Means-too-early SEC basketball tiers: Florida and Texas headline school basketball’s greatest league

The Large Ten was one of the best convention in school Basketball final season, however the SEC is primed to regain that crown in 2026-27. The SEC flexed its muscle groups this spring in free company in each retention and within the switch portal. The SEC retained 10 of its top-30 scorers from a 12 months in the past, and none of these top-30 scorers transferred out of the league. Oh, and it poached 11 top-30 scorers from the 4 different high-major leagues, headlined by No. 2-rated Iowa State switch Milan Momcilovic, who picked Kentucky over Louisville and Arizona.

Meaning 21 top-30 scorers from high-major leagues will go well with up within the SEC subsequent season. For reference, the Large Ten is second with … 14. The quantity of confirmed expertise within the SEC is off-the-charts good.

The winner of this league goes to be battle-tested. With summer time practices tipping off this week, it is time to take a listing of every crew. These convention tiers present a preferable option to contextualize every roster’s outlook.

Spoiler alert: I’ve 10 groups with a top-25 grade. Loaded league. Simply LOADED.

• Tier 1 – Title contenders: Fairly lower and dry. I believe these groups have the upside to win the title. Not simply make the second weekend. Not simply win three in a row due to a pleasant draw. Six straight, do-or-die wins.
• Tier 2 – High 25 caliber membership: These groups have accrued loads of expertise and needs to be safely within the NCAA Event area at present, however they’ve just a few flaws that would maintain them out of the highest tier.
• Tier 3 – Event crew: These groups have constructed good rosters and will flirt with top-25 standing, however let’s be sincere: they are not critical title threats.
• Tier 4 – Bubble, even with a 76-team area: A Large Dance look is within the vary of potential outcomes, however the NIT, the Crown (or worse) looms if issues fizzle.
• Tier 5 – The basement: These groups have a slim likelihood of creating the Large Dance until one thing drastically clicks or they make a late splash in recruiting.

Let’s dive in.

Tier 1: Nationwide title contenders

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1. Florida

2025-26 document: 27-8, 16-2 in SEC play.

Postseason: No. 1 seed; misplaced in Spherical of 32.

Projected 2026-27 beginning lineup

High bench choices: G Isaiah Brown, Wing CJ Ingram II, G Alex Lloyd, F Arturas Butajevas, F Domen Petrovic, C Viktor Mikic, G AJ Brown

The inside track: Florida would be the greatest rebounding crew within the nation with Alex Condon, Tommy Haugh and Rueben Chinyelu again within the fold in a mark of unprecedented retention. All three are All-SEC gamers in 2026-27. You may’t say that about some other SEC membership. Elite rebounding, in layman’s phrases, equals extra scoring possibilities. Florida gained the rebounding plus turnover delta by 10.4 possessions per recreation towards high-major foes, per CBB Analytics. That ranked second solely behind Duke. The Gators’ large shot-volume edge offers Florida the best ground in all of faculty basketball. 

This Florida crew cannot stink subsequent 12 months.

However the Gators’ ceiling hinges on jumpers entering into (novel idea).

Florida ranked within the twenty second percentile in effectivity on soar photographs, and Todd Golden is relying closely on inside improvement to repair these brick-laying woes. Incremental development from Haugh and Condon would not damage, however frankly, level guard Boogie Fland must be higher, and he’ll with assist from the Yr 2 switch soar. Extra enjoying time for City Klavzar will assist; the 6-foot-1 junior is one of the best 3-point shooter on the roster. One other surge for second-unit guards like Isaiah Brown and Alex Lloyd will not damage both.

Kentucky switch Denzel Aberdeen is the wild card. The senior guard is attempting to get a fifth 12 months of eligibility as a result of he solely performed 41 minutes as a real freshman in 2022-23. However he performed in 12 of 33 video games (36%) and was not damage. Usually, a participant who fits up for 30% or fewer of the video games after which suffers a season-ending harm can get a 12 months again. Aberdeen doesn’t hit both of these benchmarks, so his case, below the present guidelines, is shaky. However there are not any guidelines in school athletics anymore, so the wait continues. There is not any doubt that Aberdeen would assist this group significantly. The 6-foot-5 guard is usually a jolt of immediate offense, and he shot 62% on the rim and 36% from 3-point vary on 171 makes an attempt final 12 months. 

If Aberdeen cannot play, Florida remains to be in superb form. Fland, Haugh, Condon and Chinyelu are all useful-to-excellent particular person defenders. This might simply be a top-5 protection within the sport. You may win a ton of video games with smashmouth basketball that depends on protection, rebounding and free throws, plus Condon and Chinyelu have taken big strides as environment friendly, low-post scorers who can punish mismatches. 

However Aberdeen’s splash of shot-making would vault Florida into a special zip code. It will stroll into each recreation with an insane margin of error.

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2. Texas

2025-26 document: 21-15, 9-9 in SEC play.

Postseason: No. 11 seed; misplaced within the Candy 16

Projected 2026-27 beginning lineup

High bench choices: G Amari Evans, G Mikey Lewis, G Bo Ogden, G Joe Sterling, F John Clark, G Mantas Laurencikas, C Lewis Obiorah, F Coleman Elkins

The inside track: Texas dipped its toes into each space of roster-building to assemble a no-doubt contender. Sean Miller retained star heart Matas Vokietaitis. The bodily 7-footer might be among the finest massive males within the SEC subsequent 12 months. He went into the highschool ranks and landed high expertise, headlined by uber-athletic top-20 guard Austin Goosby and top-50 sharpshooter Bo Ogden. Then, Texas did yeoman’s work within the portal. You possibly can make a case that the Longhorns landed one of many high offensive gamers in Colorado switch Isaiah Johnson and among the finest defensive gamers in TCU switch ahead David Punch. 

Texas’ frontcourt will knock some enamel out, and the athleticism on this roster jumps off the tape, particularly when Goosby and Auburn switch Elyjah Freeman are filling the lanes and flying in transition. 

Texas’ protection might be manner, manner higher. It has avenues to create benefits offensively in a bunch of various methods. Put up-ups for Vokietaitis. Isolation for Punch. Johnson’s speedy pick-and-rolls. You get the image. Texas has pathways to be a top-20 offense and protection, at minimal.

That is why Sean Miller left Xavier for Texas. He has huge sources and the power to place collectively a big-time roster.

It is time for Texas to win. No excuses.

Tier 2: High 25-caliber membership

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3. Alabama

2025-26 document: 25-10, 13-5 in SEC play.

Postseason: No. 4 seed, misplaced within the Candy 16

Projected 2026-27 beginning lineup

High bench choices: G Qayden Samuels, G/F Jaxon Richardson, F Cole Cloer, F Keitenn Bristow, F Jamarion Davis-Fleming, G Tarris Bouie, F Collins Onyejiaka 

The inside track: Alabama has a very good roster, and Nate Oats is on the sideline. Do it is advisable hear anything? This crew goes to be good.

(I am being informed extra evaluation is required.)

This backcourt ought to completely smash. If senior Aden Holloway can maintain his head on straight after some off-the-court snafus, he might be within the combine to steer the SEC in 3-point taking pictures. But once more, Alabama obtained some nice information on the stay-or-go NBA Draft deadline with Amari Allen selecting to run it again. The 6-foot-6 guard can play on or off the ball and simply has a nostril for the basketball. He averaged 11.6 factors, 7.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.1 steals whereas taking pictures 35% from 3-point vary because the third or fourth choice final 12 months for Alabama. His counting stats are going to go kaboom with the upper utilization charge headed his manner.

Allen and Holloway is a terrifying backcourt, however Oats has actual depth right here too. Prized freshman Qayden Samuels is all of 6-foot-5 and may actually, actually rating. 6-foot-6 freshman Jaxon Richardson is an insane athlete who might push to start out on the 3, and each Cole Cloer and London Jemison are rangy shooters who ought to match seamlessly into this combine. 

Alabama’s defensive versatility needs to be a bit higher due to the inflow of perimeter dimension and switchability. Alabama had restricted personnel when it began three small guards, and it completed 61st in defensive effectivity. This 12 months, Holloway is the one rotation participant who’s shorter than 6-foot-5. Greater is best within the SEC, and Alabama may have extra arrows within the quiver on that finish. Alabama’s protection goes to be improved, however I nonetheless hesitate to say it will likely be a top-30 unit. Loads rides on the shoulders of Brandon Garrison. The large man is cell and higher defending on the perimeter than within the paint, however his processing and decision-making on each ends could make you wish to rip your hair out.

It is unattainable for an Oats-coached offense to stink. This roster might be superb on that finish. If the protection is a top-40 unit, Alabama goes to be within the combine for the league title … once more.

That is simply what Oats does.

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4. Arkansas

2025-26 document: 28-9 total, 13-5 in SEC play

Postseason: No. 4 seed; misplaced in Candy 16

Projected 2026-27 beginning lineup

High bench choices: Wing JJ Andrews, Wing Abdou Toure, G Isaiah Sealy, C Maper Maker, C Paulo Semedo, G Davion Thompson (anticipated to decide to Arkansas this week). 

The inside track: John Calipari is at it once more. The Razorbacks have reeled in one of the gifted rosters within the SEC. Level of assault protection needs to be a serious energy. 5-star guard Jordan Smith Jr. is a voracious defender who’s gushing with successful intangibles. He isn’t the polished offensive dynamo of a Darius Acuff Jr., however Smith might be among the finest freshmen within the SEC from the get-go. He is simply the tip of the spear for an Arkansas backcourt that’s suffering from choices. Georgia switch Jeremiah Wilkinson can rating 15 factors a recreation in his sleep, particularly if Arkansas retains enjoying quick. Billy Richmond III is a terror defensively and an effort-play machine. Younger freshmen wings like JJ Andrews and Abdou Toure are so toolsy and play with a ton of pressure. Arkansas goes to hit you, and there is not a lot you are able to do about it. 

This backcourt might be getting one other inflow, too. Prized four-star Davion Thompson is anticipated to decide to Arkansas this week and reclassify to affix the Hogs instantly. There are some taking pictures questions on this roster which made Thompson a precedence. He was among the finest shooters on the EYBL circuit, draining 52% of his triples on 7.7 makes an attempt per recreation. 

Arkansas could be a Tier 1, Nationwide Championship contender if the frontcourt had a bit extra chew. Incoming freshman Miikka Muurinen profiles as a 7-foot stretch 4 with ball expertise, size, athleticism and mobility. However is he robust sufficient to stay his face within the fan and make the onerous successful performs each night time? Furman switch Cooper Bowser could be a rock-solid backup. I do not fairly see it as a SEC starter. One other late frontcourt add could be useful, and Calipari is sniffing across the JUCO market as we converse. A Murrinen-Boswer frontcourt is ok, however it will not be close to the highest of the pecking order of greatest frontcourts within the SEC. 

One option to make up for iffy inside protection is to be hellacious on the level of assault. Arkansas has the personnel to do it. If it is constantly turning the water off for straight-line drives, a few of Arkansas’ inside points might be masked. 

Arkansas has athletes for days. This roster is simply brimming in upside, however lacking out on one of many prized facilities within the portal might be the distinction between successful the title and making a run to the second weekend.

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5. Kentucky

2025-26 document: 22-14 total, 10-8 in SEC play

Postseason: No. 7 seed; Misplaced within the Spherical of 32.

Projected 2026-27 beginning lineup

High bench choices: F Justin McBride, C Franck Kepnang, F Ousmane N’Diaye, F Braydon Hawthorne, G Trent Noah, G Jerone Morton, G Mason Williams, C Reece Potter

The inside track: Mark Pope was out to proper some wrongs after final 12 months’s turbulence. He did not have any true level guards after Jaland Lowe’s season-ending harm, so he went and landed two of them from the portal in Alex Wilkins and Zoom Diallo. He did not have sufficient taking pictures, so he went out and landed one of the best sniper within the nation in Milan Momcilovic.

On paper, Kentucky’s rotation has two creators, two snipers, an enormous man in Malachi Moreno who might be a first-round decide subsequent 12 months, and a bench mixture of veterans who wish to be function gamers with a splash of next-level potential in 6-foot-8 redshirt-freshman wing Braydon Hawthorne.

This personnel is better-positioned to play the fashion that Pope needs to run. Extra talent, passing and taking pictures. Fewer smashmouth thumpers. 

Kentucky’s turnover charge could also be its most necessary stat. This personnel shouldn’t be constructed to garner a ton of second-chance alternatives, so enjoying clear is crucial to changing into a top-10 offense. That falls on Pope to scheme it up, and Diallo, Wilkins and Moreno to make good choices as a result of they would be the motion guys of this assault. All three of them posted turnover charges over 17% final 12 months. That ain’t it. However with the added spacing that Momcilovic offers, perhaps that may settle into place. Ball management is one other big cause why Williams might earn a spot within the beginning lineup over worldwide ahead Ousmane N’Diaye. Williams is a greater shooter and performs a lot cleaner than N’Diaye, who turned it over on 25% of his drives.

Daring prediction, No. 1: Kentucky’s protection is best than anticipated as a result of it has a ton of positional dimension and each Moreno and Kepnang give the ‘Cats an elite back-line rim protector. 

Daring prediction, No. 2: Kentucky’s offense settles round a top-30 unit — not top-10 — as a result of Kentucky not often has one of the best guard on the ground towards the highest squads.

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6. Vanderbilt

2025-26 document: 27-9, 11-7 in SEC play.

Postseason: No. 5 seed, misplaced within the Spherical of 32

Projected 2026-27 beginning lineup

High bench choices: G TO Barrett, G Chandler Bing, G Ethan Mbako, G Anthony Brown, F Jackson Sheffield, C Jayden Leverett

The inside track: Mark Byington solely has two returners from final 12 months’s magical Vanderbilt crew, however it’s onerous to not place confidence in the proof of idea. Oh, and preseason All-American Tyler Tanner is again within the fold. Florida’s Tommy Haugh is great, however Tanner might be my decide to win SEC Participant of the Yr. The 6-foot guard is among the greatest athletes within the league, and his mixture of pace, hustle, playmaking and rim stress is only a headache. Each single coach and participant who competes towards Tanner simply raves about how good he’s.

With Tanner again within the fold, Vanderbilt can ask its new faces to do the easy issues. They will not get over-extended as a result of Tanner will spoon-feed ’em simple seems to be and get the dominoes falling offensively.

Vanderbilt made a shrewd choice to go get greater this offseason. Its presumed beginning lineup will characteristic 6-foot-8 bowling ball ahead Sebastian Williams-Adams, who was among the finest defenders within the SEC as a freshman. He’ll be superior in Nashville. Nebraska would not sniff a top-10 protection with out 6-foot-11 massive man Berke Buyuktuncel, and his passing, rebounding and inside-out versatility will assist Vanderbilt a ton on offense, too. Colorado switch Bangot Dak is the wild card. The highlights are higher than the full-game expertise, however the cell 7-footer’s skill to run needs to be highlighted in Vanderbilt’s up-and-down tempo. Byington can also be the guard whisperer, so I am simply anticipating the Ace Glass III-T.O. Barrett mixture to be completely serviceable in a complementary function.

Vanderbilt goes to overlook a few of its veterans. Tyler Nickel, Duke Miles, AK Okereke and Devin McGlockton have been actually, actually good function gamers. Vanderbilt has unquestionably sacrificed some taking pictures for extra rebounding and protection. How does that trade-off coalesce? It would be shocking if Vanderbilt is a top-10 offense once more with this personnel, however the protection might be top-20 nationally. That has by no means occurred for Vanderbilt within the web period, however Byington retains elevating the bar right here.

It is also unattainable to guess towards the Byington-Tanner braintrust. That is one of the best head coach-point guard duo within the league proper now.

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7. Tennessee

2025-26 document: 25-12, 11-7 in SEC play.

Postseason: No. 6 seed; misplaced within the Elite Eight

Projected 2026-27 beginning lineup

High bench choices: F Christopher Washington, G Tyler Lundblade, F DeWayne Brown II, F Braedan Lue, G Troy Henderson, C Christian Fermin, F Ralph Scott

The inside track: Fascinating social experiment down in Knoxville as Rick Barnes hundreds up on … offense? An previous canine is studying new methods? Tennessee added 5 transfers who averaged at the very least 15 factors per recreation final 12 months. All of these particular person numbers are going to tick down on this scheme, and large sacrifices must be made to ensure that this new-look membership to win at a excessive degree, however Tennessee is clearly attempting so as to add extra stability to his repertoire. 

Some nights it will likely be a Terrence Hill Jr. night time. The VCU switch has some Ja’Kobi Gillespie-like qualities, the place he simply finds solutions to the check offensively from each space of the ground. He is a real three-level scorer who would not flip it over. 

Some nights it will likely be a Jalen Haralson night time. The large-bodied Notre Dame switch needs to be utilized in bootyball a ton to seek out and exploit mismatches.

Loads of nights it will likely be the Juke Harris present. He profiles as a real-deal motion shooter who matches into Tennessee’s flex-action offense so snugly. His rebounding, reducing and protection assist him deliver worth in so many alternative methods. 

Some nights, it could be a Dai Dai Ames or Tyler Lundblade night time. Lundblade is one of the best motion shooter within the portal, and Ames can go get one at any time when he needs. 

Function allocation might be every thing for this group. Who decides to sit back out as a scorer to make others higher? Haralson looks as if one of the best guess for that, however that unselfish mindset has to translate to everybody right here for Tennessee to get essentially the most out of this roster. 

The concerns concerning the inside oomph are honest. New 220-pound massive man Miles Rubin might get manhandled by a few of these SEC brutes. Tennessee will want an enormous sophomore soar from DeWayne Brown II to fight that physicality. If one of many younger four-star wings like Christopher Washington or Ralph Scott emerges, Tennessee might shape-shift its lineups to get actually massive, actually rapidly to offset a number of the inside questions. 

Tennessee is a transparent offseason winner and can get a ton of hype, however I do not assume this frontcourt is sweet sufficient to be a real Nationwide Championship contender.

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8. Missouri

2025-26 document: 20-13 total, 10-8 in SEC play

Postseason: No. 10 seed; misplaced within the Spherical of 64

Projected 2026-27 beginning lineup

High bench choices: G Kennard Davis, F Toni Bryant, G Jordan Crawford, C Trent Burns, F Luke Northweather, F Aidan Chorister, G Aaron Rowe, F Nicholas Randall, G Twine Stansberry

The inside track: Missouri is a get-off-the-bus crew. The Tigers have a number of grown males on this roster, however it’s a freshman who will make-or-break Missouri’s outlook. 5-star recruit Jason Crowe Jr. goes to get an extended leash to prepare dinner below a Dennis Gates offense that isn’t afraid to make use of heavy doses of pick-and-rolls or isolations to let one of the best participant go to work. Shot creation is the title of Crowe’s recreation. The 6-foot-3 guard is a high-volume, artful scorer with deep vary.

Missouri well surrounded Crowe with a ton of big athletes who ought to, in concept, be one of many higher offensive-rebounding teams within the SEC. Kansas switch (some say traitor) Bryson Tiller had a number of offensive rebounds in 15 video games final 12 months. Tennessee switch Jaylen Carey is a person amongst boys on the glass, rating tenth within the nation in offensive rebound charge. Windfall switch Jamier Jones was one of many high offensive-rebounding wings within the portal. If 6-foot-10 ahead Trent Pierce is beginning on the 3-spot, he will be requested to crash the glass, and prized freshman ahead Toni Bryant goes so as to add one other jolt of screaming athleticism off the bench.

You may see the imaginative and prescient of a potent offense if Crowe is the halfcourt hub, the offensive rebounding is a staple and all of those Missouri athletes go feast in transition. Jones is an absolute head-hunter within the open ground. The 6-foot-6 wing has vibranium coursing via his veins. UNC lottery decide Caleb Wilson was the one freshman with extra dunks than Jones (54) final 12 months. He performs imply in all one of the best methods. He can use protection, transition, attacking lengthy closeouts and rim stress to be one in all Missouri’s greatest gamers in 2026-27.

Missouri has some warts, although. There’s not a ton of secondary creation on this roster, and the spacing might be a bit funky with Jones (low-volume shooter), Carey (non-shooter) and Tiller (27% from 3-point vary on 1.5 makes an attempt) on the ground collectively. Perhaps a return house may also help BYU switch Kennard Davis get again to being one of the best model of himself. Missouri desperately wants him to be an impactful defender and rediscover his offensive confidence. There is a good 3-and-D function participant in right here someplace. Gates additionally has critical questions on his defensive construction. Missouri cannot be poor once more defensively with this many athletes on the roster.

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9. LSU

2025-26 document: 15-17 total, 3-15 in SEC play

Postseason: None.

Projected 2026-27 beginning lineup

• G Yam Madar (if cleared by NCAA)
• G Abdi Bashir Jr. or RJ Luis Jr. (if the correct decide may also help him bypass the NCAA’s eligibility guidelines)
• Wing Saliou Niang
• F Brice Dessert
• C Michael Ruzic

High bench choices: F Mo Dioubate, G Divine Ugochukwu, F Marcio Santos, G Austin Nunez

The inside track: Will Wade has theoretically constructed a very good basketball crew in his foray again to the Bayou, however there are nonetheless some hoops to leap via for LSU to be thought-about a top-25 membership. The standing of Israeli level guard Yam Madar is a large X-Issue. The 25-year-old is among the greatest worldwide level guards on this class. He’s a well-schooled veteran who’s a profession 40% 3-point shooter and midrange marksman. Madar has a pathway to eligibility as a result of he had obligatory service within the Israeli army. His company has been optimistic that he will get cleared, however the NCAA crimson tape is usually a tripwire.

If Madar is cleared, LSU has a EuroLeague All-Star crew able to hoop within the SEC. Italian wing Saliou Niang is a terrific athlete with all of the defensive instruments to be a menace below Wade. The frontcourt is terrific. Brice Dessert is 23 years previous and might be prepared for the physicality of SEC basketball. The protection, rebounding, athleticism and contact across the basket will all be property immediately. I count on Dessert to play each frontcourt spots, however LSU can get massive in a rush with Dessert (6-foot-9, 235) paired with 6-foot-10 heart Michael Ruzic, who is usually a menacing offensive rebounder with feathery contact within the short-roll recreation or in pick-and-pops.

LSU might be a hellacious rebounding membership with some mixture of Kentucky switch Mo Dioiubate, Niang, Dessert and Ruzic on the ground in some capability.

Wade used the standard portal so as to add some taking pictures in Abdi Bashir Jr., who needs to be fairly helpful for this roster as a result of LSU has sufficient dimension, creation and protection to cowl up his evident warts. Michigan State switch Divine Ugochukwu can play the 1 or the two and supply 20ish minutes of serviceable manufacturing. 

However Madar is the pressure multiplier who would make this factor hum. LSU might be a top-25 membership if Madar can play.

Former Large East Participant of the Yr RJ Luis Jr. can also be dedicated to LSU, however we’ll give that as little oxygen as doable. He has a really slim likelihood at having the ability to play as a result of he already bypassed the deadline to take care of his school eligibility final spring to enter the 2025 NBA Draft, the place he predictably went undrafted. The Charles Bediako precedent looms giant right here. Bediako was dominated ineligible and that is the most certainly end result for Luis, too. LSU can (and can) attempt to discover a decide who sees it in a different way. Clearly, Luis is a ceiling-raiser for the Tigers, however widespread sense says Luis’ school days are over.

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10. Texas A&M

2025-26 document: 22-12 total, 11-7 in SEC play

Postseason: No. 10 seed; misplaced in Spherical of 32

Projected 2026-27 beginning lineup

High bench choices: F Jalen Shelley, G Tyshawn Archie, F Jamie Vinson, F Josh Irving, G Lukas Partitions, G Jeremiah Inexperienced

The inside track: This Aggies roster is extra gifted than Bucky McMillan’s first go-round. If it clicks into place, Texas A&M has an elite paint-touch guard in PJ Haggerty below a training employees that yearly ranks close to the highest of the charts in paint factors. It has an elite net-shredding shooter in Bryson Warren from the G-League below a training employees that desires to rain fireplace from downtown. It has two mismatch-hunting forwards in Mackenzie Mgbako and Jalen Shelley. 6-foot-9 Tennessee switch Cade Phillips is an All-Defensive crew candidate if he can get wholesome after a shoulder harm. The Aggies have a number of cell facilities in Jamie Vinson and Josh Irving. McMillan has a number of level guards in LSU switch Jalen Reece and McNeese switch Tyshawn Archie. 

The offensive expertise on this roster is simply higher. Can McMillan get this group to defend on the degree he needs? It is taxing to play Bucky Ball, however the ache of urgent is effectively definitely worth the reward. 

Texas A&M goes to be an element on this daunting league. 

Tier 3: Event crew

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11. Auburn

2025-26 document: 22-16, 7-11 in SEC play.

Postseason: Received the NIT.

Projected 2026-27 beginning lineup

High bench choices: F Owen Freeman, F Adam Olsen, G George Kimble III, G Simon Walker, G Caleb Williams

The inside track: I am in on an Auburn bounce-back season. It is a event crew. Auburn has gotten very previous, in a short time this offseason. All 5 transfers are getting into their fourth season of faculty basketball. The worldwide merchandise — sniper Mantas Rubstavicius and massive man Narcisse Ngoy — might be 24 and 22, respectively, when the season suggestions off. Add within the retention of Tahaad Pettiford and Kevin Overton, and Steven Pearl is poised to have a top-eight rotation of upperclassmen at each single spot.

Pettiford is the engine. That is his crew now, and the explosive lefty might make a run at main the SEC in scoring now that Keyshawn corridor is out of the combination. Auburn has a ton of taking pictures on this roster with Pettiford, Overton, Rubstavicius and South Alabama switch Adam Olsen. It has additionally remodeled its frontcourt. Ngoy was one of many high worldwide bigs prior to now cycle. The 6-foot-11, 245-pounder might be an element on the glass and as a rim protector. Santa Clara switch Bukky Oboye provides some freaky instruments as a cell lob menace and shot-blocker. Troy switch Thomas Dowd is an energizer bunny who strikes all the correct tones as an elite connector. Creighton switch Owen Freeman might be a buy-low candidate as a second-unit bucket-getter who tortures different backup bigs. Only a few groups can say they’re bringing an enormous man who averaged 16 and seven at a high-major crew off the bench. Auburn has that in Freeman. 

An superior lead guard surrounded by a cavalry of bigs and loads of taking pictures is a successful recipe.

I count on a extra balanced membership with much less nonsense and no drama on Choice Sunday.

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12. Georgia

2025-26 document: 22-11 total, 10-8 in SEC play. 

Postseason: None

Projected 2026-27 beginning lineup

High bench choices: F Kareem Stagg, F Brady Dunlap, F Andrew Osasuyi, G Kemo Millender, F Hakeem Weems, F Mading Kuany

The inside track: Jeremiah Wilkinson had higher counting stats a 12 months in the past, however I believe Georgia retained its greatest guard in Blue Cain. The slick 6-foot-5 senior guard is in line for a monster marketing campaign, and Mike White’s skill to retain 4 starters from a NCAA Event crew ought to assist maintain UGA afloat. 

Every of the Dawgs’ top-three transfers fill key holes. Ole Miss switch massive man James Scott will step in and provide rim safety and a lob menace. He isn’t fairly as bodily imposing as Somto Cyril, however he’ll get the job performed. Saint Louis switch Brady Dunlap offers a jumbo shooter, and Georgia will maintain hucking 3s in its new run-and-gun fashion. Penn State switch Freddie Dilione V is a handful within the open ground and rated within the 93rd percentile in fastbreak factors. He matches proper in with what Georgia needs to do.

However the stars of this crew might be Cain, Catchings and Millender. Georgia will go as that trio goes all season. Catchings has to eradicate the times of scoring three factors one night time and 32 the following (this actually occurred). Cain has to rediscover his jumper to mix with all the superb successful traits he brings to the desk. Smurf wants to simply be Smurf once more. If that occurs, Georgia could make it again to the NCAA Event, even when it isn’t fairly as athletic or vicious on the boards because it was a 12 months in the past.

Tier 4: The bubble

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13. Oklahoma

2025-26 document: 21-16, 7-11 in SEC play.

Postseason: No. 11 seed; misplaced in The Crown’s championship recreation.

Projected 2026-27 beginning lineup

High bench choices: G Tyler Hendricks, G Quincy Wadley, G Dayton Forsythe, F Kai Rogers, F Yaak Yaak, G/F Gage Mayfield

The inside track: Elite level guard play offers you an opportunity, and Oklahoma may have that in returning senior Xzayvier Brown, who averaged 15.3 factors, 3.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.3 steals on glorious effectivity in his first season within the SEC. With Nijel Pack and Tae Davis exiting, Brown goes to have the ball in his fingers much more. A First Crew, All-SEC season is within the vary of potential outcomes for Brown.

Oklahoma has the personnel to be fairly potent with the correct developments. Returning wing Derrion Reid goes to be a beast. G-League import Akoldah Gak is an improve for this crew at heart. Oklahoma’s porous inside protection led to its demise final 12 months, however a frontcourt mixture of Reid, Khani Rooths and Gak ought to assist that tick up. That is two 6-foot-8 wings and a 6-foot-11, 24-year-old heart who has performed numerous basketball towards good competitors within the G-League and abroad in Australia. Gak additionally passes the attention check, providing actual attraction as a fluid mover who needs to be a helpful pick-and-roll companion with Brown.

The make-up of this crew is smart if Pop Isaacs can fill a number of the Nijel Pack function. Two guards, two massive wings, one veteran heart with shooters and depth at each place coming off the bench.

Betting on small guards all the time makes me slightly nervous, however I am cautiously optimistic that Oklahoma’s frontcourt additions will assist Porter Moser get again to the correct facet of the NCAA Event bubble. Gak simply must be good.

Tier 5: The basement

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14. Mississippi State

2025-26 document: 13-19, 5-13 in SEC play.

Postseason: None.

Projected 2026-27 beginning lineup

High bench choices: G TJ Simpkins, F Tristan Reed, F Kendyl Sanders, F Tee Bartlett, F Cameren Paul, G Jalyn Collingwood, G Willie Burnett III

The inside track: It was a very, actually tiresome season in Starkville, however Chris Jans obtained again off the mat this spring. Protecting Josh Hubbard for his senior season is an amazing coup. The portal whispers have been alive and effectively on that entrance. Hubbard is effectively on his option to changing into Mississippi State’s all-time main scorer, and Jans well added Kennesaw State switch RJ Johnson to make Hubbard’s life simpler. Johnson is a brute-force, bully-ball guard who can play the purpose, shifting Hubbard to an off-ball, menacing motion shooter. 

Hubbard’s 3s and Johnson’s drives and free throws needs to be the bedrock of this Mississippi State offense. Paying as much as get ND Okafor to flip from Ole Miss needs to be sensible. So long as he can defend with out fouling, the massive man is usually a serviceable SEC difference-maker on each ends. Okafor’s skill to set bouldering screens and put the ball on the deck is a sneaky-big wrinkle that Mississippi State can add to its profile as a counter within the dribble handoff recreation with Hubbard and Johnson.

Depth is every thing within the SEC, and Mississippi State feels just a few guys brief from being an at-large membership. There’s quite a bit driving on the event of younger guys like King Grace or Florida State switch Thomas Bassong. Seton Corridor switch TJ Simpkins ought to give this second unit some scoring punch, and freshman massive man Tristan Reed — the youthful brother of ex-UConn star Tarris Reed — is bodily able to go, however it’s honest to marvel if there’s sufficient within the cabinet right here to maintain the bodyblows of an extended common season in one of the best league in America.

Mississippi State might be higher, however I doubt it is sufficient to recover from the hump for an at-large bid. This roster remains to be lacking that all-out freaky wing defender who ties every thing collectively.

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15. Ole Miss

2025-26 document: 15-20 total, 4-14 in SEC play

Postseason: None

Projected 2026-27 beginning lineup

High bench choices: F Dasear Haskins, F Christian Brown, C Stefan Cicic, G Yohance Connor, F Jaron Saulsberry

The inside track: Ole Miss shouldn’t be overly gifted, however this group’s aggressive make-up goes to be a breath of recent air for Chris Beard. New jitterbug level guard Adam ‘Budd’ Clark and Swiss Military knife wing Roman Siulepa, a switch from Pitt, are each high-motor gamers always. They legitimately not often take a play off. Clark and Siulepa aren’t overly expert, however that is the place returners like Patton Pinkins and Ilias Kamardine plan to slot in. Pinkins is a 6-foot-5 deadeye shooter with ball expertise. He wants extra photographs, and Clark’s skill to the touch the paint ought to assist. Kamardine got here to Ole Miss with a ton of hype and must scratch that degree if Ole Miss needs to make it again to the Large Dance. Once more, I believe enjoying with an actual level guard like Clark ought to assist Kamardine, who struggled to create separation in Ole Miss’ isolation-heavy scheme.

However the frontcourt right here is limiting. Ole Miss has extra questions on its heart spot than some other SEC crew after Washington State switch ND Okafor flipped his dedication from Ole Miss to rival Mississippi State. The bodily Okafor would’ve been very best for the Rebels. Now, Beard has to combine Santiago Trouet (a 4-man), Christian Brown (a 4 man) or Stefan Cicic (a 7-footer from Pepperdine who performed 12 minutes a recreation final 12 months). 

Ole Miss’ ceiling is restricted due to the offensive limitations, and it is ground might be moderately low due essentially the most unproven frontcourt within the league.

Can the compilation of aggressive maniacs be the key sauce why Ole Miss exceeds expectations?

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16. South Carolina

2025-26 document: 13-19, 4-14 in SEC play.

Postseason: None.

Projected 2026-27 beginning lineup

High bench choices: G Shane Blakeney, G Marcus Johnson, F Jakub Necas, G Grant Polk, F Hayden Assemian

The inside track: South Carolina had a bit extra shopping for energy on this cycle, however so did all people else. This roster hinges on Lamont Paris getting Kory Mincy and Aleksas Bieliauskas to play like lynchpins. Mincy is a troublesome, sensible, reliable guard who can rating or create. Bieliauskas goes to be actually, actually good within the not-so-distant future. The 6-foot-10 massive man is bodily and may stretch the ground. The Wisconsin switch may have a possibility to develop into an actual difference-maker at South Carolina, aka the Wisconsin of the SEC.

Paris additionally wants some breakouts to occur. Davion Hannah is a buy-low goal from Alabama who has loads of expertise however obtained blanketed by a gifted backcourt. Freshman guard Marcus Johnson is anticipated to be an early contributor. 

This roster could be simply high-quality within the ACC or Large East. However it’s undermanned on this league.