SEC’s Longshots: The 2025 Teams Facing an Uphill Climb to Relevance
Every spring, the transfer portal resets the board. Rosters change, hype builds, and fans dare to dream. But beneath the surface-level excitement lies a tougher reality: not every SEC basketball program is built for contention in 2025.
While top-tier teams like Kentucky, Alabama, and Florida are shaping up to make deep postseason runs, others are still figuring out how to stay afloat. Whether due to underwhelming roster additions, shaky coaching continuity, or a history of falling flat, these five teams are the farthest from SEC title contention — and closer to early exits in Nashville come tournament time.
Here’s a closer look at the SEC’s most vulnerable squads heading into the new season:
1. South Carolina Gamecocks
2024 SEC Record: 2–16 | Transfer Class Rank: 14th
Despite a brief spark two seasons ago, South Carolina stumbled hard last year. The offense lacked punch, the defense couldn’t hold up, and no true leader emerged. Coach Lamont Paris added six transfers this offseason, but none project as difference-makers. With the weakest portal class in the league, the Gamecocks appear to be treading water in a deepening pool.
Outlook: Lacking firepower and depth, this team is miles from competitiveness.
2. LSU Tigers
2024 SEC Record: 3–15 | Transfer Class Rank: 4th
On paper, LSU’s transfer class looks solid. But that’s where the optimism ends. Despite bringing in seven new faces, Matt McMahon has yet to prove he can turn talent into wins. Last season’s Tigers were inconsistent, out of rhythm, and often outmatched — a troubling trend for a coach entering a pivotal year.
Outlook: Until chemistry improves, the ceiling remains low — no matter the star ratings.
3. Vanderbilt Commodores
2024 SEC Record: 8–10 | Transfer Class Rank: 11th
Vandy finished just shy of .500 in league play, but a late-season collapse revealed deeper issues. A lack of offensive creativity and key departures in the offseason leave this team in rebuild mode. Their new additions aren’t likely to move the needle in a more competitive SEC.
Outlook: The gap between effort and execution remains wide. Expect growing pains.
4. Missouri Tigers
2024 SEC Record: 10–8 | Transfer Class Rank: 13th
Missouri showed promise last season, but their road woes (3–7 in SEC away games) and lack of star power tell the real story. This offseason, they’ve added a few lower-tier transfers, but there’s no clear spark in sight. It’s hard to imagine them surviving the grind of the league’s upper half.
Outlook: A middling roster trying to punch above its weight in a loaded conference.
5. Mississippi State Bulldogs
2024 SEC Record: 8–10 | Transfer Class Rank: 16th
Last place in the portal rankings is a rough place to be — especially when the rest of the league is improving. Chris Jans has built his teams on defense, but offensive inconsistency continues to haunt the Bulldogs. Without reliable scorers or dynamic guards, staying competitive in 2025 will be a tall task.
Outlook: Solid defensively, but sorely lacking the weapons to keep pace.
Final Word:
The SEC isn’t forgiving — especially not now, with the league deeper and more talented than ever. While every team starts with hope, the reality is clear: these five programs are far behind the pace. The road to relevance is steep, and without a sudden breakout or unexpected cohesion, they’re bound for the bottom of the standings — and the early rounds of the SEC Tournament.
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