Fansided · Dec 3, 2025
Assessing the SEC’s three new Group of Five coaches
Auburn football head coach Alex Golesh speaks during his introductory press conference at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. | Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesThe SEC is entering 2025 with a rare storyline: three Group of Five head coaches making the jump into the nation’s toughest conference. None of them have coached a single SEC snap yet, but early impressions, résumé strength, cultural fit, and fan enthusiasm already provide a fascinating power ranking of who looks strongest on paper heading into Year 1.
These early rankings aren’t based on roster talent or projected win totals: only fit, potential, and early fan/base excitement.