Week 5 of the college football season delivered several thrilling, high-profile matchups that significantly reshaped The Hustler’s power rankings. With the NFL season now in full swing, this week presents the perfect opportunity to draw parallels between SEC teams and their professional counterparts, highlighting which programs are living up to preseason hype and which are still searching for their footing.
**1\. Ole Miss (5-0, 3-0 SEC)**
**NFL Comparison: Buffalo Bills**
Ole Miss went on the road and pulled off an upset against No. 4 LSU with all odds stacked against it. The game ended in a final score of 24-19, and Trinidad Chambliss — the Division II transfer who is now the Rebels’ starting quarterback — had an excellent game, finishing with 314 passing yards and a touchdown. Kewan Lacy and Logan Dias both rushed for touchdowns, while Da’Shawn Womack picked off LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. The gunslinger attitude of the originally underrated Chambliss and the loyalty of the team is quite similar to their NFL color companions, the Buffalo Bills.
Ole Miss has a bye next week but returns to competition on Oct. 11 to take on the Washington State Cougars.
**2\. Oklahoma (4-0, 1-0)**
**NFL Comparison: Cincinnati Bengals**
Oklahoma was on a bye last week but jumped to No. 2 in our rankings after shakeups around the league. Despite quality wins over then-No. 15 Michigan and then-No. 22 Auburn, the Sooners still have plenty to prove. Quarterback John Mateer, who injured his hand early against Auburn, finished the game but underwent surgery last week. His recovery timeline remains uncertain, leaving Michael Hawkins Jr. to start against Kent State this weekend. Hawkins started four games for the Sooners last season, throwing for 783 yards and 3 touchdowns. Like the Cincinnati Bengals, Oklahoma finds itself navigating an indefinite absence at quarterback and leaning on a backup with meaningful experience.
The Sooners’ schedule only gets tougher from here, with six of their next eight matchups against AP Top 25 opponents. They host the Golden Flashes this weekend before heading to the Cotton Bowl for the Red River Rivalry against Texas.
**3\. Texas A&M (4-0, 1-0)**
**NFL Comparison: Dallas Cowboys**
Texas A&M won its game against Auburn last week with a score a little too close for comfort, as unranked Auburn put up 10 points in response to Texas A&M’s 16. Marcel Reed passed for 207 yards but was sacked four times by the Tigers’ defense. Le’Veon Moss had a rushing touchdown in the first quarter, but the Aggies were unable to make it to the end zone again, relying on field goals by kicker Randy Bond for the rest of the game. The program’s history, emphasis on tradition and the loyalty from the fan base are akin to their hometown companion, the Dallas Cowboys.
The Aggies take on Mississippi State next week at home, where they will attempt to remain undefeated.
**4\. Alabama (3-1, 1-0)**
**NFL Comparison: Detroit Lions**
Alabama dethroned Georgia from the top of our power rankings with a 24-21 victory in Athens, returning to the AP Top 10 for the first time since its Week 1 loss to Florida State. The Crimson Tide have responded to early setbacks with statement-making wins, much like the Detroit Lions. Alabama snapped Georgia’s 33-game home winning streak — the longest active streak in the FBS — handing the Bulldogs their first home loss since Oct. 12, 2019, against South Carolina. The Tide maintained control of the lead throughout, although the game remained close. Quarterback Ty Simpson led the way with 276 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns and 1 rushing score.
[ESPN College GameDay](https://vanderbilthustler.com/2025/09/28/breaking-espns-college-gameday-to-visit-vanderbilt-vs-alabama-game-in-tuscaloosa/) heads to Tuscaloosa this weekend as Alabama hosts undefeated No. 16 Vanderbilt.
**5\. Texas (3-1, 0-0)**
**NFL Comparison: Baltimore Ravens**
Texas completely shut out Sam Houston last week in a 55-0 victory. The Longhorns gave no mercy to the Bearkats, as Christian Clark, Jerrick Gibson, Arch Manning, Ryan Wingo and Jordan Washington all had touchdowns. Manning passed for 309 yards with no interceptions and an 86% completion rate — one of the better games the young quarterback has played. The Texas attitude, ability to run up the score and a highly mobile quarterback mirror the same traits seen within the Baltimore Ravens.
Texas takes on Florida in the Swamp this weekend.
**6\. LSU (4-1, 1-1)**
**NFL Comparison: Los Angeles Chargers**
The Tigers fell nine spots in the AP poll, and four in our power rankings, following a 24-19 loss to Ole Miss in Oxford, marking their first defeat of the season. LSU took an early 7-0 lead but fell behind 17-7 at halftime and never recovered. The Tigers have struggled on the ground this season and played without their top running back, Caden Durham, due to injury. Ole Miss held LSU to just 57 rushing yards, with leading rusher Harlem Berry gaining only 22. Still, the Tigers have a bright outlook, and like the Los Angeles Chargers, they have the talent and experienced head coaching to bounce back and remain a serious contender.
LSU is on a bye this week and will return to host South Carolina on Oct. 11.
**7\. Georgia (3-1, 1-1)**
**NFL Comparison: Philadelphia Eagles**
No. 5 Georgia was taken down by No. 17 Alabama in a close 24-21 upset last week. Quarterback Gunner Stockton completed 13 of his 20 passes for 130 yards. Chauncey Brown, Josh McCray and Collie Young all had touchdowns to keep the game close, but ultimately it was to no avail. Alabama took an early lead, and Georgia could not recover. Even with the loss, Georgia’s dominance in recent years and strong emphasis on gritty defense mirrors the incumbent Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Georgia hosts SEC opponent Kentucky on Oct. 4, where it looks to rebound from its performance against Alabama and defeat one of the weakest squads in the conference.
**8\. Tennessee (4-1, 1-1)**
**NFL Comparison: Tampa Bay Buccaneers**
Tennessee improves to 4-1 following a nail-biting 41-34 overtime victory over Mississippi State. Quarterback Joey Aguilar rushed for a touchdown with just 1:55 remaining to force overtime, and DeSean Bishop secured the win with a 25-yard touchdown run on the first play of overtime. The Volunteers outgained the Bulldogs 466-378 in total yards but had three turnovers. Still, the thrilling comeback is reminiscent of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have had a few fourth-quarter comebacks this season.
Tennessee is on a bye this week and will return to host Arkansas on Oct. 11.
**9\. Vanderbilt (5-0, 1-0)**
**NFL Comparison: Indianapolis Colts**
Vanderbilt continued its undefeated streak with a 55-35 victory over Utah State at FirstBank Stadium. Junior Sherrill scored three touchdowns, while Richie Hoskins, MK Young, Eli Stowers and Diego Pavia each added one of their own. Vanderbilt’s defense started slow, but eventually found its groove and shut down Utah State’s offense. Vanderbilt’s undefeated run with a quarterback who was once doubted is very reminiscent of the revival the Indianapolis Colts have had this season under Daniel Jones.
Vanderbilt travels to Tuscaloosa this week looking to remain undefeated.
**10\. Missouri (5-0, 1-0)**
**NFL Comparison: Jacksonville Jaguars**
Missouri dominated UMass in a 42-6 home victory this past weekend. The Tigers controlled time of possession and racked up 521 total yards. Quarterback Beau Pribula was nearly flawless, completing 26-of-29 passes for 241 yards, while running back Ahmad Hardy exploded for 130 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. Missouri improved to 5-0, though it has yet to face an AP Top 25 opponent. Much like the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Tigers still have plenty to prove.
Missouri has a bye this weekend before returning to Columbia to host No. 10 Alabama for its sixth-consecutive home game.
**11\. Mississippi State (4-1, 0-1)**
**NFL Comparison: Seattle Seahawks**
Mississippi State almost pulled off an upset last week, losing 41-34 in overtime against then-No. 15 Tennessee. Fluff Bothwell racked up two touchdowns while Daven Booth and Seydou Traore each had one. Kicker Kyle Ferrie nailed two field goals to send the game into overtime, too. The Bulldogs were unable to answer Tennessee’s touchdown in overtime, ultimately dropping the game. The team’s grit and underdog mentality are very reminiscent of the Seattle Seahawks.
Mississippi State visits No. 6 Texas A&M in College Station this week, hoping to pull off the upset.
**12\. South Carolina (3-2, 1-2)**
**NFL Comparison: Arizona Cardinals**
South Carolina bounced back with a 35-13 home victory over Kentucky following consecutive losses to Vanderbilt and Missouri. While the offense totaled 341 yards, the defense stole the show, forcing four turnovers, including a 41-yard fumble return by Jatius Geer and a 45-yard interception return by Gerald Kilgore. The win gave South Carolina its first SEC victory — much like the Arizona Cardinals, who are off to a slow start but competing in a tough division.
South Carolina has a bye this weekend before heading to Death Valley to face No. 13 LSU.
**13\. Auburn (3-2, 0-2)**
**NFL Comparison: Denver Broncos**
Auburn came close to a win but ultimately fell short in a 16-10 loss to No. 9 Texas A&M. Quarterback Jackson Arnold passed for 125 yards but was sacked 5 times. He was also the only Tiger to find the end zone with a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. Auburn’s defense played very well, holding the ranked Aggies’ offense to only 16 points. Xavier Atkins recorded an interception off Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed as well. Auburn’s inconsistency but still sky-high potential draws comparisons to the Denver Broncos.
Auburn next faces off against No. 12 Georgia after a bye week, hoping to keep a winning record.
**14\. Florida (1-3, 0-1)**
**NFL Comparison: Chicago Bears**
Florida had a much-needed bye week following a 26-7 loss to Miami, dropping to 1-3 on the season. Despite the preseason hype, things have not gone as the Gators expected. With young, promising quarterback DJ Lagway getting off to a rocky start, Florida resembles the Chicago Bears — a team that had high expectations entering the season but has struggled despite elite talent in 2024 first overall pick quarterback Caleb Williams.
The Gators host the No. 9 Texas Longhorns in the Swamp this Saturday.
**15\. Kentucky (2-2, 0-2)**
**NFL Comparison: New York Jets**
Kentucky lost a grueling game to South Carolina last week by a score of 35-13. The Wildcats went just 5-for-13 on third down and 0-for-2 on fourth down, making it difficult to sustain drives. Turnovers were an issue for the Wildcats as they fumbled twice and quarterback Cutter Boley threw two interceptions, severely setting the team behind. Kentucky — with its issues moving the ball and inefficiency on offense —resembles the New York Jets.
Kentucky will next travel to Athens to take on No. 12 Georgia in Athens this week.
**16\. Arkansas (2-3, 0-1)**
**NFL Comparison: Miami Dolphins**
Arkansas’ game quickly got out of hand as the Razorbacks fell 56-13 to Notre Dame in Fayetteville, marking their third consecutive loss. The Fighting Irish dominated on all sides of the ball, forcing 2 turnovers, racking up 641 total yards and scoring on all six of their first-half drives. Arkansas managed just one field goal in the second half. The loss drops the Razorbacks to 2-3, and on Sunday, Arkansas announced the firing of head coach Sam Pittman. Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, who previously served as head coach from 2008 to 2011, will take over as interim head coach. The Razorbacks are in a situation similar to the Miami Dolphins — off to a rough, unpromising start with their head coach on the hot seat.
Arkansas has a bye this weekend before heading to Neyland Stadium to face No. 15 Tennessee.