SEC Men’s Basketball Power Rankings: Arkansas Surges, Kentucky Reeling, and the Race Tightens
As we hit the stretch run of conference play, the SEC is living up to its unpredictable reputation. Upsets, breakout performances, and shifting momentum have created a logjam at the top - and a scramble for survival near the bottom. With the standings tightening and every game carrying more weight, Arkansas has emerged as the current team to beat, while traditional powerhouses like Kentucky are searching for answers.
Here’s how the SEC stacks up heading into the final days of January:
1. Arkansas (16-5, 6-2 SEC)
The Razorbacks are rolling, and Darius Acuff Jr. is leading the charge with the kind of production that should be turning more heads nationally. He’s the only player in the country averaging at least 20 points and six assists per game - and he’s doing it as a freshman.
Arkansas has found its rhythm on both ends of the floor, and with Bud Walton Arena set to host Kentucky this weekend, the timing couldn’t be better for a statement game.
Last week: 3
2. Florida (15-6, 6-2 SEC)
The Gators hit a bump in the road with a home loss to Auburn, but quickly got back on track in a big way, dismantling South Carolina in record-breaking fashion. Florida's offense continues to hum, and if they can tighten things up defensively, they’ll be right there in the title hunt.
3. Vanderbilt (18-3, 5-3 SEC)
After dropping three straight, the Commodores looked like a team in free fall. But credit to head coach Mark Byington - his squad responded with authority, blowing out Mississippi State and Kentucky by a combined 57 points.
That kind of bounce-back shows maturity and depth, and Vanderbilt is suddenly back in the conversation.
Last week: 6
4. Texas A&M (16-4, 6-1 SEC)
The Aggies have quietly built one of the best records in the league, but there’s a catch - they haven’t faced a ranked opponent yet. That changes soon, and we’ll get a clearer picture of whether Bucky Ball is built to last.
So far, the numbers are solid, but the true tests are coming.
Last week: 4
5. Tennessee
Nate Ament has officially arrived. The Vols’ rising star put up 24 points, 6.5 boards, and three assists per game in wins over Alabama and Georgia.
Tennessee is finding its groove, and with Ament playing at this level, they’ve got the firepower to climb even higher.
Last week: 8
6. Auburn
Winners of four straight, the Tigers are heating up at just the right time. Head coach Steven Pearl has this group locked in, and they’re starting to look like a team nobody wants to face in February.
The defense is clicking, and the offense is finding its rhythm.
7. Alabama (14-6, 4-3 SEC)
When healthy, Alabama can hang with anyone in the league - but that’s been the issue. Injuries and inconsistent availability have held them back, and it’s tough to build momentum without a full deck.
Still, the talent is there, and if they can get right physically, they’ll be dangerous down the stretch.
Last week: 5
8. Georgia (16-5, 4-4 SEC)
Just when the Bulldogs started to look like a legitimate contender, they dropped a tough one at Texas and followed it up with a home loss to Auburn. That’s a tough one-two punch, and now Georgia has to regroup quickly to avoid slipping further in the standings.
9. Kentucky (14-7, 5-3 SEC)
The Wildcats just suffered their worst loss to Vanderbilt since 2008 - a 25-point drubbing that raised serious questions about their trajectory. Now, John Calipari returns to Arkansas for a reunion game that suddenly carries a lot of weight.
Kentucky needs a spark, and fast.
Last week: 7
10. Missouri (13-6, 3-3 SEC)
The Tigers narrowly avoided a four-game skid thanks to a pair of buzzer-beaters against Oklahoma. It wasn’t pretty, but it was enough to stop the bleeding.
Missouri has shown flashes, but consistency remains elusive.
11. Texas (12-9, 3-5 SEC)
The Longhorns have a golden opportunity in front of them - five straight games against teams in the bottom half of the league. If they’re going to make a move, now’s the time.
Anything less than a 4-1 stretch could spell trouble.
Last week: 13
12. Ole Miss (11-9, 3-4 SEC)
The Rebels are teetering on the edge of the NCAA Tournament bubble, and right now, they might be the unofficial cutoff line for the SEC. Every team below them likely needs a miracle to punch a ticket to March Madness.
Ole Miss still has a shot - but the margin for error is razor-thin.
Last week: 11
13. Mississippi State (11-10, 3-5 SEC)
Josh Hubbard remains the engine for this team, but he can’t do it alone. Even in a blowout win over LSU, his 15 points weren’t enough to mask the lack of consistent help around him.
If the Bulldogs are going to make a run, they’ll need more balance.
Last week: 12
14. South Carolina (11-10, 2-6 SEC)
No team in the league has taken more double-digit losses in conference play than the Gamecocks. The struggles are mounting, and the path forward isn’t getting any easier.
It’s been a rough stretch for South Carolina, and the clock is ticking.
Last week: 14
15. Oklahoma (11-10, 1-7 SEC)
It’s easy to imagine a world where the Sooners are coming off a 2-0 week, but the reality is they’re stuck at the bottom of the standings. The talent is there, but the execution hasn’t followed.
With winnable games ahead, Oklahoma still has a chance to flip the script - but time is running out.
Last week: 16
16. LSU
After nearly pulling off an upset against Arkansas, the Tigers looked like they might be turning a corner. Then came a blowout loss at home to Mississippi State.
Whatever momentum they had is gone, and the road ahead doesn’t get any easier.
The SEC is as wide open as it’s been in years. With Arkansas on the rise, Florida and Vanderbilt surging, and Kentucky at a crossroads, the next few weeks are going to be must-watch basketball. Buckle up - the race for the SEC crown is just getting started.