Week 4 shook up the SEC, while Week 5 showed who could carry that momentum forward. From Garrett Nussmeier dominating at LSU to Trinidad Chambliss leading Ole Miss, individual standouts defined the weekend and set the stage for The Hustler’s Week 5 power rankings.
1. Georgia (3-0, 1-0 SEC)
MVP: Gunner Stockton
No. 5 Georgia had a bye this past week, but a look back at its last outing shows why it remains at the top of our rankings. The Bulldogs earned a 44-41 overtime win over No. 15 Tennessee, all thanks to quarterback Gunner Stockton’s clutch performance. The sophomore threw for 304 yards, 3 total touchdowns and engineered a late drive that forced overtime. His fourth-down strike to wide receiver London Humphreys, followed by a clutch 2-point conversion, set up running back Josh McCray’s game-winning score. While Tennessee’s offense piled up yards, Georgia’s defense settled in when it mattered most, giving Stockton and the offense a chance to shine. The victory marked the Bulldogs’ ninth straight over the Volunteers and cements their case as the SEC’s top team to this point.
Georgia will host No. 17 Alabama this week, which also happens to be coming off the bye week. The matchup could define early playoff positioning in the SEC.
2. LSU (4-0, 1-0)
MVP: Garrett Nussmeier
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier powered No. 4 LSU to its sharpest outing yet this past week: a 56-10 rout of Southeastern Louisiana. The junior passed for 273 yards and 3 touchdowns while adding a rushing score. Nussmeier spread the ball around, connecting with Bauer Sharp, Barion Brown and Zavion Thomas for scores, while Ju’Juan Johnson chipped in two rushing touchdowns. The Tigers built a 35-0 halftime lead and never looked back, holding the Lions to just 204 total yards. More importantly, LSU’s offense finally looked in rhythm, piling up explosive plays and showing balance before it heads into SEC play.
Next up, the Tigers travel to Oxford, Mississippi, to face Ole Miss in what should be a tough test and a critical early conference matchup.
3. Oklahoma (4-0, 1-0)
MVP: R Mason Thomas
No. 7 Oklahoma leaned on its defense to earn a 24-17 win over Auburn and quarterback Jackson Arnold. Edge rusher R Mason Thomas made the difference, recording two sacks in the second half — including a late safety that sealed the game. In total, the Sooners piled up nine sacks, tying a school record, to completely overwhelm Arnold. Offensively, quarterback John Mateer passed for 271 yards, tossed a touchdown to Isaiah Sategna and ran in the game-winning score in the fourth quarter . Still, it was Thomas and the defensive front that defined the night, keeping Oklahoma unbeaten and giving head coach Brent Venables a statement win in the SEC.
The Sooners now get a bye before hosting Kent State on Oct. 4.
4. Texas A&M (3-0, 0-0)
MVP: Le’Veon Moss
Texas A&M secured a tight victory over Notre Dame, 41-40. The Aggies now cruise into their bye week on cloud nine while Notre Dame’s playoff hopes are in jeopardy. Le’Veon Moss undeniably clinched the victory for the Aggies. The senior rushed for a total of 81 yards on 20 carries, making this his best statistical game of the season. His three touchdowns in the second quarter gave the Aggies the lead going into halftime and the momentum they needed to secure a close win over the Fighting Irish.
The Aggies will host Auburn, which is fresh off its loss to Oklahoma, at Kyle Field next week in a matchup that will challenge Texas A&M’s three-game winning streak.
5. Texas (3-1, 0-0)
MVP: DeAndre Moore Jr.
No. 10 Texas clinched a 55-0 win over Sam Houston after a phenomenal team performance by the Longhorns. Their powerhouse defense shut down the Bearkats offense, only allowing a total of 113 yards. Quarterback Arch Manning had his best game of the season thus far, with an 85.7% pass completion rate and 309 passing yards. Manning’s stellar showing can be credited in part to excellent play from his receiving core, especially DeAndre Moore Jr. The junior displayed his prowess as both a blocker and receiver, amassing 79 receiving yards on the day.
The Longhorns will take on the Gators in Gainesville after a bye in a matchup that will undeniably test Manning’s budding chemistry with his receivers and the Longhorns’ defense.
6. Tennessee (3-1, 0-1)
MVP: Peyton Lewis
No. 15 Tennessee secured a 56-24 win over the UAB Blazers in Knoxville after a heartbreaking overtime loss to No. 5 Georgia the week prior. The win marked head coach Josh Heupel’s 40th win at Tennessee and improved his coaching record to 40-16. The Volunteers had a fantastic rushing attack, and the impact of running back Peyton Lewis was unquestionable. Lewis made all the difference for the Volunteers in this contest, racking up 81 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. His efforts helped the Volunteers sail to a comfortable victory.
The Volunteers will visit the Mississippi State Bulldogs next week. For Tennessee to come out with another win, the running game will have to be another bright spot.
7. Ole Miss (4-0, 2-0)
MVP: Trinidad Chambliss
No. 13 Ole Miss cruised past Tulane, 45-10, to remain unbeaten. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss led the way as a dual threat, accumulating 307 passing yards and 112 rushing yards. Wide receiver Deuce Alexander added a 33-yard touchdown reception and running back Kewan Lacy scored twice on the ground. The defense limited Tulane to just 282 total yards and forced three turnovers on downs, helping Ole Miss build a 23-3 halftime lead and put the game away early.
Ole Miss hosts No. 4 LSU this week in Oxford, a matchup between two teams with playoff aspirations.
8. Vanderbilt (4-0, 1-0)
MVP: Diego Pavia
The Commodores remain undefeated after shutting down the Georgia State Panthers with a decisive 70-21 victory in Nashville. Quarterback Diego Pavia clinched the win for Vanderbilt, with 245 passing yards and 86 rushing yards, guiding the Commodores down the field in a remarkable offensive showing. The prowess of Vanderbilt’s defense was essential in defeating Georgia State, the most notable play coming on a blocked punt and touchdown by redshirt freshman linebacker Jamison Curtis.
The Commodores will take on the Utah State Aggies at home this week. Although the Aggies come in with a well-balanced offense, Vanderbilt’s defense will look to dominate once again.
9. Alabama (2-1, 0-0)
MVP: Ty Simpson
Alabama entered its bye week on a high after dismantling Wisconsin 38-14 the week prior. Quarterback Ty Simpson delivered one of his best outings yet, throwing for 382 yards and 4 touchdowns while completing 24-of-29 passes. His chemistry with Ryan Williams, who returned from a concussion to post 165 receiving yards and two scores, helped the Crimson Tide’s offense stretch the field with ease. The defense also showed progress, holding Wisconsin under 210 yards and forcing two interceptions.
Now, Alabama turns its attention to No. 5 Georgia in Athens — a matchup that could define its season. Simpson has been sharp over the past two games, but how he handles the Bulldogs’ defense will determine if Alabama is truly ready to rejoin the SEC’s elite.
10. Missouri (4-0, 1-0)
MVP: Ahmad Hardy
The Tigers remain undefeated after notching a 29-20 victory over the Gamecocks in Columbia, Missouri, stretching their home win streak to 14. After trailing to the Gamecocks at halftime, Missouri put up 17 points in the third and fourth quarters to clinch the win. Running back Ahmad Hardy was undeniably the team’s MVP, racking up over 100 rushing yards for his sixth-straight game. The sophomore was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week for his outstanding performance just one week after being named National Player of the Week.
The Tigers take on UMass at home this week as they attempt to get to 5-0 on the season.
11. Mississippi State (4-0, 0-0)
MVP: Fluff Bothwell
Mississippi State shook off a shaky first half to beat Northern Illinois, 38-10, and improve to 4-0 for the first time since 2014. Running back Fluff Bothwell, a South Alabama transfer, paced the offense with his first 100-yard game as a Bulldog, rushing for 101 yards on 17 carries. Davon Booth added two touchdowns, while quarterback Blake Shapen accounted for 211 total yards and a score . The defense clamped down after halftime, holding the Huskies scoreless. The Bulldogs leaned on their run game to control the line of scrimmage and avoid an upset.
Mississippi State now turns to a pivotal home clash with No. 15 Tennessee — a chance to prove its unbeaten start is more than just numbers.
12. Auburn (3-1, 0-1)
MVP: Jeremiah Cobb
No. 22 Auburn suffered a heartbreaking 24-17 loss to No. 11 Oklahoma in Norman after being tied at halftime, leaving the Tigers with a 3-1 record. Running back Jeremiah Cobb kept the game competitive, though. The junior led his team in rushing yards and delivered a 44-yard run after breaking a tackle — the longest rush of the game for Auburn. The Tigers had a tough time squaring up against the Sooners’ defense, who ultimately sacked Arnold nine times.
Auburn now faces No. 9 Texas A&M away in a pivotal match that is sure to test their rushing game.
13. South Carolina (2-2, 0-2)
MVP: LaNorris Sellers
South Carolina came up short in a 29-20 loss at No. 20 Missouri, falling to 0-2 in SEC play. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers kept the Gamecocks competitive, throwing for 302 yards and 2 touchdowns, but the offense struggled to finish drives late. Missouri’s defensive front dominated the line of scrimmage, holding South Carolina to negative nine rushing yards and forcing a pair of three-and-outs in the fourth quarter. Sellers connected with Vandrevius Jacobs and Brian Rowe Jr. for scores to give the Gamecocks a halftime lead, but miscues and penalties piled up as the game slipped away.
South Carolina returns home to face Kentucky, needing a bounce-back performance to keep its season from unraveling early.
14. Kentucky (2-1, 0-1)
MVP: Cutter Boley
The Kentucky Wildcats are riding off their bye week on a high after their 48-23 win over the Eastern Michigan Eagles. Kentucky dominated the scoreboard in all four quarters, which would not have been possible without Cutter Boley. Boley started for the first time against the Eagles after former starter Zach Calzada injured his shoulder against Ole Miss. Boley threw for two touchdowns and had a great passing game overall, leading his team to victory.
The Wildcats will now head to South Carolina in a matchup that will shape the SEC rankings.
15. Arkansas (2-2, 0-1)
MVP: Taylen Green
Arkansas let a late lead slip away in a 32-31 loss at Memphis to drop to 2-2 on the season. Quarterback Taylen Green carried the Razorbacks’ offense, though, throwing for 325 yards and a touchdown while adding 53 yards on the ground. He connected with Rohan Jones on a 62-yard score early to keep Arkansas in front for much of the game. However, two costly interceptions and a late fumble by Mike Washington Jr. inside the red zone sealed the Razorbacks’ fate. After posting 28 points in the first half, Arkansas managed only three in the second, struggling to sustain drives as Memphis rallied.
The Razorbacks now host Notre Dame and must clean up mistakes to avoid a third-straight loss.
16. Florida (1-3, 0-1)
MVP: Jaden Baugh
Florida was unable to catch up to now-No. 2 Miami after being down by 13 at halftime, ultimately falling 26-7 at Hard Rock Stadium. Jaden Baugh kept the Gators in the game, scoring the team’s only touchdown in the third quarter.
The Gators have a bye week to clean up and reset before facing off against the No. 10 Texas Longhorns and will try to avoid another loss in Gainesville.
