ESPN’s Updated SP+ Rankings: A Comprehensive Analysis of Each SEC Team’s Position Heading into the 2025 Season
As college football fans eagerly anticipate the 2025 season, ESPN’s SP+ (S&P Plus) rankings provide a data-driven snapshot of each team’s projected performance. Developed by ESPN’s Bill Connelly, the SP+ metric combines three key factors: returning production, recent recruiting, and recent history. This predictive system offers insights into the most sustainable and predictable aspects of football, focusing on efficiency and explosiveness rather than win-loss records or strength of schedule.
Leading the SEC and the nation in the latest SP+ rankings is the Georgia Bulldogs, with an overall rating of 36.3. Their offense is particularly formidable, ranking second nationally with a rating of 47.3. Defensively, they hold the fifth spot with a rating of 11.0, and their special teams rank fourth. These numbers underscore Georgia’s dominance and consistency across all phases of the game, positioning them as the team to beat in the upcoming season.
Not far behind Georgia is the Alabama Crimson Tide, holding the third spot nationally with an overall rating of 29.1. Their offense ranks seventh with a rating of 43.7, while their defense is eighth with a rating of 14.6. Special teams contribute positively with a ranking of second. Alabama’s balanced and efficient play continues to make them a formidable force in college football.
The Texas Longhorns, entering the SEC this season, have made a significant impact in the SP+ rankings, coming in fourth nationally with a rating of 29.5. Their offense is ranked fourth with a rating of 45.4, and their defense holds the 12th spot with a rating of 16.0. Special teams rank 17th, indicating a well-rounded team ready to compete at the highest level.
The Ole Miss Rebels secure the fifth spot in the SEC and the ninth nationally with an overall rating of 26.6. Their offense is sixth nationally with a rating of 44.0, while their defense ranks 15th with a rating of 17.4. Special teams contribute positively with a ranking of 26th. Under head coach Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss continues to be a consistent contender in the SEC.
The Tennessee Volunteers are ranked sixth in the SEC and 16th nationally with an overall rating of 19.0. Their offense is ranked 14th with a rating of 37.5, and their defense holds the 19th spot with a rating of 18.5. Special teams rank 52nd, indicating room for improvement in special teams play. Tennessee’s high-powered offense remains their standout feature.
The Missouri Tigers have shown significant improvement, ranking seventh in the SEC and 11th nationally with an overall rating of 23.1. Their offense is eighth nationally with a rating of 41.4, and their defense ranks 18th with a rating of 18.3. Special teams contribute positively with a ranking of 45th. Missouri’s balanced approach makes them a team to watch in the upcoming season.
The LSU Tigers are ranked eighth in the SEC and ninth nationally with an overall rating of 25.1. Their offense is third nationally with a rating of 47.2, while their defense holds the 35th spot with a rating of 22.1. Special teams rank 83rd, suggesting a need for improvement in special teams play. LSU’s explosive offense continues to be their strength.
Oklahoma Sooners – Strong Contender
The Oklahoma Sooners, though not traditionally part of the SEC, are included in the conference’s rankings due to their upcoming participation. They hold the ninth spot in the SEC and 15th nationally with an overall rating of 19.3. Their offense is 17th nationally with a rating of 36.9, and their defense ranks 16th with a rating of 17.5. Special teams rank 95th, indicating areas for improvement.
The Texas A&M Aggies are ranked 10th in the SEC and 13th nationally with an overall rating of 19.8. Their offense is 11th nationally with a rating of 38.5, while their defense holds the 21st spot with a rating of 18.7. Special teams rank 73rd, suggesting potential for growth in special teams play. With a strong offense, Texas A&M has the potential to rise in the rankings.
The Auburn Tigers are ranked 11th in the SEC and 23rd nationally with an overall rating of 12.1. Their offense is 50th nationally with a rating of 30.9, and their defense holds the 32nd spot with a rating of 21.1. Special teams rank 27th, indicating a solid foundation in special teams play. Auburn is in a rebuilding phase but has the potential to improve.
The Florida Gators are ranked 12th in the SEC and 31st nationally with an overall rating of 9.6. Their offense is 26th nationally with a rating of 35.1, and their defense holds the 50th spot with a rating of 25.5. Special teams rank 9th, showing strength in special teams play. Florida’s performance places them in the middle of the SEC pack.
