College basketball 2022-23 SEC betting guide

The SEC is not just a football league anymore and hasn't been for a while. Sure things look pretty normal with Kentucky at the top, but this league has some depth too.

Coming into the season it looks like the gap between the Wildcats and Arkansas and Tennessee is razor-thin. When you throw in Florida and Alabama, both of who have NBA prospects on the roster, you have a league that is going to have a lot of top matchups on a nightly basis.
This league might go seven deep in terms of NCAA invites but probably only the top five have a real chance at winning the regular-season title. Let's have a closer look.

SEC Regular Season Futures

Kentucky Wildcats +180

The Wildcats are returning 2022 POY Oscar Tshiebwe, a few other starters, and a couple of possible 1-and-done freshmen. In short, they are loaded with everything you need to win it all. They also might have a chip on their shoulder after the way things ended last season. They are always in the mix and expectations are high. 

Arkansas Razorbacks +330

11. That is the number of new players for Arkansas this season. This is the program that knocked off Gonzaga and went to the Elite Eight last year, but that is a lot of turnover, even if there might be a couple of lottery picks on the roster. I have confidence the Razorbacks have a high ceiling but we will have to wait and see how this team develops. The value is there though given they can work out some kinks before league play starts. 

Tennessee Volunteers +350

Is this the year coach Rick Barnes breaks through? He has four senior starters and a freshman that was is one of the best in the country. The season may rest on Zakai Zeigler, their 5-9 sophomore point guard, and whether he is ready to lead a quality team. This team has everything it needs to compete in the SEC and nationally. They just have to do it when it matters most. They were second in the league last year. Another great value.

Alabama Crimson Tide +750

Alabama was first in the league in scoring last season and when they are on their game they can compete with anyone. Consistency can be a challenge though. They are hoping that top guard Jahvon Quinerly will be back for SEC play and until we know more it is hard to pick them. Freshman forward Brandon Miller has looked great though. This team has more than enough talent. 

Florida Gators +1200

Coach Todd Golden is in his first season at Florida. He has fully embraced modern team building too, bringing in multiple transfers around top big man Colin Castleton. If CC is the best big in the conference then Florida will be in the mix (and he could be). Transfer Kyle Lofton was a four-year starter at St. Bonaventure and I think he is going to be great playing in the SEC too. 

Auburn Tigers +1300

The Tigers lost their frontcourt to the NBA Draft but they are still going to be in the mix. Their backcourt might not have similar NBA caliber, but they are super tough and have experience in the system. If transfer Johnny Broome gives them some of what they lost up front the Tigers are not going to fall too far. 

Texas A&M Aggies +2900

Buzz Williams is doing a slow build at Texas A&M. They finished strong last season, losing by a point in the NIT title game. That does not mean they are ready to make a big leap, but it might as some of the key performers from a year ago have been buttressed with some key transfers like big man Julius Marble from Michigan State. 

LSU Tigers +3700

Mike McMahon has won a lot as a head coach but it might take him a minute to get settled in Baton Rouge. This team has talent for sure, but not a lot of it has played for LSU in the past as the program lost players to graduation, the NBA, and the transfer portal with the coaching transition. I think they are going to be better than expected but still not challenging the way they did under Will Wade. 

Ole Miss Rebels +6500

Coach Kermit Davis probably needs a good season this year. They were bad last season and he has yet to do much with the opportunity. Nothing really stands out about this team this season. They have what they need to compete but it is hard to see a player taking a big leap in a way that makes a difference.

Mississippi State Bulldogs +10000

Chris Jans has been a big winner at a lower level and now he is getting his shot in the SEC. The cupboard is not totally bare with Tolu Smith and DJ Jeffries in the frontcourt. Like every program with a new coach, there are some transfers that could make a big difference, but they are not a slam dunk. More than half the roster are new players. 

Missouri Tigers +12000

The Tigers are another team with a new coach, Dennis Gates, who won a lot at Cleveland State. The Tigers have some players but with just one returning starter, and a lot of transfers, it is hard to get a great read on the team right now. A lot of players are moving up to the SEC so it will be interesting to see if they have what it takes. 

South Carolina Gamecocks +15000

Yet another SEC school with a new coach. Wing GG Jackson is one of the best HS recruits in the country so there is some reason to tune into the Gamecocks this season. That might be the only reason though. South Carolina has never had much of a presence on the hardwood prior to Frank Martin getting them to a surprise Final Four a few years back. 

Georgia Bulldogs +19000

Yet another program with a new coach but a familiar face to the SEC as Mike White moved over from Florida. He never quite got the Gators over the hump and now he has an even bigger challenge on his hands. Big man Braelen Bridges give the Dawgs a legit post presence, but the perimeter has questions that need to be answered. 

Vanderbilt Commodores +21000

Jerry Stackhouse could only get the Commodores to seven SEC wins last season and that was with guard Scotty Pippen Jr. averaging 20 ppg. If Vandy is going to get out of the basement it is because a couple of their five freshman pop quickly. Unfortunately, they do not have the recruiting prowess of Kentucky. 

Best Bet - Tennessee - I would put the Razorbacks and Vols at about the same level but you get more bang for your buck with Tennessee.

Best Sleeper - Florida - I can see Castleton winning the SEC POY and the new coach keeping this team in contention all season long. At this price they are worth a sprinkle.