The first round of the expanded College Football Playoff is in the books, and for the SEC, it was a mixed bag-some dominance, some disappointment, and a whole lot of drama. Three SEC squads entered the weekend looking to punch their ticket to the quarterfinals.
Two made it through. One got sent packing.
Let’s break it all down, from the key results to where each team stands heading into the next round-and what it all means for the SEC power structure heading into bowl season.
Alabama Survives and Advances
Alabama, the No. 9 seed, took down No. 8 Oklahoma in Norman, 34-24.
It wasn’t always pretty, but the Crimson Tide showed the kind of postseason poise that’s become second nature in Tuscaloosa. The win sends them to the Rose Bowl, where they’ll face top-seeded Indiana.
That’s right-Indiana, unbeaten and the No. 1 overall seed. It’s a matchup that would’ve sounded like a typo a few years ago, but here we are.
For Alabama, the win was a reminder of what makes this team dangerous: experience, physicality, and just enough explosiveness to tilt the field. They’ve taken some lumps this season, but when it matters most, the Tide know how to rise.
Ole Miss Rolls, Sets Up SEC Showdown
If Alabama’s win was gritty, Ole Miss’ was a statement. The No.
6 Rebels overwhelmed No. 11 Tulane, 41-10, in Oxford.
It was the kind of performance that screams, *“We belong.” * And now, they get a chance to prove it on an even bigger stage: a Sugar Bowl clash with fellow SEC powerhouse Georgia, the No. 3 seed.
This sets up a fascinating all-SEC showdown in New Orleans. Georgia’s been the standard-bearer in the conference for the past few years, but Ole Miss has the kind of offensive firepower that can challenge anyone.
The Rebels have been building toward this moment all season. Now they’ll get their shot at the champs.
Texas A&M Falls Flat
Not every SEC team made it through. No. 7 seed Texas A&M couldn’t get much going against No.
10 Miami, falling 10-3 in a defensive slugfest at Kyle Field. It was a frustrating end for a team that had high expectations and looked the part for much of the year.
The Aggies’ offense just couldn’t find a rhythm, and Miami made them pay for it.
With the loss, A&M’s season ends at 11-2-strong on paper, but short of the breakthrough many in College Station were hoping for. It’s another reminder that in the playoff era, good isn’t always good enough.
SEC Power Rankings: Post-Playoff First Round
With the first round wrapped, it’s time to take stock of the SEC landscape. Here’s how the conference stacks up heading into the final stretch of the postseason:
- Georgia (12-1, 7-1 SEC) - Still the team to beat until proven otherwise.
They’ve got the resume, the talent, and now a high-stakes SEC rematch with Ole Miss. 2.
Ole Miss (12-1, 7-1 SEC) - The Rebels are peaking at the right time. Their offense is humming, and they’ve got a shot to take down the big dog.
- Alabama (11-3, 7-1 SEC) - Survive and advance.
That’s the Bama way. They’re not perfect, but they’re still standing.
- Texas A&M (11-2, 7-1 SEC) - A tough end, but it doesn’t erase a strong regular season.
Still, that playoff loss will sting for a while. 5.
Vanderbilt (10-2, 6-2 SEC) - Quietly one of the best stories in the SEC this year. They’ve earned their spot in the top five.
- Texas (9-3, 6-2 SEC) - A solid first year in the SEC.
Not quite playoff-ready, but the foundation is there. 7.
Oklahoma (10-3, 6-2 SEC) - Gave Bama a fight, but couldn’t finish the job. Still a strong season overall.
- Missouri (8-4, 4-4 SEC) - A team that showed flashes of something more.
Consistency will be the next step. 9.
Tennessee (8-4, 4-4 SEC) - A rollercoaster season. The Vols had some big wins, but also some head-scratchers.
- LSU (7-5, 3-5 SEC) - A step back this year.
There’s talent, but the defense has to get fixed. 11.
Mississippi State (5-7, 1-7 SEC) - A tough year in Starkville. The rebuild is on.
- Kentucky (5-7, 2-6 SEC) - Competitive in spots, but couldn’t get over the hump.
- Auburn (5-7, 1-7 SEC) - Another team in transition.
The Iron Bowl loss summed up a frustrating season. 14.
Florida (4-8, 2-6 SEC) - The Gators have talent, but the results just didn’t follow. 15.
South Carolina (4-8, 1-7 SEC) - A disappointing year for a team that’s capable of more. 16.
Arkansas (2-10, 0-8 SEC) - Rough season from start to finish. The rebuild has to start in the trenches.
Tennessee’s Season in Review
For Tennessee, it was a season of highs, lows, and a few “what ifs.” The Vols opened strong with blowout wins over Syracuse and East Tennessee State.
They nearly knocked off Georgia in an overtime thriller, and pulled out gritty wins over Mississippi State and Arkansas. But losses to Alabama, Oklahoma, and a season-ending rout by Vanderbilt kept them from taking that next step.
Still, there’s a lot to like. Tennessee showed flashes of being a top-tier SEC team.
The offense could light it up, and when the defense held firm, they were tough to beat. But inconsistency-especially late in the year-kept them from making a playoff push.
Here’s how the Vols’ 2025 campaign played out:
- Week 1: Beat Syracuse, 45-26 (Atlanta)
- Week 2: Beat ETSU, 72-17 (Knoxville)
- Week 3: Lost to Georgia, 44-41 OT (Knoxville)
- Week 4: Beat UAB, 56-24 (Knoxville)
- Week 5: Beat Mississippi State, 41-34 OT (Starkville)
- Week 6: Bye
- Week 7: Beat Arkansas, 34-31 (Knoxville)
- Week 8: Lost to Alabama, 37-20 (Tuscaloosa)
- Week 9: Beat Kentucky, 56-34 (Lexington)
- Week 10: Lost to Oklahoma, 33-27 (Knoxville)
- Week 11: Bye
- Week 12: Beat New Mexico State, 42-9 (Knoxville)
- Week 13: Beat Florida, 31-11 (Gainesville)
- Week 14: Lost to Vanderbilt, 45-24 (Knoxville)
The Vols finish the year 8-4, ranked No. 9 in the SEC. Not where they wanted to be, but not far off either. With a few key pieces returning and a strong recruiting class on the horizon, Tennessee will be a team to watch in 2026.
What’s Next?
With Alabama and Ole Miss still alive, the SEC remains firmly in the playoff mix. Georgia’s waiting for the Rebels in the Sugar Bowl.
Alabama has a date with destiny-and Indiana-in Pasadena. The road to the national title is narrowing, and the SEC still has a real shot to be standing at the end.
Buckle up. The best football of the season is still ahead.