BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Southeastern Conference (SEC) landscape is evolving with the addition of two formidable contenders, South Carolina and LSU, who have consistently dominated in recent years. These teams, which have claimed the last three national championships, now face increased competition with the inclusion of the newly ranked No. 4 Texas and No. 10 Oklahoma in the preseason Top 10. The Gamecocks, currently at the top of the rankings, aim for their third national title in four seasons even as they navigate the loss of standout Kamilla Cardoso, having had an impressive 38-0 season last year.
Under the leadership of coach Kim Mulkey, LSU is positioned at seventh but needs to find a replacement for Angel Reese. The competition within the SEC has intensified significantly with the addition of both Texas and Oklahoma. “This truly enhances what I consider to be the most competitive conference in the country,” remarked Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley during the SEC media day. “The presence of Texas and Oklahoma elevates our game. We are fortunate to face Texas twice and Oklahoma as well. Women’s college basketball is indeed thriving.” While acknowledging the challenges, Staley expressed a hint of concern about the upcoming matchups with the Longhorns.
Mulkey, who previously coached in the Big 12 at Baylor, emphasized that Texas and Oklahoma come equipped with a solid understanding of their competitive environment. “They recognize that they are joining a league filled with exceptional teams, on par with the best in the SEC and the entire nation. We welcome them as their presence adds more excitement and high-caliber games,” Mulkey stated. Reflecting on her transition from the Big 12, she remarked, “I thought my days of visiting Austin or Norman were over.”
The prospect of intense competition is underscored by the three-way tie among preseason player of the year candidates, featuring LSU’s Flau’Jae Johnson, Aneesah Morrow from another school, and Texas’s Madison Booker. Texas coach Vic Schaefer, who has a background in the SEC, highlighted the remarkable parity within the league. “With the current competitive landscape, if you’re not at your best any night, you’re not just losing—you could end up being embarrassed,” he warned.
Other SEC teams starting the season in the rankings include No. 20 Mississippi, No. 22 Kentucky, and No. 24 Alabama. The Wildcats are under the guidance of new coach Kenny Brooks, who previously led Virginia Tech to the Final Four and clinched the ACC regular-season title last year. The influx of Texas and Oklahoma, primarily noted for their football prowess, is anticipated to bolster the women’s basketball scene within the SEC significantly.
Last season, Texas made a notable run to the Elite Eight, finishing 33-5, the highest win total for the program since 1986, despite star point guard Rori Harmon’s limited availability due to injury. Madison Booker played a crucial role by stepping in and received co-Big 12 player of the year honors as a freshman and was named a second-team AP All-American.
Oklahoma, on the other hand, is coming off consecutive Big 12 championships and retains its entire starting lineup, which includes co-player of the year Skylar Vann and newcomer of the year Payton Verhulst. The addition of Oregon State’s All-American Raegan Beers, who averaged a double-double last season, is another significant boost for coach Jennie Baranczyk, who is excited to cultivate her team’s culture as they step into the SEC.
Both South Carolina and LSU remain strong contenders despite losing two of the top seven picks in the WNBA draft. The Gamecocks face the task of filling the void left by the No. 3 pick, Cardoso, while LSU adjusts to the absence of the seventh pick, Reese. According to LSU’s Johnson, the team is aiming for a more dynamic playing style this season. “Last year, we didn’t push the ball as much as we could have. This season, we plan to move quickly and decisively,” she affirmed.