SEC basketball isn’t just having a moment-it’s building a legacy. Coming off a historic 2024-25 season that saw the league earn a record 14 bids to the NCAA Tournament, the Southeastern Conference has firmly cemented itself as one of college basketball’s deepest and most competitive conferences.
Last year wasn’t just about having a few juggernauts at the top-it was about the sheer volume of high-level teams that could go toe-to-toe with anyone in the country. Six SEC squads were among the top 16 seeds, and eight punched their ticket to the Sweet 16, both marks that set a new standard for the league.
Fast forward to this season, and while the depth is still there, the elite-tier dominance isn’t quite as overwhelming. As of February 6, ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi has 10 SEC teams projected to make the NCAA Tournament field.
That’s still an impressive number, but only two-Florida and Vanderbilt-are currently sitting on the top 16 seed lines. Florida leads the way as a projected 3-seed, while Vanderbilt isn’t far behind.
The difference this time around? The national landscape has evened out.
Last season, the SEC took advantage of a down year in the ACC and Big East, and there weren’t many surprise bid-stealers in the mid-major ranks. This year, the high-major conferences are more balanced, and that’s narrowing the gap.
As Lunardi puts it, “What’s missing from a year ago is the staggering number of elite SEC teams coupled with greater depth across the sport.”
Still, don’t count the SEC out. There’s plenty of fight left in this league.
Take Kentucky, for example. After stumbling through a rocky non-conference stretch, the Wildcats have flipped the script in SEC play.
Mark Pope’s squad has rattled off seven wins in its last eight games, climbing right back into the national conversation. Lunardi currently pegs them as a 7-seed, and they’re averaging a 6.95 seed across Bracket Matrix projections.
That number could rise fast-Kentucky has one of the toughest remaining schedules in the country. They’re just a half-game out of first in the SEC standings, and if they can stay healthy, there’s still time to make a serious push.
Big Blue Nation is watching closely.
Here’s a look at where the SEC’s top contenders currently stand in NCAA Tournament projections, according to Bracket Matrix:
- Vanderbilt: 3.41
- Florida: 3.93
- Tennessee: 5.03
- Alabama: 5.27
- Arkansas: 5.67
- Kentucky: 6.95
- Auburn: 7.43
- Texas A&M: 7.63
- Georgia: 9.46
- Texas: 10.9
- Missouri: 11
That’s 11 teams either in or right on the bubble-an impressive showing for a league that continues to prove its depth week after week.
And speaking of weeks, Saturday’s SEC slate is packed with games that could shake up the standings and the bracket picture. Here’s what’s on tap:
- Noon | No. 21 Arkansas (-6.5) at Mississippi State | ESPN2
- 1:00 | Missouri (+1.5) at South Carolina | SEC Network
- 2:00 | Ole Miss at Texas | ESPN2
- 3:30 | Oklahoma at Vanderbilt | SEC Network
- 4:00 | Alabama (+1.5) at Auburn | ESPN2
- 6:00 | Georgia at LSU | SEC Network
- 8:30 | Tennessee at Kentucky | ESPN
- 8:30 | Florida (-4.5) at Texas A&M | SEC Network
Circle that Tennessee-Kentucky matchup under the lights in Lexington. It’s not just a rivalry game-it’s a measuring stick.
The Vols are fighting to stay in the top 5-seed range, while Kentucky is surging and looking for a signature win to boost its résumé. Meanwhile, Florida’s trip to College Station could have major implications for both the Gators’ seed line and Texas A&M’s tournament hopes.
Bottom line: the SEC might not have the same top-heavy power it showcased last year, but don’t mistake that for weakness. This league is still a gauntlet, and with March creeping closer, every game is starting to feel like a postseason audition.