Way-too-early 2024 SEC football power rankings without Nick Saban

15. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Mississippi finished just ahead of Arkansas in 2023 and I’m expecting to see a similar result in 2024. Head coach Jeff Lebby announced that he was bringing in six new assistant coaching hires at the end of last season which will hopefully help turn the page to a new chapter for the Bulldogs.

In his first signing class, Lebby was able to bring in a handful of four-star recruits that will be good fits for the team. Offensive tackle Jimothy Lewis and wide receiver JJ Harrell will bring some much-needed firepower to the offense.

The Bulldogs 2024 signing class ranks 34th nationally but 15th in the SEC, ahead of Vanderbilt.

Mississippi State also has a tough schedule next season, playing Texas, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Georgia on the road.

14. Arkansas Razorbacks

The Razorbacks didn’t have a great showing in 2023. Winning only four games all season, Arkansas went 1-7 in the SEC and finished in last place in the SEC West.

In November, head coach Sam Pittman added Bobby Petrino as his offensive coordinator and brought in eight four-star recruits. Petrino and Arkansas’ young players should hopefully help the Razorbacks eke out a few more wins in 2024.

Playing Arkansas Pine Bluff and UAB in non-conference games should have the team starting off on the right foot. However, having to play Auburn at Jordan Hare as the conference opener doesn’t bode well for the rest of the season.

13. Florida Gators

Just like South Carolina’s performance last season, the Gators finished at 5-7 overall and 3-5 in the conference. 

Billy Napier was able to sign two 5-star and nine 4-star recruits as head coach of the Gators but that only brings Florida in at 8th in the SEC signing class rankings this year.

With arguably the toughest schedule in the conference, I’m not sure Napier will be able to repeat last year’s semi-success of almost breaking even.