SEC Power Rankings: Florida Looks to Defend Title as Kentucky, Arkansas Push for SEC Supremacy

The SEC looks loaded again heading into the 2025-26 basketball season, with Florida aiming to repeat and several powerhouse programs ready to chase them down.

ByRodney Knuppel|

Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope and Tennessee Volunteers head coach Rick Barnes | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

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The Florida Gators enter the season with championship expectations. Todd Golden’s team is built around new backcourt stars Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee, forming one of the conference’s most dynamic duos. Losing Walter Clayton Jr. hurts, but this roster remains balanced and deep. Florida will get tested early when they meet Arizona on opening night in Las Vegas.

The Challengers Lining Up Behind the Gators

2. Kentucky Wildcats
Mark Pope’s second year in Lexington comes with high expectations. Otega Oweh, the preseason SEC Player of the Year, headlines a stacked roster. Denzel Aberdeen (Florida) and Jaland Lowe (Pittsburgh) bring proven guard play, and despite Jayden Quaintance’s injury, Kentucky’s depth gives them a shot at the top. The Wildcats open with Nicholls on November 4.

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