Men’s college basketball is witnessing a dramatic start to the season. Only eight undefeated teams remain after the intense challenges of Feast Week and early interconference play. The SEC stands out with three high-major programs still unscathed, showcasing the league’s early dominance.
An undefeated season seems unlikely, so the real question is: which team will maintain their perfect record the longest? This article delves into the last eight unbeaten teams, their journey so far, and the potential stumbling blocks ahead.
Tennessee Volunteers: A Surprising Contender
The Tennessee Volunteers have defied expectations despite losing key players like Dalton Knecht to the NBA and three other starters to graduation or the transfer portal. Currently ranked No. 1 in both the AP poll and NET Rankings, Tennessee has thrived thanks to strategic moves in the transfer portal.
The standout addition is Chaz Lanier from North Florida Ospreys, who has been a revelation. He is averaging nearly 19 points per game and excelling as a dynamic shooter.
Key Players and Strategies
Lanier’s shooting prowess, hitting 48% on over eight attempts per game, has been crucial for Tennessee. Additionally, the frontcourt has been bolstered by Igor Miličić Jr. from Charlotte 49ers and Felix Okpara from Ohio State Buckeyes.
Miličić brings versatility, while Okpara is an excellent rim protector and lob target for point guard Zakai Zeigler.
Potential Stumbling Blocks
So far, Tennessee has cruised through their schedule, with dominant wins over Syracuse, Louisville, Virginia, and Baylor. However, upcoming road games pose significant challenges.
A supercharged atmosphere at Illinois could test their mettle, and consecutive road games in early January against Florida and Texas will be critical. A road trip to Auburn on January 25 might be their toughest test yet.
- Predicted First Loss: January 7 at Florida
Florida Gators: Defensive Resurgence
The Florida Gators have shown significant improvement, particularly on the defensive end. Walter Clayton Jr. is having an All-American-caliber season, excelling as a traditional point guard and efficient scorer.
The addition of FAU transfer Alijah Martin and the breakout performance of Australian big man Alex Condon have further strengthened the team.
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Key Players and Strategies
Florida’s success is built on elite guard play from Clayton and Martin, combined with the dominant presence of Condon up front. This combination allows them to control the rim and the rebounding battle while maintaining high ball-handling efficiency.
Potential Stumbling Blocks
Florida faces tough nonconference tests against Arizona State and North Carolina. They open SEC play with a challenging stretch, including a road trip to Kentucky’s Rupp Arena, a home game against Tennessee, and a trip to Arkansas. Navigating this gauntlet unscathed will be difficult.
- Predicted First Loss: January 4 at Kentucky
Oklahoma Sooners: Freshman Phenom
Picked 15th in the SEC preseason rankings, the Oklahoma Sooners have surprised many by remaining undefeated. Freshman guard Jeremiah Fears has been a game-changer, averaging 16.7 points and 4.7 assists per game. His ability to attack the rim and the team’s strong three-point shooting have been key factors.
Key Players and Strategies
Fears, despite his slender frame, has been fearless in his approach. The Sooners also benefit from big wing athletes like Jalon Moore and Glenn Taylor Jr., who have bolstered their defense.
Potential Stumbling Blocks
Rivalry games are always tricky, and facing Oklahoma State could be a challenge. Additionally, a matchup against a surging Michigan team and opening SEC play on the road against Alabama are potential pitfalls.
- Predicted First Loss: December 18 vs. Michigan
Utah State Aggies: Defensive Mastery
Under new coach Jerrod Calhoun, Utah State has made an impressive start, including wins over Iowa and top mid-majors. Calhoun’s unconventional zone defense has been a significant factor, holding opponents to under 65 points per game.
Key Players and Strategies
Retaining Ian Martinez and Mason Falslev has been crucial, while Calhoun’s zone defense continues to baffle opponents.
Potential Stumbling Blocks
While Utah State should handle South Florida and UC San Diego, road trips to Saint Mary’s, San Diego State, and Nevada will be challenging.
- Predicted First Loss: December 28 at San Diego State
UC Irvine Anteaters: Defensive Prowess
UC Irvine boasts one of the best defenses in the nation, holding most opponents under 70 points. With four senior starters, this experienced team has a chance to achieve a remarkable win-loss record.
Key Players and Strategies
The Anteaters’ defense and continuity, with four senior starters who have spent their entire careers at Irvine, are their strengths.
Potential Stumbling Blocks
A five-game road trip looms, starting with Oregon State. If they navigate this successfully, road tests at Belmont and California Baptist could be tricky. Circle January 11 at UC San Diego and January 23 at UC Riverside as potential first losses.
- Predicted First Loss: January 11 at UC San Diego
Drake Bulldogs: New Leadership
Under new coach Ben McCollum, Drake has continued its strong performance, highlighted by wins over Miami and Vanderbilt. Key recruits from McCollum’s previous team, including Bennett Stirtz and Mitch Mascari, have been instrumental.
Key Players and Strategies
Stirtz is a Missouri Valley Player of the Year candidate, and Wyoming transfer Cam Manyawu has been highly productive.
Potential Stumbling Blocks
Drake faces Kansas State in a crucial game. A win could spark NCAA tournament talk. An early MVC road trip to Bradley is also significant.
- Predicted First Loss: December 17 vs. Kansas State
Loyola Chicago Ramblers: Balanced Attack
Loyola Chicago has maintained its momentum with eight straight wins, including a victory over defending Ivy League champion Princeton. This balanced team features five players averaging between 8.1 and 12.1 points per game.
Key Players and Strategies
Sophomore big man Miles Rubin is a top rim protector, while junior guard Jayden Dawson has made significant strides. The Ramblers excel in generating offense from dunks.
Potential Stumbling Blocks
Dawson’s ankle injury could impact their game against San Francisco. If they win, the Diamond Head Classic during Christmas week presents further challenges.
- Predicted First Loss: December 15 vs. San Francisco
Rhode Island Rams: Defensive Improvement
In his third year, Archie Miller has Rhode Island off to a strong start. A soft early schedule has helped, but a win over Providence was a significant statement. Improved defense, led by 7-footer Javonte Brown, and the stellar play of point guard Sebastian Thomas have been key.
Key Players and Strategies
Thomas has been a standout, averaging nearly 17 points and over seven assists per game. Brown’s presence as a rim protector has also been crucial.
Potential Stumbling Blocks
Rhode Island’s schedule remains manageable, but a neutral-court game against Temple and a home matchup with George Mason could be challenging.
A 16-0 start is possible, but the road game at Loyola Chicago on January 15 looms large.
- Predicted First Loss: January 4 vs. George Mason
For more detailed predictions and insights on when these undefeated teams might face their first loss, check out the full analysis on SI.com.
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