2. Tennessee Vols - 12-0
There was plenty of hype for the Vols entering the season despite losing one of the best players in the country in Dalton Knecht. His replacement turned out to be Chaz Lanier, who has easily been a top impact transfer from North Florida. He leads the team with 19.3 ppg, shooting 47% from three-point range on eight attempts a game.
Tennessee’s backcourt has the case of being the best in the country. Besides Lanier, they have Zakai Zeigler, who is producing 11.8 ppg and 8.3 apg, easily the best in the SEC. Senior guard Jordan Gainey (11.9 ppg) has been a consistent scoring threat, while transfer bigs Igor Milicic and Felix Okpara have been an upgrade over the previous frontcourt pieces.
The Vols have been one of the most dominant teams through the non-conference. They have beaten Louisville, Virginia, Baylor, Syracuse, and Miami by 13+ points, with a two-point road win at Illinois being the lone close call to this point.
Tennessee rounds out the non-con with a home game versus Norfolk State. After that, SEC play begins, taking on Arkansas at home, followed by a road game at another unbeaten squad in Florida on January 7th, what could very well be a late battle of unbeaten teams.