The 2025 SEC football calendar is loaded with high-stakes matchups that promise to shape the College Football Playoff race and rewrite program legacies.
From classic rivalries to heavyweight showdowns, these five games stand out for their drama, talent, and postseason implications. Here’s a closer look at the SEC’s biggest must-watch battles this fall.

The 5 Biggest Matchups That Will Define the SEC In 2025
Alabama at Georgia (Sept. 27)
Alabama’s visit to Athens is one of the most highly anticipated games of the year. It features two strong teams fighting for a trip to the College Football Playoff. Last year, Alabama beat Georgia in Tuscaloosa, causing the Bulldogs to lose their first regular-season game since 2020 and extending their winning run in the series.
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Georgia, riding a home win streak of over 30 games, is desperate to flip the script and finally topple the Tide in Athens for the first time since 2003.
This game isn’t just about bragging rights—it could be a sneak peek at the SEC Championship and a huge turning point in the playoff race. Both teams have some question marks at quarterback, but their rosters are stacked and the coaching is top-notch. Whoever comes out on top is going to get a big boost in the national spotlight.
Texas A&M at Texas (Nov. 28)
The Lone Star Showdown is back with SEC stakes, as Texas and Texas A&M renew their fierce rivalry in College Station.
Both teams are loaded with talent and playoff aspirations, making this not just a battle for state pride but a game with national consequences. Texas A&M’s defense and new-look offense under Marcel Reed will be tested by a Texas squad expected to contend for the SEC crown.
This game is also a recruiting war, with both programs vying for supremacy in the state of Texas. The winner will have a major leg up in the SEC race and on the national stage. The anticipation and tension are already palpable among fans and analysts alike.
Texas at Georgia (Nov. 15)
Texas’s visit to Athens is a marquee SEC clash between two programs with championship ambitions. Last year, Georgia swept Texas in both the regular season and the SEC Championship, but both teams will feature new quarterbacks and plenty of fresh faces in 2025.
The matchup promises a battle between Georgia’s physical defense and Texas’ dynamic offense. This game could serve as a playoff elimination bout, with both teams looking to make a statement on the national stage. The stakes are enormous, and the atmosphere in Austin will be electric as the Longhorns seek revenge for last year’s heartbreakers.
LSU at Alabama (Nov. 8)
Alabama and LSU always put on a great show, and this year’s meeting in Tuscsaloosa is another highlight. LSU lost badly to Alabama last season, but this year, they’ll want to prove themselves with a revamped group and higher aims. Garrett Nussmeier and his teammates will have a tough game trying to break through Alabama’s well-trained defense.
This rivalry has produced countless classics and typically has major SEC and playoff implications. Expect another physical, emotionally charged contest that could decide the division’s fate.
LSU at Ole Miss (Sept. 27)
Ole Miss is heading into Death Valley fired up, with big playoff hopes and something to prove. Lane Kiffin’s Rebels have been one of the steadiest teams in the SEC, but they haven’t quite broken through to the College Football Playoff yet. This game against LSU is a huge chance for them to make a statement and get a leg up in the SEC.
Both teams are loaded with explosive offenses and future NFL stars, so this one could have a big impact on the postseason, especially in a division where every single win matters.
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As the 2025 SEC football season unfolds, these marquee matchups will thrill fans and shape the conference and national championship landscape.
With storied rivalries, playoff stakes, and elite talent on display, each game promises unforgettable moments and dramatic twists. For college football enthusiasts, the SEC’s biggest battles this fall are simply unmissable.
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