As the 2024 college football season moves past Week 5, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) is shaping up to be as chaotic and competitive as ever. The SEC, known for its storied programs and unpredictable matchups, has seen surprises, standout performances, and shifting power dynamics. With Kentucky’s stunning upset, Alabama’s resurgence, and the grand showdown looming between conference giants, it’s time to forecast the final records for each SEC team based on what we’ve seen so far.
Alabama Crimson Tide (4-1)
Predicted Record: 10-2
Despite early struggles, Alabama has rebounded from its Week 2 loss to Texas and has found stability under Nick Saban. The quarterback situation, once in flux, is starting to settle, and the defense has shown its trademark dominance. Tough games against LSU and Georgia remain, but expect Alabama to finish with two losses while remaining in the hunt for an SEC Championship berth.
Georgia Bulldogs (5-0)
Predicted Record: 12-0
The Bulldogs are once again the class of the SEC East, looking every bit like the dominant team they’ve been the past two seasons. Kirby Smart’s squad has reloaded after losing several stars to the NFL, and their defense continues to smother opponents. The toughest remaining challenge will be the rivalry game against Tennessee in November, but with their talent advantage, Georgia should finish the regular season undefeated.
Kentucky Wildcats (5-0)
Predicted Record: 9-3
The Wildcats shocked the SEC with their upset over Florida, firmly announcing themselves as contenders in the East. Mark Stoops has built a program capable of competing with anyone in the conference, but their schedule gets significantly tougher, with games against Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee looming. While Kentucky won’t go undefeated in SEC play, a 9-3 record would still represent a tremendous season and continued growth for the program.
LSU Tigers (3-2)
Predicted Record: 8-4
LSU’s season has been a rollercoaster, with thrilling offensive performances offset by defensive struggles. While Jayden Daniels continues to light up the scoreboard, the Tigers have been inconsistent on defense, leading to a couple of unexpected losses. Brian Kelly’s team will likely drop a few more games against the likes of Alabama and Texas A&M, but an 8-4 finish is still in sight.
Tennessee Volunteers (4-1)
Predicted Record: 9-3
Josh Heupel’s Volunteers continue to show they belong near the top of the SEC, though questions remain about consistency. Tennessee’s offense has been explosive at times, but there are concerns about their ability to handle elite defenses like Georgia’s. With a tough schedule ahead, expect the Vols to drop a couple of conference games, but still finish strong with a 9-3 record and a chance to make noise in a bowl game.
Florida Gators (3-2)
Predicted Record: 7-5
Florida’s season has been marked by inconsistency, with high points like the upset over Tennessee tempered by a disheartening loss to Kentucky. Billy Napier’s second year at the helm has shown flashes of progress, but the Gators’ remaining schedule, which includes games against Georgia and LSU, makes it unlikely they’ll finish with fewer than five losses. A 7-5 record seems reasonable as Napier looks to keep building.
Ole Miss Rebels (4-1)
Predicted Record: 9-3
Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss squad has been a wildcard in the SEC West, capable of putting up points in a hurry but also prone to defensive lapses. With a solid win over LSU, the Rebels have shown they can hang with the conference’s elite. However, games against Alabama and Georgia will likely prove too much, leaving the Rebels with a respectable 9-3 finish.
Texas A&M Aggies (4-1)
Predicted Record: 8-4
Texas A&M has rebounded nicely after their early-season loss to Miami, but questions remain about their ability to win big games. Jimbo Fisher’s team has a favorable schedule, avoiding Georgia, but will face tough matchups against Alabama, Ole Miss, and LSU. The Aggies should finish around 8-4, leaving fans wondering if Fisher can truly elevate the program to the next level.
Missouri Tigers (5-0)
Predicted Record: 8-4
Missouri has quietly put together an impressive start to the season, though they’ve yet to face the meat of their SEC schedule. With Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida on the horizon, the Tigers are likely to take some losses, but Eli Drinkwitz’s team has shown enough growth to finish with a strong 8-4 record and a bowl bid.
Arkansas Razorbacks (2-3)
Predicted Record: 6-6
Arkansas has been competitive in nearly every game but hasn’t been able to translate that into victories. With games against Alabama, Ole Miss, and LSU still on the docket, the Razorbacks face an uphill battle. However, a manageable stretch at the end of the season should allow them to claw their way to bowl eligibility at 6-6.
Auburn Tigers (3-2)
Predicted Record: 6-6
Hugh Freeze’s first year at Auburn has been rocky, but there have been signs of progress. The Tigers’ offense remains a work in progress, and their defense has been inconsistent. Auburn will likely struggle against the SEC’s upper echelon but should manage to scrape together enough wins for a bowl appearance with a 6-6 finish.
South Carolina Gamecocks (2-3)
Predicted Record: 6-6
Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks have had a tough start to the season, with close losses to North Carolina and Tennessee. Spencer Rattler has been a bright spot, but the schedule is unforgiving with games against Georgia, Florida, and Kentucky ahead. South Carolina should find a way to finish 6-6, enough to secure a bowl bid but not the leap forward many had hoped for.
Mississippi State Bulldogs (2-3)
Predicted Record: 5-7
Mississippi State has struggled to find consistency, particularly on offense, following the transition to new head coach Zach Arnett. The Bulldogs have a brutal remaining schedule, facing Alabama, Ole Miss, and Kentucky. It’s hard to envision Mississippi State reaching bowl eligibility, with a 5-7 record being the most likely outcome.
Vanderbilt Commodores (2-4)
Predicted Record: 3-9
Despite showing some fight early in the season, Vanderbilt has once again found itself overmatched in SEC play. The Commodores have a daunting schedule ahead, with little chance of picking up wins against the conference’s stronger teams. Expect a 3-9 finish for Vanderbilt as they continue to rebuild under Clark Lea.
As Week 5 draws to a close, the SEC landscape is becoming clearer, but unpredictability remains the hallmark of this conference. With powerhouse programs battling for supremacy and upstart teams like Kentucky and Missouri looking to play spoiler, the rest of the season promises to be thrilling.