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Bart Torvik projects SEC final standings: Where will Kentucky basketball finish?

An updated look at Bart Torvik projecting SEC basketball finishing standings.

ByDrew Holbrook|
Jan 11, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope reacts against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second half at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
Jan 11, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope reacts against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second half at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images | Wesley Hale-Imagn Images

The 2024-25 SEC basketball season is heating up, and with the regular season nearing its conclusion, the league standings highlight a competitive conference race. From Auburn’s dominance to Kentucky’s hard-fought position in the middle of the pack, there’s plenty to unpack as the Wildcats push for a strong postseason run. Here's a breakdown of the standings and what they mean for Kentucky.

1. Auburn (15-3): The SEC’s Top Dog

Auburn continues to assert its dominance this season with a stellar 15-3 record. Behind their high-powered offense, ranked in the top 20 nationally per Bart Torvik, the Tigers are proving to be the team to beat in the SEC. With an effective field goal percentage over 56%, Auburn is setting the bar high, making it a potential No. 2 seed in March Madness.

2. Tennessee (13-5): Defensive Prowess

Tennessee’s 13-5 record is backed by one of the most suffocating defenses in the country. The Volunteers are holding opponents to under 90 points per 100 possessions, ranking them in the top 10 defensively. Kentucky fans know how tough it is to win against Tennessee, especially on the road in Knoxville.

3. Alabama and Florida (13-5): Offensive Juggernauts

Both Alabama and Florida sit at 13-5 and are among the highest-scoring teams in the SEC. Alabama’s pace and three-point shooting rank them in the top 25 in adjusted offensive efficiency. Meanwhile, Florida’s balanced attack has turned it into a formidable foe. Kentucky managed a thrilling win over Florida earlier this season, showcasing the Wildcats' ability to take down elite offenses.

4. Kentucky, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Texas A&M (10-8): A Four-Way Logjam

The middle of the SEC standings is packed with four teams at 10-8, including our very own Kentucky Wildcats. While Kentucky has shown flashes of brilliance this season with wins over Duke and Mississippi State, consistency has been an issue. However, Bart Torvik’s metrics still project Kentucky as a top-30 team overall, thanks to its strong offensive rebounding and improving perimeter defense.

  • Ole Miss has been a surprise contender, using a disciplined half-court offense to stay competitive.
  • Mississippi State boasts one of the toughest defenses in the SEC, but their scoring inconsistencies have been their Achilles’ heel.
  • Texas A&M, meanwhile, has quietly put together a solid season, relying on efficient shooting and limiting turnovers.

5. Missouri (9-9): The Wildcard

Missouri’s 9-9 record puts them right on the bubble of SEC tournament seeding. With an offensive rating ranked just outside the top 50, they’ve had an up-and-down season but remain dangerous, particularly at home. Kentucky fans will remember the tense battle earlier this year that saw the Wildcats edge the Tigers in Rupp Arena.

6. Georgia (8-10): Building Momentum

Georgia’s 8-10 mark shows a team on the rise but still a few pieces away from competing with the SEC elite. Their ability to hang tough in games against ranked opponents has been commendable, but their inability to close out games has kept them out of the upper tier.

7. Texas, Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas (6-12): Struggling to Find Rhythm

At 6-12, this group of four has had seasons to forget.

  • Texas has shown flashes of brilliance but lacks the depth to compete over a full SEC slate.
  • Oklahoma and Vanderbilt are struggling offensively, ranking outside the top 100 in adjusted offensive efficiency.
  • Arkansas, usually a consistent SEC power, has been hampered by injuries and defensive lapses.

8. LSU and South Carolina (4-14): The Basement

LSU and South Carolina round out the bottom of the standings at 4-14. Both programs are in rebuilding phases, and while there have been moments of promise, they remain far behind the rest of the SEC in both talent and execution.

Analysis: What Does This Mean for Kentucky?

From a Wildcat perspective, Kentucky’s 10-8 record might seem underwhelming compared to historic standards, but the team has shown flashes of greatness. Key wins against top teams like Duke and Mississippi State prove that Mark Pope’s squad can rise to the occasion. Consistency will be the key as Kentucky looks to secure a strong finish in SEC play and position itself well for March Madness.

With a blend of young talent and veteran leadership, Kentucky still has time to correct its defensive lapses and find more reliable scoring outside of their stars. The Wildcats’ path to success will likely go through Tennessee or Auburn, making the SEC tournament a crucial proving ground.

The SEC is shaping up to be one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball this season, and maybe ever. Kentucky is right in the thick of it. While Auburn leads the charge, the Wildcats have the tools to make noise in March. Fans will be watching closely to see if Mark Pope can rally his team for a deep postseason run.

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