Get ready for a thrilling season of SEC women’s basketball, because the predictions are in—and they’re already sparking debates! South Carolina is favored to reclaim the SEC championship title in 2026, but here’s where it gets controversial: can they pull it off without star forward Chloe Kitts, who’s sidelined for the entire season with a knee injury? This is the part most people miss: while the Gamecocks have dominated the league for four straight years, including three consecutive tournament wins, their road to victory just got a lot tougher. Meanwhile, Texas’ Madison Booker has been crowned the Preseason Player of the Year, but is she truly the conference’s top talent? Let’s dive in.
In a vote by SEC and national media members, South Carolina emerged as the top pick to repeat as champions, despite the devastating loss of Kitts. The Gamecocks’ consistency—winning or tying for first in the regular season for four years—has earned them this favoritism, but their depth will be tested like never before. Texas, fresh off a runner-up finish in last year’s SEC championship game, is predicted to come in second, followed by LSU, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Vanderbilt, and Kentucky rounding out the top eight. Alabama, Mississippi State, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Texas A&M, Auburn, and Arkansas complete the league standings.
Booker’s selection as Preseason Player of the Year wasn’t without competition. She secured 13 points in the voting, but other standout players like South Carolina’s Ta’Niya Latson, LSU’s Flau’Jae Johnson, Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes, Oklahoma’s Raegan Beers, and Kentucky’s Clara Strack also received votes. Joining Booker on the All-SEC first team are Johnson, Beers, Blakes, and South Carolina’s Joyce Edwards—a lineup that’s sure to dominate headlines.
The All-SEC second team is equally impressive, featuring Latson, Strack, LSU’s Mikayla Williams, Mississippi’s Cotie McMahon, Tennessee’s Talaysia Cooper, and Texas’ Rori Harmon. But here’s the question: Did the voters get it right, or are there overlooked players who deserve more recognition? And can South Carolina truly overcome their injury woes to secure another championship? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this season is shaping up to be one for the books!
