Updated 2023 SEC Football Championship odds released

Chandler Vesselsby:Chandler Vessels•05/14/23•

ChandlerVessels

With spring practice now behind us, early odds for the 2023 SEC Football Championship have been released via VegasInsider. It should come as no surprise that Georgia, which won both the conference championship and national championship last season, enters the preseason as the favorite.

The Bulldogs finished with an unblemished 15-0 record this past season and rolled past LSU in the SEC Championship for a 50-30 victory. However, they have to replace several key pieces after quarterback Stetson Bennett, defensive lineman Jalen Carter, linebacker Nolan Smith and others are on to NFL careers.

Still, no one is doubting the returning talent that Kirby Smart brings back, highlighted by linebackers Smael Mondon and Jamon Dumas-Johnson and tight end Brock Bowers. They also have a former four-star quarterback set to take over for Bennett in Carson Beck.

After Georgia, it’s Alabama that comes in with the second-best odds to win the SEC Championship. The Crimson Tide are used to being in that position and have won seven of the past 10 conference title games.

However, Alabama faces stiff competition in the form of LSU, which won the SEC West in 2022 and comes in with the third-best odds. The Tigers return starting quarterback Jayden Daniels and his top receiver, Malik Nabers, as they’ll hope to take the next leap after an impressive first year under Brian Kelly.

You can view the full list of odds for the 2023 SEC Football Championship below.

2023 SEC Football Championship odds

Evaluating other contenders for the SEC Championship

Surprisingly, Texas A&M comes in with the fourth-best odds to win the SEC Championship after LSU. The Aggies are coming off of a 5-7 finish and saw 31 players transfer out, so it’s puzzling why they would be ranked ahead of some of the teams they are.

One of those teams is the one right behind them in Tennessee, which finished last season as the nation’s top offense with 46.1 points per game. The Volunteers lose quarterback Hendon Hooker to the NFL but have a talented player waiting to replace him in Joe Milton.

Ole Miss could also have an outside shot. The Rebels started last season 7-0 before going 1-5 over their final six games, but brought in 17 players from the transfer portal, including quarterbacks Spencer Sanders and Walker Howard.

Lastly, South Carolina finds itself far down this list and has a long road ahead of it to be considered a contender for the SEC Championship. But the Gamecocks have improved both years so far under Shane Beamer and bring back quarterback Spencer Rattler and his top receiver, Juice Wells. That at least makes them an interesting team to keep an eye on.