Predicting SEC football scores in Week 5: Battle of Keelon Russell and Kamario Taylor

Once again, there are some top-25 matchups involving SEC teams this week in college football. Both quarterbacks Keelon Russell of Alabama and Kamario Taylor of Mississippi State are looking to stamp their excellence on the 2026 football season.

The University of Florida also wants to show people that its win over Ole Miss wasn’t a fluke, and making a statement on the road against Missouri is a top priority.

Here is how every SEC game could play out this weekend.

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No. 7 Alabama vs. No. 16 Mississippi State

Sep 26, 2026; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Keelon Russell (12) throws the ball during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor might be the most electrifying player in college football. He’s not on the level of Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, but there isn’t a player who means as muc to a team as Taylor means to the Bulldogs.

Taylor has led his team to a couple of big wins, and this will be the biggest test. While Taylor is a star, Alabama has a pretty good quarterback of its own, and that’s Keelon Russell. The former five-star has been productive on both the ground and through the air.

This game will come down to which quarterback makes the bigger play. Alabama’s defense is better than the Bulldogs, but Mississippi State is at home. Who will get the final drive to win the game?

Final score: Alabama 31, Mississippi State 27

No. 8 Florida vs. No. 25 Missouri

Florida running back Jadan Baugh (13) scores against Mississippi during their game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

For anyone who doubted Florida, it appears the Gators are indeed back. Jon Sumrall has quickly turned Florida around, and the Gators left no doubt against Ole Miss. Running back Jadan Baugh is one of the best running backs in the country, and he already has 600 yards on the season.

Missouri’s defense is among the top half of the SEC, but the Tigers haven’t played as dynamic an offense as Florida’s. Last week, Missouri lost to Mississippi State, and with Baugh and quarterback Aaron Philo, the Tigers could be in for back-to-back losses.

Running back Ahmad Hardy is inching closer to a return, and Missouri’s offense could use a bonadife NFL back on its roster. But the key matchup to this game is the Tigers’ defense vs. Florida’s offense.

Final score: Florida 31, Missouri 24

Auburn vs. No. 17 Tennessee

Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) throws the ball during a college football game between Tennessee and Texas at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Sept. 26, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Tennessee is one drive away from being talked about as one of the best teams in college football. After getting the onside kick against Texas, the Vols couldn’t capitalize and suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Longhorns at home.

But it was a good learning experience for freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon, and now, he looks to bounce back against Auburn. The Tigers have been a mystery this season. They could’ve taken down Florida, but then Auburn struggled to put away Vanderbilt.

Quarterback Byrum Brown has far too many turnovers this season, and if he goes into Knoxville turning it over, it’s going to be a long game for the Tigers.

Final score: Tennessee 27, Auburn 20

The rest of the games will be quick-hitter style

• No. 2 Georgia 38, Vanderbilt 13
• South Carolina 30, No. 24 Kentucky 27
• Texas A&M 41, Arkansas 10
• No. 11 LSU 56, McNeese 6

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