Texas Tops SEC, Illinois Finals Set for 2025

Texas has been selected by the media as the favorite to win the 2025 SEC Championship, garnering 96 first-place votes, with Georgia projected as their primary challenger after receiving 44 first-place votes and featuring new quarterback Gunner Stockton. Alabama and LSU complete the top four in preseason projections, while Vanderbilt surprisingly received a handful of champion votes. Tennessee was ranked ninth, marking their lowest preseason placement under coach Josh Heupel amid significant roster changes. The SEC's expansion to 16 teams has heightened competition and unpredictability across the conference. In high school football, the Illinois High School Association has released the 2025 schedules, setting state finals for November 28–29, although some top programs have faced difficulties arranging nonconference matchups. The shifting landscapes at both the college and high school levels point to a dynamic and unpredictable 2025 football season.