SEC Overview: The 2025 SEC season has been nothing short of spectacular with the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format creating new opportunities for multiple conference teams. Alabama and Auburn find themselves firmly in the playoff conversation, both with legitimate paths to postseason glory.
Current SEC Power Rankings
1. Texas Longhorns (8-1, 5-1 SEC)
The Longhorns have established themselves as the SEC's premier team with an explosive offense led by Heisman candidate Quinn Ewers. Their only loss came in a close game against Alabama, and they control their own destiny in the SEC Championship race.
2. Alabama Crimson Tide (8-1, 5-1 SEC)
Kalen DeBoer's Crimson Tide have been dominant despite a narrow loss to Texas. Jalen Milroe's Heisman campaign and a suffocating defense have Alabama positioned for a top-4 CFP seed and potential first-round bye.
3. Georgia Bulldogs (7-2, 5-2 SEC)
Despite two early losses, Georgia has found its rhythm behind quarterback Carson Beck and a veteran defense. The Bulldogs still have an outside shot at the SEC Championship and are locks for the CFP.
4. Auburn Tigers (7-2, 4-2 SEC)
Hugh Freeze has Auburn playing its best football in years. The Tigers' balanced offense and improving defense have them firmly in the CFP conversation as a potential at-large selection.
5. Ole Miss Rebels (6-3, 3-3 SEC)
Lane Kiffin's Rebels remain explosive on offense but need to finish strong to secure a CFP berth. Their high-scoring style makes them dangerous opponents in the postseason.
Alabama's CFP Resume
Current CFP Position: #4 in latest rankings, positioning for a first-round bye
Quality Wins
- • vs. #15 Georgia (W, 27-24)
- • at LSU (W, 31-28)
- • vs. #8 Tennessee (W, 38-31)
- • vs. Texas A&M (W, 34-17)
Remaining Schedule
- • at Auburn (Iron Bowl)
- • vs. Mercer (FCS)
Path to CFP
Win out against Auburn and Mercer, likely secure top-4 seed and first-round bye. Even with a loss to Auburn, Alabama remains a strong CFP candidate due to overall resume.
Auburn's CFP Resume
Current CFP Position: #12 in latest rankings, squarely on the bubble
Quality Wins
- • vs. #11 Ole Miss (W, 38-35)
- • at Arkansas (W, 45-24)
- • vs. South Carolina (W, 33-27)
- • at Kentucky (W, 31-21)
Remaining Schedule
- • vs. Alabama (Iron Bowl)
- • at Florida
Path to CFP
The Iron Bowl victory over Alabama would dramatically improve Auburn's resume. Beat Alabama and Florida to finish 9-2 with a strong SOS, likely securing CFP berth. Loss to Alabama but win at Florida puts Auburn on the bubble at 8-3.
Expanded Playoff Impact
The 12-team College Football Playoff format has created unprecedented opportunities for SEC teams. This season, the conference could potentially have four teams selected: Alabama, Texas, Georgia, and Auburn. The expanded format has changed the calculus for both Alabama and Auburn, making the Iron Bowl even more consequential.
For Alabama, the focus remains on securing a top-4 seed and first-round bye. For Auburn, the goal is simply to make the field, with seeding less important than simply being included. This dynamic creates fascinating strategic considerations for both programs as they head into the final weeks of the regular season.
Iron Bowl Playoff Implications
The 2025 Iron Bowl carries more weight than ever before. For Alabama, a victory likely secures a top-4 seed and first-round bye in the CFP. For Auburn, a win could be the difference between making the playoff or watching from home.
The loser of the Iron Bowl isn't necessarily eliminated from CFP contention, but their path becomes much more difficult. This adds another layer of intensity to an already heated rivalry, making the 2025 Iron Bowl potentially the most consequential in the series history.