Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian looked at the SEC football standings after last week’s games and made a prediction. 

“A lot of people are going to eat each other, here,” he said Monday. 

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Indeed, it’s the time of year when cannibalistic tendencies set in across the SEC. 

Texas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) celebrates Texas’ Red River Rivalry win with the Golden Hat after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) celebrates Texas’ Red River Rivalry win with the Golden Hat after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns punter Jack Bouwmeester (19) celebrates winning the Red River Rivalry with the Golden Hat after Texas beat Oklahoma 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Longhorns punter Jack Bouwmeester (19) celebrates winning the Red River Rivalry with the Golden Hat after Texas beat Oklahoma 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns place kicker Will Stone (15) celebrates with the Golden Hat after the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Texas Longhorns place kicker Will Stone (15) celebrates with the Golden Hat after the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Jelani McDonald (4) celebrates the Texas Longhorns’ Red River Rivalry win with the Golden Hat after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Jelani McDonald (4) celebrates the Texas Longhorns’ Red River Rivalry win with the Golden Hat after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates Texas’ Red River Rivalry win with the Golden Hat after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates Texas’ Red River Rivalry win with the Golden Hat after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates after winning the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates after winning the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian and Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrate after winning the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian and Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrate after winning the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Jonah Williams (9) celebrates Texas’ Red River Rivalry win after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Jonah Williams (9) celebrates Texas’ Red River Rivalry win after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Ty'Anthony Smith (26) celebrates with the Golden Hat after the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith (26) celebrates with the Golden Hat after the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) celebrates with the Golden Hat after the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) celebrates with the Golden Hat after the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates Texas’ Red River Rivalry win with the Golden Hat after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates Texas’ Red River Rivalry win with the Golden Hat after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) embraces defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) as they celebrates Texas’ Red River Rivalry win after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) embraces defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) as they celebrates Texas’ Red River Rivalry win after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands the ball off to Texas Longhorns running back James Simon (31) in the third quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands the ball off to Texas Longhorns running back James Simon (31) in the third quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) catches a pass in the end zone to score the first touchdown of the game in the third quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) catches a pass in the end zone to score the first touchdown of the game in the third quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Governor Greg Abbot hands Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) The Governor’s Cup Trophy after Texas beat Oklahoma 23-6 in the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Governor Greg Abbot hands Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) The Governor’s Cup Trophy after Texas beat Oklahoma 23-6 in the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) carries the ball for a first down in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) carries the ball for a first down in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas defense bring down Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (5) in the first quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

The Texas defense bring down Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (5) in the first quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Niblett (21) returns the ball off a punt for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Niblett (21) returns the ball off a punt for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws a pass in the second quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws a pass in the second quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) goes to tackle Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) in the second quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) goes to tackle Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) in the second quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) taunts Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) taunts Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas fans cheer for their team in the first half of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas fans cheer for their team in the first half of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) carries the ball out of trouble as Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) and defensive back Gentry Williams (9) chase in the second quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) carries the ball out of trouble as Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) and defensive back Gentry Williams (9) chase in the second quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanThe Oklahoma defense sack Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) in the first quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

The Oklahoma defense sack Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) in the first quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas fans cheer for their team in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas fans cheer for their team in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas scores the extra point in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas scores the extra point in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) catches a snap in the third quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) catches a snap in the third quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) brings Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Keontez Lewis (9) down out of the air as he catches the ball in the first quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) brings Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Keontez Lewis (9) down out of the air as he catches the ball in the first quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian gets off the bus ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian gets off the bus ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) arrives at the stadium for the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) arrives at the stadium for the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas fan Bill Melot, from Austin, enjoys a turkey leg ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas fan Bill Melot, from Austin, enjoys a turkey leg ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas fans Heather and Garrison Ray, from Jarrell, enjoy a ride at the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas fans Heather and Garrison Ray, from Jarrell, enjoy a ride at the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanA young Texas fan hoists a large prize while exploring the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

A young Texas fan hoists a large prize while exploring the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Fan Avery, 6, slides down the giant slide at the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Fan Avery, 6, slides down the giant slide at the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball under pressure from Oklahoma defense in the second quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball under pressure from Oklahoma defense in the second quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) carries the ball after making an interception for Texas in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) carries the ball after making an interception for Texas in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) celebrates after making an interception for Texas in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) celebrates after making an interception for Texas in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanRenee Richmond rides the log flume ride with Eve and Sarah Mills at the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Renee Richmond rides the log flume ride with Eve and Sarah Mills at the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas fans David, Briana and Brian Morales, from Corpus Christi, play the ring toss at the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas fans David, Briana and Brian Morales, from Corpus Christi, play the ring toss at the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) celebrates as the game draws to a close in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) celebrates as the game draws to a close in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas mascot Bevo walks across the Cotton Bowl to his pen ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas mascot Bevo walks across the Cotton Bowl to his pen ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Liona Lefau (18) wears a lei to celebrate winning the Red River Rivalry, beating Oklahoma 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Liona Lefau (18) wears a lei to celebrate winning the Red River Rivalry, beating Oklahoma 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Xavier Filsaime (17) argues with Oklahoma players during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Xavier Filsaime (17) argues with Oklahoma players during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanOklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (5) drops a pass in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (5) drops a pass in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanOklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is sacked in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is sacked in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) intercepts a pass during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) intercepts a pass during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanOklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) talks to his team during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) talks to his team during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Ryan Niblett (21) returns a kick during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Ryan Niblett (21) returns a kick during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) celebrates a sack during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) celebrates a sack during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) celebrates a sack during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) celebrates a sack during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) sacks Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) sacks Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas Longhorns take the field ahead of the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

The Texas Longhorns take the field ahead of the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanOklahoma Sooners running back Tory Blaylock (6) is tackled by Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Hero Kanu (93) during the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Oklahoma Sooners running back Tory Blaylock (6) is tackled by Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Hero Kanu (93) during the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive lineman Hero Kanu (93) celebrates a tackle for a loss during the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Hero Kanu (93) celebrates a tackle for a loss during the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanOklahoma Sooners running back Xavier Robinson (24) is tackled by Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) during the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Oklahoma Sooners running back Xavier Robinson (24) is tackled by Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) during the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanOklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is pressured during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is pressured during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanOklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is pressured by Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is pressured by Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanOklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is sacked during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is sacked during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanOklahoma Sooners place kicker Tate Sandell (29) kicks a field goal during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Oklahoma Sooners place kicker Tate Sandell (29) kicks a field goal during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanOklahoma Sooners tight end Jaren Kanak (12) is tackled during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Oklahoma Sooners tight end Jaren Kanak (12) is tackled during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns linebacker Lance Jackson (40) and Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) tackle Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) on 4th down at the end of the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Lance Jackson (40) and Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) tackle Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) on 4th down at the end of the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

Last week, Oklahoma and Missouri took their first losses at the hands of Texas and Alabama. That leaves only two unbeaten teams left in the league. One of them, Ole Miss, faces arguably its toughest test of the season this week at Georgia. The other, Texas A&M, will play four of its five remaining conference games on the road. 

Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) celebrates with the Golden Hat after the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) celebrates with the Golden Hat after the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

Ten of the league’s 16 teams are ranked. Which of them will emerge from that clump and stake a claim as the conference’s best as we begin the second half of the regular season?

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Sort through the fog with our weekly power rankings:

1. Texas A&M 

It’s time for the Aggies to test their fortitude. After cruising to three home SEC wins to begin conference play, Mike Elko’s team goes on the road for three straight, beginning this week at Arkansas. And Texas A&M will play that stretch without star running back Le’Veon Moss, who will miss “significant” time with an ankle injury. Is this the start of the annual Aggies’ faceplant, or can Elko erase that perception of his program?

Last week: No. 1, beat Florida 34-17

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MORE: Texas A&M’s Rueben Owens II is ready for expanded role with loss of Le’Veon Moss

2. Alabama 

Remember the first week of September, when Kalen DeBoer’s job status came into question following a season-opening loss to Florida State? Now he’s riding a five-game winning stretch that includes three consecutive victories over ranked teams. Coaching stocks can skyrocket or crater over the span of a couple weeks — just ask James Franklin. 

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Last week: No. 3, beat Missouri 27-24 

This week: vs. Tennessee 

3. Ole Miss 

Apathy reigned in Oxford, Miss., over the weekend. Ole Miss students didn’t show up, and, for most of their game against Washington State, neither did the Rebels. But Ole Miss survived. This week, it has a chance to achieve something it hasn’t yet managed under Lane Kiffin: beat a ranked SEC team on the road. 

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Last week: No. 2, beat Washington State 24-21 

4. Georgia 

The Bulldogs didn’t play well at Auburn last week, but they played clean. Kirby Smart’s team didn’t turn the ball over and it stood aside while Auburn committed 103 yards worth of penalties. Georgia is not the planet-devouring steamroller it once was, but it remains a program that knows how to win, even if its coach has to steal a timeout to make that happen. 

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Last week: No. 5, beat Auburn 20-10 

This week: vs. Ole Miss 

5. Tennessee 

Speaking of winning ugly, Tennessee’s quest to find out just how poorly it can play defense in a winning effort continued last week when it gave up 31 points at home to Arkansas and nearly threw away a 17-point fourth-quarter lead. The Vols have the top-scoring offense in the country, but they’re giving up nearly 32 points per game to FBS opposition. 

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Last week: No. 6, beat Arkansas 34-31 

6. LSU 

A 20-point effort against South Carolina won’t make any headlines, but LSU’s beleaguered offense moved the ball a bit better this week, undoing itself with three turnovers and bad red-zone play. It’s too late for QB Garrett Nussmeier to embark on the Heisman Trophy run many expect from him, but it’s not too late for him to lead the Tigers to the top of the SEC if he can clean up the giveaways. 

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Last week: No. 7, beat South Carolina 20-10 

This week: at Vanderbilt 

7. Texas 

A resounding Red River Rivalry triumph for the Longhorns yielded two important conclusions. Texas’ uncharacteristic defensive problems two weeks ago against Florida were an anomaly, and Arch Manning is capable of playing at the level Texas needs in order to win big games. This season looks entirely salvageable for Steve Sarkisian’s crew, especially with a friendly schedule coming up. 

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Last week: No. 11, beat Oklahoma 23-6

MORE: Is caution key to success for Arch Manning, Longhorns offense?

8. Vanderbilt

How will the Commodores respond to having their illusion of invincibility smashed by Alabama two weeks ago? Clark Lea’s team is no doubt much more talented than the Vanderbilt teams that spent decades stinking up the league, but their outward confidence sits at the core of their team identity. Is it still intact? We’ll find out against LSU. 

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Last week: No. 8, did not play 

9. Oklahoma 

After its offense put together a grade school style showing against Texas, it’s time to question what looked like progress for OU on that side of the ball. In three games against Power Four foes, the Sooners are averaging 18 points. Their defense is elite, but let’s see the Sooners move the ball against a defense with a pulse before saving them a space in the SEC’s top third. 

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Last week: No. 4, lost to Texas 23-6 

This week: at South Carolina 

10. Missouri 

Against Alabama, the Tigers didn’t get the quarterback performance they needed from Beau Pribula, who threw two interceptions and averaged 4 yards per attempt. The Crimson Tide clamped down on the SEC’s leading rusher, Ahmad Hardy, too. Still, Mizzou missed out on a program-changing win by just three points. It will have more opportunities later this year, and it will need more from its stars. 

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Last week: No. 9, lost to Alabama 27-24 

11. Mississippi State 

At 4-2, the Bulldogs have already doubled their 2024 win total. Can they parlay their progress into their first bowl game since 2022? They’ve got four ranked opponents among the six remaining games on their schedule. One of the two reprieves comes this week, when Mississippi State heads to Florida. 

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Last week: No. 12, did not play 

12. Florida 

A loss at Texas A&M moved Billy Napier to 0-10 on the road against ranked teams since he took the job at Florida in 2022. At 2-4, the College Football Playoff is out of the question, and Napier might have the warmest seat of any coach in the country. 

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Last week: No. 10, lost to Texas A&M 34-17

This week: vs. Mississippi State 

13. South Carolina 

Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer fired an assistant midseason this week for the first time in his tenure, sending offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley on his way. That’s a symptom of unfulfilled expectations. South Carolina began the season 13th in the AP Poll. Now the Gamecocks are back to SEC bottom feeding with a 1-3 league record. 

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Last week: No. 13, lost to LSU 20-10 

This week: vs. Oklahoma 

MORE: Ryan Niblett considered transferring. Why Steve Sarkisian didn’t let him

14. Auburn 

The Jackson Arnold experiment looks like a failure in Auburn, and Hugh Freeze might soon be branded with the same label. Arnold managed just 4.4 yards per attempt in last week’s loss to Georgia. Freeze is 14-17 in three seasons coaching the Tigers, with just five SEC wins to his name. Patience on the Plains is running thin. 

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Last week: No. 14, lost to Georgia 20-10 

15. Arkansas 

This is the section of the power rankings where moral victories hold value. The Razorbacks didn’t beat Tennessee last week, but they gave them a scare two weeks after their coach was fired. Can interim coach Bobby Petrino make Arkansas dangerous down the stretch? He has one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks in Taylen Green, after all. 

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Last week: No. 16, lost to Tennessee 34-31 

This week: vs. Texas A&M 

16. Kentucky 

Bad news, Kentucky fans. No more breaks. The Wildcats took their second bye week last week, giving them two weeks to prepare for a big home game against Texas. Normally that presents an advantage. But Mark Stoops and the Wildcats are 1-4 in their last five games coming off byes, and that victory came against an FCS team. 

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Last week: No. 15, did not play 

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