SEC Power Rankings: Conference sending record 14 teams to NCAA Tournament

College basketball fans, let the madness officially begin.

With conference tournaments having officially passed, all eyes across the sport will now fully shift to the upcoming NCAA Tournament, which is set to begin with the Round of 64 later this week.

Before we get there however, it is important that we take a look back at this past week's action in Nashville from the SEC Tournament, which certainly delivered on the hype it garnered going in.

In Nashville, the SEC officially crowned a conference tournament champion in the Florida Gators, who had a notable run of success to the title in which they defeated Missouri, Alabama, and Tennessee. A few other key results also took place at the SEC Tournament, some of which impacted seeding for March Madness, as well as likely catapulted one team into the big dance.

Looking ahead however, the SEC will now look to carry over their phenomenal regular season into the postseason where the conference will send 14 teams to the NCAA Tournament, which broke the record for the most from one conference in a single tournament.

So, with the SEC Tournament now in the rearview mirror, let's update our 2024-25 SEC basketball power rankings yet again as we now look ahead to the upcoming NCAA Tournament, with this also the second-to-last update this season.

16. South Carolina Gamecocks

Mar 12, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Jamarii Thomas (6) screams to his team against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Previous Ranking: No. 16
2024-25 Record: 12-20 overall (2-16 in SEC)
Recent Results: Loss vs. Arkansas
Next Game: N/A

South Carolina's time in Nashville lasted only one game, as the Gamecocks dropped a close, 72-68 first round matchup with Arkansas in which they nearly overcame a 20-point second half deficit. Their third-straight loss, South Carolina will not play again this season, ending the year at 12-20 overall.

15. LSU Tigers

Mar 12, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; LSU Tigers guard Curtis Givens III (3) dribbles past Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Claudell Harris Jr. (0) during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Previous Ranking: No. 15
2024-25 Record: 14-18 overall (3-15 in SEC)
Recent Results: Loss vs. Mississippi State
Next Game: N/A

LSU dropped their sixth consecutive game Wednesday night in Nashville, falling to Mississippi State by a final score of 91-62 in a first round matchup that was simply never close outside of the opening minutes. Likely the most one-sided result of the tournament, the Tigers will not play again this season, ending the year at 14-18 overall.

14. Vanderbilt Commodores

Mar 12, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Jaylen Carey (22) dribbles past Texas Longhorns forward Kadin Shedrick (5) during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Previous Ranking: No. 11
2024-25 Record: 20-12 overall (8-10 in SEC)
Recent Results: Loss vs. Texas
Next Game: vs. Saint Mary's in NCAA Tournament first round on March 21

Vanderbilt suffered their third consecutive loss Wednesday afternoon by falling to Texas in what was a must-win game for the Longhorns, 79-72, in the first round. A game in which the Commodores never led after the opening minutes, Vanderbilt, who is now 20-12 overall, enter the NCAA Tournament as a No. 10 seed that will face No. 7 seeded Saint Mary's in the first round March 21.

13. Texas Longhorns

Mar 13, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Manny Obaseki (35) guards Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Previous Ranking: No. 14
2024-25 Record: 19-15 overall (6-12 in SEC)
Recent Results: Win vs. Vanderbilt, vs. Texas A&M - Loss vs. Tennessee
Next Game: vs. Xavier in NCAA Tournament First Four on March 19

There was likely no program who benefitted more in Nashville than the Texas Longhorns, who, despite a loss against Tennessee in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals, used a 79-72 win over Vanderbilt, as well as a thrilling 94-89 upset victory over Texas A&M, in the first two rounds to play their way into March Madness. Texas now sits at 19-15 overall entering the NCAA Tournament where they will face Xavier in a battle of 11-seeds in the First Four on March 19.

12. Georgia Bulldogs

Mar 12, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs drives to the basket past Oklahoma Sooners guard Duke Miles (15) during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Previous Ranking: No. 10
2024-25 Record: 20-12 overall (8-10 in SEC)
Recent Results: Loss vs. Oklahoma
Next Game: vs. Gonzaga in NCAA Tournament first round on March 20

The Georgia Bulldogs saw their four-game winning streak snapped Wednesday night in the first round via an 81-75 loss against Oklahoma in which the Sooners made a late run to pull away for the win. Now sitting at 20-12 overall, Georgia will however now make their first NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2014-15 season, facing off with eight-seeded Gonzaga as a No. 9 seed in the first round March 20.

11. Oklahoma Sooners

Mar 12, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Oklahoma Sooners forward Jalon Moore (14) reacts after a made three point basket against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Previous Ranking: No. 13
2024-25 Record: 20-13 overall (6-12 in SEC)
Recent Results: Win vs. Georgia - Loss vs. Kentucky
Next Game: vs. UConn in NCAA Tournament first round on March 21

The Oklahoma Sooners' first-ever SEC Tournament included an 81-75 first round win over Georgia in which guard Jeremiah Fears scored 29 points, as well as a slim 85-84 loss to Kentucky in which they made a late run to take a lead prior to the Wildcats winning at the buzzer. Oklahoma, who is now 20-13 overall, will make a NCAA Tournament appearance in their first season as a member of the SEC, taking on No. 8 seed UConn as a No. 9 on March 21.

10. Arkansas Razorbacks

Mar 12, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari talks with guard Johnell Davis (1) against the Arkansas Razorback during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Previous Ranking: No. 12
2024-25 Record: 20-13 overall (8-10 in SEC)
Recent Results: Win vs. South Carolina - Loss vs. Ole Miss
Next Game: vs. Kansas in NCAA Tournament first round on March 20

After surviving an almost 20-point collapse against South Carolina in the first round, 72-68, Arkansas saw their time at the SEC Tournament come to an end Thursday when Ole Miss used a late three-pointer to down the Razorbacks, 83-80, in the second round. However, the Razorbacks, who are now 20-13 overall, are still dancing as they will play No. 7 seeded Kansas as a 10-seed in the first round March 20.

9. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Mar 12, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Shawn Jones Jr. (5) dribbles the ball against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Previous Ranking: No. 9
2024-25 Record: 21-12 overall (8-10 in SEC)
Recent Results: Win vs. LSU - Loss vs. Missouri
Next Game: vs. Baylor in NCAA Tournament first round on March 21

The Bulldogs began their SEC Tournament run with an impressive 91-62 win over LSU in the first round, but went on to suffer an 85-73 second round loss Thursday to Missouri that ended their time in Nashville. Mississippi State, who now sits at 21-12 overall, will make their third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance by playing Baylor in an 8/9 first round matchup March 21.

8. Texas A&M Aggies

Mar 13, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Manny Obaseki (35) calls out the play against the Texas Longhorns during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Previous Ranking: No. 6
2024-25 Record: 22-10 overall (11-7 in SEC)
Recent Results: Loss vs. Texas
Next Game: vs. Yale in NCAA Tournament first round on March 20

Texas A&M had a disappointing appearance in Nashville in which the Aggies were the lone higher-seed to be upset in the second round Thursday, falling to in-state rival Texas in double overtime in what was one of the best game's of the tournament, 94-89. The Aggies record is now 22-10 overall entering their NCAA Tournament first round game against Yale on March 20.

7. Ole Miss Rebels

Mar 13, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Mississippi Rebels guard Sean Pedulla (3) drives to the basket against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Previous Ranking: No. 8
2024-25 Record: 22-11 overall (10-8 in SEC)
Recent Results: Win vs. Arkansas - Loss vs. Auburn
Next Game: vs. North Carolina in NCAA Tournament first round on March 21

The Ole Miss Rebels produced one of the more memorable finishes at the SEC Tournament this past week when Sean Pedulla hit a game-winning three-pointer to lift them over Arkansas in the second round. Ole Miss, who now sits at 22-11 overall, later went on to fall in the quarterfinals against Auburn, and will now face North Carolina in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

6. Missouri Tigers

Mar 13, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Tamar Bates (2) celebrates the foul with guard Tony Perkins (12) against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Previous Ranking: No. 7
2024-25 Record: 22-11 overall (10-8 in SEC)
Recent Results: Win vs. Mississippi State - Loss vs. Florida
Next Game: vs. Drake in NCAA Tournament first round on March 20

The Missouri Tigers snapped their three-game losing streak in the SEC Tournament second round with a win over Mississippi State, but would later fall to Florida in the quarterfinals in a game where they were without forward Mark Mitchell. Missouri's record is now 22-11 overall entering their NCAA Tournament first round matchup with Drake.

5. Kentucky Wildcats

Mar 13, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Lamont Butler (1) dribbles the ball against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Previous Ranking: No. 5
2024-25 Record: 22-11 overall (10-8 in SEC)
Recent Results: Win vs. Oklahoma - Loss vs. Alabama
Next Game: vs. Troy in NCAA Tournament first round on March 21

Kentucky's time at the SEC Tournament included a win over Oklahoma in which the Wildcats almost blew a late lead prior to Otega Oweh winning the game at the last second, as well as a rough blowout loss to Alabama to now sit at 22-11 overall. The Wildcats are now a No. 3 seed in the Midwest Region, facing off against Troy in the first round.

4. Alabama Crimson Tide

Mar 14, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Labaron Philon (0) dribbles the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Previous Ranking: No. 3
2024-25 Record: 25-8 overall (13-5 in SEC)
Recent Results: Win vs. Kentucky - Loss vs. Florida
Next Game: vs. Robert Morris in NCAA Tournament first round on March 21

The Alabama Crimson Tide opened their time in Nashville with a dominant 99-70 quarterfinal win over Kentucky, but would not fare as well in the semifinals against Florida in a defeat that included forward Grant Nelson exiting due to an injury. Alabama's record now sits at 25-8 overall entering the NCAA Tournament, which is set to begin March 21 in the first round against Robert Morris.

3. Auburn Tigers

Mar 14, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) celebrates the basket plus the foul against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Previous Ranking: No. 2
2024-25 Record: 28-5 overall (15-3 in SEC)
Recent Results: Win vs. Ole Miss - Loss vs. Tennessee
Next Game: vs. Alabama State in NCAA Tournament first round on March 20

The SEC regular season champions' time in Nashville began with a close, 62-57 win over Ole Miss, but later went on to fall in the semifinals against Tennessee in which they were upset, 70-65. Having lost three of their last four, the Auburn Tigers' record now sits at 28-5 entering the NCAA Tournament where they will play Alabama State in the first round as a No. 1 seed.

2. Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee guard Chaz Lanier (2) and guard Zakai Zeigler (5) celebrate after their victory against Auburn in a Southeastern Conference tournament semifinal game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 15, 2025.

Previous Ranking: No. 4
2024-25 Record: 27-7 overall (12-6 in SEC)
Recent Results: Win vs. Texas, vs. Auburn - Loss vs. Florida
Next Game: vs. Wofford in NCAA Tournament first round on March 20

Tennessee's record is now 27-7 on the season after a SEC Tournament run that included victories over Texas and Auburn before falling to Florida in the championship game, 86-77. The Volunteers' next game comes in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on March 20 against Wofford in the 2/15 matchup.

1. Florida Gators

Mar 16, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Florida Gators celebrate the win against the Tennessee Volunteers at the 2025 SEC Championship Game at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Previous Ranking: No. 1
2024-25 Record: 30-4 overall (14-4 in SEC)
Recent Results: Win vs. Missouri, vs. Alabama, vs. Tennessee
Next Game: vs. Norfolk State in NCAA Tournament first round on March 21

There continues to be no more impressive team in the SEC at the moment than the Florida Gators, who have now won six-straight games after three impressive victories over Missouri, Alabama, and Tennessee to leave Nashville with the conference title. A No. 1 seed now in the NCAA Tournament, the Gators, who sit at 30-4 overall, will play Norfolk State in the first round.

This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Florida tops SEC basketball power rankings entering 2025 March Madness

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