The SEC is once again loaded with talent from top to bottom. This year’s title race features multiple legitimate contenders, including Georgia, Alabama, and Texas, all of which are in their first SEC season. Bettors also have numerous longshot options that could deliver a substantial payday with the right breaks.

For more on the national picture, check out our analysis of the 2025-26 College Football Championship and College Football Playoffs.

What Teams Are In The SEC Conference?

The following College Football teams play in the SEC Conference:

• Alabama Crimson Tide: joined in 1933
• Arkansas Razorbacks: joined in 1991
• Auburn Tigers: joined in 1933
• Florida Gators: joined in 1933
• Georgia Bulldogs: joined in 1933
• Kentucky Wildcats: joined in 1933
• LSU Tigers: joined in 1933
• Mississippi State Bulldogs: joined in 1933
• Missouri Tigers: joined in 2012
• Ole Miss Rebels: joined in 1933
• South Carolina Gamecocks: joined in 1991
• Tennessee Volunteers: joined in 1933
• Texas A&M Aggies: joined in 2012
• Vanderbilt Commodores: joined in 1933
• Oklahoma Sooners: joined in 2024
• Texas Longhorns: joined in 2024

When Is The SEC Championship Football Game?

The 2025 SEC Championship Game will be played on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The matchup features the winners of the SEC East and SEC West, determined by regular-season conference records. If two teams are tied in a division, head-to-head results are the first tiebreaker.

SEC Conference Odds

Check out the latest NCAAF odds for the SEC Conference, courtesy of the top sports betting sites:

Based on the SEC Championship odds, it’s going to be a three-team race with Georgia, Texas and Alabama all vying for the conference title. The LSU Tigers are a distant fourth, with the rest of the teams falling off the proverbial cliff for betting odds.

Currently, the oddsmakers favor the Texas Longhorns to win the SEC, make the Playoffs and win the National Championship. However, you can never count out the Georgia Bulldogs who are nipping at the heels of Texas.

With that said, if you need extra assistance with your SEC Conference bets, or any other NCAAF bet, then check out our industry-best handicapping membership. Get access to thousands of College Football picks from the best handicappers around.

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SEC Conference Favorites

The following College Football teams are considered the favorites to win the SEC Conference: 

Texas Longhorns (+270)

Texas steps into its second SEC season with sky-high expectations and a roster built to win right away. Quinn Ewers is gone, but Arch Manning now takes over as the full-time starter after two years waiting in the wings. He’s surrounded by a talented backfield led by Quintrevion Wisner, who ran for over 1,000 yards last year, and a deep group of receivers headlined by DeAndre Moore Jr. and Ryan Wingo. The Longhorns also added transfer Emmett Mosley V, who was a breakout freshman last year at Stanford.

The biggest question on offense comes up front, where Texas will be breaking in four new starters on the offensive line. Manning’s quick release and the weapons around him should help offset any early growing pains. If the group gels by midseason, this attack could be the most balanced in the conference.

On defense, Texas is loaded at edge rusher with Colin Simmons leading the charge after posting nine sacks as a freshman. Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. is one of the best in the country, and the secondary, while missing Thorpe Award winner Jahdae Barron, still has plenty of talent in safeties Michael Taaffe and Jelani McDonald. With strong defensive line depth and experienced cover men, Texas has the tools to slow down the SEC’s elite offenses.

Special teams got a boost from transfer punter Jack Bouwmeester and kicker Mason Shipley, who’s been reliable throughout his career. Add in return threat Ryan Niblett, and the Longhorns have an edge in the hidden-yardage game. If Manning lives up to the hype and the defense repeats last year’s dominance, Texas could make the SEC title game for the second straight year and the playoff spot that comes with it.

Georgia Bulldogs (+330)

Georgia is looking to get back on top. The Bulldogs still have one of the most talented rosters in the country, but the quarterback spot is the big question. Gunner Stockton takes over for Carson Beck, and while he flashed in limited action last year, he’s still untested over a full season. Kirby Smart and his staff are confident in Stockton, but the decision not to bring in competition from the portal makes this a make-or-break year for him.

The offense also has to rebuild up front after losing four starters on the offensive line. There’s experience returning, but it’s a brand-new unit protecting a new quarterback. Early games against Marshall and Austin Peay should help the Bulldogs work out the kinks before a key September trip to Tennessee. They’ll also get Texas and Alabama at home, which could be the swing games that decide their SEC fate.

Defensively, Georgia needs to get back to the rush defense that powered their title runs. From 2019 to 2022, the Bulldogs gave up fewer than 80 rushing yards per game, but that number has ballooned to over 110 in each of the last two seasons. Seven teams topped 140 rushing yards against them last year, a stat that will have to change if they want to win the league.

The schedule is challenging but manageable, with just three true SEC road games. Georgia could be favored in every matchup, and if Stockton delivers, a playoff berth is well within reach. At a win total of 9.5, the over is in play if they can avoid a multi-loss regular season.

Alabama Crimson Tide (+380)

Alabama heads into 2025 with plenty of talent but also some uncertainty. The Tide returns 15 starters from last year’s team that narrowly missed the playoffs, yet they’ll be breaking in a new quarterback with Jalen Milroe off to the Seattle Seahawks. Ty Simpson is expected to get the first shot, but if he struggles, five-star freshman Keelon Russell will be waiting. Second-year head coach Kalen DeBoer has shown he can win big quickly, but the year-to-year SEC grind is a unique challenge.

This roster is loaded across the board, so the real question is how quickly the quarterback situation stabilizes. We’ll find out early with a season opener at Florida State, a game that could set the tone for their playoff push. If Simpson delivers, Alabama has the pieces to get to Atlanta. If not, they could be on the outside looking in again.

The schedule is no cakewalk. Road trips to Georgia, South Carolina, and Auburn will test them, and home games against Tennessee, LSU, and Oklahoma won’t be much easier. Alabama will be in the mix for a CFP spot, but given the quarterback question marks, they may still be a year away from seriously contending for a national title.

This season feels like a transition year, even with all the returning experience. The Tide should be competitive in every game, as they always are, but another near miss is on the table unless the quarterback position clicks sooner than expected.

LSU Tigers (+700)

Brian Kelly calls this the best roster he’s had in his four years at LSU, and the expectation is clear: make the College Football Playoff or bust. Fifth-year quarterback Garrett Nussmeier gives the Tigers a legitimate shot, coming off a 4,052-yard, 29-touchdown season. He’s a Heisman contender with the arm to pick apart any defense, and LSU supplemented his weapons through the portal with Kentucky’s Barion Brown and Oklahoma’s Nic Anderson joining returning top target Aaron Anderson.

The offensive line will look different after losing both starting tackles to the NFL, but there’s experience on the interior and talent from the transfer ranks to fill the gaps. Freshman Harlem Berry, the No. 1 running back recruit in the country, could emerge quickly to bolster a rushing attack that lagged at 116.4 yards per game in 2024. If the line settles in, this offense has the potential to be among the SEC’s best.

On defense, Harold Perkins Jr. returns to anchor the “Star” hybrid role after an injury-shortened season. Jacobian Guillory provides veteran stability inside, while transfers Jack Pyburn and Patrick Payton add needed pass-rush punch. Linebacker Whit Weeks, last year’s leading tackler, is expected back for the opener after an ankle injury, and the secondary gets a boost from Virginia Tech transfer Mansoor Delane and five-star freshman DJ Pickett.

Special teams still have some question marks, especially in punting, but kicker Damian Ramos has been steady. Return man Barion Brown gives LSU a big-play threat they’ve lacked in recent years. With Nussmeier leading a loaded roster and key additions on defense, the Tigers have every reason to believe they can challenge for the SEC title and a playoff berth.

The Best SEC Conference Betting Value

The following SEC teams are our picks as the best value to win the Conference Championship:

Ole Miss Rebels (+1600)

Ole Miss can score from anywhere on the field, but last season exposed an issue when drives reached the red zone. In their three losses last year, the Rebels went just 5-for-14 inside the 20, compared to a near-perfect 44-for-47 in their ten wins. Fixing that inefficiency could be the difference between another good year and a playoff berth.

The Rebels hand the offense to sophomore quarterback Austin Simmons, who takes over for Jaxson Dart. Simmons has the tools to be the next great Ole Miss passer, and he’ll get help from transfer guard Patrick Kutas, a big and mobile addition from Arkansas. Losing veteran tackle Micah Pettus to Florida State stings, but the line should still hold up against SEC fronts.

Defensively, linebacker Suntarine Perkins leads a unit with enough speed to keep up with the conference’s best. The schedule is favorable, with no Alabama, Texas, Auburn, or Texas A&M, but a road trip to Georgia on October 18 looms large. That game, plus a tricky date at Oklahoma the following week, could define their season.

If Simmons settles in quickly and the red-zone woes are fixed, Ole Miss has a path to ten wins. The win total is set at 8.5, and with most of the toughest games at home, the Rebels could be one of the league’s best value plays if they steal a big one on the road.

Texas A&M Aggies (+1500)

Texas A&M led the SEC in scoring during conference play last season, averaging 29.4 points per game, but still finished just 8-5. The offense could be even better in 2025 with sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed returning after throwing for 1,864 yards and rushing for 543 as a freshman. The Aggies also bolstered their skill positions with transfer receivers KC Concepcion (NC State) and Mario Craver (Mississippi State), while bringing back All-SEC running back Le’Veon Moss.

Up front, A&M has one of the best offensive lines in the conference, headlined by tackle Trey Zuhn III and guards Chase Bisontis and Mark Nabou Jr., who returns from injury. This unit should give Reed plenty of time to find his targets and open running lanes for Moss. With this foundation, the Aggies’ offense has the tools to keep pace with anyone in the SEC.

The defense remains the bigger concern. Head coach Mike Elko is taking over play-calling duties to fix a unit that struggled in pass coverage and allowed too many explosive runs. Cornerback Will Lee III and nickelback Tyreek Chappell are dependable, and transfers Jordan Shaw (Washington) and Julian Humphrey (Georgia) add depth. Still, the pass rush needs more juice after no player had more than four sacks last year.

Special teams are solid with kicker Randy Bond, who has made 59 career field goals, but punting and kick coverage need to improve. If the defense takes a noticeable step forward, Texas A&M has the offensive firepower to contend for a spot in Atlanta. If not, they could be looking at another season stuck in the eight- or nine-win range.

The Top SEC Conference Longshot

The Missouri Tigers (+6000) avoid Georgia, Texas, LSU, and Tennessee, while Alabama, Texas A&M, and South Carolina all come to Faurot Field. That’s a favorable setup for the Tigers, but quarterback play is still the big unknown. If the new starter delivers, they have enough talent to make another run.

The offense replaces plenty of experience but adds key transfers like Kevin Coleman Jr. (Mississippi State) and Xavier Loyd (Illinois State) to join Marquis Johnson and Joshua Manning at receiver. Ahmad Hardy (ULM) provides a physical running style, though the line is mostly unproven outside of Cayden Green. Penn State transfer Beau Pribula and Sam Horn are battling to replace Brady Cook.

Defensively, coordinator Corey Batoon inherits a unit that finished top-20 nationally and returns seven starters. Transfers Josiah Trotter (West Virginia) and Jalen Catalon (UNLV) add experience, while Georgia transfer Damon Wilson II helps the pass rush. Chris McClellan, Triston Newson, and Daylan Carnell are among the SEC’s best at their positions.

Kicker Blake Craig is steady, and the return duo of Coleman (punts) and Johnson (kickoffs) could be one of the SEC’s best. I’m not super confident Mizzou will shock the world in the gauntlet of the SEC, but stranger things have happened, I suppose.

SEC Conference Predictions

Texas at +270, is our NCAAF Pick and the most appealing wager on the board, especially with the Longhorns opening the year as the preseason No. 1 team in the nation. The schedule lines up nicely for a title run. After an early road test at No. 3 Ohio State, Texas plays four straight very winnable games before heading into the heart of SEC play.

The Red River Rivalry against No. 18 Oklahoma is never a breeze, though the Longhorns avoid Alabama altogether. While they do have a tough late-season trip to No. 5 Georgia, that could be a preview of the SEC Championship Game rather than a must-win to make it there.

With Arch Manning leading an offense loaded at the skill positions and anchored by one of the country’s best offensive lines, Texas has the firepower to outscore anyone. The defense is strong enough to handle the SEC’s physical style, and the depth on both sides of the ball means injuries should not derail their run. At +270, you are getting a legitimate national title contender with a manageable conference slate, making the Longhorns the sharp play to win the SEC.

Bet: Texas Longhorns (+270)

The Best SEC Win Total Bets

The following SEC teams provide us with the best options for betting on their Win Totals:

Texas Over 9.5 Wins (-190)

Texas is loaded on both sides of the ball, and the schedule is tailor-made for a double-digit win season. Arch Manning steps in as the full-time starter with arguably the best offensive supporting cast in the SEC: a veteran offensive line, playmakers at receiver, and a deep running back rotation. The defense, which was one of the best in the country last season, remains intact and even added portal talent at key spots. The opener at Ohio State will be tough, but after that, the Longhorns should be favored in every game except the trip to Georgia.

Even in a worst-case scenario where they drop both of those marquee matchups, Texas would still only need to run the table against the rest of the conference slate to get to 10 wins. With no Alabama on the schedule and key games against Arkansas, Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt coming at home, the path to the over is clear. This is a playoff-caliber roster with depth to absorb injuries, making the Over 9.5 one of the strongest win total plays on the board.

Alabama Under 9.5 Wins (+105)

Alabama is still Alabama – loaded with blue-chip talent at nearly every position – but that alone might not be enough to crack double-digit wins this season. Even with quite a few starters back, the most important spot on the field is unsettled. TySimpson has the inside track to replace Milroe, yet he’s largely unproven in big moments, and leaning on a true freshman like Russell if things go sideways is a risky proposition in the stacked SEC. The offense may have to win lower-scoring games early while DeBoer tweaks the system to his personnel.

The schedule is unforgiving, with road trips to Florida State, Georgia, South Carolina, and Auburn, plus home dates against Tennessee, LSU, and Oklahoma. That’s seven games against legitimate top-25-caliber opponents. Alabama has the talent to win any of them, but in a year where they’re still finding their identity on offense, hitting 10 wins is a tall order. The more likely outcome is 8–9 victories, making the Under 9.5 the value side.

Bet: Texas Longhorns O 9.5 wins (-190), Alabama Crimson Tide U 9.5 wins (+105)

Which SEC Teams Will Make the Playoffs?

The SEC is loader and a number of teams should be in line to make the College Football Playoffs this year. The following are our picks for which of those SEC teams to bet on:

Texas Longhorns to Make the Playoffs (-300)

There’s almost no value in betting on the Horns to crack the CFP for the second straight year, but they’re the best team in America for a reason. Because I like their chances to win the conference and top 9.5 wins, I’m obviously a fan of their chances to make the Playoff.

Texas A&M Aggies To Make the Playoff (+225)

Let’s find a dark horse, shall we?

The Aggies quietly led the SEC in scoring in conference games last season, averaging nearly 30 points, and return quite a few pieces across the board. QB Marcel Reed showed dual-threat promise as a freshman, while Le’Veon Moss leads a deep backfield. Transfer receivers KC Concepcion and Mario Craver should provide the spark to keep defenses honest, and the OL returns multiple all-conference talents. With this kind of balance and experience, Texas A&M’s offense should be one of the most reliable in the SEC.

The ingredients for improvement are here. All-SEC corner Will Lee III headlines a rebuilt secondary bolstered by transfers, while Tyreek Chappell’s return adds stability. The pass rush needs more bite, but Elko’s track record suggests progress, and the run defense should tighten up after being gashed too often in 2024. The Aggies’ November slate – Arkansas, LSU, and a potential SEC title game – will define their season, but with no Georgia or Alabama in the regular-season rotation, the path is more forgiving than most.

At +225, they’re a live long shot to sneak into the playoff mix.

Bet: Texas Longhorns (-300), Texas A&M Aggies (+225)

SEC Conference Winners

The following is a list of the most recent SEC Conference Champions: