Some SEC basketball teams don’t enter 2025 with headlines or hype—but don't count them out just yet. Unlike Mississippi State, South Carolina, LSU, Vanderbilt, Missouri who we believe are just fighting to avoid Wednesday at at the SEC tournament, these teams could surprise a few people if things break for them.
This is the “Possible With Luck and Help” tier: programs with flaws, questions, or youth, but enough raw potential to make a run with some fortunate bounces. They aren't full on favorites, but they could make a run at the top of the table.
Georgia Bulldogs
Mike White’s squad showed flashes last year but lacked consistency. With Somto Cyril returning and a solid recruiting class, Georgia could climb if it shores up its perimeter defense and finds late-game poise. They’ll need strong SEC home wins and a marquee road upset or two. But they can do it, but they could also flop.
Texas Longhorns
Gone is Rodney Terry and in is Sean Miller. Can he get their roster featuring Tramon Mark, Jordan Pope, and Chendell Weaver to gel with new players Dailyn Swain and Camden Heide (Purdue)? That is where the surprise element comes in. And it could go either way.
Texas A&M Aggies
Buzz Williams is gone, and now the Aggies will get year 1 of Bucky ball under new coach Bucky McMillan. While at Samford, the Bulldogs would press even after made baskets and do everything they could do to speed up the game and the opposition. The high pace continues on the offensive end too, where Samford had the 24th best possessions per game per teamrankings. Want to know where Texas A&M was? 107th. So College Station is going to undergo a massive turnover. WIth a new coach, they’re not a preseason darling; but their style of play could create unique matchups all over the floor.
Oklahoma Sooners
Now in year 2 of the SEC Porter Moser's group enters with modest expectations. Their defense can grind games to a halt, and if they shoot it just a little better, they could steal wins. A bubble team at best, but one with just enough chaos factor to dream.
These aren't your frontrunners—but they are the teams others won’t want to see in February if things break right.