After looking at a group that included the Oklahoma Sooners that still needs some help and luck to be serious SEC contenders in 2025, this next batch has already proven they have a chance. That also means, though, that if a team like OU emerges as a contender, then one of these likely slipped up and didn't live up to expectations.
4 serious SEC contenders
Florida Gators
The Florida Gators ended last season with four straight wins and did it with a freshman quarterback. DJ Lagway is now one of the few returning quarterbacks in the SEC and he got better as the weeks went by last year. That stretch as Lagway flashed his potential was enough to consider the Gators as SEC contenders heading into 2025. However, the schedule could overwhelm Florida and open the door for a team from the tier below. After an easy first two weeks, the Gators then go to LSU and Miami only to return home to host Texas.
South Carolina Gamecocks
Shane Beamer showed last season that he knows what he's doing at South Carolina. He returns quarterback LaNorris Sellers, who could be a legit Heisman candidate. Defensively, though, the Gamecocks lost a lot of talent, so if they didn't do a good job filling the holes this offseason, they could lose some shootouts. But if the defense is sufficient, expect a run to the College Football Playoff.
Texas A&M Aggies
The Aggies always do just enough to belong in this tier, but never more. Texas A&M will likely stay in the top 25 throughout the season, but still never get to the front of the pack, per usual. The talent is always there if Mike Elko can get the Aggies to places they've never been but where fans think they always are.
Ole Miss Rebels
The Rebels have a lot to replace, including first-round NFL Draft pick Jaxson Dart at quarterback, but if anyone can go find what he needs to continue success, it's Lane Kiffin, the portal king. This should be a down year for Ole Miss on paper, but at least under Kiffin, the Rebels should still always be considered contenders until proven otherwise.
Read more about OU football