The SEC enters the 2026–27 college basketball season with plenty of familiar names, but the balance of power isn't quite what it once was.
Florida faces mounting expectations, Kentucky is fighting to regain its standing, and several challengers sense an opportunity. The road to March looks particularly demanding this year.
Florida Carries the Weight of No. 1
Florida enters the season as the preseason favorite, although defending that position against an increasingly competitive SEC won't be straightforward.
Florida has plenty of talent to work with, including preseason SEC Player of the Year Thomas Haugh. But keeping the offense running smoothly against tougher opponents will take a strong team effort.
Florida is getting plenty of attention ahead of the season, and expectations are high. That interest also extends to college basketball odds on FanDuel, although preseason predictions can only tell us so much.
The Gators have earned that recognition, but being everyone’s measuring stick brings challenges. Florida must navigate difficult road fixtures and find ways to respond when opponents expose weaknesses in its approach.
Kentucky Confronts a Crowded Hierarchy
There was a time when...