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6 SEC teams crack top 25 in ESPN’s latest men’s hoops rankings
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Six SEC teams landed in ESPN’s latest top 25 men’s college basketball rankings, released on Tuesday.
Florida is just over a month removed from a third national championship, but due to the attrition the Gators have suffered in the offseason, they are at No. 18. ESPN insider Jeff Borzello notes the uncertainty around Alex Condon as he decides to either hire an agent and proceed with plans to enter the NBA Draft or return for another year.
Topping the list of SEC teams is Arkansas (No. 10), which turned an average SEC campaign into a surprise Sweet 16 appearance in John Calipari’s first season. Several key figures from that team should be back for the 2025-26 season, Borzello points out, as the Razorbacks look to build on an unexpected tournament run.
What about Auburn, which joined Florida in the Final Four in 2025? They’re in at No. 15 after losing Chad Baker-Mazara to the portal (USC) while Tahaad Pettiford has declared for the draft without hiring an agent, leaving the door open for a return to The Plains.
“Bruce Pearl’s roster faces some questions and turnover after reaching the Final Four,” Borzello said.
Here’s a list of the SEC teams in ESPN’s top 25:
10. Arkansas
11. Kentucky
15. Auburn
18. Florida
20. Tennessee
24. Alabama
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
