Paul Finebaum Didn’t Hesitate When Naming The Best Team In The SEC

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated May 30, 2025 10:00 AM ET

The SEC has arguably been the best conference in college football for the past two decades, with the Alabama Crimson Tide standing out as the most dominant program during this time, having won six national championships.

However, with Nick Saban's retirement, a change of the guard may be forthcoming. The Georgia Bulldogs have won two national championships since 2020 and claimed the SEC title last season.

Additionally, the Texas Longhorns appear to be on the rise after competing in the SEC Championship Game in their inaugural year in the conference in 2024, where they lost to Georgia 22-19 in overtime.

While both teams generate a lot of hype, Paul Finebaum stated on his show, "The Paul Finebaum Show," that the Bulldogs have earned the right to be considered the team to beat in the SEC in 2025.

"I think you're right," Finebaum said. "I think they're the SEC champs. They have the best coach in the country. They've won the last two national championships (in the league). So, I'm in firm agreement with you on that."

Finebaum believes the Bulldogs are favored due to their schedule, which he sees as much more manageable this season.

"I think Georgia's schedule is a little bit more manageable than it was a year ago," Finebaum said. "But going to Tennessee early on is difficult. That's a really tough game."

The game against Tennessee is scheduled for September 13 and will be played on the road. Last season, the Volunteers made the playoffs and faced Georgia, ultimately losing 31-17. However, Tennessee is now facing the challenge of replacing several key players, including their star quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who unexpectedly entered the transfer portal.

Similarly, Georgia is also in need of a new starting quarterback after Carson Beck unexpectedly entered the transfer portal. The Bulldogs are expected to start Gunner Stockton, who filled in for Beck during the College Football Playoff after Beck was injured in the first half of the game against Texas. Georgia lost that game 23-10.

The Bulldogs will be looking for a much better outcome this time when Stockton starts. They will open their season on Aug. 30 against Marshall at 3:30 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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