The SEC is once again loading up on talent and coaching. Despite Buzz Williams bolting to Maryland and Rodney Terry fired, Bucky ball will make the SEC super interesting; and Sean Miller is always a threat. Now that the Spring portal is mostly done (grad transfers may still move, as can hardship waiver requests), find out where each lands in our power rankings.
🏆 1. Kentucky Wildcats
Biggest Additions: Jayden Quaintance, Jasper Johnson, Otega Oweh (possible returning), Jaland Lowe, Kam Williams, Mouhamed Dioubate, Collin Chandler, Brandon Garrison, and Trent Noah (returning)
Summary:
No team capitalized on the portal like Kentucky. Pope added elite defenders, high-level scorers, and rim protection galore. With depth from 1 through 10, UK now has arguably the deepest and most balanced roster in America. The return of Oweh and Chandler, plus star transfers like Quaintance and the returning Noah, vaults them to the top. Keep an eye on Andrija Jelavic to be a big time sleeper who could break through and dominate once he acclimates to the college game.
🐅 2. Auburn Tigers
🐗 3. Arkansas Razorbacks
🟠 4. Tennessee Volunteers
🐊 5. Florida Gators
🐘 6. Alabama Crimson Tide
🔟 Rest of the SEC Rankings:
7. LSU Tigers
8. Ole Miss Rebels
9. Texas Longhorns
10. Mississippi State Bulldogs
11. Texas A&M Aggies
12. Vanderbilt Commodores
13. Oklahoma Sooners
14. Georgia Bulldogs
15. Missouri Tigers
16. South Carolina
🔮 Final Word: SEC is still a gauntlet—but it runs through Lexington
The SEC may be deeper than ever with last year being the best conference, but this league’s top tier has a new king.
While Cal is reloading at Arkansas, Rick Barnes still loading talent, and Bruce Pearl always dangerous the SEC is again priming up to be the best conference again.
Kentucky flexed its NIL strength to assemble a Final Four-caliber roster with length, physicality, athleticism, and returning chemistry (especially if Otega Oweh returns). If Lowe and Aberdeen can make a great 1-2 combo at point guard, the Wildcats have everything they need to chase down the elusive 9th banner. If this group gels early, the Wildcats won’t just dominate the SEC—they wll take over the country.