Missouri Football’s Shocking SEC Preseason Ranking: What It Means for Their Season Ahead

So, here we are again — SEC Media Days have rolled around, and the Missouri Tigers find themselves pegged 12th in the conference by the ever-watchful media crowd. It’s a curious spot, especially considering they’ve racked up back-to-back double-digit win seasons lately — 11-2 including that stellar Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State in ’23, followed by a solid 10-3 finish crowned by a Music City Bowl win over Iowa. Yet, the buzz around Mizzou isn’t without its bright spots: left guard Cayden Green grabbed a preseason All-SEC first-team nod, while wide receiver Kevin Coleman snagged third team honors, signaling some serious offensive potential despite the defensive unit flying under the radar this preseason. Oh, and the Tigers kick off their campaign against Central Arkansas on August 28 before diving into their SEC opener versus South Carolina on September 20. With Texas and Georgia leading the preseason predictions, Missouri’s path won’t be a cakewalk — opponents like Alabama, Oklahoma, and Auburn are no joke. Intrigued to see just how this season might unfold for Mizzou? You’re not alone. LEARN MOREMissouri has won double-digit games in back-to-back seasons, going 11-2 with a Cotton Bowl win over Ohio State in 2023 and finishing 10-3 with a Music City Bowl win over Iowa last season.Green was named to the conference’s preseason first team, while Coleman was selected to the third team. No members of the Mizzou defense are included on the league media’s preseason team.Missouri football was picked to finish 12th in the Southeastern Conference this season by the voting media at SEC Media Days. Two Mizzou players, left guard Cayden Green and wide receiver Kevin Coleman, were selected to the preseason All-SEC team.Mizzou’s opponents were ranked as follows: Alabama (No. 3); South Carolina (No. 5); Texas A&M (No. 8); Oklahoma (No. 10); Auburn (No. 11); Vanderbilt (No. 13); Arkansas (No. 14); and Mississippi State (No. 16).

The Tigers open their season Thursday, Aug. 28, against Central Arkansas. Mizzou’s first SEC game is Sept. 20 against South Carolina.

Texas was picked to win the conference title, with Georgia ranked second.

Full SEC Media Days predicted order of finish

Here is the full order of finish in the SEC this season, as voted on by SEC media. The number of first-place votes each team received is listed in parentheses.

1. Texas (96)
2. Georgia (44)
3. Alabama (29)
4. LSU (20)
5. South Carolina (5)
6. Florida (2)
7. Ole Miss (1)
8. Texas A&M
9. Tennessee (1)
10. Oklahoma (3)
11.  Auburn (1)
12. Missouri
13. Vanderbilt (2)
14. Arkansas
15. Kentucky
16. Mississippi State