Mid-summer look at SEC hoops: It's the Gators and then everybody else

(Photo by Chris Spears)

It’s Florida and then there is everybody else. That’s the mid-summer assessment for basketball in the Southeastern Conference. With nearly every roster complete, the Gators have five experienced starters ready to go for the 2026-27 season and more experienced, quality depth than any team in the country. Todd Golden has assembled a roster capable of playing any style and withstanding a bad day at the office by a whistle-happy zebra crew.

ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi already has the Gators as the national No. 1 seed. Lunardi predicts 13 of the 16 SEC teams will make the NCAA Tournament, but only the Gators and Texas (No. 3) are current top four seeds.

Here is a team-by-team mid-summer look at Southeastern Conference basketball:

FLORIDA

Last year: No. 9 final ranking, No. 1 NCAA seed, lost second round

Too early ranking for 2026-27: 1 ESPN; 1 Sports Illustrated; 1 CBS; 2 The Athletic

Joe Lunardi bracketology for 2026-27: No. 1 East

Probable starters: Tommy Haugh (6-9, 215, SR); Alex Condon (6-11, 236, SR); Rueben Chinyelu (6-10, 260, SR); Boogie Fland (6-3, 185, JR); Denzel Aberdeen (6-5, 195, SR)

Todd Golden has the nation’s deepest and most experienced roster. The only question at mid-summer is who will make Denzel Aberdeen eligible – the NCAA or the courts? Bet the farm that if the NCAA denies his waiver request for a fifth year he will win in court. The Gators have the nation’s best front court in Tommy Haugh (second team All-America), Alex Condon (second team All-SEC) and Rueben Chinyelu (national defensive player of the year), a very capable backcourt duo in Aberdeen and Boogie Fland, and depth everywhere. To solidify his front line, Golden brought in internationals Domen Petrovic (from Slovenia) and Alex Butajevas (from Lithuania) to go with veteran Viktor Mikic and incoming freshman Jones Lay. In the backcourt, SEC Sixth Man of the Year Urban Klavzar is an elite shooter. The Brown brothers (Isaiah and AJ) and last year’s freshmen CJ Ingram and Alex Lloyd will mean little, if any, dropoff on the perimeter when Golden goes to the bench.

The roster

Tommy Haugh (6-9, 215, SR); Alex Condon (6-11, 236, SR); Rueben Chinyelu (6-10, 260, SR); Denzel Aberdeen (6-5, 195, SR); Urban Klavzar (6-1, 195, SR); AJ Brown (6-4, 210, RSR); Domen Petrovic (6-9, 220, SR); Alex Kovatchev (6-5, 195, RJR); Boogie Fland (6-3, 185, JR); Isaiah Brown (6-5, 210, JR); Viktor Mikic (6-11, 260, JR); CJ Ingram (6-7, 210, SO); Alex Lloyd (6-3, 185, SO); Alex Butajevas (6-10, 220, FR); Jones Lay (7-0, 240, FR)

Too early predictions: The Gators are head and shoulders better than any team in the country.

THE REST OF THE SEC

ALABAMA

Last year: 25-10; No. 16; lost NCAA Sweet 16

Too early rankings for 2026-27: 15 ESPN; 17 Sports Illustrated; 19 CBS

Joe Lunardi bracketology for 2026-27: No. 3 South

Nate Oats has one returning starter (Amari Allen) and hope that Aden Holloway will be eligible after his lawyers maneuver through the legal process. Holloway is the bomber on the perimeter to make Oats 3-pointers or layups offensive strategy work. Allen was a late NBA Draft dropout who could become a lottery pick. Freshman Jaxon Robinson should start. Big teams have given Bama problems, so Oats went heavy into the portal for size, landing Brandon Garrison (6-10, 240) from Kentucky and Drew Fielder (6-11, 225) from Boise State.  

Probable starters: Aden Holloway (6-1, 180, SR); Jaxon Richardson (6-6, 205, FR); Amari Allen (6-6, 190, SO); Brandon Garrison (6-10, 240, SR); Drew Fielder (6-11, 225, SR)

ARKANSAS

Last year: No. 13; lost NCAA Sweet 16

Too early rankings for 2026-27: 11 ESPN; 14 Sports Illustrated; 10 CBS; 9 The Athletic

Joe Lunardi bracketology for 2026-27: No. 2 Midwest

Billy Richmond III is the only returning starter but he’s versatile enough to play three positions effectively. From the portal John Calipari landed a scorer in Jeremiah Wilkinson (from Georgia) and an experienced inside guy in Cooper Bowser (6-11, from Furman). Freshmen will play a prominent role, especially 5-star big Miika Muurinen, a 7-footer from Europe with serious offensive skills, and Jordan Smith, another 5-star with explosive offensive skills. Another 5-star freshman to watch is JJ Andrews.

Probable starters: Billy Richmond III (6-5, 205, JR); Jeremiah Wilkinson (6-1, 185, JR); Cooper Bowser (6-11, 220, SR); Miika Muurinen (7-0, 223, FR); Jordan Smith (6-2, 200, FR)

Too early predictions: Third year in Fayette-Nam for John Calipari. Lots of young guys who are talented. Wilkinson has to score and Muurinen has to be as good as advertised. Top four in the SEC.

AUBURN

Last year: 22-16; NIT champions

Joe Lunardi bracketology for 2026-27: No. 8 South

The Tigers went on a tear to win the NIT but that didn’t stop a wholesale evacuation. Steven Pearl kept his experienced backcourt in Kevin Overton and Tahaad Pettiford. Pearl went international to bring in Mantas Rubstavicius, a Lithuanian and 7-year pro (23 years old) and French pro Narcisse N’Goy, a dominant rebounder. Troy transfer Thomas Dowd averaged a double-double.

Probable starters: Kevin Overton (6-5, 180, SR); Tahaad Pettiford (6-1, 175, JR); Mantas Rubstavicius (6-6, 190, SR); Narcisse N’Goy (7-0, 220, SR); Thomas Dowd (6-8, 220, SR)

Too early predictions: If N’Goy and Rustavicius are eligible, the Tigers will be very good. Middle of the SEC pack.

GEORGIA

Last year: 22-11; lost NCAA first round

Joe Lunardi bracketology for 2026-27: No. 8 Midwest

Mike White might have had a contender until eight players transferred out including Jeremiah Wilkinson and big guy Somto Cyril. Kanon Catchings, who came on strong in the last half of the season, will be the go-to guy. Penn State transfer Freddie Dilione was a solid pickup who will start on the wing. Not much in the way of size or depth.

Probable starters: Blue Cain (6-5, 190, SR); Marcus Millender (5-11, 180, SR); Freddie Dilione (6-5, 195, RSR); Kanon Catchings (6-9, 190, JR); David Ugonna Ike (7-0, 235, FR)

Too early predictions: The starting five will have to come up big for Georgia to finish top half of the SEC. Typical Mike White team that will win some it shouldn’t and lose some that would be won.

KENTUCKY

Last year: 22-14; lost NCAA second round

Too early ranking for 2026-27: 17 ESPN; 23 Sports Illustrated; 16 CBS; 20 The Athletic

Joe Lunardi bracketology for 2026-27: No. 5 South

Kentucky spent a ton of money and continues to make huge cash offers to any good player who will listen. Mark Pope spent freely to keep Malachi Moreno from staying in the NBA Draft, even more to land international Ousman N’Diyae and bank-breaking amounts to land transfer Milan Momcilovic, an unconscious bomber from Iowa State. If they mesh and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, Pope’s job is safe. If the Cats post another 10-loss (or more) season, then Pope’s time in the unemployment line will be soothed by a rather hefty buyout.

Probable starters: Zoom Diallo (6-6, 195, JR); Alex Wilkins (6-6, 170, SO); Milan Momcilovic (6-8, 220, SR); Ousmane N’Diaye (6-11, 220, SR); Malachi Moreno (7-0, 250, SO)

Too early predictions: The Wildcats could be good if Pope can get everyone on the same page. Top five SEC.

LSU

Last year: 15-17

Joe Lunardi bracketology for 2026-27: No. 12 West

Will Wade’s roster is a work in progress. Israeli point guard Yam Madar has been ruled ineligible. RJ Luis, a former St. John’s star with three years of college basketball and two years in the G-League, is waiting an eligibility decision as is eight-year Euro pro Brice Dessert. There are no returning starters, a bunch of transfers and only one incoming freshman. Plus, North Carolina State is investigating LSU for tampering in the way it hired Wade. This is an ongoing saga, the end of which we won’t know for awhile.

Probable starters: Austin Nunez (6-2, 170, SR); Mouhamed Dioubate (6-7, 220, SR); Abdi Bashir (6-7, 175, SR); Marcio Santos (6-9, 250, SR); Michael Ruzic (6-10, 220, FR)

Too early prediction: A lot of controversy and questions about the roster. Somewhere between 11 and 14 in the SEC.

MISSISSIPPI STATE

Last year: 13-19

The only returning starter is Josh Hubbard, back for his senior season after averaging 22.1 per game last season. He is 53 points away from 2,000 for his career. HBC Chris Jans had to dip heavily into the portal after the departure of 10 players. Kennesaw State transfer RJ Johnson is physically strong enough to play the three while Seton Hall transfer Tajuan Simpkins will occupy a spot on the perimeter. There isn’t much in the way of size or experience in the paint so Washington State transfer ND Okafor is going to have to stay out of foul trouble.

Probable starters: Josh Hubbard (6-0, 190, SR); RJ Johnson (6-4, 225, RJR); Tajuan Simpkins (6-5, 185, SR); Thomas Bassong (6-8, 230, SO); ND Okafor (6-9, 235, RSR)

Too early predictions: Bottom feeder

MISSOURI

Last year: 20-13; lost NCAA first round

Too early ranking for 2026-27: 21 ESPN

Joe Lunardi bracketology for 2026-27: No. 8 West

Dennis Gates lost four starters, returning only forward Trent Pierce. In typical Gates fashion he didn’t go after superstars in the portal but found solid players who score, share the ball and play very good defense. Kansas transfer Bryson Tiller is an outstanding post defender and rebounder. Freshman point guard Jason Crowe will be the key. If he can get the ball to shooters Jordan Crawford and Cord Stansbury, Mizzou will be a tough out.   

Probable starters: Jordan Crawford (6-3, 183, SR); Cord Stansbury (6-4, 180, SR); Jason Crowe (6-3, 170, FR); Trent Pierce (6-10, 210, SR); Bryson Tiller (6-11, 245, SO)

Too early predictions: Middle of the pack in the SEC, but extremely tough to beat at home.

OKLAHOMA

Last year: 21-16; lost NIT quarterfinals

Joe Lunardi bracketology for 2026-27: No. 11 Midwest

Porter Moser’s job security is shaky. Joe Castiglione has retired and the new AD may not be happy with another NIT trip. Oklahoma returns two starters from last year’s team which had to get hot late to even make the NIT. Xzayvier Brown can light it up when he gets hot and Derrion Reed is solid at both ends of the floor. The key to success might hinge on the NCAA ruling former Australian pro and 2-year G-League vet Akoldah Gak eligible. He’s the best of the incoming bigs.

Probable starters: Xzayvier Brown (6-2, 167, SR); Dalton Forsythe (6-2, 187, JR); Tyler Hendricks (6-6, 180, RSR); Derrion Reed (6-8, 226, JR); Akoldah Gak (6-11, 240, SR)

Too early predictions: Somewhere between seven and nine SEC wins.

OLE MISS

Last year: 15-20

Chris Beard lost 12 scholarship players to the portal so it is a massive rebuild. Guards Ilias Kamardine and Patton Pinkins return. Everybody else is a newbie. Ole Miss landed Australian Ben Henshall, an outstanding outside shooter who has played three seasons of pro ball in the Australian Basketball League and several small forward types in the portal. Size is going to be an issue. The only bigs the Rebels landed were 6-11 Arizona State transfer Santiago Trouet and redshirt freshman Stefan Cicic, a 7-footer from Pepperdine.

Probable starters: Ilias Kamardine (6-5, 185, SR); Patton Pinkins (6-5, 200, SO); Ben Henshall (6-5, 200, SR); Christian Brown (6-8, 236, SO); Santiago Trouet (6-11, 220, SR)

Too early predictions: It’s going to be a long season.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Last year: 13-19

Lamont Paris got another year, but another losing season likely gets him the boot. Only two scrubs off last year’s team return. Paris picked up a couple of double figures scorers from the portal in Kory Mincy (from George Mason) and Shane Blakeney (from Drexel) but neither has the firepower to replace Meechie Johnson. Texas transfer Camden Heide will start. Paris signed three international bigs, none of whom are overwhelmingly talented.

Probable starters: Kory Mincy (6-2, 185, SR); Shane Blakeney (6-5, 197, RSR); Camden Heide (6-7, 205, SR); Jakub Necas (6-11, 240, SR); Juan Fernandez (6-11, 220, SR)

Too early predictions: Last year’s 13 wins might seem like a monumental task to surpass.

TENNESSEE

Last year: 25-12; No. 12; lost NCAA Elite Eight

Too early ranking for 2026-27: 6 ESPN; 12 Sports Illustrated; 15 CBS; 15 The Athletic

Joe Lunardi bracketology for 2026-27: No. 5 Midwest

Rick Barnes is pushing 72 years old and he has yet to take the Vols to a Final Four. He’s tried to do it for years with defense but seems to have reversed course in the offseason by bringing in seven proven scorers from the portal including Juke Harris, who averaged 21.4 at Wake Forest, and Jalen Haralson, a 16.2 scorer as a true freshman at Notre Dame. Rick is aware that his last rodeo isn’t far down the road, so he’s rolled the dice by going heavy into the portal.  

Probable starters: Dai Dai Ames (6-2, 190, SR); Terrence Hill (6-3, 190, JR); Juke Harris (6-7, 200, JR); Miles Rubin (6-10, 220, SR); Jalen Haralson (6-7, 200, SO)

Too early predictions: Lots of people who can put it in the basket, but can they rebound and play defense? Sweet 16, maybe Elite Eight.

TEXAS

Last year: 21-15; lost NCAA Elite Eight

Too early ranking for 2026-27: 9 ESPN; 5 Sports Illustrated; 5 CBS; 7 The Athletic

Joe Lunardi bracketology for 2026-27: No. 3 West

Florida is the only team in the SEC with more talent than Texas. Marcus Spears Jr., who would have been the No. 1 high school recruit in the country next year, has reclassified to form what should be a dominant front line with Matas Vokietaitis and TCU transfer David Punch. Can transfer guards Isaiah Johnson and Mikey Lewis not only co-exist but thrive in the backcourt?

Probable starters: Isaiah Johnson (6-1, 170, SO); Mikey Lewis (6-3, 185, JR); Matas Vokietaitis (7-0, 255, JR); David Punch (6-7, 240, JR); Marcus Spears Jr. (6-9, 210, FR)

Too early predictions: The talent is there but is the chemistry? If Miller can get these guys to share the basketball they could make the Elite Eight or higher.

TEXAS A&M

Last year: 22-12; lost NCAA second round

Joe Lunardi bracketology for 2026-27: No. 9 East

Bucky McMillan brings back only one starter (McKenzie Mgbako) but he added serious scoring in G-League star Bryson Warren (19.8 per game) and second team All-American PJ Haggerty, who averaged 23.4 per game at Kansas State. They will fit well in McMillan’s first guy with an open shot launches offense. If the Aggies can rebound they are good for 20 wins.

Probable starters: Tyshawn Archie (6-1, 175, SR); Bryson Warren (6-3, 191, SR); PJ Haggerty (6-3, 192, SR); Cade Phillips (6-9, 212, SR); McKenzie Mgbako (6-9, 220, RSR)

Too early predictions: Middle of the pack in the SEC, tough to beat in Aggieland.

VANDERBILT

Last year: 27-9; lost NCAA second round

Too early ranking for 2026-27: 19 ESPN; 13 Sports Illustrated; 25 The Athletic

Joe Lunardi bracketology for 2026-27: No. 6 East

The return of All-SEC Tyler Tanner (19.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists) was huge for Mike Byington, who found four new starters in the portal including combo guard Ace Glass (Washington State), who’s in range when he gets off the bus. Byington got an outstanding defender in Mizzou transfer T.O. Barrett and picked up size in Bangot Dok (Colorado) and Berke Buyuktuncel (Nebraska). Depth, which was a strength a year ago, could be a problem.

Probable starters: Tyler Tanner (6-0, 170, JR); T.O. Barrett (6-4, 200, JR); Ace Glass (6-3, 185, SO); Bangot Dok (7-0, 210, SR); Berke Buyuktuncel (6-11, 240, SR)

Too early predictions: The Commodores will win between 20-23 regular season games, in part because Memorial Gym is one of the toughest places to play in college basketball.