Texas Longhorns
I could eat my words in a few months, but the Arch Manning hype is overinflated for a sophomore quarterback with little experience. The Longhorns have a lot to replace from last season's lineup and had a solid (and pricey) portal haul, but Manning doesn't immediately make them the best team in the country.
And the difference between No. 4 and No. 5 on this list is based on who will win the Red River Rivalry.
Oklahoma Sooners
After a dreadful SEC debut, Brent Venables has done everything right to turn things around at Oklahoma.
Jim Nagy was a home-run hire as general manager. Ben Arbuckle should maneuver a 180 on the offense. And the defense was already good enough to win a lot of games, the offense was just horrendus last season.
Talent-wise, the Sooners added the best quarterback and running back from the transfer portal. They also bolstered their offensive line and added depth where needed on the defensive side of the ball.
With Venables' job on the line, the Sooners could be the biggest turnaround in the country in 2025.
Florida Gators
Although a disappointing 8-5, Florida finished last season on a four-game winning streak as freshman quarterback DJ Lagway got better and better. Lagway will be a star in 2025 and has a solid supporting cast.
Florida's schedule also lays out nicely with Texas at home and a lot of unknowns on the slate.
Alabama Crimson Tide
It's not Nick Saban leading the charge, but Alabama will still always find a way to reload with talent and stay near the top. The Crimson Tide's defense should be CFP worthy, and if their offense is also functioning, then Kalen DeBoer could have Bama where it's used to being in Year 2.
LSU Tigers
The only reason not to believe in the Tigers is because they have Brian Kelly leading them. Outside of that, though, LSU has everything to be national champion.
LSU could have the best quarterback in the country with Garrett Nussmeier returning. The Tigers then assembled the best transfer portal class in the country to surround Nussmeier with even more weapons, including former Sooners Nic Anderson and Bauer Sharp.
If Kelly can stay out of his own way, the Tigers should be one of the best teams in the country in 2025 and the team to beat in the SEC.
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