Football season is over in the SEC which means it’s basketball season now. Well, at least for some. For others it means it’s about 36 days until opening day for baseball. In the meantime, though, it’s time to get caught up on the latest of what’s happening on the court around the SEC.
From the logo
The SEC isn’t nearly as deep this year as it was last year. Last season saw an NCAA record 14 teams from the conference make the postseason NCAA tournament. It was also a season where multiple SEC teams were ranked No. 1. The league held five spots in the top ten rankings throughout most of the year. This year there’s not a single team in the top ten from the league. It’s still a very talented league full of depth, but as of Friday, January 9, only ten teams from the SEC are projected to make the tournament.
Kentucky Mildcats
Oh buddy, if you thought Kentucky fans were disappointed in football you should see what’s happening so far in basketball. Kentucky reportedly spent $22 million on this year’s roster in NIL money. That is by their own admission. They are currently 9-6 on the season, and 0-2 in conference play.
Kentucky HC Mark Pope on Kentucky’s struggles this season:
“I spent a lot of time feeling like I’d like to curl up in bed and kill myself.” 😳 pic.twitter.com/zj1PDM1ay1
— The College Sports Company (@CollegeSportsCo) January 9, 2026
Get ready to learn Anchor Down
Don’t look now, but Vanderbilt is one of the best teams in the conference in football and basketball now. The basketball team is the highest ranked team in the conference at No. 11. They are undefeated and coming off a big win at home against top 15 Alabama. They haven’t struggled on the court this season, but they have struggled to get any respect from those off of it.
They’re currently ranked 12th in the SEC in offensive field goal percentage, and dead last in opponent field goal percentage. Vanderbilt doesn’t do one thing particularly well; they just win games.
Ain’t played nobody 🤷♂️#AnchorDown⚓️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/qNaJAsnOl9
— Vanderbilt Men’s Basketball (@VandyMBB) January 8, 2026
Saturday matchups
There are no marquee matchups or ranked on ranked games this weekend on the slate. There are four games featuring 2-0 versus 0-2 teams with three of those being the home team looking for their first win in conference play. The other big game is Tennessee at Florida. Tennessee is ranked No. 21 in the country, but does have a big win over top five Houston on their resumé. Florida is coming off a national championship season but off to a slow start so far this year at just 10-5. Still, they’re a 5.5 point favorite against the Vols.
Calling my shot – Best bet on Saturday
Georgia moneyline versus South Carolina is the lock of the day. It is a road game for the Bulldogs, but coming into this week they led the country in points per game and blocks per game. The Gamecocks are coming off a big win on the road where they shot the lights out from deep. That hasn’t been a trend that has happened at any other point this season. Expect Georgia to bounce back in a big way.
