Performance survey
1. Georgia: How can you position your bet against an SEC team that has won 30 of its last 31 games and two of its last three national championships?
2. Texas: Yes, this is a high pick for the Longhorns. The potential this season will depend in large part on the experienced leadership of quarterback Quinn Ewers.
3. Alabama: Kalen DeBoer will look to follow a legendary coach but inherits a talented roster. Can he bring some of the magic he developed in Washington?
4. Ole Miss: The Rebels’ roster is huge, with quarterback Jaxson Dart and several new signings from the transfer portal being highlighted. Ole Miss will be a national contender.
5. Oklahoma: OU has arguably the toughest conference schedule, but also has its destiny in its hands and can secure a championship berth. Defense will be important.
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6. LSU: The Tigers have the potential and the squad to compete in the top group of the conference, but the defense needs to improve.
7. Missouri: Can Mizzou build on the momentum of an 11-win season, especially with most of its offensive linemen returning? Quarterback Brady Cook and its top four wide receivers return.
8. Tennessee: The Vols enter the fourth year of the Josh Heupel era with high expectations after a 20-6 record over the past two seasons.
9. Texas A&M: The Aggies will try to rebuild the program under former Duke coach Mike Elko. A&M finished 7-6 last season.
10. Auburn: A talented group of wide receivers will try to take the Tigers beyond last year’s sub-.500 record (6-7).
11.South Carolina: The Gamecocks have a ton of potential this season under fourth-year coach Shane Beamer and could be a team to watch as a spoiler this season.
12.Florida: The Gators’ strong schedule will be difficult to overcome, which may keep coach Billy Napier on the hot seat this season.
13.Kentucky: Quarterback Brock Vandagriff, a former Georgia player, will lead Mark Stoops’ offense. Keep an eye on the offensive and defensive lines.
14.Arkansas: The Razorbacks have finished just 4-12 in the SEC over the last two seasons, and the road isn’t going to get much easier for Sam Pittman’s team this season.
15. State of Mississippi: Former Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby takes over the Bulldogs. The first year will be tough for the rebuild, but give Lebby some time.
16.Vanderbilt: The Commodores have a 2-22 record in SEC play over the last three years.
Players in focus
QB Carson Beck, Georgia: The quarterback threw nearly 4,000 yards with 24 touchdowns and only six interceptions last season.
DL James Pearce Jr., Tennessee: An edge rusher who uses size, speed and athleticism to get to quarterbacks.
WR Luther Burden III, Missouri: The wide receiver is a game changer who attacks the defense with his speed.
S Malaki Starks, Georgia: The safety’s versatility and athleticism make him one of the best in the league.
OT Kelvin Banks, Texas: As a lineman with great leverage and length, he is a proven asset to the running game and pass defense.
— Eric Bailey, Tulsa World