Power ranking the SEC after revealing week one: Favorites plummet and underdogs rise

Here's how the SEC power rankings shake out following week one's action.
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker C.J. Hicks (11) pressures Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. Ohio State won 14-7.
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker C.J. Hicks (11) pressures Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. Ohio State won 14-7. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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SEC power rankings after week 1 - 1: Georgia

What's old is new again! Smart's Bulldogs are back atop these rankings after an emphatic win over Marshall. They didn't exactly show anything that I didn't expect, but they looked disciplined and efficient all day.

The defense was dominant in this one, as you'd hope to see out of such a skilled unit. Gunner Stockton looked good, adding a new dimension to the offense with his legs. I had hoped to see a little more out of Nate Frazier at the RB spot, but it's just one game, to be fair.

Zach Branch was explosive, registering 3 receptions for 95 yards. It looks like his addition will be huge for the Bulldogs, as will that of true freshman TE Elyiss Williams. Colbie Young was another guy who got some run here, though the Bulldogs really did a lot to spread the ball around in the pass game.

Noah Thomas, the A&M transfer, notably didn't register a single reception, which will raise some eyebrows in Aggieland after the performance A&M fans saw out of Concepcion and Craver. Even if he's a non-factor for the Bulldogs this season, though, it looks like they have a few weapons.