The SEC is cyclical
The so called "Top Teams" in the SEC tend to change from year to year. But, the league always produces tough teams.
Since 1990, Alabama, Florida (twice), Tennessee and LSU have won national championships. Auburn has had 2 undefeated seasons when it eas not "voted #1" (A few years later they had a winless season). Georgia has also had 10 and 11 win seasons.
This year, Auburn and Tennessee are down (as tennessee has been for a few years). But, Kentucky and South Carolina have their best team in years. Florida went through is Zook years.
The league is filled with coaches who have won national titles (Meyer, Saban, Spurrier and Fulmer--don't gag--) and other coaches who have had success in the SEC and elsewhere (Tubberville, undefeated season; Richt, SEC titles; Brooks).