Where LSU Football lands in spring SEC power rankings

5. Florida Gators

This is probably going to cause some controversy. But I can’t see putting Florida higher than No. 5. Look, the Gators are good. And Dan Mullen is a good coach. But I think we’ve seen their ceiling under Mullen. The Gators have to replace Kyle Trask and Kyle Pitts. That’s not easy. If Florida didn’t win the SEC East with Pitts, how are they going to win it without him?

4. LSU Tigers

Last year was a complete disaster for LSU, yet the program still finished 5-5. Bo Pelini wasn’t a good fit as the program’s defensive coordinator. And the offense never reached its full potential under Steve Ensminger and passing game coordinator Scott Linehan. Throw in numerous player opt-outs (plus a major injury to starting quarterback Myles Brennan) and it’s a miracle the Tigers went 5-5. Ed Orgeron revamped the coaching staff and the Tigers have the best quarterback room in the SEC. The future is looking bright.

3. Texas A&M Aggies

I think LSU will finish above Texas A&M in 2021 in the SEC West. But there’s no way I could put the Tigers above the Aggies yet. Texas A&M is coming off an impressive 9-1 season. Is that their ceiling under Jimbo Fisher? Probably. But they’re still one of the top teams in the SEC until proven otherwise.

2. Georgia Bulldogs

This feels like a prove-it year for Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs. Georgia is routinely among the top programs in the nation, but the Smart era is starting to feel like Mark Richt’s second act. The Bulldogs are landing some of the top talent in the country, yet they can’t seem to breakthrough. There’s no way Smart is on the hot seat (that’s laughable), but you have to wonder if this is as good as it’s going to get for Georgia under Smart.

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

How much longer can Nick Saban sustain this type of success? It looks like there’s no end in sight. At this point, it doesn’t matter who Alabama loses. Or who is even on the roster. The Crimson Tide just keep reloading and dominating college football. I don’t think Alabama is going to waltz to a championship in 2021, but they’re the favorite until they’re not.