BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The reigning national champions, the South Carolina Gamecocks, have been selected as favorites to clinch the Southeastern Conference (SEC) women’s basketball title this season.

Led by head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks come back strong with four returning starters from last year’s remarkable undefeated roster, complemented by an impressive recruiting class.

These projections were announced by the SEC on Monday and were determined by a panel comprising both league and national media experts.

Trailing South Carolina in the predictions are prominent teams including Texas, LSU, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

In the race for preseason player of the year honors, three athletes—LSU’s Flau’Jae Johnson, Aneesah Morrow, and Madison Booker from Texas—each secured eight points in the voting. The list also includes five additional players who garnered votes for this accolade.

Alongside Johnson, Morrow, and Booker, the All-SEC first team consists of Alabama’s Sarah Ashlee Barker, Georgia Amoore from Kentucky, Raegan Beers representing Oklahoma, and Te-Hina Paopao from South Carolina.

This upcoming season promises to be thrilling as the Gamecocks aim to defend their title while facing fierce competition from other talented teams within the conference.