With SEC Tipoff officially wrapped up and the season just over two weeks away, women’s basketball fans are counting down the days until the league’s most anticipated tipoff in years. Alabama already played its first public exhibition on October 16 — and excitement is mounting.
From national champion South Carolina to new arrivals Texas and Oklahoma, here’s a comprehensive look at all 16 SEC teams heading into the 2024–25 season, complete with projected finishes, “vibe checks,” and standout quotes from Media Day.
Alabama Crimson Tide
2023-24 record: 24–9 (10–6 SEC), NCAA Second Round
Key losses: Sarah Ashley Barker, Aaliyah Nye
Key additions: Ta’Mia Scott, Alancia Ramsey
Key returner: Essence Cody
Projected finish: 9
Vibe check: 💔
Outlook:
Kristy Curry rebuilt Alabama the old-fashioned way — through patience, development, and continuity. Her blueprint worked: two former Tide stars, Sarah Ashley Barker and Aaliyah Nye, both landed in the WNBA, with Nye even earning a championship ring in Las Vegas. Replacing their production will be tough, but with Essence Cody and a healthy Jessica Timmons, the Tide remain a scrappy contender.
Curry said:
“We had five seniors. All five are playing professionally. (…) If you come to Alabama, we believe we can win at a really high level and prepare you for the next level.”
Arkansas Razorbacks
2023-24 record: 10–22 (3–13 SEC)
Key loss: Izzy Higginbottom
Key additions: Taleyah Jones, Bonnie Deas
Key returners: None
Projected finish: 16
Vibe check: 🫣
Outlook:
Arkansas enters a full rebuild after parting ways with Mike Neighbors. The Razorbacks aimed high, targeting Molly Miller, but ended up hiring Kelsi Musick after Miller chose Arizona State. With a depleted roster and no returning starters, the road back will be long.
Musick said:
“We’re laying the culture and foundation for what Lady Razorback basketball should stand for. Our energy and passion will be at the forefront of everything we do.”
Auburn Tigers
2023-24 record: 12–18 (3–13 SEC)
Key losses: Taliah Scott, Yuting Deng, DeYona Gaston
Key additions: Quanirah Montague, Arek Angui
Key returner: Syriah Daniels
Projected finish: 15
Vibe check: 🙀
Outlook:
Auburn’s coaching change caused major turbulence. After Johnnie Harris was unexpectedly dismissed, the Tigers turned to Larry Vickers from Norfolk State. But roster turnover hit hard — eight players left, and the new class decommitted. Auburn even held open tryouts to fill roster spots, signaling a rocky transition year.
Vickers said:
“When you put a team together in a little over 30 days, you want talent and hard work. Those international players we brought in? They’re workers — ready for the grind.”
Florida Gators
2023-24 record: 19–18 (5–11 SEC), WBIT Semifinals
Key losses: Ra Shaya Kyle, Jeriah Warren
Key addition: Nidi Yiech
Key returners: Liv McGill, Me’Arah O’Neal, Laila Reynolds
Projected finish: 11
Vibe check: 🦎
Outlook:
Florida showed promise last season with its top-10 recruiting class, led by Liv McGill, but the Gators are still learning how to win in the SEC. Kelly Rae Finley enters a pivotal season needing to prove her early success wasn’t a fluke.
Finley said:
“She’s a big-time player. (…) Liv’s old-school in her approach. She’s a worker — and as a coach, you couldn’t be more proud of someone who wants to earn everything she receives.”
Georgia Lady Bulldogs
2023-24 record: 13–19 (4–12 SEC)
Key losses: De’Mauri Flournoy, Asia Avinger
Key additions: Dani Carnegie, Rylie Theuerkauf
Key returners: Trinity Turner, Mia Woolfolk
Projected finish: 12
Vibe check: 🍼
Outlook:
Despite a tough year, Georgia’s future looks bright. Katie Abrahamson-Henderson (known as “ABE”) has reeled in consecutive top-20 recruiting classes and the fifth-best transfer class nationally. The “Baby Dawgs” will take their lumps early but could surprise by February.
ABE said:
“Dani’s passing ability and vision are amazing. I’ve had to tell our post players, ‘Get your hands ready — she’s not going to look at you when she passes.’”
#24 Kentucky Wildcats
2023-24 record: 23–8 (11–5 SEC), NCAA Second Round
Key losses: Georgia Amoore, Clara Silva
Key additions: Tonie Morgan, Kaelyn Carroll
Key returners: Clara Strack, Teonni Key
Projected finish: 8
Vibe check: 😸
Outlook:
Kenny Brooks stunned the SEC by winning big in his first season, but losing Georgia Amoore — arguably one of the most valuable players in the country — will hurt. Kentucky is talented but might step back slightly this year.
Brooks recalled:
“(Teonni Key) was actually my first recruit. (…) The next morning over breakfast, she said, ‘By the way, I’m committing, I’m coming here.’”
#5 LSU Tigers
2023-24 record: 31–6 (12–4 SEC), NCAA Elite Eight
Key losses: Aneesah Morrow, Shayeann Day-Wilson, Jersey Wolfenbarger
Key additions: Kate Koval, MiLaysia Fulwiley, Amiya Joyner, nation’s No. 1 freshman class
Key returners: Flau’jae Johnson, Mikaylah Williams
Projected finish: 3
Vibe check: 🏀
Outlook:
Kim Mulkey’s Tigers are loaded — maybe too loaded. LSU’s backcourt features Flau’jae Johnson, Mikaylah Williams, and MiLaysia Fulwiley, plus the nation’s top-ranked freshman class. But questions remain about rebounding after losing Angel Reese and Aneesah Morrow.
Mulkey said:
“It could be Flau’jae one game. It could be Mikaylah or MiLaysia. (…) We’ve had big personalities before. We’re going to share the ball — and those decisions will be dictated on the floor.”
Mississippi State Bulldogs
2023-24 record: 22–12 (7–9 SEC), NCAA Second Round
Key losses: Debreasha Powe, Madina Okot
Key additions: Favour Nwaedozi, Jaylah Lampley, Madison Francis
Key returner: Destiny McPhaul
Projected finish: 10
Vibe check: 🦴
Outlook:
Sam Purcell’s fourth season was supposed to be the breakthrough — until the transfer portal struck. Despite losing key players, Purcell remains optimistic about his young core.
Purcell said:
“No matter the turnover, you have to connect with your players. Those relationships make special moments, and I’m proud of the history we’re building.”
Missouri Tigers
2023-24 record: 18–13 (5–11 SEC), WBIT Quarterfinals
Key losses: Hayley Frank, Lauren Hansen
Key additions: Abbey Schreacke, Mary Zhu
Key returners: Ashton Judd, Jayla Kelly
Projected finish: 13
Vibe check: 🐯
Outlook:
Replacing program icons Hayley Frank and Lauren Hansen won’t be easy, but Robin Pingeton’s young team has upside. Ashton Judd is ready to lead as Missouri looks to stay competitive despite turnover.
Pingeton said:
“I’m really proud of Ashton. She’s stepped into a leadership role that’s uncomfortable at times, but she’s growing every day. There’s a great energy in the gym.”
Ole Miss Rebels
2023-24 record: 23–9 (10–6 SEC), NCAA Second Round
Key losses: Marquesha Davis, Madison Scott, Snudda Collins
Key additions: Jordan Jenkins, Laila Hull
Key returners: Kennedy Todd-Williams, KK Deans
Projected finish: 7
Vibe check: 🔥
Outlook:
Yolett McPhee-McCuin has Ole Miss established as a defensive powerhouse. Losing leaders like Marquesha Davis and Madison Scott hurts, but the culture remains intact — and that’s why the Rebels will stay relevant.
McPhee-McCuin said:
“The program is in a place now where expectations are normal. We’re not hunting anymore — we’re being hunted.”
South Carolina Gamecocks
2023-24 record: 38–0 (16–0 SEC), National Champions
Key losses: Kamilla Cardoso, Bree Hall, Te-Hina Paopao
Key additions: Joyce Edwards, Adhel Tac, Teonni Key
Key returners: Raven Johnson, Chloe Kitts
Projected finish: 1
Vibe check: 👑
Outlook:
The champs retooled once again. Even after losing Kamilla Cardoso, Bree Hall, and Te-Hina Paopao, Dawn Staley’s program remains the gold standard. Freshman Joyce Edwards headlines another elite recruiting haul. Expect the Gamecocks to dominate the SEC again.
Staley said:
“Every season is different, but our standard doesn’t change. The new ones are hungry — and that’s what keeps us going.”
Tennessee Lady Vols
2023-24 record: 22–12 (10–6 SEC), NCAA Sweet 16
Key losses: Rickea Jackson, Jasmine Powell
Key additions: Jaloni Cambridge, Addie Deal
Key returners: Jewel Spear, Karoline Striplin
Projected finish: 5
Vibe check: 🍊
Outlook:
Under new head coach Kim Caldwell, Tennessee is redefining itself. Losing Rickea Jackson is significant, but freshman sensation Jaloni Cambridge could be the next Lady Vols star.
Caldwell said:
“We’re building a style of play that’s fast, fearless, and fun. Tennessee basketball has always been about excellence, and we plan to honor that every night.”
Texas A&M Aggies
2023-24 record: 19–13 (6–10 SEC), WNIT First Round
Key losses: Janiah Barker, Sydney Bowles
Key additions: Rayah Marshall, Sophie Burrows
Key returners: Sahara Jones, Tineya Hylton
Projected finish: 14
Vibe check: 💪
Outlook:
Joni Taylor’s rebuild is progressing slowly but steadily. With key departures in the post, new addition Rayah Marshall will be crucial. The Aggies may not contend this year, but their culture is improving.
Taylor said:
“We’ve been through adversity, and that’s built toughness. The chemistry is better, and our players are starting to understand what it takes to win in this league.”
#18 Texas Longhorns (SEC debut)
2023-24 record: 33–5 (14–4 Big 12), Elite Eight
Key losses: Shay Holle, Taylor Jones
Key additions: Breanna Davis, Jordyn Merritt
Key returners: Madison Booker, Shaylee Gonzales
Projected finish: 2
Vibe check: 🤠
Outlook:
Vic Schaefer and the Longhorns are ready for the SEC spotlight. With Madison Booker — one of the nation’s elite playmakers — leading the way, Texas could challenge South Carolina from the jump.
Schaefer said:
“The SEC is where the best play — and that’s where we want to be. Madison’s one of the best leaders I’ve ever coached, and she sets the tone for everything we do.”
Oklahoma Sooners (SEC debut)
2023-24 record: 25–9 (15–3 Big 12), NCAA Second Round
Key losses: Skylar Vann, Payton Verhulst
Key additions: Kennedi Grant, Mimi Collins
Key returners: Nevaeh Tot, Sahara Williams
Projected finish: 6
Vibe check: 🌪️
Outlook:
Jennie Baranczyk’s high-scoring Sooners join the SEC ready to run. The fast-paced offense and veteran leadership could make Oklahoma a sleeper in its first season.
Baranczyk said:
“We play fast, we share the ball, and we have fun doing it. The SEC is new territory, but our identity won’t change.”
Vanderbilt Commodores
2023-24 record: 23–10 (9–7 SEC), NCAA First Round
Key loss: Jordyn Cambridge
Key additions: Sasha Palmer, Brooklyn Miles
Key returners: Iyana Moore, Sacha Washington
Projected finish: 4
Vibe check: 🎓
Outlook:
Shea Ralph has turned Vanderbilt into one of the SEC’s most respected programs. With Iyana Moore and Sacha Washington leading the way, the Commodores have the mix of experience and defense to contend for a top-four finish.
Ralph said:
“We’re proud of the progress, but we’re not satisfied. This group knows how close we are to something special.”
🏆 Final Word
South Carolina remains the class of the SEC, but newcomers Texas and Oklahoma could make immediate noise. LSU and Tennessee aren’t far behind, while Vanderbilt continues to climb under Shea Ralph.
The season promises intense rivalries, breakout stars, and the nation’s deepest conference — once again proving why the SEC is the powerhouse of women’s college basketball.
