The Lady Vols have been up and down throughout the non-conference schedule, finishing 2025 with an 8-3 record and a No. 23 ranking in the AP poll. The schedule is about to take a step up with SEC play starting Thursday for all 16 teams.
Kim Caldwell's team has lost all three games against ranked opponents and has seven such games lined up in SEC play. Tennessee does start relatively easy and has the ability to build momentum with five unranked opponents to start the new year.
Tennessee's scoring has gone through Talaysia Cooper and Janiah Barker. Both players average 15 points per game and are making key contributions every game for the Lady Vols. Zee Spearman is Tennessee's leader on the boards with 7.5 rebounds per game.
The Lady Vols showed signs of improvement in their win at Stanford but regressed against Louisville, shooting 34% from the field and getting out-scored by 19 in the second half. Tennessee also struggled on the boards, getting out-rebounded by 22.
If Tennessee wants to succeed in the SEC, scoring has to improve against the top teams. The Lady Vols need more contributions throughout the lineup and have to be more consistent, unlike their performance against Louisville where the Cardinals pulled away late.
Tennessee will have to face every SEC team once and will hope to stack up with the top teams in matchups this season.
Contenders for the SEC title
The best team in the SEC at this point in the season is No. 2 Texas, which already earned a win over South Carolina during non-conference play in Las Vegas on Thanksgiving. The Longhorns are led by forward Madison Booker, the reigning SEC Player of the Year who is averaging 18.8 points and 7.3 rebounds this season.
South Carolina has won the last three SEC Tournament titles and enters conference play at No. 3 in the country. With sophomore Joyce Edwards averaging 21.4 points and Florida State transfer Ta'Niya Latson averaging 16.9 points, the Gamecocks are once again toward the top of the SEC.
Although it hasn't been tested yet, LSU enters SEC play at No. 5 in the AP poll and with a 14-0 record. MiLaysia Fulwiley and Flau'jae Johnson each chip in 15.1 points per game for Kim Mulkey's squad, which starts its SEC campaign Thursday against a formidable opponent in Kentucky.
With standout center Raegan Beers and top freshman Aaliyah Chavez, Oklahoma's second season could be one where it challenges for the SEC title. The Sooners have only lost to No. 4 UCLA in non-conference play this season.
Outsiders who could play a role
Led by an impressive trio of forwards in Clara Strack, Amelia Hassett and Teonni Key, Kentucky is poised to make a move up the SEC standings in Kenny Brooks' second season with the Wildcats. Kentucky earned an impressive road win against rival Louisville in non-conference play.
With a high influx of transfer talent, Ole Miss once again has high expectations for its conference season. Former Ohio State forward Cotie McMahon leads the Rebels with 18.6 points per game, and Christeen Iwuala contributes 15.8 points and 9.0 rebounds.
Vanderbilt once again runs on Mikayla Blakes, who is averaging 23.9 points in her sophomore season. the Commodores are also getting contributions from former Tennessee guard Justine Pissott, who is shooting 45% from 3-point range as Vanderilt's second-highest scorer.