Some SEC basketball teams won’t enter the 2025 season with headlines or hype—but don’t sleep on them just yet. While programs like Mississippi State, South Carolina, LSU, Vanderbilt, and Missouri may be focused on simply avoiding Wednesday games at the SEC Tournament, a handful of others could climb the standings if things break their way.
Welcome to the “Possible With Luck and Help” Tier—programs with question marks, flaws, or youth, but also the raw talent to make a surprising run. They’re not preseason contenders, but they have enough intrigue to crash the party.
Georgia Bulldogs
Mike White’s squad flashed potential last season but lacked late-game consistency. With big man Somto Cyril back and a solid incoming class, Georgia has the tools to compete. If they can tighten their perimeter defense and find composure in crunch time, the Bulldogs could notch key SEC home wins and maybe pull off a road upset or two. They have a high ceiling—but also a low floor.
Texas Longhorns
With Sean Miller taking over for Rodney Terry, Texas is entering a new era. The roster is loaded with talent—Tramon Mark, Jordan Pope, and Chendell Weaver return, joined by newcomers Dailyn Swain and Camden Heide from Purdue. The question: can this mix of old and new mesh quickly enough to contend? Texas could be a dark horse—or an early disappointment.
Texas A&M Aggies
The Buzz Williams era is over, and Bucky McMillan brings his high-octane “Bucky Ball” to College Station. At Samford, McMillan’s teams pressed relentlessly and played at one of the fastest paces in the country—ranking 24th in possessions per game. By contrast, A&M sat at 107th last year. Expect a radical shift in tempo and style. This team isn’t a preseason darling, but the chaos they create could give SEC opponents fits.
Oklahoma Sooners
Now in their second SEC season, Porter Moser’s squad enters under the radar. Known for their gritty, grinding defense, the Sooners could become a tough out if their shooting sees even modest improvement. A bubble team on paper, but with just enough toughness and unpredictability to cause problems—especially late in the season.
They’re not favorites, and they’re not flawless—but if you’re a contender eyeing the SEC title, these are the teams you won’t want to face in February.
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