Preseason AP poll reactions this year revealed somewhat of a reflection of a couple of trends across the SEC. Kentucky is heading in a positive direction in terms of being ranked, while LSU is in rebuilding mode.

The Tigers are outside of the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2000, and were the fifth team among the others receiving votes. Meanwhile, the Wildcats made their first preseason poll appearance since 1978 as they checked in at No. 20.

Across the SEC, Texas A&M, at No. 6, has the second-best preseason ranking for a team that finished the previous season unranked.

The Associated Press noted that the Crimson Tide has gone on to win the national championship after starting No. 1 just once under Nick Saban and twice overall. For example, the Crimson Tide started last season No. 1 and finished ranked No. 2 after the loss to Georgia in Indianapolis.

Since the AP preseason began in 1950, there have been 11 preseason No. 1 teams that also finished the season top ranked. Alabama was the last to do it (2017).