SEC Power Rankings: Texas Longhorns Bounce Back After Win Over Oklahoma

At long last, the Texas Longhorns looked like the team everyone expected them to be prior to the season.

The Longhorns' defense was absolutely suffering in this year's edition of the Red River Rivalry, guiding them to a 23-6 victory over the hated Oklahoma Sooners. The offense made some plays as well, and even the special teams unit got in on the fun with a punt-return touchdown.

After a very underwhelming start to the season, the Longhorns look like they could turn a corner if they can keep playing like this. Understandably, this win was enough to bump them up in our SEC power rankings, but just how much?

1. Texas A&M Aggies (6-0 Overall, 3-0 SEC)

Oct 11, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Dayon Hayes (50) reacts after recovering a fumble in the fourth quarter against the Florida Gators at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Last Week: 2
Week 7 Result: 34-17 win vs. Florida

The Aggies played arguably their most complete game of the season against Florida, with the offense and defense both putting together solid performances. Mike Elko's team is now 6-0 for the first time since 2016 and looks like a major threat.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide (5-1, 3-0)

Last Week: 4
Week 7 Result: 27-24 win at Missouri

The Crimson Tide has opened conference play with three-straight wins over ranked opponents, two of them coming on the road. Ty Simpson continued to impress as he completed 23 of 31 passes for 100 yards and three touchdowns. There are some things to clean up for sure, but Kalen DeBoer deserves a ton of credit for the turnaround.

3. Ole Miss Rebels (6-0, 3-0)

Last Week: 1
Week 7 Result: 24-21 win vs. Washington State

After their bye week, the Rebels came out inexplicably flat and defeated Washington State, which lost to North Texas 59-10 earlier this season, by just three points. Considering they were 32.5-point favorites, the Rebels' performance on Saturday was simply embarrassing, even though they won.

4. Georgia Bulldogs (5-1, 3-1)

Last Week: 5
Week 7 Result: 20-10 win at Auburn

The Bulldogs fell behind 10-0 in the second quarter, but once again showed their resolve and scored 20 unanswered points to beat their rival on the road in a bizarre game. Kirby Smart's team has looked pretty mortal throughout this season, but it's still very difficult to bring the Bulldogs down.

5. Tennessee Volunteers (5-1, 2-1)

Last Week: 6
Week 7 Result: 34-31 win vs. Arkansas

It was a closer game than expected, but the Volunteers held on for a gritty win over lowly Arkansas. DeSean Bishop had a career day on the ground, rushing for 145 yards (10.4 yards per carry) and a touchdown in the victory.

6. LSU Tigers (5-1, 2-1)

Last Week: 8
Week 7 Result: 20-10

The Tigers' offense still leaves much to be desired, but their defense continues to impress. They allowed just 317 total yards and forced two turnovers in the win over South Carolina. However, this offense has to be better against the best of the best in the SEC.

7. Missouri Tigers (5-1, 1-1)

Last Week: 7
Week 7 Result: 27-24 loss vs. Alabama

Missouri's defense did its part against Alabama, but the offense struggled for much of the day. Quarterback Drew Pribula threw two fourth-quarter interceptions, the second of which basically ended the game.

8. Texas Longhorns (4-2, 1-1)

Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) tackles Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) in the first half of the Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorn at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. | SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Last Week: 11
Week 7 Result: 23-6 win vs. Oklahoma (Dallas)

The Longhorns' defense sent a message on Saturday, recording five sacks and three interceptions against Oklahoma star quarterback John Mateer. Arch Manning didn't light up the stat sheet, but he played clean, efficient football to help lift Texas to a season-altering victory.

9. Oklahoma Sooners (5-1, 1-1)

Last Week: 3
Week 7 Result: 23-6 loss vs. Texas (Dallas)

Mateer's return wasn't the boon that the Sooners were hoping for, as the Heisman Trophy contender struggled mightily against a stifling Texas defense. Oklahoma did not score in the second half.

10. Vanderbilt Commodores (5-1, 1-1)

Last Week: 9
Week 7 Result: Bye

The Commodores return from their bye week for an intriguing home matchup with LSU on Saturday.

11. Mississippi State Bulldogs (4-2, 0-2)

Last Week: 10
Week 7 Result: Bye

The Bulldogs come out of their bye week to face Florida on the road on Saturday.

12. South Carolina Gamecocks (3-3, 1-3)

Last Week: 12
Week 7 Result: 20-10 loss at LSU

The Gamecocks' offense has struggled for much of the season, and did so again against a strong LSU defense. Even with the defense forcing three turnovers, LaNorris Sellers and co. failed to do much with the ball throughout the night, leading to another disappointing defeat.

13. Florida Gators (2-4, 1-2)

Last Week: 13
Week 7 Result: 34-17 loss at Texas A&M

The Gators started well with two first-quarter touchdowns, but couldn't get much going after that. Going 1-for-11 on third downs won't win many games, though that might be more a product of Texas A&M's defense than Florida's offense.

14. Auburn Tigers (3-3, 0-3)

Last Week: 14
Week 7 Result: 20-10 loss vs. Georgia

The Tigers had a perfect opportunity to upset their rival and earn a statement win, only to let the game slip away at the first sign of adversity. Hugh Freeze's team once again crumbled in the second half of a big game, only further turning up the temperature on the coach's seat.

15. Kentucky Wildcats (2-3, 0-3)

Last Week: 15
Week 7 Result: Bye

The Wildcats will be well-rested when they host Texas on Saturday.

16. Arkansas Razorbacks (2-4, 0-2)

Last Week: 16
Week 7 Result: 34-31 loss at Tennessee

The Razorbacks deserve credit for keeping it close against Tennessee in their first game since firing Sam Pittman, but it wasn't enough for a monumental upset. At the very least, Arkansas looks to be competing after previously looking dead in the water.