After a wild opening weekend featuring top-10 clashes and shocking results, our SEC power rankings see a major shuffle at the top.
Week 1 is in the books, and the SEC landscape has already shifted dramatically. A top-three showdown, a top-10 upset, and dominant performances across the league forced a complete reshuffle of our preseason rankings. Here’s how the conference stacks up heading into Week 2.
Complete WBN week 2 SEC power rankings
1. LSU (Previously: 7)
No team in the country had a more impressive Week 1 performance. Garrett Nussmeier and the Tigers went into a hostile environment at #4 Clemson and earned a gritty 17-10 victory. A dominant win over a top-5 opponent on the road is the strongest resume in the nation, vaulting LSU to our top spot.
2. Georgia (Previously: 2)
The Bulldogs did exactly what was expected, throttling Marshall 45-7. While they looked every bit the part of a national title contender, LSU’s monumental win over a much tougher opponent gives them the slight edge. Still, Georgia remains firmly in the top tier.
3. Tennessee (Previously: 4)
The Vols' offense looked unstoppable in a 45-26 victory over Syracuse. While the defense gave up some yards, the offensive firepower under Josh Heupel makes them a threat to beat anyone.
4. Texas (Previously: 1)
The Longhorns fell 14-7 to #3 Ohio State in a defensive slugfest. It's not a bad loss by any means, but a loss is a loss. They drop out of the top spot but remain a formidable contender.
5. Ole Miss (Previously: 5)
Lane Kiffin's crew did exactly what they were supposed to do, annihilating Georgia State 63-7. The offense looks as explosive as ever, and they hold their ground firmly in the top five.
6. Texas A&M (Previously: 6)
Mike Elko's Aggies looked sharp in a 42-24 win over a solid UTSA team. Quarterback Marcel Reed was dynamic, and A&M looks like a potential dark horse in the SEC West.
7. Alabama (Previously: 3)
The Kalen DeBoer era started with a thud. The Tide went on the road and lost 31-17 to Florida State. It's a long season, but this was a concerning start for a program used to dominance.
8. Missouri (Previously: 8)
The Tigers cruised to a 61-6 win over UCA. They handled their business and remain a solid Top 10 team in the conference.
9. South Carolina (Previously: 9)
Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks earned a solid 24-11 win over Virginia Tech. It wasn’t flashy, but it was a comfortable victory over a Power Five opponent.
10. Auburn (Previously: 13)
Hugh Freeze's squad picked up a nice 38-24 road win over Baylor. Quarterback Jackson Arnold looked electric, and the Tigers were one of the week's biggest movers.
11. Oklahoma (Previously: 10)
The Sooners blasted Illinois State 35-3. While it was a dominant performance, other teams had more impressive wins, causing them to slip one spot.
12. Florida (Previously: 11)
The Gators crushed LIU 55-0. It was a glorified scrimmage, and like Oklahoma, they drop a spot due to the impressive performances of teams around them.
13. Arkansas (Previously: 12)
The Razorbacks blew out Alabama A&M 52-7. Taylen Green tossed 6 touchdowns, but it's hard to move up after a cupcake game.
14. Vanderbilt (Previously: 14)
The Commodores easily handled Charleston Southern 45-3. They have the most returning production in the SEC and looked the part in Week 1.
15. Mississippi State (Previously: 15)
New coach Jeff Lebby got his first win, a 34-17 victory over Southern Miss. It's a step in the right direction for a program in a major rebuild.
16. Kentucky (Previously: 16)
The Cats got the win, but it was an ugly one, scraping by Toledo 24-16 at home with an offense that generated just 85 passing yards. Until they show a functional offense, they will remain in the cellar.
Will Kentucky climb the ladder with an upset of Ole Miss?
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer. Micah 7:7. #UpTheAlbion