As 2024 turns to 2025, and conference play is set to begin, SEC basketball has proven to be a national powerhouse. In the most recent USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, nine teams, including Kentucky basketball, from the SEC were ranked in the top 25, with three more receiving votes.
The Tennessee Volunteers continue to lead the charge, but the Auburn Tigers are just behind them, and teams like the Alabama Crimson Tide figure to be national title contenders as well.
Related: The year in pictures for Kentucky sports
Kentucky opens conference play with an undefeated Florida Gators team, and doesn’t get easier. Of their seven January games, the Wildcats play five against a ranked team. It’s a stacked conference, and there will be no easy wins.
So, how do the teams of the SEC stack up as the new year begins? Here are the power rankings of the 16 teams as the grueling conference schedule begins.
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Record: 10 – 3
It feels unfair to put a team with seven straight wins at the bottom, but they’re the only SEC team with three losses at this point. It just shows how strong the conference is.
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Record: 11 – 2
The Tigers have won three straight, but still have to prove they can beat quality teams.
Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
Record: 12 – 1
Vandy has played pretty well, and only has one loss, but they haven’t really played any top level teams yet.
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Record: 11 – 2
Missouri got a huge win against Kansas, but lost to Illinois just before Christmas.
Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Record: 11 – 2
The Longhorns are another team lacking a signature win. They have won four straight, however.
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Record: 12 – 1
The Bulldogs have a nice win over St. John’s and have won seven straight. They’ve been a pleasant surprise so far.
Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Record: 11 – 2
Ole Miss dropped one to Memphis in their last game, but they have looked very good at times this season.
Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports
Record: 11 – 2
Arkansas is heating up, and has now won six straight games. They have loads of talent, and can beat anyone.
Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Record: 12 – 1
Mississippi State has rattled off six straight wins since their loss to Butler in November. They have one of the SEC’s most exciting players in Josh Hubbard.
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Record: 11 – 2
The Aggies style of play will give a lot of teams fits, and they will be a touch matchup for anyone in the SEC.
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Record: 11 – 2
The Wildcats have some very nice wins on the season, but they have struggled at times shooting the ball too.
BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Record: 13 – 0
The Sooners have surprised many this season. They’re unbeaten heading into SEC play.
Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Record: 13 – 0
The Gators are another SEC team entering conference play without a loss. They don’t really have a big signature win yet, but they’ve been impressive.
Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
Record: 11 – 2
The Crimson Tide got off to a bit of a rocky start, but have hit their groove now. They’re a legit national championship contender.
John Reed-Imagn Images
Record: 12 – 1
Outside of a loss to Duke, the Tigers have mowed through their schedule. They’re a deep and talented team.
Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Record: 13 – 0
The Volunteers have earned their ranking at number one in the polls so far. They’re the country’s best team up to this point.
