Full Breakdown
Georgia Favored in 2026 SEC Preseason Media Poll
7/26/2026, 5:40:10 AM
Core Event: Media Poll Results
The SEC media poll released on Friday at Media Days in Tampa ranks the Georgia Bulldogs as the preseason favorite. Georgia received 88 first-place votes and 2,519 points, securing the top spot. Texas follows with 57 first-place votes and 2,449 points. Ole Miss is third. The poll projects Georgia and Texas to meet in the SEC Championship Game on December 5 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Background & Context
SEC Media Days gathered 164 media members who voted on the preseason order of finish and All-SEC teams. 2026 is the first season the conference will play a nine-game conference schedule, a change announced in August. Historically, the preseason favorite has captured the title only 10 times since 1992.
Data & Statistics
- First-place votes: Georgia 88, Texas 57, Ole Miss 6, Texas A&M 5, LSU 2, Alabama 3, Oklahoma 2, Kentucky 1.
- Points: Georgia 2,519; Texas 2,449; Ole Miss 2,004; Texas A&M 1,967; LSU 1,961; Alabama 1,930; Oklahoma 1,914; Tennessee 1,320; Florida 1,217; Missouri 1,105; South Carolina 956; Auburn 936; Vanderbilt 751; Kentucky 546; Mississippi State 467; Arkansas 262.
- All-SEC selections: Georgia and Texas together hold eight first-team spots on the preseason offense and defense.
Official Statements & Responses
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has not issued a direct comment. Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables said the rankings are “bulletin-board material” that can motivate his players.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Yeah, I screenshot the lists and stuff like that,” — Norman.
Key Figures & Groups
- Kirby Smart – Georgia head coach.
- Steve Sarkisian – Texas head coach.
- Pete Golding – Ole Miss head coach.
- Brent Venables – Oklahoma head coach.
- Kalen DeBoer – Alabama head coach.
Why It Matters
The poll sets expectations for a repeat Georgia-Texas showdown, echoing the 2024 matchup. The new nine-game schedule means each conference game carries more weight in determining the two finalists.
What’s Next
- December 5: SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, featuring the predicted Georgia-Texas rematch.
- Regular-season conference play begins in early September, with each team facing nine SEC opponents and at least one Power-Five non-conference opponent, as required by league policy.
The preseason poll offers a snapshot of media expectations, but the SEC’s history shows that favorites win the championship only a fraction of the time, underscoring the uncertainty ahead.
