The SEC enters its second season with 16 teams after Texas and Oklahoma joined the conference, which has helped boost the conference’s prestige in every way, including posting respectable NCAA academic progress rates.
While the Big Ten is the crown jewel when discussing APR standards, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has made it his mission to not just excel on the field, but focus on development in the classroom with every sport, especially football.
Nationally, one SEC program, which, outside of last season was led by who many consider to be the greatest college football coach of all time, produced a high number of professional young men now in the workforce. Results in the classroom mean much more than personal achievement, as every team must pass certain thresholds to play on Saturday which also serves as a motivational tool.
To shore up any remaining confusion, here is the technical definition of the NCAA’s APR measurement:
The APR, or Academic Progress Rate, holsds instituions accountable for the academic progress of their student-athletes through a team-based metric that accounts for the eligibility and retention of each student-athlete for each academic term.
How the APR is calculated is simpler than many think, starting with a baseline of a four-year average no lower than 930 to compete in the postseason, which can have detrimental effects on a program if the average is much lower. For example, Akron received a postseason ban for boasting a 914 APR, becoming the first team banned since the 2014 season. However, if a team, let’s say, finishes 5-7 on the year but has one of the higher APR scores, a bowl invitation could be the end reward.
Shifting the focus back to the SEC, here is where all 16 teams rank based on the average APR from the 2020-2021-2021-2022 and 2023-2024 seasons, and a comparison to how each team performed last season.
16. LSU Tigers
APR Score: 936
2024 APR Score: 952
LSU’s poor APR average pales in comparison to the football program’s prestige, as they are just six points from the 930 cutoff that would damage future postseason aspirations.
For more LSU news, analysis and opinions, visit LSU WIre
15. Tennessee Volunteers
APR Score: 950
2024 APR Score: 964
20 points above the cutoff line isn’t terrible, and finishing with a 964 APR is better than a long list of programs. However, this further shows that the SEC has continued to increase its focus on academics with an attempt to match play on the field. Last season, the Volunteers finished with ten wins and a trip to the College Football Playoff, but are now dealing with the drama surrounding QB Nico Iamaleava departing the program.
For more Tennessee news, analysis and opinion, visit VolsWire
APR Score: 954
2024 APR Score: 956
Finishing two points about its average, Texas A&M has some work to do next season both on and off the field. During head coach Mike Elko’s inaugural campaign, the Aggies started hot with seven consecutive wins, but finished a disappointing 1-4 on the year, culminating in an 8-5 finish.
13. Oklahoma Sooners
APR Score: 969
2024 APR Score: 975
During Oklahoma’s first season in the SEC, the program exceeded its APR score to a respectable 975, and while the 2024 season was one of the worst in recent history, many believe it to be a blip on the radar, especially with QB John Mateer entering the mix.
For more Oklahoma news, analysis and opinion, visit SoonersWire
12. Arkansas Razorbacks
APR Score: 970
2024 APR Score: 983
Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman might be on the hot seat, but his teams have consistently moved the needle in the classroom, posting a 983 score well above the 930 cut-line. This season, QB Taylen Green is back in the saddle, and the Razorbacks could be a surprise team in 2025.
11. Georgia Bulldogs
APR Score: 970
2024 APR Score: 979
The Georgia Bulldogs and head coach Kirby Smart have lived up to the University’s academic expectations, for the most part, and while the off-the-field issues have made national news and have led to questions inside the program, this score can be celebrated.
For more Georgia news, analysis and opinion, visit UGAWire
10. Kentucky Wildcats
APR Score: 973
2024 APR Score: 979
Kentucky finally matched Georgia in something other than basketball: both teams finished with a 979 APR score during the 2024 season. With Mark Stoops set to enter what seems like his 50th season with the Wildcats, expect a couple of upsets with former Texas A&M QB Zach Calzada potentially taking over.
For more Kentucky news, analysis and opinion, visit UKWildcatsWire
9. Vanderbilt Commodores
APR Score: 975
2024 APR Score: 979
While a 975 APR score is pretty darn good, Vanderbilt is one of the top academic institutions in the country, so it is somewhat surprising that they aren’t higher on the list. Still, credit to veteran QB Diego Pavia for making the Commodores watchable again.
8. Texas Longhorns
APR Score: 978
2024 APR Score: 986
The Texas Longhorns should be proud of what they accomplished last season, both on and off the field, posting an impressive 986 APR, while making it back to the College Football Playoff before falling to eventual champion Ohio State.
For more Texas news, analysis, and opinion, visit LonghornsWire
7. Florida Gators
APR Score: 981
2024 APR Score: 982
Florida is another prestigious university within the SEC and has lived up to such standards with a 982 APR last season, and a solid 981 overall. After a surprising finish to the 2024 campaign, the Gators have a chance to win nine games this season behind the arm of QB DJ Lagway.
For more Florida news, analysis and opinion, visit GatorsWire
6. South Carolina Gamecocks
APR Score: 981
2024 APR Score: 975
South Carolina can credit Shane Beamer for turning the program around and keeping the Gamecocks well above water in the classroom. I believe South Carolina, led by quarterback LaNorris Sellers will be one of the better teams in the SEC next season, which is no surprise under the rising stars in coaching.
5. Mississippi State Bulldogs
APR Score: 983
2024 APR Score: 979
Mississippi State has been an SEC bottom dweller for the last couple of years, mainly after Mike Leach’s sudden passing. However, the Bulldogs have stayed the course academically, which is very impressive when the results on the field aren’t matching.
4. Auburn Tigers
APR Score: 986
2024 APR Score: 990
Auburn, take a bow! The Tigers finally look the part heading into the 2025 season under head coach Hugh Freeze, whose rocky start should finally end with a loaded defense, and former five-star QB Jackson Arnold taking the reigns. In the classroom, Auburn has continued to set the standard in the SEC with a 990 APR.
For more Auburn news, analysis and opinion, visit AuburnWire
APR Score: 988
2024 APR Score: 989
Missouri is another academic institution that has lived up to the standard, coming in third with a 988 APR, so in the classroom, things are going very well, and should continue under head coach Eliah Drinkwitz.
2. Ole Miss Rebels
APR Score: 990
2024 APR Score: 980
Lane Kiffin-led teams have consistently led the SEC in APR scores, which is both humorous and revealing after years of the Rebels becoming the villains in the conference, but, hey, we now know why Ole Miss is one of the toughest teams to face year after year; they’re the full package.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
APR Score: 997
2024 APR Score: 998
Your No. 1-ranked SEC team in APR is the Alabama Crimson Tide, as former head coach Nick Saban deserves the most credit for creating a winning culture that goes past on-field play, as first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer continued the positive trend, earning a 998 APR, one of the highest in the country last season.
For more Alabama news, analysis, and opinions, visit RollTideWire
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