What should have gone down as a 15-round heavyweight fight between two potential playoff contenders instead will be remembered for a catastrophic failure of officiating.
Oklahoma 24, Auburn 17 might have been the low point for the men in striped shirts in the history of the SEC, which is saying something in the league that brought you Bo Nix’s phantom spike in Fayetteville in 2020 and Alabama getting called for pass interference 30 yards behind the play in Knoxville in 2022. But the failure by the on-field officials in Norman on Saturday to recognize clearly illegal tactics that led to a Sooners touchdown (in a game they won by seven, no less) is an operational breakdown that simply cannot — or at least should not — happen in the week’s marquee game in the sport’s most high-profile conference.
But it did happen (along with any number of uncalled penalties) and it cost the Tigers a crucial early-season road victory. The SEC admitted the error, but was typically non-transparent (opaque?) in its explanation of how it would handle cleaning up the mess.
Auburn has to turn the page, however, and move on to another tough road test at Texas A&M in Week 5. And in the SEC, we move on to what could be an epic (and let’s hope, well-officiated) showdown between the league’s two tentpole programs.
So how do the teams in the SEC stack up heading into Week 5 of the 2025 season? Here’s the latest edition of AL.com’s SEC football power rankings for 2025 (all times Central and all games Saturday unless noted):
Florida running back Jadan Baugh (13) walks off the field after an NCAA college football game against Miami, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)AP16. Florida (1-3, 0-1)
Last week’s ranking: 14
Last week’s game: Lost to Miami, 26-7
This week’s game: Open date
The Gators’ defense played a pretty solid game against one of the top teams in the country despite being pretty banged up. That’s the good news. The bad news? Everything else. Florida’s offense continues to be a disaster, ranking last in the SEC in points per game and 15th out of 16 in yards per game. Billy Napier seems to be marking time at this point, with a bye week before jumping right back into the fire against Texas in Gainesville on Oct. 4.
Arkansas coach Sam Pittman on the sidelines against Arkansas State during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Little Rock, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)AP15. Arkansas (2-2, 0-1)
Last week’s ranking: 14
Last week’s game: Lost to Memphis, 32-31
This week’s game: vs. Notre Dame, 11 a.m., ABC
The Razorbacks gave away a second straight game by not being able to hold onto the ball in a crucial moment, but even before Mike Washington’s late fumble were getting pushed around by a Group of 5 team. Memphis rang up 294 yards rushing, averaging 7.4 yards per carry. Quarterback Taylen Green is one of the more-exciting players in the SEC — in ways both good and bad — and allows the Hogs to never feel like they’re out of any game. A home game against equally scuffling Notre Dame on Saturday has lost some of its preseason luster, but a third straight loss would grease the skids for Sam Pittman on what seems like an inevitable firing at some point this season.
Kentucky quarterback Cutter Boley (8) hands a ball off to running back Tovani Mizell (28) in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Eastern Michigan, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Lexington, Ky. (AP Photo/Michael Swensen)AP14. Kentucky (2-1, 0-1)
Last week’s ranking: 15
Last week’s game: Open date
This week’s game: at South Carolina, 6:45 p.m., SEC Network
The Wildcats won to an extent by not playing this week, as bad losses for Florida and Arkansas moved Mark Stoops’ teams up in these rankings by default. Kentucky entered the bye week with a little bit of a quarterback controversy, and it will be interesting to see if it’s Cutter Boley or Zach Calzada behind center when the team takes the field on Saturday in Columbia. The Wildcats have lost six straight SEC games and 10 of their last 11, and this is probably their best chance at a conference victory in the next month or so.
South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers looks for a receiver during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)AP13. South Carolina (2-2, 0-2)
Last week’s ranking: 12
Last week’s game: Lost to Missouri, 29-20
This week’s game: vs. Kentucky, 6:45 p.m., SEC Network
LaNorris Sellers was back and played fairly well following a cheap shot concussion vs. Vanderbilt the previous week, but he’s at the helm of an offense that absolutely stinks four games into Mike Shula’s tenure as offensive coordinator. The Gamecocks netted minus-9 rushing yards in the loss to Missouri, and are last in the SEC in total offense and rushing and 15th in scoring. A team that entered the season with playoff hopes after last year’s near-miss is now simply trying to stay about .500. In the context of this season at least, Saturday night’s home game vs. Kentucky is about as must-win as it gets for Shane Beamer and company.
Mississippi State fans react to the team winning an NCAA college football game against Arizona State in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)AP12. Mississippi State (4-0)
Last week’s ranking: 13
Last week’s game: Beat Northern Illinois, 38-10
This week’s game: vs. Tennessee, 3:15 p.m., SEC Network
The Bulldogs are 4-0 for the first time since 2014, which happens to be the year they started 9-0 and were ranked No. 1 in the first-ever College Football Playoff rankings (talk about your great trivia question answers) on the way to a 10-3 finish behind Dak Prescott and Dan Mullen. The competition this year hasn’t been all that great, but that’s nitpicking with a team that has already doubled its win total from a year ago. That said, things get real on Saturday afternoon in Starkville, when a high-powered Tennessee team visits Davis Wade Stadium. The Vols are averaging more than 53 points and 550 yards per game, and it might take everything Jeff Lebby’s team has just to keep it close.
Vanderbilt quarterback Drew Dickey (7) celebrates with running back Dominic Rezac (43) and lineman Keegan Wechsler (78) after Dickey scored a touchdown against the Georgia State during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)AP11. Vanderbilt (4-0, 1-0)
Last week’s ranking: 11
Last week’s game: Beat Georgia State, 70-21
This week’s game: vs. Utah State, 11:45 a.m., SEC Network
The Commodores avenged one of the more puzzling losses in the SEC last season in overwhelming fashion on Saturday, reaching the 70-point plateau for the first time since blasting Tennessee 76-0 on Nov. 9, 1918, which was two days before the armistice that signaled the end of World War I. In other words, Vanderbilt is currently playing football at a level rarely seen by anyone who is still alive. Sixth-year (and maybe more) quarterback Diego Pavia and his fellow New Mexico State imports have revitalized one of college football’s perpetual doormats, and made them must-see in a town with plenty of other entertainment options. Utah State appears to be a solid G5 program, but shouldn’t be able to keep the Commodores from reaching 5-0 for the first time since 2008.
Texas Longhorns defensive back Jelani McDonald (4) celebrates a turnover on downs in the third quarter of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats in Austin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman via AP)AP10. Texas (3-1)
Last week’s ranking: 10
Last week’s game: Beat Sam Houston, 55-0
This week’s game: Open date
Arch Manning finally played like a preseason Heisman Trophy candidate, albeit against a winless team populated by athletes who will probably go pro in something other than sports. Still, the Longhorns needed to regain a little swagger on offense. It bears mentioning that though Manning and the offensive woes have gotten most of the attention, Texas has one of the top defenses in the country, allowing just 7.8 points and a shade over 60 rushing yards per game. Following the bye week, Texas hits the road for three of its first four SEC games beginning Oct. 4, and the lone non-“road” game is the annual neutral site affair with Oklahoma in Dallas.
Alabama Linebacker Grant Johnson (40) and
Alabama Linebacker Deontae Lawson (0) in action against Wisconsin at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL on Saturday, Sep 13, 2025.
Crimson Tide Photos / UA Athletics9. Alabama (2-1)
Last week’s ranking: 9
Last week’s game: Open date
This week’s game: at Georgia, 6:30 p.m., ABC
Though its decisive win over Wisconsin prior to the bye week doesn’t look so grand after the Badgers lost by 17 at home to Maryland this past weekend, the Crimson Tide will ultimately be judged by what happens on Athens this coming Saturday night. Alabama has won nine of its last 10 games over Georgia, including six of seven since Kirby Smart took over the Bulldogs’ program in 2016. Kalen DeBoer’s team appears to be trending toward full health, with defensive stalwarts Tim Keenan and LT Overton and top running back Jam Miller all expected to play this week. Alabama is 2-5 away from Tuscaloosa under DeBoer, so all hands will certainly be needed on deck for this one.
Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) is sacked by Oklahoma defensive lineman Taylor Wein (44) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)AP8. Auburn (3-1, 0-1)
Last week’s ranking: 5
Last week’s game: Lost to Oklahoma, 24-17
This week’s game: at Texas A&M, 2:30 p.m., ESPN
As we noted above, the ludicrously poor officiating eliminated any margin for error the Tigers had against Oklahoma on Saturday. And yet, the loss to the Sooners was about more than just getting negatively impacted by uncalled penalties. Auburn’s highly touted offensive line couldn’t protect Jackson Arnold against the one of the best defensive fronts in the country, allowing 10 sacks (later officially changed to nine). Outside of one 44-yard Jeremiah Cobb run, the Tigers also failed to run the ball effectively. Auburn’s season will turn one of two ways in the next four weeks, as the Tigers face three potentially undefeated opponents in Texas A&M on Saturday, Georgia on Oct. 11 and Missouri on Oct. 18.
Mississippi linebacker Suntarine Perkins (4) sets up at the line during the first half of an NCAA football game against Tulane on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)AP7. Ole Miss (4-0, 2-0)
Last week’s ranking: 8
Last week’s game: Beat Tulane, 45-10
This week’s game: vs. LSU, 2:30 p.m., ABC
After frittering around with Arkansas the week before, the Rebels took a solid Tulane team to the woodshed on Saturday. Division II transfer quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was again a revelation, piling up 419 yards of total offense. It will be interesting to see what Lane Kiffin does when Austin Simmons recovers from his bum ankle and is ready to return to the field. Ole Miss is the only team in the SEC with two conference wins thus far, and gets a chance to make it a third when LSU comes to Oxford on Saturday. The last two meetings between the two teams have been decided by a total of nine points, including the Tigers’ 29-26 overtime victory in Baton Rouge a year ago.
The Missouri mascot entertains the crowd during the second half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won 29-20. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)AP6. Missouri (4-0, 1-0)
Last week’s ranking: 7
Last week’s game: Beat South Carolina, 29-20
This week’s game: vs. UMass, 6 p.m., ESPNU
The Tigers weren’t quite as dominant against the Gamecocks as they had been the previous three weeks, but still got the job done behind a running game that totaled 287 yards. What Eli Drinkwitz has done to rebuild this team on the fly through the portal after losing most of its offensive production from last season has been truly impressive. Less-heralded is a defense that ranks third in the conference (behind only Oklahoma and Texas) in fewest yards allowed per game. A Saturday night visit from UMass is all that is standing between the Tigers and a 5-0 start for the second time in three years. Then comes a bye week, followed by a much-anticipated visit from Alabama on Oct. 11.
Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II (17) runs past UAB safety Sirad Bryant (1) for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)AP5. Tennessee (3-1, 0-1)
Last week’s ranking: 6
Last week’s game: Beat UAB, 56-24
This week’s game: at Mississippi State, 3:15 p.m., SEC Network
The Volunteers played with their food a little bit after going up 56-10 in the third quarter, and what ended up a 32-point victory could have easily been by 50-plus. Josh Heupel has unlocked something in transfer quarterback Joey Aguilar, who has avoided the kinds of mistakes that often undermined him at Appalachian State. The Tennessee running game also continues to him right along despite losing SEC Player of the Year Dylan Sampson to the NFL. There are definite worries defensively — particularly against the pass — but the Volunteers should be able to outscore most of their opponents. The Volunteers play their first true road game of the year this week, traveling to face an undefeated Mississippi State team that is nowhere near the pushover it appeared to be coming into the season.
Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed throws a pass during the fourth quarter of an NCAA football game against Notre Dame, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)AP4. Texas A&M (3-0)
Last week’s ranking: 4
Last week’s game: Open date
This week’s game: vs. Auburn, 2:30 p.m., ESPN
The Aggies had a bye week to come down from the high of an exhilarating comeback win at Notre Dame on Sept. 13, and jump right into a conference game against Auburn. The Tigers are a little wounded pride-wise after a bitter defeat at Oklahoma last week, Texas A&M this year hasn’t played anything like the suffocating brand of defense the Sooners do. What Mike Elko’s teams does have going for it is a mobile quarterback in Marcel Reed, the kind that has troubled the Tigers’ defense the last two weeks in games vs. South Alabama and Oklahoma. The Aggies have three straight SEC home games beginning Saturday (Auburn is followed by Mississippi State and Florida) and probably need to win all three of them to be considered a serious playoff contender.
Oklahoma defensive lineman Gracen Halton (56) celebrates after sacking Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)AP3. Oklahoma (4-0, 1-0)
Last week’s ranking: 3
Last week’s game: Beat Auburn, 24-17
This week’s game: Open date
Brent Venables’ team has twice answered the bell when a ranked team has visited Norman this season, though they did get a major assist from the officials against Auburn on Saturday (last time we’ll mention it, I swear). Transfer quarterback John Mateer has been the missing ingredient on offense this year, so much so that a minimal contribution from running back Jaydn Ott hasn’t hurt at all. But this Oklahoma team is all about defense, one so good it recalls the great units the Sooners put on the field during the early Bob Stoops era circa 2000-2004 and perhaps even the Barry Switzer glory days of the 1970s and 80s. Edge rusher R Mason Thomas was already a budding star, but took his game to another level vs. Auburn despite playing only one half due to a targeting suspension. The Sooners have a bye week then face non-conference patsy Kent State before things get real again vs. Texas in Dallas on Oct. 11.
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (18) attempts a pass in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southeastern Louisiana in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Forest)AP2. LSU (4-0, 1-0)
Last week’s ranking: 2
Last week’s game: Beat Southeastern Louisiana, 56-10
This week’s game: at Ole Miss, 2:30 p.m., ABC
After struggling mightily on offense against Florida, the Tigers got a shot of confidence back in a breezy win over Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday night. Garrett Nussmeier was sharp and productive despite a nagging abdominal injury, throwing four touchdown passes despite playing just one series in the second half. LSU’s defense has been the real deal this season, statistically one of the three or four best in the league along with Oklahoma, Texas and Missouri. Brian Kelly’s team gets a shot at a second road victory over a ranked team this season when it travels to Ole Miss on Saturday. The Tigers and the Rebels have played some highly entertaining games in recent years, and this one likely will be no different.
Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)AP1. Georgia (3-0, 1-0)
Last week’s ranking: 1
Last week’s game: Open date
This week’s game: vs. Alabama, 6:30 p.m., ABC
We detailed Smart’s terrible record against Alabama above, and last year’s 41-34 loss in Tuscaloosa proved it wasn’t just a Nick Saban problem. However, none of Smart’s seven meetings with the Crimson Tide has been at Sanford Stadium, where Georgia hasn’t lost in nearly six years. Needless to say, there’s a lot on the line for the Bulldogs — both perception-wise and in terms of playoff positioning — when Alabama rolls into Athens on Saturday. Gunner Stockton proved at Tennessee on Sept. 13 he could come through in big games, but Georgia will have to be better up front to run the ball effectively and have the kind of offensive balance they’ll need to win on Saturday and throughout the season.
Creg Stephenson has worked for AL.com since 2010 and has covered college football for a variety of publications since 1994. Contact him at cstephenson@al.com or follow him on Twitter at @CregStephenson.
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