As the SEC basketball season gears up for conference play, the pre-conference rankings reveal a fiery competition brewing across the league. With stellar records, impressive metrics, and strong NET rankings, SEC teams are poised to dominate the college basketball landscape and beat each other up. Let’s dive into the rankings and provide a list of pre-conference power rankings.
Top of the Pack
Leading the SEC, Auburn (11-1) has flexed its muscles with a NET ranking of #1. Their offensive firepower and defensive tenacity have made them a nightmare for opponents. The Tigers’ balanced scoring and deep bench make them an early favorite for SEC supremacy.
Joining them at the top are undefeated Tennessee (12-0) and Florida (12-0). Tennessee’s stifling defense and clutch play under pressure have them sitting at #2 in the SEC rankings. Meanwhile, Florida’s perfect start and strong metrics position them as a serious contender for the conference crown.
Challengers on the Rise
Alabama (10-2) is bringing their usual fast-paced offense and elite three-point shooting, earning a respectable #10 NET ranking. Meanwhile, Mississippi State (11-1) showcases their defensive grit, landing at #13 and proving they can hang with the best.
Kentucky (10-2), ranked #19 in the NET, continues to develop under new head coach Mark Pope. With their blend of transfers like Koby Brea, the Wildcats are hungry for a deep tournament run.
Dark Horses and Surprises
Georgia (11-1) and Texas A&M (10-2) have been quietly building momentum, each boasting strong starts and balanced rosters. Don’t sleep on Vanderbilt either (11-1), whose disciplined play and #38 NET ranking signal their potential to make noise in conference play.
What’s Ahead?
As these SEC powerhouses transition to conference battles, expect fireworks. Auburn, Tennessee, and Florida will aim to maintain dominance, while Alabama, Kentucky, and Mississippi State look to challenge for the top spot. Will an underdog emerge, or will the favorites hold their ground? Buckle up—SEC basketball is just getting started!
Pre-Conference Power Rankings
1. Auburn
Just thought you may want to see this again 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/IxwGC14uun
— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) December 28, 2024
- KenPom Rating: 1
- NET Ranking: 1
2. Tennessee
JORDAN GAINEY STONES. TENNESSEE BEATS ILLINOIS AT THE BUZZER. 🍊 pic.twitter.com/SOxJRm1j3N
— College Basketball Content (@CBBcontent) December 15, 2024
- KenPom Rating: 3
- NET Ranking: 2
3. Florida
IT’S GREAT TO BE A FLORIDA GATOR pic.twitter.com/ndhr1oI47X
— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) December 18, 2024
- KenPom Rating: 7
- NET Ranking: 4
4. Alabama
🎥: Win No. 1️⃣0️⃣ pic.twitter.com/uZzkXmBuw1
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) December 23, 2024
- KenPom Rating: 9
- NET Ranking: 10
5. Texas A&M
✔️Watch highlights👀
— Texas A&M Basketball (@aggiembk) December 29, 2024
✔️Read more 📰 https://t.co/4av8wnZPdZ#GigEm pic.twitter.com/MFRwimXL6X
- KenPom Rating: 27
- NET Ranking: 12
6. Kentucky
.@kobybrea TOOK OVER 🔥
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) November 24, 2024
22 PTS (8-11 FG, 5-8 3 FG) | 2 REB pic.twitter.com/n2bH7tOkoH
- KenPom Rating: 26
- NET Ranking: 19
7. Miss State
The nation’s leader in assist/turnover ratio.
— Mississippi State Men's Basketball (@HailStateMBK) December 24, 2024
Him. #HailState🐶 x @jhubb_3 pic.twitter.com/UGt30ucZQZ
- KenPom Rating: 19
- NET Ranking: 13
8. Oklahoma
FEARS FROM DEEEEEEEP 👌
— Oklahoma Basketball (@OU_MBBall) December 19, 2024
📺 » ESPN2 | @jeremiahfears2 pic.twitter.com/kBuYawiSvt
- KenPom Rating: 37
- NET Ranking: 42
9. Ole Miss
⚡️🔌@eduardoklafke_ x #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/obzK5baknd
— Ole Miss Men’s Basketball (@OleMissMBB) December 28, 2024
- KenPom Rating: 33
- NET Ranking: 31
10. Texas
more of this tomorrow 🤘#HookEm | @Ch3ndalll pic.twitter.com/GmysMEEj4i
— Texas Men’s Basketball (@TexasMBB) December 28, 2024
- KenPom Rating: 36
- NET Ranking: 35
11. Arkansas
ARKANSAS HOLDS ON AT THE BUZZER 😳
— ESPN (@espn) December 11, 2024
The Razorbacks erase a 15-point deficit to defeat the No. 14 Wolverines 🔥 pic.twitter.com/GSqRRR32JH
- KenPom Rating: 41
- NET Ranking: 47
12. Georgia
Dawgs 🔛 🔝
— Georgia Basketball (@UGABasketball) December 20, 2024
🔟-1️⃣#GoDawgs | @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/To0MMioBmn
- KenPom Rating: 38
- NET Ranking: 25
13. Missouri
NO. 1 KANSAS GOES DOWN AGAIN 😱
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) December 8, 2024
Missouri defends home court and pulls off a HUGE upset over the Jayhawks 🐅 pic.twitter.com/cfzWrpU7F7
- KenPom Rating: 50
- NET Ranking: 45
14. Vanderbilt
🔟 W#AnchorDown⚓️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/KEdbAiIQSJ
— Vanderbilt Men's Basketball (@VandyMBB) December 19, 2024
- KenPom Rating: 52
- NET Ranking: 38
15. LSU
could get used to this 😌@CollinsDaimion pic.twitter.com/lfZqDX9eqS
— LSU Basketball (@LSUBasketball) December 28, 2024
- KenPom Rating: 60
- NET Ranking: 62
16. South Carolina
South Carolina football 🤝 South Carolina basketball. Beating Clemson in 2024. pic.twitter.com/kg9WK7ORm6
— College Basketball Review (@CbbReview) December 18, 2024
- KenPom Rating: 63
- NET Ranking: 84
A combined record of 171-23 means nearly every game will be up for grabs. Expect this ranking to change several times this conference year. We will provide updated rankings all year long. So stay here for all the latest Kentucky news.