SEC 2024 Football Schedule: The Top-10 Games

The SEC released its 2024 schedule Wednesday evening, with newcomers Texas and Oklahoma involved in some the league’s most marquee matchups next fall. 

I’ve offered my thoughts on the most notable takeaways from the release, but what about breaking down the best games? 

The SEC preserved its most storied rivalries, but by ditching divisions and adding the two Big 12 bluebloods, there’s plenty of fresh, fun games, too. So let’s rank’em. 

Here are my Top 10 SEC games in 2024…

1. Texas at Texas A&M

The two in-state rivals haven’t played in 13 years, but they’ve met 118 times previously, and after an awkward will they or won’t they pas de deux in recent times, the Lone Star Showdown is back. This is a win for all college football fans, especially the Aggies’ faithful who get to welcome the Longhorns to the SEC.

2. Georgia at Alabama 

In most other years, Georgia at Alabama would be an auto No. 1 pick here. We’re talking five of the last eight title teams. Kirby Smart vs. Nick Saban. The current top Dawgs vs. the storied Tide. Can Alabama, Saban reclaim the throne as the king of the SEC?

3. Georgia at Texas 

Oh, the storylines! Georgia hasn’t played in Austin in 66 years. We get Bevo vs. UGA Part Deux. Maybe Arch Manning vs. Dylan Railoa? This matchup is filled with all sorts of juicy narratives.

4. Tennessee at Oklahoma 

The last time we saw these two teams play it was one of the best atmospheres in Neyland Stadium in the last 20 years (obviously before last fall vs. Alabama). Next season should feature 5-star QBs Nico Iamaleava vs. Jackson Arnold. Plus, the narrative of former OU quarterback Josh Heupel going up against his alma mater. 

5. Alabama at LSU

This matchup will always rank highly on my list. The games are typically awesome. The Tigers upset the Tide last season, and we’ll see what happens this fall. Harold Perkins Jr. will be a junior looking to put the cherry on top of his NFL Draft stock, tasked with stopping the likes of 5-star tailback Justice Haynes Jr. Count me in. 

6. Oklahoma at LSU

Two big-time, traditional programs that will meet for just the fifth time ever. Brent Venables and the Sooners have a gauntlet slate in 2024, but a trip to Death Valley is easily the toughest game on the slate. 

7. Alabama at Oklahoma

Sooners fans recoil in horror the last time we saw this matchup in the 2018 College Football Playoff, but perhaps they’ll fare better hosting the Tide in Norman in 2024. These are two of college football’s bluebloods and they’ll play for just the seventh time in their school histories. 

8. Texas at Arkansas 

The former Southwest Conference rivals renew their history after playing sparingly over the last three decades. The Razorbacks routed the Longhorns in 2021, but both programs are on slightly different trajectories entering this fall. Still, Sam Pittman is 1-0 vs. Steve Sarkisian. 

9. Texas A&M vs. LSU

This might actually be shortchanging the potential of this game, as both programs could be legitimate College Football Playoff contenders in 2024. Texas A&M’s historic recruiting class will be in Year 3, while Brian Kelly will have also had three seasons to establish his culture and foundation on a Tigers program that looks primed for championship contention on an annual basis.

10. Florida at Texas 

This is just a beautiful helmet game. Two of college football’s premier programs looking to return to past glory. Florida and Texas haven’t played since WWII, and like Georgia-Texas, this game could feature a pair of 5-star QBs in Manning vs. DJ Lagway.