SEC lands 5 programs in top 10 of ESPN’s post-spring power rankings for 2024
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The SEC is well-represented in ESPN’s post-spring power rankings for 2024, which were updated on Monday morning.
There are 5 SEC teams in the top-10 of the updated rankings, although only Georgia and Texas have a place in the top 5. The Bulldogs are ranked No. 1 after another successful spring, per ESPN’s Mark Schlabach. The Longhorns aren’t far behind at No. 3.
Here’s an excerpt of Schlabach’s analysis on UGA at this point in the offseason:
Quarterback Carson Beck is primed for a big season, and he’ll be surrounded by plenty of playmakers and what should be one of the sport’s best offensive lines. Replacements will have to be identified on the interior defensive line and in the secondary, but that hasn’t been a problem in the recent past. Mykel Williams, who is going to play more outside linebacker this season, looks ready to break out as a pass-rusher. Georgia is stacked at linebacker and brings back safety Malaki Starks, one of the best players in the FBS.
Ohio State earned the No. 2 spot while Oregon and Notre Dame round out the top 5.
Other SEC teams in the top-10 include No. 6 Ole Miss, No. 7 Alabama and No. 8 Missouri. The Rebels, Tide and Tigers all have College Football Playoff aspirations for the 2024 season.
In total, there are 8 SEC teams who appear in the top-25 of ESPN’s preseason rankings. LSU at No. 14, Tennessee at No. 15 and Oklahoma at No. 18 also have big goals for this season.
Both Texas and Oklahoma are expected to be contend for one of 12 CFP berths in their first season in the SEC. The Longhorns, with a schedule that appears significantly easier on paper and a returning starter at quarterback, appear to be in better position to reach the playoff in 2024.
Texas A&M and Kentucky dropped out of ESPN’s top-25 ranking following spring back. However, both the Aggies and Wildcats landed in the “just missed” section of ESPN’s story.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
