In a comprehensive discussion on SEC football for the 2025 season, PFF analyst Max Chadwick joined SEC Sunday Night with Rob Williams and Craig McMichael provided valuable insights into team rankings, quarterback evaluations, and defensive standouts across the conference. The conversation began with an overview of PFF’s grading process, emphasizing its widespread use among NFL and college football teams for player evaluation and game preparation.
When asked about clear favorites in the SEC for 2025, Chadwick identified Texas and Alabama as the top two teams. He explained, “I think Alabama top to bottom roster-wise is among the four or five best in college football. I know they have a brand new quarterback in Tai Simpson, but he was a former five-star recruit.” Chadwick also praised Alabama’s elite offensive line, star receiver Ryan Williams, and potentially the best defense in college football.
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For Texas, Chadwick highlighted their strong defense and the potential upgrade at quarterback with Arch Manning. He stated, “Texas, they’re up there too for the best defense in the country with superstars everywhere in that defense. And then obviously Arch Manning on offense too I think will be a big upgrade over Quinn Ewers who I think kind of held them back at times last year too.”
The conversation then shifted to quarterback evaluations, with a focus on some of the most hyped prospects in the SEC. Chadwick expressed some reservations about LaNorris Sellers of South Carolina, despite his first-team All-SEC selection by coaches. He compared Sellers to players like Anthony Richardson and Jalen Milroe, noting, “I’m a little weary of Sellers. I think his decision-making, his accuracy, he still leaves a lot to be desired right now.”
When asked about underrated quarterbacks in the conference, Chadwick pointed to Diego Pavia of Texas A&M and Taylen Green of Arkansas. He praised Pavia as a top-10 quarterback in the country and described Green as a “freak athlete” with a massive arm and the ability to run for significant yardage.
The discussion also touched on Austin Simmons of Ole Miss, with Chadwick expressing optimism about his potential in Lane Kiffin’s quarterback-friendly offense. He noted Simmons’ impressive performance against Georgia when called upon and the strong receiving corps at Ole Miss.
Shifting to the defensive side of the ball, Chadwick identified Alabama and Texas as having the top two defenses in the country. He explained, “Alabama’s the only team in the country who had a top 10 player at every single defensive position.” For Texas, he highlighted their secondary and linebacker units as the best in the country, along with star edge rusher Colin Simmons.
Other teams mentioned for their defensive prowess included Georgia, despite losing some talent to the NFL draft, and Texas A&M, particularly for their front seven. Chadwick also discussed LSU’s defense, emphasizing the need for improvement if they want to contend for a playoff spot in 2025.
The conversation delved into specific player evaluations, including South Carolina’s Dylan Stewart. Chadwick praised Stewart as potentially the best pass rusher in college football, stating, “As a pass rusher, he’s probably the best pass rusher in college football right now. I would say that right now.” He projected Stewart as a likely top-five pick in the 2027 NFL draft.
Another player highlighted was South Carolina’s Nyck Harbor, whom Chadwick described as possibly the freakiest athlete in college football. He compared Harbor’s athleticism to that of Calvin Johnson, noting his impressive size (6’5″, 235 lbs) combined with sprinter-level speed. Chadwick emphasized the need for Harbor to develop his route running and hands to reach his full potential.
The discussion also touched on the changing landscape of SEC football, with offenses becoming more prolific in recent years. Chadwick noted that while SEC defenses remain strong, the offensive improvements have shifted the balance somewhat.
Regarding LSU, Chadwick stressed the importance of defensive improvement for the team’s success in 2025. He pointed out that despite having elite offenses in recent years, defensive shortcomings have held the team back. Chadwick praised LSU’s linebacker unit, featuring players like Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins Jr., but expressed concerns about their defensive line and secondary.
Throughout the conversation, Chadwick provided context for his evaluations by referencing PFF’s grading system and the extensive data they collect on players and teams. He emphasized the value of PFF’s services to NFL and college football teams, noting that every NFL team and FBS program subscribes to their advanced analytics package.
The discussion painted a picture of an SEC that remains highly competitive, with Alabama and Texas leading the pack but several other teams poised to make noise in 2025. The focus on quarterback play and defensive prowess highlighted the key factors that are likely to determine success in the conference. As the season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how these projections and evaluations play out on the field.
