SEC 25-26

[southie]

So, what is up with SEC conference scheduling as far as which opponents play each other twice?

Last season, Texas and South Carolina played each other twice. LSU and Tennessee played each other twice. Oklahoma and Kentucky played each other twice. I figured maybe the SEC purposely schedule those matchups to get the best TV ratings, or to maybe create the most competitive matchups. They were spot on as 5 of those 6 teams finished 1-5 in the SEC standings.

This season, Texas and LSU play each other twice. But, South Carolina gets a rebuilding Alabama twice. Oklahoma gets a depleted Texas A&M twice. Tennessee gets a portal-killed Mississippi State twice. Portal-infused Ole Miss gets Georgia twice. Only one of these matchups moves the needle, IMO.

SEC announces 2026 women's basketball matchups - Southeastern Conference

The 2026 women's basketball matchups have been released by the Southeastern Conference office. The 2026 conference season will begin Thursday, January 1.

www.secsports.com

2026 CONFERENCE OPPONENTS

	Home	Away	Home/Away
ALABAMA	ARK, UK, UM, MSU, UT, TX OK	@AU, @UF, @UG, @LSU, @MIZ, @VU, @TAMU	USC
ARKANSAS	AU, UG, UK, MSU, USC, VU, TX	@ALA, @UF, @LSU, @UM, @UT, @TAMU, @ok	MIZ
AUBURN	ALA, UG, UK, LSU, USC, UT, OK	@ARK, @UM, @MSU, @MIZ, @VU, @TAMU, @TX	UF
FLORIDA	ALA, ARK, UM, MIZ, USC, TAM, TX	@UG, @UK, @LSU, @MSU, @UT, @VU, @ok	AU
GEORGIA	ALA, UF, LSU, UT, VU, TAM, OK	@ARK, @AU, @UK, @MSU, @MIZ, @USC, @TX	UM
KENTUCKY	UF, UG, UM, MIZ, USC, TAM, OK	@ALA, @ARK, @AU, @LSU, @MSU, @UT, @TX	VU
LSU	ALA, ARK, UF, UK, MIZ, USC, UT	@AU, @UG, @UM, @MSU, @VU, @TAMU, @ok	TX
OLE MISS	ARK, AU, LSU, MSU, UT, VU, TAMU	@ALA, @UF, @UK, @MIZ, @USC, @TX, @ok	UG
MISSISSIPPI STATE	AU, UF, UG, UK, LSU, MIZ, VU	@ALA, @ARK, @UM, @USC, @TAMU, @TX, @ok	UT
MISSOURI	ALA, AU, UG, UM, TAMU, TX, OK	@UF, @UK, @LSU, @MSU, @USC, @UT, @VU	ARK
OKLAHOMA	ARK, UF, LSU, UM, MSU, USC, UT	@ALA, @AU, @UG, @UK, @MIZ, @VU, @TX	TAMU
SOUTH CAROLINA	UG, UM, MSU, MIZ, UT, VU, TX	@ARK, @AU, @UF, @UK, @LSU, @TAMU, @ok	ALA
TENNESSEE	ARK, UF, UK, MIZ, VU, TAMU, TX	@ALA, @AU, @UG, @LSU, @UM, @USC, @ok	MSU
TEXAS	AU, UG, UK, UM, MSU, TAMU, OK	@ALA, @ARK, @UF, @MIZ, @USC, @UT, @VU	LSU
TEXAS A&M	ALA, ARK, AU, LSU, MSU, USC, VU	@UF, @UG, @UK, @UM, @MIZ, @UT, @TX	OK
VANDERBILT	ALA, AU, UF, LSU, MIZ, TX, OK	@ARK, @UG, @UM, @MSU, @USC, @UT, TAMU	UK

 

[Vowelguy]

It’s a joke that they have 16 teams and are sticking with 16 games. Should be 18.

 

[visitingcock]

It’s a joke that they have 16 teams and are sticking with 16 games. Should be 18.

I don’t disagree, but much depends on what teams are doing with those two openings. If you schedule your two extra non-conference games like Dawn has, it’s okay. If you schedule them like Kim, it’s not.

The 16 game schedule allows an opening for the SEC/ACC challenge. Plus, there are a lot of traditional rivals like FSU/UF, Clem/SCar, SCar vs Tobacco Road, KY/Louis, Tech/ UGA plus some rivalries that will re-emerge between Texas, Okie, Mizzou, Arky and A&M vs. Big 12 teams who are/were traditional rivals.

But still, I would prefer the 18 game conference schedule you advocate. I’m a big believer in promoting the growth of attendance and more conference games is ( I believe) a means of doing so. Kim is cheating her LSU fans out of interesting home games by playing a minimalist schedule.

 

[YoDore]

So, what is up with SEC conference scheduling as far as which opponents play each other twice?

Last season, Texas and South Carolina played each other twice. LSU and Tennessee played each other twice. Oklahoma and Kentucky played each other twice. I figured maybe the SEC purposely schedule those matchups to get the best TV ratings, or to maybe create the most competitive matchups. They were spot on as 5 of those 6 teams finished 1-5 in the SEC standings.

This season, Texas and LSU play each other twice. But, South Carolina gets a rebuilding Alabama twice. Oklahoma gets a depleted Texas A&M twice. Tennessee gets a portal-killed Mississippi State twice. Portal-infused Ole Miss gets Georgia twice. Only one of these matchups moves the needle, IMO.

SEC announces 2026 women's basketball matchups - Southeastern Conference

The 2026 women's basketball matchups have been released by the Southeastern Conference office. The 2026 conference season will begin Thursday, January 1.

www.secsports.com

2026 CONFERENCE OPPONENTS

	Home	Away	Home/Away
ALABAMA	ARK, UK, UM, MSU, UT, TX OK	@AU, @UF, @UG, @LSU, @MIZ, @VU, @TAMU	USC
ARKANSAS	AU, UG, UK, MSU, USC, VU, TX	@ALA, @UF, @LSU, @UM, @UT, @TAMU, @ok	MIZ
AUBURN	ALA, UG, UK, LSU, USC, UT, OK	@ARK, @UM, @MSU, @MIZ, @VU, @TAMU, @TX	UF
FLORIDA	ALA, ARK, UM, MIZ, USC, TAM, TX	@UG, @UK, @LSU, @MSU, @UT, @VU, @ok	AU
GEORGIA	ALA, UF, LSU, UT, VU, TAM, OK	@ARK, @AU, @UK, @MSU, @MIZ, @USC, @TX	UM
KENTUCKY	UF, UG, UM, MIZ, USC, TAM, OK	@ALA, @ARK, @AU, @LSU, @MSU, @UT, @TX	VU
LSU	ALA, ARK, UF, UK, MIZ, USC, UT	@AU, @UG, @UM, @MSU, @VU, @TAMU, @ok	TX
OLE MISS	ARK, AU, LSU, MSU, UT, VU, TAMU	@ALA, @UF, @UK, @MIZ, @USC, @TX, @ok	UG
MISSISSIPPI STATE	AU, UF, UG, UK, LSU, MIZ, VU	@ALA, @ARK, @UM, @USC, @TAMU, @TX, @ok	UT
MISSOURI	ALA, AU, UG, UM, TAMU, TX, OK	@UF, @UK, @LSU, @MSU, @USC, @UT, @VU	ARK
OKLAHOMA	ARK, UF, LSU, UM, MSU, USC, UT	@ALA, @AU, @UG, @UK, @MIZ, @VU, @TX	TAMU
SOUTH CAROLINA	UG, UM, MSU, MIZ, UT, VU, TX	@ARK, @AU, @UF, @UK, @LSU, @TAMU, @ok	ALA
TENNESSEE	ARK, UF, UK, MIZ, VU, TAMU, TX	@ALA, @AU, @UG, @LSU, @UM, @USC, @ok	MSU
TEXAS	AU, UG, UK, UM, MSU, TAMU, OK	@ALA, @ARK, @UF, @MIZ, @USC, @UT, @VU	LSU
TEXAS A&M	ALA, ARK, AU, LSU, MSU, USC, VU	@UF, @UG, @UK, @UM, @MIZ, @UT, @TX	OK
VANDERBILT	ALA, AU, UF, LSU, MIZ, TX, OK	@ARK, @UG, @UM, @MSU, @USC, @UT, TAMU	UK

Maybe you already know this, and I'm just misinterpreting your question. If so, I apologize. But, just in case, the answer is this: The home-home opponents rotate each season. Texas will not play South Carolina twice again until they have played all 14 of the other teams in the league a home-home series.

Thanks for that chart, by the way.

 

[southie]

Maybe you already know this, and I'm just misinterpreting your question. If so, I apologize. But, just in case, the answer is this: The home-home opponents rotate each season. Texas will not play South Carolina twice again until they have played all 14 of the other teams in the league a home-home series.

Thanks for that chart, by the way.

Yes, an annual rotation is the logical answer. But, last season's matchups were not a coincidence; it wasn't some random drawing which resulted in home-and-away matchups involving the eventual Top 5 teams in the conference standings. Perhaps last season's matchups had much more human decision-making, and this season's used last season's as a starting point with some computerized algorithm setting the matchups.

 

[southie]

As far as how things look on paper, Oklahoma definitely has a favorable conference schedule.

Home games: Arkansas, Florida, LSU, Ole Miss, Miss. State, S. Carolina, Tennessee, A&M
Road games: Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Kentucky, Mizzou, Vandy, Texas, A&M

 

[YoDore]

Yes, an annual rotation is the logical answer. But, last season's matchups were not a coincidence; it wasn't some random drawing which resulted in home-and-away matchups involving the eventual Top 5 teams in the conference standings. Perhaps last season's matchups had much more human decision-making, and this season's used last season's as a starting point with some computerized algorithm setting the matchups.

I agree. I think last season, since it was the first with the new system that eliminates some annual rivalries, the schedule was manipulated to produce some marquee matchups and win over as many fans as possible. I have no idea how it's being done now.

 

[southie]

As a fan, I am thrilled Texas gets to play LSU at home (again) and on the road. It certainly helps our SOS more than playing a team like A&M twice. It's definitely our best home conference game (along with Oklahoma and maybe Ole Miss) as we hit the road to play Carolina and Tennessee.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

Yes, an annual rotation is the logical answer. But, last season's matchups were not a coincidence; it wasn't some random drawing which resulted in home-and-away matchups involving the eventual Top 5 teams in the conference standings. Perhaps last season's matchups had much more human decision-making, and this season's used last season's as a starting point with some computerized algorithm setting the matchups.

I agree with you. The SEC should strive to do home and home matchups with games that figure to matter and it should not feel obligated to rotate them fairly. Just strive to create best matchup each year. That's what any sane person trying to grow audiences would do.

 

[southie]

I agree with you. The SEC should strive to do home and home matchups with games that figure to matter and it should feel obligated to rotate them fairly. Just strive to create best matchup each year. That's what any sane person trying to grow audiences would do.

I know there is no perfect solution. And, when some teams are competing for the regular season conference title, it will make a difference which other team they had to play twice, and which teams they only had to play once and on the road.

In volleyball last season, each team played every other school once, and played two teams twice (home and away). Now that Vandy is fielding a volleyball team for the first time, every conference team will play the other teams once (meaning only 15 matches; meaning half the teams will have 8 home conference matches, and the other half will have have 7 home conference matches). I think that's worse than how hoops does it. Volleyball will also be resurrecting a conference tournament for the time in forever; so, that played into reducing the regular season from 16 matches to 15 matches.

 

[southie]

SEC conference dates released.

SEC announces 2026 women's basketball schedule - Southeastern Conference

The 2026 women's basketball schedule has been released by the Southeastern Conference.

www.secsports.com

 

[JstVisiting]

It’s a joke that they have 16 teams and are sticking with 16 games. Should be 18.

 

[Rooster C.]

I didn't think it was possible for LSU to schedule more of a pancake ooc schedule than last year but I've been proven wrong. LSU's entire season boils down to 7 games that are a challenge and 4 of those are home games so LSU will definitely be in the NCAA again as a host but definitely not a 1 seed unless they're able to run the table and I don't see that happening.

 

[mudcat]

a little clearer than the B1G
de

1. SC
2. Texas
3. Okla
4. Tenn
5. LSU
6. Ole Miss
7. Vandy

I think for TN what will determine their season is their 3 point percentage. Their system depends on a decent 3 point percentage for efficiency. If they can shoot 3 pointers at a decent clip (35% or better), I would put them in the top 3 in the SEC. If they have a poor percentage, I could see them below fifth. OK is only limited by their poor defense (especially in the half court): if they shore that up they could be a much better team this year. The biggest SEC question mark for me is KY: they could be in the top five, or they could be really terrible if the newcomers do not produce. SEC is going to be very interesting. LSU will be fine if Kim can get them to play the defense she wants (otherwise could be a long year in Baton Rouge).

 

[JellyBean]

I think for TN what will determine their season is their 3 point percentage. Their system depends on a decent 3 point percentage for efficiency. If they can shoot 3 pointers at a decent clip (35% or better), I would put them in the top 3 in the SEC. If they have a poor percentage, I could see them below fifth. OK is only limited by their poor defense (especially in the half court): if they shore that up they could be a much better team this year. The biggest SEC question mark for me is KY: they could be in the top five, or they could be really terrible if the newcomers do not produce. SEC is going to be very interesting. LSU will be fine if Kim can get them to play the defense she wants (otherwise could be a long year in Baton Rouge).

I agree to a degree about Tennessee on their 3-point shooting. We can say the same about a lot of programs and their 3-point shooting efficiency. For me, how well Tennessee does will depend on their ability to force their opponents into the Grinnell "System" basketball and that is based on a formula of, running up and down the court to a total of 150 trips, shooting the ball 94 times with 1/2 coming from 3-point range, and then getting roughly 30% of their missed shots on the offensive rebounding side of things, and then force their opponents to turn the ball over more than 30 times. That is going to be keys to the Lady Vols flipping the whole SEC on its rear end. Hopefully the Lady Vols players are working on their craft over summer break and getting their cardio up to par.

I do agree with you on Kentucky. They are a huge question mark. We all know that the Blue Bloods of the SEC are South Carolina, LSU, and Tennessee. Joined by the newbies to the conference Texas and Oklahoma. But the SEC could be wide open for a surprise team to claim that top spot. On paper, South Carolina is considered by many to be the frontrunners followed by Texas, Oklahoma, Lady Vols, and Ole Miss. But on the court is where it all matters. Kentucky could bump its way into the conversation of top dawg of the SEC. We shall see what develops.

 

[Bone Dog]

We all know that the Blue Bloods of the SEC are South Carolina, LSU, and Tennessee. Joined by the newbies to the conference Texas and Oklahoma. But the SEC could be wide open for a surprise team to claim that top spot.

I don’t know if Tennessee is that team. But SC is a question mark for me without Ashlyn Watkins. They were small in the frontcourt last season without her, and now without Fagan and Ashlyn they’re looking a bit thin to me. Maybe Okot can fill that hole but I’m skeptical. They have good depth at the wing, but that may not be enough to power through the SEC next season. That said, I wouldn’t put anything past Dawn. If anyone is going to pull this roster together it’s her.

 

[cancontent]

Texas gets a head start on games in a competitive environment this week with their visit to Toronto for Canada Basketball's GloblJam (not a typo 😉). Not sure what the competition level will be with respect to Brazil or Japan, but their game (hopefully games) against Canada should be a good one. It was streamed on ESPN+ in 2023, the last time they held the tournament. Not sure if that is the case this year.

 

[JellyBean]

I don’t know if Tennessee is that team. But SC is a question mark for me without Ashlyn Watkins. They were small in the frontcourt last season without her, and now without Fagan and Ashlyn they’re looking a bit thin to me. Maybe Okot can fill that hole but I’m skeptical. They have good depth at the wing, but that may not be enough to power through the SEC next season. That said, I wouldn’t put anything past Dawn. If anyone is going to pull this roster together it’s her.

We shall see.

 

[cancontent]

An FYI for Texas fans curious to see this year's roster in action. They're playing the Canadian U23 roster at GloblJam tonight at 8 pm EST. Was able to confirm it can be streamed via ESPN+. From what I can tell, ESPN+ will have this game and the gold medal match up on Sunday at 6 pm EST.

edit One interesting story line will be seeing Latasha Lattimore facing her former team. As she'll be facing them twice this year as part of the Ole Miss roster, it could be interesting to see how she fares against the Longhorns tonight.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

I don’t know if Tennessee is that team. But SC is a question mark for me without Ashlyn Watkins. They were small in the frontcourt last season without her, and now without Fagan and Ashlyn they’re looking a bit thin to me. Maybe Okot can fill that hole but I’m skeptical. They have good depth at the wing, but that may not be enough to power through the SEC next season. That said, I wouldn’t put anything past Dawn. If anyone is going to pull this roster together it’s her.

Let's hope she can pull it through. Coach of the Year material perhaps.

 

[cancontent]

An FYI for Texas fans curious to see this year's roster in action. They're playing the Canadian U23 roster at GloblJam tonight at 8 pm EST. Was able to confirm it can be streamed via ESPN+. From what I can tell, ESPN+ will have this game and the gold medal match up on Sunday at 6 pm EST.

edit One interesting story line will be seeing Latasha Lattimore facing her former team. As she'll be facing them twice this year as part of the Ole Miss roster, it could be interesting to see how she fares against the Longhorns tonight.

Texas fans, there's a lot to be excited about with this roster for the upcoming season. Aaliyah Crump was impressive last night. She didn't look out of place on the court and you wouldn't have known she's a freshman if no one said a word. Cunningham will do well in this offense of Schaefer's. She made things frustrating for Canada throughout the game.

The returning roster looked good as well. Preston and Lee look like they're ready to take the next step as sophomores. Rori and Madison continue to do what they do. Oldacre wasn't available for the game however due to a lower leg injury that happened during their game against Puerto Rico.