SEC Football: Where Athlon Ranks all 14 Teams

Athlon Sports has ranked 128 Division 1 programs, including all 14 SEC Football teams.

It is summertime, where preseason rankings and projections reign supreme.  Athlon sports, a respected outlet, has projected how 128 college football teams will fare this year.  Of course, we’re only really concerned with how they think SEC football will fare.

If you’re interested in seeing where your out-of-conference rival or any other teams are ranked, you can read through the article here.  They’ve also got a great link handy for each team that provides their individual breakdown.  On to the SEC football projections.

Athlon’s SEC Football Projections

Alabama Crimson Tide

# 1 SEC, #1 Overall

Overview:  Alabama has lost a ton of talent on both sides of the ball but Athlon is going with the king until they are overthrown.

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Tennessee Volunteers

#2 SEC, #7 Overall

Overview:  Athlon thinks the Volunteers will continue to improve under Butch Jones and take advantage of playing in the SEC East.

LSU Tigers

#3 SEC, #9 Overall

Overview:  The Tigers have enough NFL talent to rule SEC football, but Brandon Harris will first have to prove he can provide adequate quarterback play.

Ole Miss Rebels

#4 SEC, #10 Overall

Overview:  While many experts think the Rebels’ 3 first round picks will be too much to overcome, Athlon thinks Chad Kelly will help guide the Rebels to a top 10 season.

Georgia Bulldogs

#5 SEC, #16 Overall

Overview:  There’s too much talent for Kirby Smart not to keep Georgia competitive in SEC football.

Florida Gators

#6 SEC, #20 Overall

Overview:  The Gators have plenty of talent to compete for a crown in SEC football, but like LSU they need better quarterback play.

Arkansas Razorbacks

#7 SEC, #26 Overall

Overview:  The Razorbacks should be much improved on defense with 9 returning starters, but no one knows what to expect from the offense.

Texas A&M Aggies

#8 SEC, #28 Overall

Overview:  The Aggies are loaded with talent but they’ve been guilty of underachieving the last few seasons.

Auburn Tigers

#9 SEC, # 35 Overall

Overview:  A common theme with SEC football in 2016, the Tigers have a ton of talent but need to prove they can have adequate quarterback play.

Mississippi State Bulldogs

#10 SEC,  #41 Overall

Overview:  Dan Mullen has elevated the program but replacing the best player in school history will be tough no matter what.

Kentucky Wildcats 

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#11 SEC, #56 Overall

Overview:  A favorable schedule combined with promising talent suggests the Wildcats should finally reach 6 wins under Stoops.

Vanderbilt Commodores

#12 SEC, #57 Overall

Overview:  Derek Mason’s defense should again lead this team and a bowl isn’t out of the question for the Commodores.

Missouri Tigers

#13 SEC, #62 Overall

Overview:  The defense should be able to compete in SEC football but there isn’t much reason to believe the Tiger’s offense will be majorly improved.

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South Carolina Gamecocks

#14 SEC, #63 Overall

Overview: Much like Vanderbilt and Missouri, the Gamecocks should be able to complete defensively in SEC football.  Everything else is uncertain.