Another Saturday, another complete reshuffling of the deck in the Southeastern Conference. This weekend was defined by revenge, survival, and a brutal reality check that sent one of college football’s biggest names tumbling down the rankings. While the top teams held serve (some more convincingly than others), the story of the week was written in Dallas. Check out our power rankings last week here.
Kentucky enjoyed a much-needed bye week, but the chaos continued around them. Let’s dive into the Week 8 SEC Power Rankings.
SEC Power Rankings week 8
1. Alabama Crimson Tide (6-1)
(Previously: 1) ➖
In the toughest road test of their season, the Crimson Tide went into a hostile environment and survived a 27-24 thriller against Missouri. It wasn’t always pretty, but finding a way to win a slugfest like that is the mark of a true No. 1. They remain the undisputed kings of the conference.
2. Texas A&M Aggies (6-0)
(Previously: 2) ➖
After Florida’s shocking upset last week, some wondered if the Gators had found magic. Texas A&M proved they hadn't. The Aggies methodically dismantled Florida 34-17, cruising to another victory. They are undefeated, dominant on defense, and look every bit the part of a championship contender.
3. Ole Miss Rebels (6-0)
(Previously: 3) ➖
It was way too close for comfort, but the Rebels survived a major scare from Washington State, winning 24-21. While it raises questions about their consistency, they did what great teams have to do: find a way to win when they don’t have their best stuff. They remain undefeated and in control of their own destiny.
4. Georgia Bulldogs (5-1)
(Previously: 4) ➖
The Bulldogs went on the road and took care of business against a rival, beating Auburn 20-10. It was a solid, professional win that keeps them firmly in the second tier of the conference. They continue to look like a very good, but no longer invincible, football team.
5. LSU Tigers (5-1)
(Previously: 5) ➖
LSU’s defense showed up in a big way, holding South Carolina to just 10 points in a solid 20-10 victory. It was a necessary win to keep pace in the brutal SEC West. The Tigers are quietly stacking wins and remain a dangerous threat to anyone.
6. Tennessee Volunteers (5-1)
(Previously: 6) ➖
That was a close one. The Vols survived a massive scare at home, holding off a surprisingly feisty Arkansas team 34-31. A win is a win, but struggling against one of the league’s worst teams at home is a definite red flag. They hold their spot, but their grip is loosening.
7. Texas Longhorns (4-2)
(Previously: 15) 🔼
THE JUMP OF THE WEEK. What a difference a week makes. After being humiliated by Florida, Texas responded with jejich masterpiece, suffocating Oklahoma 23-6 in the Red River Rivalry. The defense was elite, Arch Manning was efficient, and the Longhorns completely redeemed themselves. They are back.
8. Missouri Tigers (5-1)
(Previously: 7) 🔽
In defeat, Missouri may have earned more respect than some teams did in victory. They went toe-to-toe with No. 1 Alabama for four quarters and nearly pulled off the upset. They proved they belong in the Top 10 and are a legitimate threat to win every game left on their schedule.
9. Oklahoma Sooners (4-2)
(Previously: 8) 🔽
That was a complete and utter disaster. The Sooners were physically dominated and embarrassed by Texas in a 23-6 beatdown. The offense, once a juggernaut, looked completely lost and ineffective. After a performance like that, major questions surround this team.
10. Vanderbilt Commodores (5-1)
(Previously: 9) 🔽
Vanderbilt drops a spot during their bye week, but they remain one of the best stories in the SEC. They will have a chance to prove their mettle in the coming weeks.
11. Florida Gators (2-5)
(Previously: 10) 🔽
The magic from last week’s upset ran out. The Gators were brought back down to earth in a 34-17 loss at Texas A&M. There’s no shame in losing to one of the nation’s best teams on the road, but it shows they still have a long way to go.
12. South Carolina Gamecocks (3-3)
(Previously: 11) 🔽
The Gamecocks fought hard but couldn't generate enough offense in a 20-10 loss at LSU. They continue to play everyone tough but can't seem to get over the hump against top competition.
13. Auburn Tigers (3-3)
(Previously: 12) 🔽
Auburn’s defense played well enough to win, but the offense continues to be a mess in their 20-10 loss to Georgia. Until they find a spark on that side of the ball, they will remain stuck in the bottom third of the conference.
14. Arkansas Razorbacks (2-4)
(Previously: 14) ➖
THE MORAL VICTORY. After looking completely lifeless for weeks, the Razorbacks showed incredible heart, going on the road and nearly upsetting Tennessee. In a season that feels lost, that kind of fight is a massive positive and a sign that the players haven't quit.
15. Mississippi State Bulldogs (4-2)
(Previously: 13) 🔽
The Bulldogs drop during their bye week as a result of Arkansas’s inspiring performance. They are still mired in a two-game losing streak and desperately need a win to stop the bleeding.
16. Kentucky Wildcats (2-3)
(Previously: 16) ➖
The Wildcats had a bye week to try and figure things out after a disastrous start to the season. They remain firmly locked in the cellar of the SEC.
To see the full scores from a wild weekend in the SEC, you can click here.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion