SEC Men’s Basketball Power Rankings: Calipari Struggles, Auburn Survives, and More
As the SEC men’s basketball season continues to unfold, the landscape of the conference is rapidly shifting. With intense competition, surprising upsets, and standout individual performances, teams are constantly jockeying for position in the power rankings. This season has been no different, with perennial powerhouses facing challenges while underdogs rise to the occasion. In this edition of the SEC Men’s Basketball Power Rankings, we will dive into the current state of the league, evaluating the performance of each team and highlighting the key storylines that have defined the early portion of the season.
1. Auburn Tigers
Auburn has shown themselves to be the clear frontrunner in the SEC this season. The Tigers have been nothing short of impressive, especially in their high-profile games. With an overall record of 15-1 and an undefeated mark in the conference, Auburn has cemented itself as the team to beat in the SEC. Head coach Bruce Pearl has his squad playing with purpose and intensity, and the balance of offensive and defensive play has been a hallmark of their success.
At the core of Auburn’s success has been their defensive tenacity. The Tigers have been excellent on the defensive end, ranking among the top teams in the country in defensive efficiency. Jalen Pettiford has been a revelation, leading the Tigers in scoring and serving as a dynamic playmaker. His ability to score in transition, hit big shots when needed, and facilitate for his teammates has been crucial to Auburn’s offensive flow.
Auburn’s strength, however, is not limited to just Pettiford. Johni Broome has been a steady hand at the point guard position, while Allen Flanigan continues to provide a veteran presence on both ends of the floor. Despite some occasional lapses in play, Auburn has proven time and again that they can close out games, whether it be in hostile environments or against ranked opponents.
Pearl has this team playing with great chemistry, and they’ve shown resilience when facing adversity. As Auburn continues to dominate, their path toward securing a high seed in the NCAA Tournament seems more and more likely.
2. Alabama Crimson Tide
The Alabama Crimson Tide has been one of the most exciting teams in the SEC this season. After an inconsistent start, Alabama has found their rhythm and has started playing at an elite level. With a 14-2 overall record, they have been able to bounce back after some early losses to establish themselves as one of the top teams in the SEC. Under head coach Nate Oats, Alabama has shown they can compete with anyone.
What stands out about this Alabama team is their offensive firepower. The Crimson Tide have one of the best offenses in the country, averaging over 80 points per game. The high-paced system implemented by Oats has been extremely effective, as Alabama pushes the ball up the floor and looks for quick, high-percentage shots. The Crimson Tide also have a lethal three-point shooting game, and Brandon Miller has been nothing short of sensational.
Miller, who has emerged as one of the SEC’s most dynamic players, leads the team in scoring and has been a major factor in their success. His ability to stretch the floor, score off the dribble, and defend at a high level has made him one of the most dangerous players in the conference.
Although Alabama’s defense has been inconsistent at times, their offensive depth and ability to score in bunches make them a serious threat to anyone in the SEC. Alabama’s win over top-tier teams like Auburn and Tennessee proves that they can hang with the best, and they will certainly be a force to reckon with as the season progresses.
3. Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee is a team that has been hovering near the top of the SEC for several seasons, and 2025 is no different. With a 14-3 record, the Volunteers have looked solid under head coach Rick Barnes. While their offense has been efficient, it’s their defense that truly sets them apart. Tennessee has one of the most well-coached defenses in college basketball, and their ability to lock down opponents has made them a difficult team to play against.
The defense starts with Zakai Zeigler, who has emerged as one of the top defensive players in the SEC. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses with his quickness and anticipation has been crucial for the Volunteers. On the offensive end, Santiago Vescovi has been a steady leader and scorer for Tennessee. His leadership has been critical in close games, and his shooting ability stretches the floor for Tennessee’s offense.
While Tennessee has been consistent overall, their inability to close out certain games has cost them at times. A loss to Auburn earlier in the season highlighted their struggles in high-pressure moments. Nevertheless, Tennessee is a well-balanced team that should be able to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
4. Kentucky Wildcats
The Kentucky Wildcats have faced a series of challenges this season, as they’ve failed to meet expectations in a year when they were expected to be among the top teams in the country. Head coach John Calipari has found himself under scrutiny after a disappointing start to the season, and his squad has been unable to find the consistency needed to climb to the top of the SEC standings. Currently sitting with a 12-4 record, Kentucky is clearly talented, but they have struggled to put it all together.
One of Kentucky’s main issues has been their offensive inconsistency. The Wildcats have been unable to find the same offensive flow that they’ve been known for in previous seasons. Their reliance on freshman talent, while highly touted, has not always paid off. Cason Wallace, a promising freshman guard, has shown flashes of brilliance, but the team has lacked a true leader on the floor. Additionally, veteran players like Oscar Tshiebwe, the reigning SEC Player of the Year, have not played up to expectations.
Despite these struggles, Kentucky’s talent cannot be denied. The Wildcats still possess the ability to beat any team in the conference, especially if they can figure out their offensive chemistry. If Calipari can get his team to play more cohesively, Kentucky will still be a dangerous opponent as the season moves forward.
5. Arkansas Razorbacks
Arkansas has shown flashes of brilliance but has been relatively inconsistent this season. With an overall record of 13-4, the Razorbacks have had their ups and downs, but they have managed to stay competitive in the SEC. Head coach Eric Musselman has a reputation for being able to get the best out of his players, and that has been on display at times this season.
The Razorbacks are led by Ricky Council IV, who has been their best player by far. Council has been a dynamic scorer and playmaker, and he is capable of taking over games. However, Arkansas has often struggled with defensive consistency, which has hurt them in key moments. Additionally, injuries to key players have hampered the Razorbacks’ depth, limiting their ability to field a full-strength lineup.
Despite these challenges, Arkansas has the potential to go on a run in the SEC and make some noise in the NCAA Tournament. If they can improve their defense and get healthier, they could be a dangerous team moving forward.
6. Mississippi State Bulldogs
The Mississippi State Bulldogs have been one of the most pleasant surprises of the SEC season. With a 13-4 record, they’ve consistently outperformed expectations and have positioned themselves as a legitimate contender in the conference. Under head coach Chris Jans, the Bulldogs have focused on defense and rebounding, which has been their recipe for success.
Tolu Smith has been the leader of this Mississippi State squad, providing a steady presence in the paint on both offense and defense. His rebounding and shot-blocking have been crucial for Mississippi State, especially when they’ve faced tougher opponents. The Bulldogs’ defense has been one of the best in the conference, and they have been able to stifle high-scoring teams with their ability to pressure the ball and contest shots.
While Mississippi State’s offense can be a bit stagnant at times, their defense has made up for it. If the Bulldogs can continue to play their brand of physical, defensive basketball, they could make a serious run in the SEC and beyond.
7. Florida Gators
Florida has had an up-and-down season, sitting with an overall record of 11-6. The Gators have shown flashes of brilliance but have struggled to put together consistent performances against top teams. Head coach Todd Golden has had to deal with a roster that lacks a clear go-to scorer, which has hindered Florida’s ability to execute in close games.
Colin Castleton, Florida’s star big man, has been the team’s best player, leading the team in scoring and rebounding. However, Florida has often found itself on the wrong side of close games due to a lack of offensive firepower. The Gators will need to find more scoring options and become more consistent in order to make a push in the SEC.
Conclusion: A Season of Change in the SEC
As the SEC men’s basketball season progresses, it’s clear that the conference is more competitive than ever. Teams like Auburn and Alabama have emerged as legitimate national championship contenders, while Kentucky and Arkansas continue to be teams to watch as they work through their inconsistencies. Mississippi State has been a surprise team in the conference, and Florida, while struggling, has the potential to turn things around.
With the season still far from over, it’s anyone’s guess as to who will emerge as the SEC champion. However, one thing is certain: the SEC is one of the toughest conferences in college basketball, and it’s going to be an exciting race to the finish. As the tournament looms on the horizon, the stakes are higher than ever, and every game is critical. Who will rise to the occasion, and who will fall short? Only time will tell, but the SEC is sure to provide plenty of drama along the way.
