Freeze’s life — and job security — will not get any easier as Auburn prepares to host No. 21 Oklahoma on Saturday.
16. Mississippi State (1-3, 0-1)
Mississippi State remains at the bottom of our SEC Power Rankings after a 45-28 home loss to Florida, marking back-to-back blowout defeats. The Bulldogs’ defense struggled, allowing the Gators to accumulate 226 rushing yards on 36 carries. Despite briefly closing the gap to 28-21 in the third quarter, a failed fourth-down attempt from the 1-yard line would mark the turning of the tide in favor of the Gators. To make matters worse, Mississippi State will now be without its starting quarterback after Blake Shapen suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the second half. With tough games ahead against No. 1 Texas, No. 2 Georgia and No. 24 Texas A&M, the Bulldogs' only realistic shot at a win may come against UMass in early November.
