2023 SEC Power Rankings: NCAA College Football Preview

College football is a way of life in the South. The passion and fervor with which fans support their schools is unrivaled. As a result, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) is the most competitive and respected conference in all of college football. In this article, we'll preview every team for our 2023 SEC Power Rankings.

SEC schools have triumphed in the College Football Playoff in four of the last five years and have won the National Championship in six of nine years since the Playoff system was instituted back in 2014. The conference is once again set to make a run at a national title, as it remains loaded with NFL-ready players and high-profile head coaches in 2023.

As the countdown to kickoff accelerates, excitement is building to off-the-charts levels for college football fans. Come with us as we dive into every SEC football team for our Power Rankings. In this conference, it just means more.

14. Vanderbilt Commodores

For the first time in a long time, Vanderbilt heads into a season openly talking about the goal of making a bowl game. Their out-of-conference schedule makes going bowling a possibility for the Commodores, though they'll need to spring a few upsets against top-flight SEC competition to reach the needed six-win watermark.

Head coach Clark Lea appears to have made a positive impact on the culture of a program that's been the doormat of the SEC for many years. There's reason to be excited about returning sophomore quarterback A.J. Swann, who took over the starting job four games into last season. As a freshman, Swann flashed the most arm talent seen in Nashville since the Jay Cutler days. He finished 2022 with 1,274 passing yards and 10 TDs while tossing just two interceptions.

● QB Spotlight ●

AJ Swann - Vanderbilt

• Swann made a big impact last season as a True Freshman and showcased his arm talent. He threw for 1,274 yards 10 Touchdowns and only had 2 INTs. His completion percentage was 58.1 & I expect 63% + in 2023 with 18+ TDs. pic.twitter.com/QxczSUqGzh

— NCAAF Nation (@NCAAFNation247) June 28, 2023

Vandy will need to make a leap defensively if they are to be competitive against conference opponents, however. Lea's feisty, but talent-deficient group has allowed an average of over 35 points per game in each of the last two seasons. However, there's reason to believe this can be an improved unit in 2023, as they have lots of experience on the defensive front, as well as at linebacker and safety. The Commodores will be led by CJ Taylor, a hybrid linebacker/safety who can be deployed all over the field.

Bottom Line: Head coach Clark Lea continues to instill a culture of toughness in this Vandy program, though the 'Dores still reside at the bottom of the SEC regarding talent. Sophomore QB A.J. Swann has tons of arm talent and will be a fun prospect to watch in 2023, as Vanderbilt looks to qualify for their first bowl game since 2018.

13. Missouri Tigers

Eli Drinkwitz heads into his fourth year at the helm of the Tigers program and enters 2023 on the heels of two consecutive 6-7 seasons. The problem remains the same for a Mizzou program that fought hard and suffered four single-digit losses in 2022...they need to find stability and production at the quarterback position.

Unfortunately, they enter 2023 with the QB quagmire still unsolved, as Drinkwitz has yet to name an official starter for the season opener. Both incumbent Tigers quarterbacks Brady Cook and redshirt freshman Sam Horn are expected to see action at the outset for a Mizzou offense that will be under the tutelage of new offensive coordinator Kirby Moore.

Mizzou plans to play Cook, Horn at QB in opener https://t.co/Nk11K2Mw8U

— Phil Steele (@philsteele042) August 21, 2023

The Tigers were a legitimately good defense last year in DC Blake Baker's first year at the helm. Baker's group could be even better in 2023, as they return eight starters to this rock-solid, experienced unit.

Bottom Line: Drinkwitz continues to consistently field solid, if unspectacular, teams during his time at Mizzou, and that should once again be the case in 2023 thanks to a very experienced roster. This offense is in desperate need of a spark at the QB position and new OC Kirby Moore will try to bring some explosiveness to a unit that was sorely lacking in the big-play department last season. Mizzou's defense returns several key pieces and should once again keep them in a lot of ballgames, though their ceiling is limited against talent-laden SEC competition.

12. Auburn Tigers

Hugh Freeze makes his highly anticipated return to the SEC after a successful image rehabilitation stint at Liberty. The offensive guru and former Ole Miss head coach will be charged with revitalizing an Auburn program that tanked under ill-fated hire Bryan Harsin and finished with a 5-7 record in 2022. Freeze made the smart decision to retain Auburn legend Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, who kept the program afloat in an interim position following Harsin's early dismissal last season, in an associate head coach role.

Freeze will look to reignite an offense that finished 2022 ranked 11th in the SEC in scoring at 24.8 points per game and was void of any meaningful production in the passing game. Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne beat out incumbent starter Robby Ashford and redshirt freshman Holden Geriner to be named Auburn's starting quarterback for the season opener. He will helm Freeze's RPO-based spread attack and be joined by a litany of offensive pieces that were added via the transfer portal.

"I believe in all 3 of those guys...my gut is usually right...my gut is saying it's the time to do this to get us best prepared for the opening of the season." - Auburn HC Hugh Freeze on the decision to start Payton Thorne at QB over Robby Ashford and Holden Geriner. #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/FUYSsXu32o

— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) August 17, 2023

It's more of the same on the defensive side of the ball, as new defensive coordinator Rob Roberts heads to the Plains from Baylor and will deploy a unit that's been largely restocked with transfers led by former Kentucky stud Justin Rogers on the d-line, as well as an experienced secondary that should be a strength for the Tigers.

Bottom Line: Freeze will undoubtedly bring some energy to this slumping Auburn program and likely work some magic in fairly short order, as he's already put together an impressive recruiting class in his brief time on the Plains. That said, his maiden campaign at Auburn could be one full of ups and downs, as it remains to be seen if he's found the right QB for his system.

11. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Plenty of questions surround this Mississippi State program following the tragic, unexpected passing of head coach Mike Leach in December. Former Bulldogs defensive coordinator Zach Arnett has been promoted to the top job in Starkville and he'll be tasked with replacing a legend in the ultra-competitive SEC while possessing zero previous head coaching experience.

This is 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫.

🎟️ » https://t.co/wOhuZJ7VP9#HailState🐶 pic.twitter.com/FZutvDvQlb

— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) August 21, 2023

Arnett's transition will likely be eased by the fact that the Bulldogs are an experienced bunch with 12 starters returning from last year's 9-4 team. They'll be led by QB Will Rogers, a senior veteran who already owns many of State's all-time passing records. However, Rogers will be learning a new offense in 2023, as Arnett has, rather boldly, elected to transition away from Leach's Air Raid offense to a more balanced attack under new offensive coordinator Kevin Barbay.

The Bulldogs will likely hope to lean on their experienced defense in 2023. A senior-laden unit that allowed just 23.1 points per game last season, State will again be stout up front with Jett Johnson leading a rugged linebacker corps.

Bottom Line: First-time head coach Zach Arnett faces lots of challenges in replacing Mike Leach, but appears set on blazing his own path, as the Bulldogs transition away from Leach's Air Raid offense to a more balanced approach. Mississippi State possesses lots of experience on both sides of the football, including senior QB Will Rogers, which should make Arnett's transition to the top job more manageable.

10. Florida Gators

It was rough sledding for Billy Napier in his maiden season at the helm of the Gators last year. Florida finished the season at 6-7, dropping each of their last three, including a particularly ugly loss to Vanderbilt. Napier inherited a roster that wasn't up to the talent standards of a program with Florida's pedigree and it will likely amount to a soft rebuild that will take some time.

The Gators won't be aided by Anthony Richardson's departure to the NFL, although Wisconsin transfer quarterback Graham Mertz brings a level of experience to the position. A rushing attack led by Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne will be the focal point of this offense, while the receiving corps is comprised of young, talented - and largely inexperienced - wideouts.

Last year's defensive coordinator, Patrick Toney, surprisingly headed to the NFL during the offseason. New 29-year-old DC hire Austin Armstrong will inherit a group that struggled mightily at times last season. Florida's defense allowed 28.8 points per game in 2022 and will field a new-look unit in 2023, as just three starters are expected back.

"We're going to be the aggressor and we're going to hunt." -Austin Armstrong, Florida DC pic.twitter.com/YaA4NQTxc7

— David Waters - Gators Breakdown (@GatorDave_SEC) July 31, 2023

Bottom Line: It appears that former Florida coach Dan Mullen left this program in worse shape than anyone suspected, as the talent level simply isn't up to snuff in comparison to the pro-ready Gator squads of the past. Expect Napier and the Gators to lean on the rushing attack and hope the defense improves significantly in 2023 in Austin Armstrong's hyper-aggressive scheme.

9. Kentucky Wildcats

After a surprising 10-win season in 2021, the Wildcats regressed to finish 7-6 last season despite high expectations heading into 2022. Mark Stoops' group enters 2023 with noticeably less hype and a return to Stoops' preferred identity for the program - that of the scrappy underdog.

While the 'Cats lost Will Levis to the NFL and parted ways with one-term offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello at the end of November, there's an outside chance that it could be an "addition by subtraction" situation for Kentucky. Transfer quarterback Devin Leary will be joined by former Wildcats OC Liam Coen, who Stoops is bringing back to Lexington after a one-year stint with the NFL's Los Angeles Rams.

SEC sleeper: Kentucky

The Wildcats are bringing back OC Liam Coen. They are also bringing in some needed offensive line help. Devin Leary might even be an upgrade at QB, and the Cats have a decent 1-2 punch at RB. An improved offense will be accompanied by another solid defense. pic.twitter.com/ZvhTPh9sIt

— Brendan Moore (@bmoorecfb) June 7, 2023

Leary has a chance to quickly ascend to the top tier of SEC quarterbacks. The former N.C. State signal-caller was considered the top QB in the transfer portal. He threw for 3,433 and 35 TDs with The Wolfpack in 2021 before a torn pectoral ended his 2022 campaign prematurely. He'll throw to a talented group of receivers that includes Freshman All-America Barion Brown and Dane Key.

As long as Stoops and defensive coordinator Brad White are in Lexington, the Wildcats should remain rock solid on the defensive side of the ball. Deone Walker is a rising star and future NFL first-rounder at defensive tackle, while seniors J.J. Weaver and D'Eryk Jackson bring leadership to the UK linebacker corps.

Bottom Line: This should be a "back to basics" campaign for Stoops and Kentucky after they failed to live up to the hype last year. Coen's return is huge for this offense, as is the addition of highly-regarded transfer QB Leary. With expectations now lowered, Stoops will likely do what he does and exceed them with this sneaky-talented group.

8. Arkansas Razorbacks

It was an offseason full of change for head coach Sam Pittman, as Arkansas offensive coordinator Kendal Briles bolted to TCU and defensive coordinator Barry Odom left for the head job at UNLV. In addition to the coaching turnover, the Razorbacks are only expected to return nine total starters from last year's 7-6 squad.

The deck might seem a bit stacked against Pittman, but the former offensive line guru has made a habit of overachieving during his tenure in Fayetteville. His path will be made easier by the return of quarterback K.J. Jefferson, a dual-threat wiz that will be one of the SEC's best QBs. Jefferson battled injuries last year and the fact that the Hogs went 0-2 in the full games that he missed says a lot about his value to this team. Reports out of camp indicate he's doing well with new OC Dan Enos' system.

Tighter motion, quicker release.

Dan Enos is doing wonders for KJ Jefferson’s development. pic.twitter.com/J0BWF3K7Jb

— Jacob Davis (@JacobScottDavis) August 19, 2023

New defensive coordinator Travis Williams will try to bring a breath of fresh air to a unit that allowed 30.6 points per game last season. He has some intriguing pieces to work with, as Arkansas logged a school-record 42 sacks last season. The defense will be led by upperclassmen Landon Jackson and Eric Gregory.

Bottom Line: The Razorbacks lost three games (Texas A&M, LSU, and Missouri) by a combined seven points last season and struggled while K.J. Jefferson was sidelined with an injury en route to a 7-6 record. Jefferson's return buoys the Hogs' 2023 prospects significantly and Sam Pittman's scrappy, hard-nosed bunch should once again be a tough out on a weekly basis.

7. South Carolina Gamecocks

The Gamecocks finished the 2022 season with an 8-5 record in head coach Shane Beamer's second year at the helm and the upstart program heads into 2023 with boatloads of positive momentum. South Carolina logged big wins down the stretch last season, drubbing the heavily favored Tennessee Vols at home and shocking seventh-ranked Clemson on the road. That success translated to off-season recruiting prosperity.

The program's optimism surrounding the upcoming season is spurred not only by the aforementioned recruiting success but also by the return of quarterback Spencer Rattler and leading receiver Juice Wells Jr. The duo is back to run an offense that scored 132 total points across their last three games of '22.

Rattler, the high-profile transfer from the University of Oklahoma, was uneven at times but closed out the year on a tear, throwing for 1,044 yards and 10 TDs across the 'Cocks final three games. New offensive coordinator Dowell Loggins will try to keep that momentum going for Rattler and the passing attack.

"I think he's just having fun."

Shane Beamer on the difference he has seen from QB1 Spencer Rattler (@SpencerRattler ) this fall camp.

He added that Rattler is more comfortable & has become a better leader, which has been on full display by the way he has played in fall camp.… pic.twitter.com/GGDHSrFrzz

— Chandler Mack (@chandlerdmack) August 22, 2023

Bottom Line: Spirits are high in Columbia at the moment, as Beamer's enthusiasm and leadership make this feel like a program on the rise. That positivity will likely be tested quickly in 2023, as the early portion of South Carolina's schedule is brutal and includes an opener against North Carolina, as well as road trips to Georgia and Tennessee across the first six weeks of the season.

6. Ole Miss Rebels

Lane Kiffin's revitalization of the Ole Miss program continues, as the highly controversial coach heads into year four with the Rebels. Despite the loss of star quarterback Matt Corral, Ole Miss got off to a 7-0 start to their 2022 campaign, but crumbled down the stretch, going 1-5 over their last six games of the season.

The Rebels' late-season collapse can be attributed to a defense that relinquished 35 points per game across their final seven games of '22. Kiffin poached Pete Golding from Alabama during the offseason in hopes of rebuilding the faltering unit. There is talent, however, as the Rebels return both Jared Ivey and JJ Pegues to the defensive line, and will add five-star recruit Suntarine Perkins to the linebacking corps.

Preseason First Team @AP All-America 🔥@qaj4_ | #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/9xyb9FeCqf

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) August 21, 2023

Staying true to his M.O., Kiffin raided the transfer portal to bolster an offense that averaged 31.3 points per game in '22. He added quarterback transfers Spencer Sanders and Walker Howard to push incumbent signal caller Jaxson Dart. However, it's all about who is returning in the backfield for the Rebels, as budding superstar and Preseason All-America Quinshon Judkins will try to improve on his record-breaking freshman season.

Bottom Line: There's little doubt that Kiffin will field an explosive offense with the dynamic Judkins as the centerpiece. The Rebels' ability to compete against the traditional SEC powers will come down to how well Pete Golding's retooled defense gels over the course of the season.

5. Texas A&M Aggies

The Aggies are one of the toughest teams in the nation to project. Are they a sleeping giant or a sinking ship under Jimbo Fisher? After a top-ranked recruiting class and millions spent in NIL deals, A&M fell flat in an abysmal 5-7 2022 campaign. During the offseason, Fisher brought in controversial offensive guru Bobby Petrino to revamp a stagnant unit, though the dynamic between Fisher and Petrino could lead to fireworks - good or bad - in 2023.

Despite last year's listless performance, this is indeed a talented roster. The Aggies return 16 starters in 2023, eight on offense and eight on defense. Petrino will have a solid foundation to work with in the form of QB Conner Weigman and WR Evan Stewart, the squad's leading receiver from an offense that managed just 22.1 points per game in 2022.

Picking up the pace ⚡️@jdpickell talks about how the Aggies' offense under Bobby Petrino will be great for the playmakers 👀🏈 #CFB #SEC

Full Interview: https://t.co/gtVkvqadTF pic.twitter.com/fM7CzJ3s0z

— TexAgs Radio (@TexAgsRadio) August 18, 2023

The offense wasn't the only facet that underperformed in College Station last year, as A&M also struggled mightily on the defensive side of the ball. The Aggies were gashed for a massive 208.8 rushing yards per game last season, which was the worst mark in the SEC. On the bright side, A&M led the nation in pass defense in 2022 and will return some key pieces, including safety Demani Richardson. Defensive coordinator DJ Durkin hopes to see growth from a group of highly-touted recruits that litter the defensive side of the ball for the Aggies.

Bottom Line: Again, A&M feels like one of the most unpredictable teams in the conference. If things break right - Petrino revitalizes the offense and a talented defense shows improvement - this is a group that could legitimately fight for the SEC West title. If things go wrong - Fisher and Petrino clash, the defense continues to be a sieve against the run - this squad could again disappoint. If that were to happen, it would force the powers that be to make some tough decisions about Fisher's future in College Station.

4. Tennessee Volunteers

It was a "Rocky Top Renaissance" for Josh Heupel and the Vols in 2022, as Tennessee won double-digit games for the first time since 2007. This program's return to relevance has been powered by Heupel's high-octane offensive scheme, a system that led the nation in total offense last year at 525.5 yards per game. Tennessee's offense did suffer some key departures, notably quarterback Hendon Hooker and wideout Jalin Hyatt.

The Big Orange will turn the keys of this Ferrari offense over to canon-armed Joe Milton, who looked ready for primetime in the team's big win over Clemson in the Orange Bowl. Milton will be backed up by five-star signee Nico Iamaleava, a player who's projected to be the team's QB of the future.

Tennessee boasts a proven stable of running backs that might be the best overall unit in the conference with Jabari Small, Jaylen Wright, and Dylan Sampson all returning off productive 2022 seasons. While the loss of Hyatt and Cedric Tillman from the receiving corps shouldn't be glossed over, the Vols have a solid group that will be led by Bru McCoy and Squirrel White.

Joe Milton in the Orange Bowl vs Clemson:

🔸 19/28
🔸 251 YDS
🔸 3 TDs
🔸 0 INTs pic.twitter.com/R3JXC0MjZt

— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 31, 2022

Conventional wisdom tells us that Heupel and company will be in good shape offensively, though strides will need to be made defensively if Tennessee's ascension is to continue. The Vols struggled mightily against the pass in 2022, allowing an abysmal 289.5 passing yards per game. While the program recently had its best recruiting class in years, as well as some senior defensive leadership, Tennessee also tried to find some immediate defensive help via the transfer portal in the form of linebacker Keenan Pili and cornerback Gabe Jeudy-Lally.

Bottom Line: Despite the loss of Hendon Hooker, the Vols have reason to be optimistic about Joe Milton stepping into the QB role and continuing the program's dynamic offensive play. Strides will need to be made on defense if Tennessee is to close the gap between themselves and the SEC's elite programs such as Georgia and Alabama. Speaking of those conference powerhouses, Tennessee must face both in what's a fairly rugged schedule that includes road trips to both Florida and Kentucky, as well as home dates with Texas A&M and South Carolina.

3. LSU Tigers

LSU head coach Brian Kelly surpassed all expectations in his first season in Baton Rouge, leading the Tigers to a 10-4 record and an SEC West title. Kelly's vaunted offensive system functioned in solid fashion against SEC competition and we can expect improvements in 2023, as talented QB Jayden Daniels returns to lead an explosive unit that averaged 34.5 points per game last season. Daniels will work with a talented receiving corps that's headlined by Kyren Lacy and returns five receivers who logged 20 or more catches in 2023.

"I knew I had to make a play."

LSU QB Jayden Daniels came up BIG in OT to beat No. 6 Alabama 👏 pic.twitter.com/ROYzuFLSuE

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) November 6, 2022

While Kelly's offense seems set for a big year, Tiger fans likely aren't as confident in a defensive group that lost several key players from the 2022 roster. LSU's secondary was hit especially hard, as Kelly and staff were forced to replace seven defensive backs from last year's squad, a problem that they tried to solve by heavily working the transfer portal. Harold Perkins Jr. looked like a star in the making last season, earning Freshman All-America honors, while Maason Smith will return to action on the defensive line after missing the bulk of 2022 with a season-ending knee injury.

Bottom Line: LSU made a surprise run to the SEC title game in Kelly's first year in Baton Rouge and a return trip is very much a possibility - if not expected - in 2023. LSU is the SEC's highest-ranked team that returns its starting quarterback this year. Daniels is a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate with an experienced and talented receiving corps at his disposal. If their defense comes together after the massive roster turnover, the Tigers could be serious national title contenders.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide

The tide has shifted a bit for Nick Saban and Alabama in recent years, as the perennial powerhouse has now failed to reach the College Football Playoff - and the SEC title game - in two of the last four seasons. The legendary Crimson Tide coach will attempt to return to glory despite losing his best players on both sides of the football -  Bryce Young and Will Anderson Jr. - to the 2023 NFL Draft.

With former Notre Dame coordinator Tommy Rees replacing Bill O'Brien and taking the reigns of 'Bama's offense in 2023, the biggest on-field question mark is who will replace Young under center. Saban has yet to name the starter for the season opener, as Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, and Tyler Buchner have all battled throughout camp while four-star freshman Dylan Lonergan has also impressed as of late.

"They all got to play. They all took snaps. They all completed some passes..."

If you were hoping to get a read on which way Nick Saban is leaning in Alabama's quarterback competition after today's scrimmage...sorry. pic.twitter.com/9Ju7Pqj1LD

— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) August 19, 2023

The changes don't stop on the defensive side of the ball, as Saban welcomes back defensive coordinator Kevin Steele for his third stint with the school. Steele will be tasked with replacing the one-man-wrecking crew that was Anderson, though 'Bama is not without defensive talent and depth, including star cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry.

Bottom Line: No surprise that Alabama is loaded with talent. However, it is very young and inexperienced talent in many cases. The QB situation can't be ignored and could be a position that is still being figured out during the season.

1. Georgia Bulldogs

Thanks to back-to-back national championships, there's been an official changing of the guard in the SEC. While the road to the SEC and national titles once went through Nick Saban and Alabama, college football's new path to championships flows through Athens. Kirby Smart has constructed a legitimate powerhouse across his seven seasons at Georgia.

Smart has the cupboard fully stocked with five-star talent, as the Bulldogs eye their sixth SEC East divisional title in the last seven years. After losing Stetson Bennett (and offensive coordinator Todd Monken) to the NFL, Georgia recently announced Carson Beck as their starting quarterback. The junior threw for just 310 yards and four TDs in limited playing time last season, but he'll be aided by a talented group of pass catchers that includes the nation's top tight end and elite NFL prospect, Brock Bowers.

No Tight End has ever won the John Mackey Award twice

Will Brock Bowers become the first? pic.twitter.com/dvEkiA0cG8

— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 18, 2023

On the defensive side of the football, it's truthful hyperbole to say that Georgia simply reloads every season. After losing a pair of first-round NFL draft picks in Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith, the 'Dawgs expect sophomore Mykel Williams to be their next superstar at the EDGE, while SEC vets Javon Bullard and Kamari Lassiter are standout holdovers in the secondary.

Bottom Line: Yes, Georgia lost a lot of talent to the NFL, along with OC Todd Monken. However, they are still dripping with talent on both sides of the ball, possess a very favorable schedule, and will continue to have a stranglehold on the SEC East thanks to master motivator Kirby Smart.

Stay tuned for more college football rankings and articles here at RotoBaller throughout the entire season!

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