Georgia Dominates the Poll: The Bulldogs received **88 of 164 first-place votes**, making them the overwhelming favorite to win the SEC Championship in 2026. Texas followed with **57 first-place votes**, while no other team claimed more than six.
Ole Miss and Texas A&M Round Out the Top 5: Ole Miss (6 first-place votes) is predicted third, with Texas A&M (5) at fourth and LSU (2) in fifth — a notable jump for the Tigers under new head coach Lane Kiffin.
All-SEC Team Highlights: Ole Miss QB **Trinidad Chambliss** — a former Division II transfer — was voted first-team All-SEC quarterback. Texas QB **Arch Manning** earned second-team honors behind him.
LSU's Lane Kiffin Era Begins: After a disappointing 10th-place finish in 2025, LSU hired Kiffin away from Ole Miss. The Tigers were picked 5th and placed **nine players** on All-SEC teams, tied for the most in the conference.
Kentucky Gets the Outlier Vote: Of the 164 media voters, one cast a first-place vote for Kentucky — the only surprise nod outside the traditional powerhouses.
Why This Matters: The SEC has placed multiple teams in the College Football Playoff in consecutive seasons, and the 2026 preseason poll provides early indicators of which programs have the talent and momentum to make a run at the national title.
The media's predicted order of finish for the 16-team SEC is as follows:
| Rank | Team | First-Place Votes |
|------|------|:----------------:|
| 1 | Georgia | 88 |
| 2 | Texas | 57 |
| 3 | Ole Miss | 6 |
| 4 | Texas A&M | 5 |
| 5 | LSU | 2 |
| 6 | Alabama | 3 |
| 7 | Oklahoma | 2 |
| 8 | Tennessee | — |
| 9 | Florida | — |
| 10 | Missouri | — |
| 11 | South Carolina | — |
| 12 | Auburn | — |
| 13 | Vanderbilt | — |
| 14 | Kentucky | 1 |
| 15 | Mississippi State | — |
| 16 | Arkansas | — |
Georgia and Texas have already built a compelling recent history. The Bulldogs defeated the Longhorns in the 2024 SEC Championship Game (22-19) after beating them in Austin during the regular season. Last season, Georgia faced Alabama in the SEC title game — winning decisively by three touchdowns — before falling to Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff.
Texas, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, has reloaded with talent and brings 11 players on the preseason All-SEC teams — more than any other program. The Longhorns are looking to capture their first SEC title since joining the league.
One of the biggest storylines of the offseason was Lane Kiffin's departure from Ole Miss to take over at LSU. The move sent shockwaves through the conference. Kiffin, who left the Rebels before their College Football Playoff run last November, brings with him a star-studded roster that includes former Colorado OT Jordan Seaton and QB Sam Leavitt.
Kiffin addressed the pressure at SEC Media Days, saying, *"Everyone talks about the pressure of LSU and what comes with that … then there’s the expectations that everybody in the media has that we're supposed to be this great team right away. That's an awesome challenge."*
LSU kicks off its season at home against Clemson on September 5.
The quarterback landscape in the SEC has shifted dramatically. Trinidad Chambliss — who began his college career at Division II Ferris State — emerged as one of the best passers in the nation in 2025 and was voted the preseason first-team All-SEC QB. Arch Manning, the highly touted Texas signal-caller, was placed on the second team ahead of Georgia's Gunner Stockton.
Notably, 2025 preseason first-team QB LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina) and LSU's Garrett Nussmeier both struggled last season. Sellers opted to return to school, while Nussmeier was selected in the seventh round of the NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Since 1992, only 10 times has the media's preseason predicted champion gone on to actually win the SEC title game. While Georgia is the clear favorite, history suggests the race is far from decided.
When was the 2026 SEC preseason poll released?
The poll was released on Friday, July 24, 2026, during SEC Media Days in Tampa, Florida.
Who was voted the preseason first-team All-SEC quarterback?
Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss, a former Division II transfer from Ferris State, earned first-team honors. Texas QB Arch Manning was voted to the second team.
How many first-place votes did Georgia receive?
Georgia received 88 of 164 total first-place votes, more than all other teams combined.
Why did Lane Kiffin leave Ole Miss for LSU?
After LSU fired Brian Kelly following a disappointing 10th-place finish in the SEC, they hired Kiffin away from Ole Miss — a move he made before the Rebels' College Football Playoff run last November.
Which SEC teams had the most players on preseason All-SEC teams?
Texas led all teams with 11 players, while LSU placed nine players across the first, second, and third teams.
Has the preseason poll favorite historically won the SEC title?
Only 10 times since 1992 has the media's preseason predicted champion gone on to win the SEC title game, making it far from a guarantee.
For Georgia Fans: The Bulldogs are the clear frontrunners, but history shows the preseason favorite doesn't always win. Keep an eye on the November 30 rivalry game against Georgia Tech and the potential SEC Championship rematch with Texas.
For Texas Supporters: With 11 All-SEC selections and Arch Manning under center, the Longhorns have the depth to challenge Georgia. The regular-season matchup between these two teams could decide the conference.
For LSU Followers: The Kiffin era brings instant excitement, but 5th place in the poll reflects the need for on-field results. The season opener vs. Clemson on Sept. 5 will be an early litmus test.
For Neutral Fans: The SEC is deeper than ever. Programs like Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Missouri (with RB Ahmad Hardy returning from injury), and even dark horse Kentucky could spring surprises.
How to Prepare: Set your reminders for Week 1 — especially LSU vs. Clemson and the key SEC clashes that will shape the playoff picture. Follow the official SEC schedule [here](https://www.secsports.com/football/schedule?ref=yanuki.com) for updates.
Do you think Georgia will live up to the hype and win the SEC title in 2026? Or will Texas, LSU, or another dark horse like Ole Miss steal the spotlight? Let us know in the comments below!
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