It would be wise for SEC basketball fans to cherish this holiday season. There aren’t going to be any gifts left on the schedule when the league slate arrives.
There is just one week remaining in the non-conference schedule. After that, the best conference in the country will devour itself for the next two months. The teams that survive will be positioned well for a deep run in March.
In honor of the holiday season, our latest batch of power rankings includes one wish for each team in 2025. These New Year’s resolutions could be what separates a team in the upcoming race to become the league’s champion.
Here is the full list, with the rankings and records based on games through Thursday, Dec. 26.
1. Auburn
The Wish: A full season of healthy from Johni Broome. The Tigers are so deep, Broome’s recent injury is a scare of what could swing the season.
Last week: 1
Record: 11-1
2. Tennessee
The Wish: Improved 3-point shooting from Jahmai Mashack, who shot 35.9% last year but is at 31.8%.
Last week: 2
Record: 12-0
3. Alabama
The Wish: Better playmaking from Mark Sears, who is too talented to average 2.7 turnovers.
Last week: 4
Record: 10-2
4. Florida
The Wish: More offensive production from Rueben Chinyelu. His average of 5.5 points can easily rise and complement his stellar defense.
Last week: 5
Record: 12-0
5. Kentucky
The Wish: A more selfish Lamont Butler, who is shooting 57% overall and 43.3% from three but only taking 8.6 shots per game.
Last week: 3
Record: 10-2
6. Oklahoma
The Wish: No freshman wall for Jeremiah Fears, one of the best diaper dandies in America.
Last week: 6
Record: 12-0
7. Ole Miss
The Wish: Improved 3-point shooting from Matthew Murrell, who has dropped from 39.8% last year to 31.4% this season.
Last week: 7
Record: 11-1
8. Texas A&M
The Wish: Better defensive rebounding. The Aggies lead the conference on the offensive glass, but they’re somehow 12th on the other end.
Last week: 8
Record: 10-2
9. Mississippi State
The Wish: A consistent second option emerges behind Josh Hubbard.
Last week: 10
Record: 11-1
10. Arkansas
The Wish: The entire team stays healthy. All nine players in Calipari’s rotation are important with no replacements on the bench.
Last week: 9
Record: 10-2
11. Missouri
The Wish: Caleb Grill returns from injury and continues his sharp-shooting from the beginning of the year.
Last week: 11
Record: 10-2
12. Texas
The Wish: Tramon Mark rediscovers his offensive punch from last year, when he averaged 16.2 points for Arkansas.
Last week: 12
Record: 10-2
13. Georgia
The Wish: De’Shayne Montgomery lives up to the hype, and his blistering start since becoming eligible.
Last week: 13
Record: 11-1
14. Vanderbilt
The Wish: Better 3-point defense. The Commodores are one of two SEC teams allowing opponents to shoot better than 34% from long range.
Last week: 14
Record: 11-1
15. LSU
The Wish: Fewer turnovers from backcourt duo Cam Carter and Jordan Spears. They combine for 4.9 per game.
Last week: 15
Record: 10-2
16. South Carolina
The Wish: An ascension from Cam Scott, who was a highly-touted recruit off to a slow start in his college career.
Last week: 16
Record: 9-3
