SEC basketball projections: Gators will be favored to win the league

Alex Condon is one reason why the Gators will have the SEC's best front court (Photo by Chris Spears)

It may only be July but with the exception of a possible straggler here or there, SEC rosters for the 2025-26 basketball season are set. Not surprising, but the Florida Gators are considered the team to beat in the SEC and a serious contender to win a second straight NCAA championship. Back from the 2025 national championship team are all four bigs who contributed in Florida’s 12-game winning streak that included a 6-0 run in the NCAA Tournament. Although Florida lost its three perimeter starters to the NBA, Todd Golden replaced them with Xaivian Lee (from Princeton), Boogie Fland (from Arkansas) and AJ Brown (from Ohio), who averaged a combined 43.6 points per game. Lee averaged 5.5 assists per game while Fland averaged 5.0.  

Already, the Gators are being projected as the No. 1 overall seed by ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi. Over at CBS, the Gators are also being projected as a No. 1 seed.

FLORIDA

Last year: 36-4, 14-4 SEC; NCAA champions

Projected starting lineup: Alex Condon (6-11, 230, JR); Rueben Chinyelu (6-10, 260, JR); Tommy Haugh (6-9, 220, JR); Xaivian Lee (6-4, 180, SR); Boogie Fland (6-3, 180, SO)

Key reserves: Micah Handlogten (7-1, 265, SR); AJ Brown (6-4, 200, RJR); Alex Kivatchev (6-5, 190, JR); Urban Klavzar (6-1, 195, SO); Isaiah Brown (6-4, 210, SO); Viktor Mikic (6-11, 250, SO); Olivier Rioux (7-9, 305, RFR); CJ Ingram (6-6, 202, FR); Alex Lloyd (6-3, 178, FR)

THE REST OF THE SEC

ALABAMA

Last year: 28-9, 13-5 SEC; NCAA Elite Eight

Projected starting lineup: LaBaron Philon (6-4, 177, SO); Aden Holloway (6-1, 180, JR); Latrell Wrightsell Jr. (6-3, 190, GR); Taylor Bol Bowen (6-10, 195, JR); Aiden Sherrell (6-10, 240, SO)

Key reserves: Jalil Bethea (6-5, 190, SO); Houston Mallett (6-5, 200, GR); Noah Williamson (7-0, 250, SR); London Jemison (6-8, 195, FR); Keitenn Bristow (6-10, SO); Davion Hannah (6-6, 180, FR); Collins Oneyjiaka (6-11, 270, FR); Amari Allen (6-5, 180, FR), FR)

Too early thoughts: LaBaron Philon is going to have to take a huge leap to replace the points and assists of Mark Sears. Bucknell transfer Noah Williamson has to replace Grant Nelson, which may be more difficult than replacing Sears. Lunardi projects Bama as a No. 5, while CBS has the Tide a No. 3. Seems high.

ARKANSAS

Last year: 22-14, 8-10 SEC; NCAA Sweet 16

Projected starting lineup: DJ Wagner (6-4, 190, JR); Karter Knox (6-6, 220, SO); Darius Acuff Jr. (6-2, 180, FR); Trevon Brazile (6-10, 230, SR); Nick Pringle (6-10, 230, GR)

Key reserves: Meleek Thomas (6-5, 185, FR); Malique Ewin (6-10, 240, SR); Billy Richmond III (6-6, 205, SO); Isaiah Sealy (6-7, 195, FR); Jaden Karuletwa (6-4, 195, SO); Karim Rtail (6-7, 205, FR); Paulo Semedo (7-1, 225, FR)

Too early thoughts: John Calipari thinks freshman point guard Darius Acuff Jr. will make the Hogs at least a Sweet 16 team. For Arkansas to contend, Trevon Brazile has to have a big year inside. Lunardi and CBS project Arkansas a No. 5. Could be a top four.

AUBURN

Last year: 32-6, 15-3 SEC; NCAA Final Four

Projected starting lineup: Tahaad Pettiford (6-1, 170, SO); Kevin Overton (6-5, 200, JR); Keyshawn Hall (6-7, 240, SR); Filip Jovic (6-8, 225, FR); KeShawn Murphy (6-10, 230, SR)

Key reserves: Abdul Bashir (6-7, 165, JR); Elyjah Freeman (6-8, 185, SO); Sebastian Williams-Adams (6-8, 230, FR); Kaden Magwood (6-2, 175, FR); Emeka Opurum (7-0, 205, SO); Simon Walker (6-4, 195, FR); CJ Williams (6-2, 185, SR); Jeremiah Bowman (6-7, 205, FR)

Too early thoughts: A retooled front line of UCF transfer Keyshawn Hall and Mississippi State transfer KeShawn Murphy will be the key. Can Tahaad Pettiford stay out of trouble? CBS and Lunardi project Auburn a No. 4.

GEORGIA

Last year: 20-13, 8-10 SEC; NCAA first round

Projected starting lineup: Jordan Ross; (6-3, 195, JR); Blue Cain (6-5, 195, JR); Kanon Catchings (6-9, 220, SO); Dylan James (6-9, 215, JR); Somto Cyril (6-11, 260, SO)

Key reserves: Jeremiah Wilkinson (6-1, 185, SO); Smurf Millender (5-11, 175, JR); Markel Jennings (5-11, 165, RSO); Justin Bailey (6-3, 195, SR); Jacob Wilkins (6-9, 185, FR); Justin Abson (6-9, 250, SR); Kareem Stagg (6-8, 230, FR); Jackson McVey (7-1, 240, FR); Jaden Newell (6-8, 225, RJR); Brandon Klatsky (6-4, 175, RJR)

Too early thoughts: Mike White has quite a few tall guys but none of them move the needle. California transfer Jeremiah Wilkinson will be the leading scorer. Lunardi picks the Bulldogs as a No. 10.

KENTUCKY

Last year: 24-12, 10-8 SEC; NCAA Sweet 16

Projected starting lineup: Jaland Lowe (6-2, 170, JR), Otega Oweh (6-4, 195, SR), Kam Williams (6-8, 190, SO); Mo Dioubate (6-7, 215, JR); Jayden Quaintance (6-9, 225, SO)

Key reserves: Denzel Aberdeen (6-5, 190, SR); Malachi Moreno (6-11, 230, FR);  Reece Potter (7-1, 215, JR); Jasper Johnson (6-4, 175, FR); Brandon Garrison (6-11, 245, JR); Trent Noah (6-5, 220, SO); Collin Chandler (6-5, 202, SO)

Too early thoughts: Mark Pope loaded up in the transfer portal, the best of which are Arizona State sophomore Jayden Quaintance and Pitt transfer Jaland Lowe. CBS projects a No. 2, while Lunardi a No. 3. Seems too high.

LSU

Last year: 14-18, 3-15 SEC

Projected starting lineup: Dedan Thomas (6-1, 178, JR); PJ Carter (6-4, 183, 5^th YR); Rashad King (6-6, 217, SR); Jalen Reed (6-10, 245, RJR); Michael Nwoko (6-10, 261, JR)

Key reserves: Max Mackinnon (6-6, 195, SR); Robert Miller III (6-10, 230, SO); Mazi Mosely (6-5, 169, FR); Ron Zipper (6-5, 209, FR); Pablo Tamba (6-7, 206, GR); Jalen Reece (6-0, 185, FR); Marquel Sutton (6-8, 225, 5^th YR); Matt Gilhool (6-11, 213, FR); Jaden Bobbett (6-1, 190, 5^th YR)

Too early thoughts: Matt McMahon sits on a very hot seat. He brought in five double figures transfers, the best of which are point guard Dedan Thomas from UNLV and power forward Marquel Sutton from Omaha. The NIT would be a huge accomplishment.

MISSISSIPPI STATE

Last year: 21-13, 8-10 SEC; NCAA first round

Projected starting lineup: Josh Hubbard (5-10, 185, JR); Jayden Epps (6-2, 190, SR); Shawn Jones (6-5, 200, SR); Achor Achor (6-9, 222, RSR); Quincy Ballard (6-11, 240, SR)

Key reserves: Ja’Borri McGhee (6-0, 200, SO); Amier Ali (6-8, 185, SO); King Grace (6-5, 190, FR); Tee Bartlett (6-10, 274, FR); Jamarion Davis-Fleming (6-8, 200, FR); Cameren Paul (6-6, 180, FR); Sergej Macura (6-8, 200, FR); Brandon Walker (6-7, 250, JR).

Too early thoughts: Somebody other than Josh Hubbard has to prove he can score. The Bulldogs need Brandon Walker (Montana State transfer) to eat up space and rebound. Lunardi projects MSU a No. 8.

MISSOURI

Last year: 22-12, 10-8 SEC; NCAA first round

Projected starting lineup: Anthony Robinson II (6-3, 180, JR); Sebastian Mack (6-3, 200, JR); Jacob Crews (6-8, 210, GR); Mark Mitchell (6-9, 230, SR); Shawn Phillips Jr. (7-0, 245, JR)

Key reserves: Trent Pierce (6-10, 220, JR); Jevon Porter (6-11, 235, SR); Annor Boateng (6-6, 215, SO); TO Barrett (6-4, 200, SO); Jayden Stone (6-4, 185, SR); Trent Burns (7-5, 235, RFR); Aaron Rowe (6-5, 155, FR); Nicholas Randall (6-7, 225, FR)

Too early thoughts: Mizzou has to get some help for Mark Mitchell to be much more than break even in SEC play. Can Jayden Stone (Detroit transfer) help make up the loss of Tamar Bates and Caleb Grill? CBS and Lunardi project the Tigers a No. 7.

OKLAHOMA

Last year: 20-14, 6-12 SEC; NCAA first round

Projected starting lineup: Xzayvier Brown (6-2, 165, JR); Nijel Pack (6-0, 180, GR); Derrion Reid (6-8, 220, SO) Tae Davis (6-9, 204, SR); Moe Wague (6-10, 225, SR)

Key reserves: Jeff Nwankwo (6-6, 220, RFR); Jadon Jones (6-5, 190, SR); Kai Rogers (6-11, 230, FR); Dayton Forsythe (6 -2, 187, SO); Alec Blair (6-6, 195, FR); Kuol Atak (6-9, 190 RFR); Andreas Holst (7-0, 190, FR)

Too early thoughts: If transfers Nijel Pack (Miami), Xzavier Brown (Saint Joseph’s) and Tae Davis don’t produce, Porter Moser will be feeling the heat.

OLE MISS

Last year: 24-12, 10-8 SEC; NCAA Sweet 16

Projected starting lineup: Koren Johnson (6-1, 175, RJR); Ilias Kamardine (6-4, 180, SR); AJ Storr (6-5, 205, SR); Malik Dia (6-9, 205, SR); James Scott (6-10, 210, SR)

Key reserves: Corey Chest (6-8, 210, SO); Eduardo Klafke (6-5, 195, SO); Kezza Giffa (6-1, 165, SR); Travis Perry (6-1, 188, SO); Niko Bundalo (6-10, 215FR); Zach Day (6-5, 185, SO); Tylis Jordan (6-9, 210, FR); Patton Pinkins (6-5, 170, FR)

Too early thoughts: Chris Beard needs some scoring and High Point tranfer Kezza Giffa is the best he could do in the portal. The No. 10 seed by both Lunardi and CBS seems high.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Last year: 12-20, 2-16 SEC

Projected starting lineup: Meechie Johnson (6-2, 192, RSR); Mike Sharavjamts (6-9, 195, SR); Myles Stute (6-6, 210, SR); Elijah Strong (6-8, 250, JR); Christ Essandoko (7-0, 280, RJR)

Key reserves: Kobe Knox (6-5, 200, RJR); Cam Scott (6-6, 172, SO); Eli Ellis (6-0,192, FR); Nordin Kapic (6-8, 240, SR); Jordan Butler (7-0, 237, JR); EJ Walker (6-7, 237, FR); Abu Yarmah (6-6, 209, FR); Grant Polk 6-6, 197, FR); Hayden Assemian (6-6, 230, FR)

Too early thoughts: Last year was bad. This year will be worse.

TENNESSEE

Last year: 30-8, 12-6 SEC; NCAA Elite Eight

Projected starting lineup: Felix Okpara (6-11, 235, SR); Cade Phillips (6-9, 216, JR); Nate Ament (6-9, 190, FR); Amaree Abram (6-4, 195, SR); Ja’Kobi Gillespie (6-1, 186, SR)

Key reserves: JP Estrella (6-11, 250, RSO); Jaylen Carey (6-8, 265, JR); Bishop Boswell (6-4, 203, SO); Amari Evans (6-5, 211, FR); Clarence Massamba (6-5, 185, FR); Dwayne Brown II (6-9, 255, FR); Grant Hurst (6-2, 208, RSR); Troy Henderson (6-1, 180, FR)

Too early thoughts: Freshman Nate Ament is thought to be a one-and-done. Rick Barnes brought in some scoring in Maryland transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Louisiana Tech transfer Amaree Abram. The one who better come up big is Felix Okpara. Lunardi projects the Vols a No. 2 while CBS puts them at No. 3.

TEXAS

Last year: 19-16, 6-12 SEC; NCAA first round

Projected starting lineup: Jordan Pope (6-2, 165, SR); Tramon Mark (6-5, 180, GR); Cam Heide (6-7, 205, JR); Dailyn Swain (6-7, 200, JR); Matas Voikietaitis (7-0, 245, SO)

Key reserves: Simeon Wilcher (6-4, 180, JR); Chendall Weaver (6-3, 164, SR); Lassina Traore (6-9, 215, SR); Nic Codie (6-8, 200, SO); John Clark (6-10, 235, FR); Lewis Obiorah (7-1, 245, FR)

Too early thoughts: New coach Sean Miller loaded up on the portal. He’ll get a Mulligan this year. Lunardi picks the Longhorns a No. 9. That’s too high.

TEXAS A&M

Last year: 23-11, 11-7 SEC; NCAA second round

Projected starting lineup: Jacari Lane (6-0, 178), SR); Pop Isaacs (6-2, 182, JR); Rylan Griffen (6-5, 181, SR); MacKenzie Mgbako (6-8, 223, JR); Federiko Federiko (6-11, 226, GR)

Key reserves: Marcus Hill (6-3, 192, GR); Rashaun Agee (6-7, 231, GR); Josh Holloway (6-1, 178, JR; Zach Clemence (6-11, 232, GR); Jamie Vinson (6-11, 243, SO); Ruben Dominguez (6-6, 213, SO); Jeremiah Green (6-3, 189, FR); Chris McDermott (6-7, 228, SO)

Too early thoughts: Totally rebuilt roster now that Buzz Williams left for Maryland, replaced by Bucky McMillan from Samford. Creighton transfer Pop Isaacs can light it up. Somebody has to rebound. Lunardi and CBS have the Aggies in a No. 11 seed play-in game.

VANDERBILT

Last year: 20-13, 8-10 SEC; NCAA first round

Projected starting lineup: Frankie Collins (6-1, 205, GR); Duke Miles (6-2, 188, GR); Tyler Nickel (6-7, 220, JR); Devin McGlockton (6-7, 230, SR); Jalen Washington (6-10, 240, SR)

Key reserves: AK Okereke (6-7, 244, GR); Tyler Harris (6-7, 202, JR); Mike James (6-5, 198, JR); Tyler Tanner (6-0, 173, SO); Mason Nicholson (6-9, 307, GR); Jayden Leverett (6-11, 245, FR); Jaylon Dean-Vines (6-4, 181, FR); George Kimble III (6-2, 184, JR)

Too early thoughts: Not much inside so the Commodores will have to fill it up from the outside. Late addition George Kimble III was a bomber at Eastern Kentucky. The Commodores are a No. 8 for Lunardi, a No. 9 for CBS.