2024 SEC Season Preview: Conference Predictions and Betting Picks for SEC Football

2024 SEC Season Preview: Conference Predictions and Betting Picks for SEC Football

In this article, we will meet and preview every SEC team.

The SEC's powerful slogan, "It Just Means More," underscores the conference's unique commitment to college football performance.

As we know, the SEC has been the best conference in college football over the last decade.

Once again, the SEC is expected to boast the best teams in the nation this year.

We will meet the teams in order of my preseason rankings.

2024 SEC Season Predictions

1. Texas Longhorns

• 2023 Record: (12-2)
• Key Losses: Adoni Mitchell (WR), Xavier Worthy (WR), Austin Johnson (CB), Maalik Murphy (QB), Jonathon Brooks (RB)
• Key Additions: Isaiah Bond (WR), Trey Moore (DE), Andrew Mukuba (CB), Amari Niblack (TE), Matthew Golden (WR), Silas Bolden (WR)
• SEC Title Odds: +320
• Favorite Future Pick: Texas To Win the SEC +320

Texas crushed the transfer portal, adding four top-tier playmakers.

Quinn Ewers is back in a Long Horn uniform for his third year under center. Ewers was one of the best quarterbacks in college football a season ago and has enough talent to lead the Horns to a National Championship.

The Longhorns will have one of the best offensive lines in football. Texas returns four of their five starters upfront from a season ago.

Pick: Texas To Win the SEC +320 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds

At this price, the Horns are worth a look.

Head Coach Steve Sarkisian loaded up this offense in the portal.

Niblack was the top tight end in the portal, while Bond, Bolden, and Golden are all dynamic receivers.

Texas's defense was much better last year, and it is good enough to compete and win the SEC in its first year.

2. Georgia Bulldogs

• 2023 Record: (13-1)
• Key Losses: Brock Bowers (TE), Amarius Mims (OT), Ladd McCkonkey (WR), Kamari Lassiter (CB), Javon Bullard (S), Tykee Smith (DB), Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (C), Zion Louge (DT) Kendall Milton (RB) Daijun Edwards (RB)
• Key Additions: Jaden Rashada (QB), Charlie Ham (K), Benjamin Yurosek (TE), Trevor Etienne (RB), Michael Jackson III (WR), Colbie Young (WR), London Humphreys (WR), Xzavier McLeod (DT), Jake Pope (S)
• SEC Title Odds: +200
• Favorite Future Pick: Georgia Under 10.5 wins -110

The Bulldogs' quest for a third consecutive championship came up short in 2023.

A year ago, Georgia was eliminated from the playoffs after losing to Nick Saban's Alabama squad.

Carson Beck will return under the center for Georgia, and he is expected to be in the conversation for the Heisman Trophy Award.

The defensive unit for Georgia is once again expected to be one of the best in the SEC.

Pick: Georgia Under 10.5 Wins -110 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds

The Bulldogs have one of the most demanding schedules in football (5th overall)

One thing I worry about for Georgia is their skill position players. This team lost a ton of talent to the NFL, and they do not have the quality of players that we have seen in years past.

The Bulldogs' defense will rank toward the top of the SEC, but this is not the best defense in the conference.

3. Ole Miss Rebels

• 2023 Record: (11-2)
• Key Losses: Deantre Prince (CB) Cedric Johnson (DE) Daiijahn Anthony (S) Isaac Ukwu (DE) Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste (LB) Spencer Sanders (QB) Dayton Wade (WR) Zamari Walton (CB) Quinshon Judkins (RB)
• Key Additions: Henry Parish JR (RB), Juice Wells (WR), Isaiah Hamilton (CB), Chris Hardie (DE), Rashad Amos (RB), Izaiah Hartup (WR), Deion Smith (WR), Chris Paul JR (LB), Key Lawrence (S)
• SEC Title Odds: +600
• Favorite Future Pick: Ole Miss To Make the Playoffs -125

The Rebels enjoyed a strong 2023 season but came up short of the College Football Playoff.

With the field expanded to 12 teams, the Rebels set their sights on the postseason.

Quarterback Jaxon Dart returns after a strong 2023 campaign where he threw for 3,364 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Wide Receiver Tre Harris enjoyed a breakout season, racking up 985 yards and eight touchdowns.

Pick: Ole Miss To Make The Playoffs -130 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds

Ole Miss will have one of the best offenses in the conference.

In typical Lane Kiffin fashion, this Rebels offense has the ability to be electric, led by Dart.

The difference between this Ole Miss team and year's past is their defense.

The Rebels have the talent to be a top-three defense in the SEC if they can stay healthy.

4. Alabama Crimson Tide

• 2023 Record: (12-2)
• Key Losses: JC Latham (OT) Dallas Turner (DE) Kool Aid Mckinstry (S) Terrion Arnold (CB) Chris Braswell (DE) Jermaine Burton (WR) Justin Eboigbe (DE) Jase McClellan (RB) Will Reichard (K) Jaylen Key (S) Isiah Bond (WR)
• Key Additions: King Mack (CB), Geno VanDeMark (OT), DaShawn Jones (CB), Graham Nicholson (K), Kameron Howard (S)
• SEC Title Odds: +800
• Favorite Future Pick: Alabama Under 9.5 Wins -130

The biggest story out of Tuscaloosa in the off-season was the departure of legendary head coach Nick Saban.

Former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer will have big shoes to fill.

The Tide returns Heisman finalist Jalen Milroe as the quarterback. Milroe threw for 2,834 yards and 23 passing touchdowns.

Alabama reached the College Football Playoffs and lost a thriller vs Michigan in the Semi-Finals.

Pick: Alabama Under 9.5 Wins -130 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds

My biggest concern with Alabama is their defense.

The Tide lost a ton of talent on the defensive side of the football to the NFL Draft.

The secondary for Alabama will be an issue this season.

Playing in the best conference in football, the Tide will stay under 9.5 wins.

5. LSU Tigers

• 2023 Record: (10-3)
• Key Losses: Jayden Daniels (QB), Malik Nabers (WR), Brian Thomas JR (WR), Maason Smith (DT), Jordan Jefferson (DT), Mekhi Wingo (DT)
• Key Additions: CJ Daniels (WR) Zavion Thomas (WR) Aj Swann (QB) Jyaire Brown (CB) Austin Ausberry (DT) Jardin Gilbert (S)
• SEC Title Odds: +1000
• Favorite Future Pick: LSU Under 9.5 Wins -110

In 2023, LSU was the best offense in college football.

Jayden Daniel won the Heisman while throwing to two of the best receivers in football (Malik Nabers) (and Brian Thomas JR)

The Tigers will need to find a way to replace that type of production this season.

The problem for Brian Kelly's team was their defense. LSU allowed 33 points per game in 2023.

Garrett Nussmeier is expected to get the start under center.

Pick: LSU Under 9.5 Wins -110 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds

I do not believe LSU will get to ten wins this year.

The Tigers had the best offense in college football last year and still struggled to win games.

LSU will still have issues on defense while taking a step back on the offensive side of the football.

6. Missouri Tigers

• 2023 Record: (11-2)
• Key Losses: Darius Robinson (DE), Ennis Raketstraw (CB), Ty'Ron Harper (LB), Javon Foster (OT), Jaylon Carlies (S)
• Key Additions: Toriano Pride JR (CB), Marcus Carroll (RB), Cayden Green (OT), Darris Smtih (DE), Corey Flagg (LB), Chris McClellan (DT)
• SEC Title Odds: +1800
• Favorite Future Pick: Missouri Under 9.5 Wins -150

2023 was the Tiger's best season since 2007.

Quarterback Brady Cook enjoyed a breakout season a year ago. The senior threw for 3,317 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Wide receiver Luther Burden III was one of the best receivers in the SEC in 2023. Burden racked up 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns.

The Tigers defense ranked 21st in points allowed per game (21.8).

Pick: Missouri Under 9.5 Wins -150 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds

The Tigers will come back to life after a strong season.

Playing in the SEC, I do not see how the Tigers get to double-digit wins.

Missouri lost a lot of talent on defense.

While the Tigers were active in the portal, they will take a step back on defense this season.

7. Oklahoma Sooners

• 2023 Record: (10-3)
• Key Losses: Tyler Guyton (OT), Walter Rouse (OT), Jonah Laulu (DT), Drake Stoops (WR), Austin Stogner (TE) McKAde Mettauer (OT)
• Key Additions: Damonic Williams (DT), Caiden Woullard (DE), Branson Hickman (OL), Deion Burks (WR), Sam Franklin (RB)
• SEC Title Odds: +3000
• Favorite Future Pick: Oklahoma Over 7.5 Wins -110

The Sooners have a tough draw in their first year in the SEC.

Quarterback Dillon Gabriel hit the transfer portal, forcing sophomore Jackson Arnold to take action.

Arnold, a former five-star prospect, will have his first full year as the Sooners signal-caller.

The Sooners led the Big 12 in points per game in 2023 (41.7).

Pick: Oklahoma Team Total Over 7.5 Wins -110 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds

This number needs to be higher, and we will take advantage of it.

Arnold will step up and perform at a high level this season.

Oklahoma will remain a top-scoring offense in the conference.

The Sooners fired defensive coordinator Zac Alley, who will improve this defense.

8. Tennessee Volunteers

• 2023 Record: (9-4)
• Key Losses: Jaylen Wright (RB), Joe Milton III (QB), Kamal Hadden (CB), Ramel Keyton (WR), Jabari Small (RB)
• Key Additions: Lance Heard (OT), Holden Staes (TE), Chris Brazzell III (WR), Jermod McCoy (CB), Jakobe Thomas (S), Jaxson Moi (DL), Jalen McMurray (CB)
• SEC Title Odds: +1600
• Favorite Futures Pick: Tennesse Under 9.5 Wins -180

The 2023 season was a bit disappointing for the Vols after an 11-win 2022 campaign.

The future of the program, Nico Iamaleava, will step in as the starting signal caller this season.

Iamaleava stepped in and shined in the Vols 35-0 bowl win over the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Tennessee averaged 24.4 points per game a year ago.

Pick: Tennessee Under 9.5 Wins -170 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds

Once again, the Vols do not have enough talent on defense to get to double-digit wins.

Iamaleva has all the talent in the world, but the Vols will struggle in SEC play if they cannot consistently stop the ball on defense.

The total here is too high; we will take advantage of this number.

9. Texas A&M Aggies

• 2023 Record: (7-6)
• Key Losses: Edgerrin Cooper (LB) McKinnley Jackson (DT) Layden Robinson (OT) Ainias Smith (WR) Demani Richardson (S) Josh DeBerry (CB) Earnest Crownover (FB)
• Key Additions: Will Lee III (CB), Alex Howard (LB), Cyrus Allen (WR), Trey Jones (S), Garrett Miller (TE), De'Rickey Wright (S), Nic Scourton (DE), Marcus Ratcliffe (S)
• SEC Title Odds: +1400
• Favorite Future Pick: Texas A&M Team Total Over 8.5 Wins -120

Last season was a disaster for the Aggies.

Former head coach Jimbo Fisher was brought out and fired after taking over the team in 2018.

Mike Elko was hired as the Aggies' new head coach.

Sophomore Conner Weigman will return under center after an injury-filled season in 2023.

Pick: Texas A&M Over 8.5 Wins -120 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds

Texas A&M will enjoy a solid bounce-back season.

I love the addition of Elko, who has a history within the A&M program.

The Aggies improved significantly in the transfer portal, and if they can stay healthy, they will surprise many teams in the SEC.

10. Auburn Tigers

• 2023 Record: (6-7)
• Key Losses: (Nehemiah Pritchett (CB) Jaylin Simpson (S) DJ James (CB) Justin Rogers (DT) Marcus Harris (DT) Zion Puckett (CB) Avery Jones (OL)
• Key Additions: KeAndre Lambert-Smith (WR), Rico Walker (TE), Percy Lewis (OT), Robert Lewis (WR), Antonio Kite (CB), Philip Bildi (DL), Gage Keys (DT)
• SEC Title Odds: +6000
• Favorite Future Pick: Auburn Tigers Over 7.5 Wins +130

The Tigers took a step forward under first-year head coach Hugh Freeze, reaching a bowl game.

Auburn will be poised to do more than just reach a bowl game this year.

Veteran quarterback Payton Thorne will be back under center for the Tigers.

The Tigers added defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, who will look to improve their defense from a season ago.

Pick: Auburn Tigers Team Total Over 7.5 Wins +130 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds

The Tigers will be much improved on offense this season.

Thorne has another year under his belt, and Auburn added talent in the portal.

Wide receivers KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Robert Lewis are a significant upgrade at wide receiver.

Auburn is loaded with defense talent, which makes them dangerous in the SEC.

Lastly, Auburn has four easy nonconference games that they will win.

11. Florida Gators

• 2023 Record: (5-7)
• Key Losses: ( Ricky Persall WR) Kingsley Eguakun (C) Ethan Pouncey (OL) Mannie Nunnery (LB) Richie Leonard (LB) Jaydon Hill (CB) Jalen Kimber (CB) Miguel Mitchell (S) Princely Umanmielen (DE) Scooby Williams (LB) Trevor Etienne (RB)
• Key Additions: Jason Zandamela (IOL), Cormani McClain (CB), Joey Slackman (DE), Grayson Howard (LB), Jameer Grimsley (CB), Elijah Badger (WR)
• SEC Title Odds: +12000
• Favorite Future Pick: Florida Over 5.5 Wins -120

The Gators have struggled in the first two seasons of the Billy Napier era (11-14)

Things will only get more difficult this year as Florida has the most demanding schedule in the nation.

Florida was one of the worst defensive teams in college football a year ago, and if they are going to compete this season, they need to fix their issues on defense.

Graham Mertz will be back under center as the team's starting quarterback.

Pick: Florida Team Total Over 5.5 Wins -130 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds

While the Gators have a tough draw in the SEC, they will gain a few easy nonconference wins.

Two wins the Gators will get sweat-free are vs. Samford and UCF.

The Gators have 4-6 other winnable games, including a few games at home where they will be favorites.

Florida will surprise many people this year and reach a bowl game.

12. Kentucky Wildcats

• 2023 Record: (7-6)
• Key Losses: Andru Phillips (CB), Trevin Wallace (LB), Ray Davis (RB), Devin Leary (QB), Brenden Bates (TE), Tayvion Robinson (WR), Jeremy Flax (OL), Jamarius Dinkins (T)
• Key Additions: Brock Vandagriff (QB), Jamon Dumas-Johnson (LB), Raymond Cottrell Jr (WR), Chip Traynaum (RB), Kristian Story (S), Jalen Farmer (IOL) Ja'Mori McClain (WR)
• SEC Title Odds: +10000
• Favorite Future Pick: Kentucky Over 6.5 Wins -110

The Wildcats have enjoyed back-to-back seven-win seasons and will attempt to improve that number this season.

Six of the last seven seasons have been winning years for the Cats.

Kentucky returns nine starters on defense.

Georgia transfer Brock Vandagriff will be the Wildcats starter entering the 2024 season.

Pick: Kentucky Over 6.5 Wins -110 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds

The Wildcats will earn seven or more wins this season.

Kentucky has a highly favorable schedule.

The Cats will earn three easy wins vs. nonconference opponents.

Kentucky has enough talent in the SEC to win three or four games.

13. South Carolina Gamecocks

• 2023 Record: (5-7)
• Key Losses: Xavier Legette (WR), Spencer Rattler (QB), Marcellas Dial (DB), Nick Gargiulo (IOL), Juice Wells (WR)
• Key Additions: Raheim Sanders (RB), Demetrius Knight JR (LB), Kyle Kennard (DE), Oscar Adaway III (RB), Brady Hunt (TE)
• SEC Title Odds: +12000
• Favorite Future Pick: South Carolina Under 5.5 Wins

2022 was encouraging for the Game Cocks, who finished 8-5.

Last season, Frank Beamer's team took a step backward.

Pick: South Carolina Under 5.5 Wins -110 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds

Injuries were a major issue for South Carolina, which will have to stay much healthier this season if it wants to make noise in the SEC.

The offensive line was an area of concern for the Game Cocks in 2023, allowing 41 sacks.

14. Arkansas Razorbacks

• 2023 Record: (4-8)
• Key Losses: Brady Latham (G), Antonio Grier (LB), John Morgan III (CB), Dwight McGlothern (CB), KJ Jefferson (QB), Trey Knox (TE), Ketron Jackson (WR)
• Key Additions: Taylen Green (QB), Jaheim Singeltary (CB), Anthony Booker JR (DT), Tyrone Broden (WR), Var'Keyes Gumms (TE), Andrew Armstrong (WR), Lorando Johnson (CB)
• SEC Title Odds: +20000
• Favorite Future Pick: Arkansas Under 4.5 Wins -115

The last few seasons have been rough for Arkansas.

This is a huge year for head coach Sam Pittman, who will need to field a competitive team this year or risk being fired.

Boise State transfer Taylen Green will be the team's starting quarterback.

Green threw for 1,752 yards a year ago while being a constant threat with his legs.

The Razorbacks defense was up and down a year ago.

Pick: Arkansas Under 4.5 Wins -110 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds

Arkansas did not do much to improve in the off-season.

I would be shocked if Arkansas wins more than one game in SEC Play.

The Razorbacks have a demanding conference schedule, and the likelihood of them reaching five wins is slim.

15. Mississippi State Bulldogs

• 2023 Record: (5-7)
• Key Losses: Decameron Richardson (CB), Jaden Crumedy (DT), Nathaniel Watson (LB), Marcus Banks (CB), Will Rogers (QB), Zavion Thomas (WR), Woody Marks (RB), Simeon Prince (RB)
• Key Additions: (Cameron Ball (TE), Ethan Miner (IOL), Stone Blanton (LB), Kevin Coleman (WR), Davon Booth (RB), Blake Shapen (QB), Justin Ball (TE)
• SEC Title Odds: +30000
• Favorite Future Bet: Mississippi State Under 4.5 wins -130

First-year head coach Jeff Lebby will take over this Bulldogs program.

The Bulldogs were hit hard by the transfer portal, losing key roster members, including quarterback Will Rodgers, who transferred to Washington.

Former Baylor quarterback Blake Shapen is expected to be the starting quarterback in week one.

Pick: Mississippi State Team Total Under 4.5 Wins -130 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds

The Bulldogs are starting this season from scratch.

It will take Mississippi State a few seasons to become competitive in the SEC again.

I would not be surprised if the Bulldogs do not win a game in the conference this season.

16. Vanderbilt Commodores

• 2023 Record: (2-10)
• Key Losses: Jaylen Mahoney (S), Matt Hayball (P), London Humphreys (WR), Will Sheppard (WR), Nate Clifton (DL), AJ Swann(QB)
• Key Additions: Nate Johnson (QB), Randon Fontenette (S), Eli Stowers (TE), Diego Pavia (QB), Marlon Jones JR (CB), Zaylin Wood (DL)
• SEC Title Odds: + 100000
• Favorite Future Bet: Vanderbilt Over 2.5 Wins -150

The Clark Lea era has not gone as planned thus far.

Vanderbilt took another step back a year ago with a record of 2-10 after a 5-7 season.

The team went 2-10 in Lea's first year as head coach.

New Mexico transfer Diego Pavia is expected to be the week one starter. Pavia was great a year ago, throwing for 2,973 yards and 26 touchdowns.

Pick: Vanderbilt Over 2.5 Wins -150 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds

Despite the Commodores being the worst team in the SEC, they should take care of business in none nonconference games.

Pavia is an upgrade at quarterback and will be a spark for this offense.

Lastly, there is always a chance that Vanderbilt can pull off a surprise and take down a team in SEC play.

College Football Odds

• Click here for College Football Week 1 odds
• Who will win the Heisman Trophy this year? Check out the odds here
• Can anyone unseat Georgia as the king of college football? Take a look at the latest National Championship odds to find out