The SEC remains the standard for college football excellence. Even while the Big Ten has grabbed the last two CFP championships, top to bottom, it’s the SEC that the other leagues fear. And with good reason. Teams escape the middle of the SEC pack and make CFP runs on an annual basis. Who could be the league’s surprise this season? Here are five solid nominees.
Top 5 SEC sleepers for CFP contention in 2025
1. Oklahoma
The Sooners are almost certain to be an improved team in the 2025 season. A year ago, Oklahoma went just 6-7 but allowed just 318 yards and 21.5 points per game. But the offense slid from 41.7 points and 507 yards per game in 2023 to 24.0 points and 331 yards in 2024. Enter John Mateer and Jaydn Ott, who will stand with any SEC passing and rushing tandem.
Oklahoma is all but guaranteed to jump to eight or nine games, and with luck, more is certainly plausible. That offense will be one of the most improved units in the SEC.
2. Florida
Florida jumped to eight wins in 2024. But the Gators return QB DJ Lagway, who could be the most improved signal caller in the league. Physical running back Jadan Baugh also had an impressive freshman season. Florida’s defense also showed real improvement last year, dropping from 27.6 points per game allowed to 23.1 and seeing its sack total jump from 22 to 39. That looks like a team on the rise.
3. Texas A&M
The Aggies won eight games in Mike Elko’s first year and could easily have won ten instead. Returnees Marcel Reed and Le’Veon Moss give the Aggies a potent passing and rushing game, and new receiver Kevin Concepcion from NC State might be an All-SEC player. Elko’s secondary was brilliant a season ago, and they’ve got a deep and talented group returning there. Don’t sleep on the Aggies as CFP contenders.
4. South Carolina
A six-game winning streak to end the 2024 regular season should prevent anyone from sleeping on the Gamecocks. One more regular-season win – and either LSU or Alabama were easily within reach– could have gotten Carolina to the CFP last year. Dual-threat QB LaNorris Sellers could be a dark-horse Heisman contender, and while Carolina loses many players on defense, there are enough returnees to pin CFP hopes on.
5. Tennessee
Tennessee snuck into the Playoff a year ago before getting crushed by Ohio State. No shame there. The Vols did lose Nico Iamaleava, but sometimes a departure of talent can be an addition to the team chemistry. Appalachian State QB Joey Aguilar will be capable and might allow the Vols to lean more on the rest of their squad.
DeSean Bishop should step right in for Dylan Sampson, and that stingy defense has given up fewer points per game in each season under Josh Heupel. Since 2024’s team gave up 16.1 points per game, that would be an impressive streak to continue!
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