Last year, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) set the record for the most teams from one conference in the NCAA tournament. They also solidified their status as the best conference in the nation by Florida’s championship victory.
The SEC doesn’t rebuild. It reloads. However, Florida had to replace its backcourt. Tennessee needed to do the same. Auburn had to replace a couple of program legends. Kentucky brought in almost an entire roster. Alabama brought back Labaron Philon, but had to replace just about everyone else. Arkansas is once again a transfer portal team. Which team on paper looks like it’s set to compete? We’ve got a best bet for the Southeastern Conference that you’ll want to consider.
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2025-26 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Champion Best Bets
Tennessee to win the SEC: +850
Florida is the odds-on favorite to win the SEC at +200, and for good reason. They have multiple experienced big men and capable guards they can leverage as required. However, they have to replace their entire backcourt. Florida brought in a solid group of new guards, but they will have to figure out the system and how to play together. Expecting the team to work the same way they did last year is unrealistic. Also, the jump from the Ivy League to the SEC may be a challenge for point guard Xaivian Lee.
Arkansas, Alabama, and Kentucky all have similar questions, but have odd rosters that make it hard to lock them up at their current prices. One of these teams will have a much tougher season than expected.
Tennessee also had to replace a ton, but its roster makes a lot of sense. The Volunteers return big man Felix Okpara, and that’s about it. He’ll function as their main anchor in the post and rim protector.
The Volunteers brought in Ja’Kobi Gillespie from Maryland to run the point. That’s a good get. Amaree Abram transferred in from Louisiana Tech to start at shooting guard. That’s also a good get.
Tennessee also brought in power forward Jaylen Carey from Vanderbilt to provide additional support in the post. Another good get.
However, the crown jewel of the Tennessee off-season was small forward Nate Ament. Ament was rated as the fourth-best overall prospect in the last recruiting class. He’ll be listed as a forward, but he’s really without a true position. Ament will get permission to bomb away from deep, but we’ll also see him work in the post. On defense, you’ll see him fight for boards and also guard the perimeter. Ament has a chance to be a very special one-and-done, and he could be the type of player that Tennessee was lacking in their previous run.
Tennessee has a young bench, so an injury to their starting five could really hurt. However, there’s too much talent in the starting five to have the Volunteers priced at higher than 8-to-1 odds. Add this one to your portfolio and watch the price shrink as the season grinds on.
The College Basketball Experience
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