The Southeastern Conference (SEC) released its preseason basketball rankings, with Alabama predicted to win the conference and Mark Sears named Player of the Year for returning to school. The AP poll ranked Alabama at number 2, with the SEC also favoring the Crimson Tide to repeat their success after reaching the Final Four last season. Iowa State achieved its highest preseason ranking at number 5 in the AP poll, while Texas A&M was ranked 13th, reflecting their strong standing in both the AP and SEC polls. Texas women's basketball, entering the SEC, was ranked second in the conference preseason poll, with sophomore Madison Booker sharing the SEC's preseason player of the year award. Ole Miss and Mississippi State are closely ranked ninth and tenth in the SEC, respectively, and Ole Miss is ranked 24th in the AP poll. Oklahoma's men's basketball team was predicted to finish 15th out of 16 in the SEC, highlighting a challenging season ahead.