The SEC's dominance in basketball last season hasn't yet carried over to a new campaign.
The SEC combined for 23 nonconference losses in 2024. It's already up to 15 with a month to play before the league begins facing each other.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe lone highlight thus far is Alabama, who retains the top spot in these rankings and is responsible for the conference's only two ranked victories.
Here is our latest batch of SEC Power Rankings.
Rankings and records through Nov. 21.
1. Alabama
Most SEC teams have failed their high-profile nonconference tests, but not Alabama. The Crimson Tide added to its resume with a thrilling win over Illinois.
Last week: 1
Record: 4-1
2. Florida
Is Thomas Haugh a big man? A forward? Maybe we should consider him a guard? Regardless of position, he's one of the best players in America.
Last week: 3
Record: 4-1
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement3. Tennessee
One-by-one, the cupcakes on Tennessee's schedule are crumbling. The Vols finally face tests over turkey week against Rutgers and Houston.
Last week: 5
Record: 5-0
4. Auburn
The Tigers proved more in a one-point loss to Houston than they did in any of the blowout victories. Now, they just need Keyshawn Hall to stay healthy.
Last week: 6
Record: 4-1
5. Arkansas
It's not time to hit the panic button, but we've reached an early DefCon stage after squeaky wins over Samford and Winthrop.
Last week: 4
Record: 5-1
Nov 14, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope looks down the sideline during the first half against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images6. Kentucky
The Wildcats are loaded with talent, but are they physical enough? Not yet, according to their own coach.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLast week: 2
Record: 4-2
7. Ole Miss
Malik Dia's found a reliable sidekick in the sharpshooting Frenchman, Ilias Kamardine.
Last week: 7
Record: 5-0
8. Missouri
We're still waiting for the Tigers to face a real test, but early signs indicate one of the deepest rosters in the conference.
Last week: 8
Record: 6-0
9. Vanderbilt
One hundred points in four of their first five games reaffirms our belief that the Commodores are the neutral's favorite SEC squad
Last week: 9
Record: 5-0
10. Texas
The Longhorns have handled their business since an opening season loss to Duke, but coach Sean Miller is still finding things to be angry about.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLast week: 11
Record: 4-1
11. Georgia
The Bulldogs are the unofficial state champions after rallying past Georgia Tech, giving the SEC a rare win over a Power Four rival.
Last week: 14
Record: 6-0
12. LSU
It took him three schools, but Mike Nwoko appears to be realizing his potential on the Bayou.
Last week: 16
Record: 5-0
13. Texas A&M
The Aggies are 0-2 against the Big 12 and that pretty much sums up the SEC struggles in November.
Last week: 12
Record: 3-2
14. Oklahoma
A second-half collapse against Nebraska has coach Porter Moser's seat in Normal feeling uncomfortably warm.
Last week: 13
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRecord: 3-2
15. South Carolina
Through four games, social media darling Eli Ellis is proving his game translates from TikTok to Division I hoops.
Last week: 15
Record: 4-1
16. Mississippi State
Three quality opponents. Three losses. Josh Hubbard needs more help, and the Bulldogs reach the cellar of these rankings.
Last week: 10
Record: 2-3
Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at [email protected] or follow him @jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: SEC Men's Basketball Power Rankings. Kentucky, Mississippi State tumble
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