ESPN Drops SEC Team Rankings and Sparks Controversy Over Underrated Programs With Too Much Talent to Be Ranked So Low
Whenever ESPN releases its preseason conference power rankings, reactions are swift and fierce — especially in the SEC, where every fan base believes their team deserves top billing. This year’s rankings were no exception. As ESPN dropped its latest evaluation of all 16 teams in the new-look SEC, one thing became abundantly clear: some programs got far less respect than they deserve.
Power rankings are, by nature, subjective. They factor in recent performance, returning starters, incoming recruits, coaching staff changes, and team trajectory. But even with those considerations, certain rankings raised eyebrows across the college football landscape. In particular, a few teams appear egregiously underrated — stuck in the lower half of the rankings despite clear evidence they should be viewed as legitimate contenders, or at the very least, solid middle-tier threats with upside.
Let’s start with the biggest head-scratcher of all: South Carolina. ESPN slotted Shane Beamer’s squad near the bottom of the conference, suggesting that the Gamecocks will once again struggle to make bowl eligibility. But that narrative ignores key offseason improvements and the return of LaNorris Sellers — the dual-threat quarterback who may be one of the most intriguing young talents in the SEC. While Sellers doesn’t yet have a full season of starting experience, his flashes last year were dynamic. He has the arm strength, mobility, and swagger to make the Gamecocks dangerous, especially with a reloaded receiving corps and better depth at offensive line.
South Carolina’s defense may not be elite, but it’s returning some core players in the secondary and has quietly improved its linebacker group through the portal. Considering the Gamecocks’ brutal schedule last season and their tendency to play up to strong competition, ESPN’s low placement feels more like a punishment for previous inconsistency than a fair reflection of the team’s 2025 outlook. At worst, they should be in the 9–11 range, not scraping the bottom.
Another program that seems unjustifiably low? Missouri. Coming off an 11-win season and a New Year’s Six bowl victory, Missouri deserves more credit for its current trajectory. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz has not only stabilized the program — he’s turned it into a dangerous team with a balanced identity. Quarterback Brady Cook is back and has shown tremendous growth, while Luther Burden III headlines one of the most explosive wide receiver rooms in the conference. The Tigers aren’t elite in the trenches, but they’re far from soft. Their offense was consistently productive last season, and their defense held its own in key moments.
Yet ESPN ranked Missouri behind teams that have neither the recent success nor the returning production. Why? Likely because Missouri doesn’t carry the brand power of schools like Florida or Auburn — two teams ranked ahead of them despite having bigger question marks at quarterback and significant turnover on both sides of the ball.
Speaking of Florida, the Gators are somehow sitting in the top half of ESPN’s rankings despite having lost more than they gained. Graham Mertz is returning, yes, but is that really the foundation of a breakthrough season? Billy Napier is on one of the hottest seats in college football, and unless Florida’s offensive line improves dramatically, they could struggle to keep pace in a stacked SEC East. The defense remains inconsistent, and there’s no clear identity on offense. Ranking Florida above Missouri or even Texas A&M seems speculative at best.
Another misfire involves Kentucky, a program that has carved out an identity under Mark Stoops but rarely gets national respect. This year is no different. Despite returning a strong running back room, adding key transfers on the offensive line, and bringing back a defense that finished among the best in red zone efficiency, ESPN still placed the Wildcats in the bottom third. Kentucky may not be flashy, but they win with toughness, discipline, and situational football. They’re the kind of team that pulls off a couple of upsets every year, and with a manageable schedule, they could once again push for 8–9 wins. If anything, they should be ranked several spots higher based on consistency alone.
Even Mississippi State, despite undergoing a coaching change, seems to be getting written off too quickly. Jeff Lebby takes over with an offensive system that should rejuvenate a Bulldogs unit that looked stagnant last season. The defense has talent, particularly in the front seven, and if the offense even moderately improves, Mississippi State could surprise teams — especially those expecting an easy win. ESPN’s ranking seems to reflect last year’s struggles more than this year’s potential, which is a disservice to the program’s trajectory under new leadership.
Perhaps the most controversial omission from the top five was Ole Miss. While ESPN did rank them fairly high, many believe the Rebels should have been locked into the second or third spot behind Georgia. Lane Kiffin returns Jaxson Dart, arguably one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country, and the team made significant additions through the transfer portal — particularly on defense, which was their Achilles’ heel in 2023. Kiffin’s offense is going to score points, but this year he might finally have a defense that can close games out. If Ole Miss doesn’t start the year inside the top three in the SEC, something’s wrong with the evaluation process.
Then there’s Texas and Oklahoma, the new kids on the block. Texas, fresh off a College Football Playoff appearance, deservedly earned a top-three spot, and their ranking feels appropriate. But Oklahoma, who also brings a strong roster and one of the more favorable conference schedules, landed lower than expected. Jackson Arnold has big shoes to fill at quarterback, but the Sooners have talent across the board. Defensively, they’re improving under Brent Venables, and their offensive line should be one of the better units in the conference. A case can easily be made for Oklahoma to be ahead of Tennessee or LSU, both of whom have lingering uncertainties.
And yes, even LSU — often a media darling — might be slightly overrated this time around. Jayden Daniels’ departure leaves a massive void, and the defense was nothing short of a liability in 2024. Brian Kelly is recruiting at a high level, but replacing elite production isn’t automatic. The Tigers may still be dangerous, but they don’t look like a top-three SEC team at this stage. Ranking them over a more experienced and complete Ole Miss squad feels off.
As for the top? Georgia is rightfully number one. The Bulldogs are loaded again, and with Carson Beck back at quarterback, they have the continuity, depth, and motivation to reclaim the national title. Alabama, despite Nick Saban’s retirement, remained in the top five — mostly due to Kalen DeBoer’s impressive track record and the immense talent still on the roster. But even Alabama’s ranking may be more about legacy than this particular roster, which faces questions at several key positions, including quarterback consistency and wide receiver explosiveness.
In the end, the power rankings are designed to spark conversation, and in that respect, ESPN succeeded. But the rankings also serve as a national narrative setter, and when they undervalue teams like Missouri, Kentucky, and South Carolina — all of whom have legitimate upside — it impacts how those programs are perceived not just by fans, but by recruits and analysts across the sport.
As the 2025 season approaches, these rankings will inevitably shift. Surprises will emerge. Injuries will alter the pecking order. But for now, several teams have every right to feel disrespected — and that might be just the motivation they need.
The SEC is deeper and more competitive than ever. And while ESPN’s list reflects one opinion, the games will ultimately tell the truth. And when they do, don’t be surprised if the so-called “too low” teams make the biggest statements.
