Week 0 of College Football is right around the corner. Several SEC powerhouses will take the field opening weekend. The SEC remains the nation’s most competitive conference, with playoff contenders across both divisions. For 2025, all 16 teams return looking to make championship runs. Let’s dive into this College Football 2025 SEC preview and best bets.
Georgia stunned Texas 22-19 in overtime to win the wildest SEC Championship ever. The league expanded and saw new rivalries with Texas and Oklahoma joining the SEC. Offensive Player of the Year was Dylan Sampson of Tennessee, and Defensive was Kyle Kennard of South Carolina. Eight teams finished with at least nine wins in a fiercely competitive year.
Looking ahead, Texas, Georgia, and Alabama headline as preseason favorites for 2025. Arch Manning will lead Texas, and Georgia returns a seasoned squad under Kirby Smart. Coaching transitions and new quarterback battles will shape the league’s storylines. Expect playoff race drama and classic SEC upsets this fall.
College Football 2025: SEC Preview and Best Bets
Odds to Win 2025 SEC Conference
Texas +280
Georgia +290
Alabama +490
LSU +600
Texas A&M +1500
Florida +1900
Auburn +2000
Ole Miss +2100
Oklahoma +2200
South Carolina +3000
Tennessee +3300
Missouri +7500
Arkansas +17500
Kentucky +30000
Mississippi State +30000
Vanderbilt +30000
Florida Gators Over 7.5 Wins (+104)
Florida’s defense is returning most of their unit that played like a top-25 group late last year. The biggest concern is depth and talent on the interior defensive line, especially in matchups against powerhouses like Texas, Texas A&M, and Georgia. The edge rushers are elite and the linebackers must step up, but there is faith this corps can deliver.
Offensively, the Gators made key transfer portal additions, and young playmakers are expected to emerge. I see Florida as a sneaky playoff contender, with nine wins being a very realistic outcome if they avoid injury trouble and steal a key upset. The schedule presents challenges, but the Gators are projected to build off their late 2024 success. That momentum points towards them going over 7.5 wins in 2025 at +104.
Georgia Bulldogs Under 9.5 Wins (+140)
Georgia faces a rare season of uncertainty heading into 2025. Former starter Carson Beck is gone, and new quarterback Gunner Stockton has not started at this level. The offensive line lost three first-round picks, and Georgia replaces several starters on the defensive front as well. Last season, the Bulldogs had one of the SEC’s weakest ground games, creating even more pressure on a rebuilt offensive unit.
The 2025 schedule is also unforgiving, featuring home games with Alabama, Texas, and Ole Miss and road trips to Tennessee and Auburn. While some remain optimistic due to Georgia’s recruiting and coaching pedigree, key voices like David Pollack are projecting a 9-3 record given all the unknowns. The talent level is still high, but I don’t see the Bulldogs winning double-digit games. Take the under for Georgia at 9.5 +140
Texas SEC Champions (+280)
Texas is the consensus favorite to win the SEC in 2025. Arch Manning takes over at quarterback, creating major excitement for the Longhorns. Texas has an elite defense and strong returning offense with plenty of depth. Their home schedule and talent make them serious national contenders. Even with a potential loss Week 1 to Ohio State, I still think they can run the tables.
LSU SEC Champions (+600)
LSU can be a sneaky pick to win the SEC this season. Senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier returns after a breakout 2024, steering one of college football’s best offenses. LSU’s defense is bolstered by impact transfers and greater experience in coordinator Blake Baker’s system. The Tigers’ combination of quarterback talent and defensive upgrades gives them true title upside in 2025.
