Former Auburn coach Bruce Pearl says Florida is the SEC’s best team this season.
Pearl made that assertion on social media on Sunday night, hours after Florida smashed Alabama 100-77 thanks to a dominant performance on the interior. The Gators became the first SEC team to put up 72 paint points in a conference game in at least the last two decades.
Pearl noted that Florida isn’t as good as it was last year when the Gators won the national title, but he still believes they’re the class of the SEC in 2026.
Florida is the Defending National Champions Florida is the Defending SEC Tournament Champions. They aren't as good as they were last year because they graduated 3 Senior guards who all got drafted, but they are the best team in the SEC! t.co/07TyYHTwGO
— Bruce Pearl (@coachbrucepearl) February 1, 2026Florida certainly still misses Walter Clayton Jr. and Alijah Martin, who are both now in the NBA. However, the Gators have become a dominant rebounding team and are currently No. 2 in the nation in both offensive and defensive rebounding rate.
That dominance on the glass has made Florida a national title contender once again in 2026. The Gators have perhaps the best front court in the country with Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu.
Florida’s defense is also elite and may even be improved over last season. UF currently ranks No. 1 in adjusted defensive efficiency during conference play, according to KenPom.
Of course, Pearl’s son, Steven Pearl, is currently the head coach at Auburn. The Tigers are also off to a good start in conference play and even won in Gainesville back on Jan. 24.
Texas A&M currently leads the SEC with a 7-1 record, but the Aggies have a tough week ahead with matchup against Alabama and Florida on the horizon.
Prediction Markets 2026 College Basketball Champion? Kalshi Arizona 21.0% Michigan 16.0% Duke 13.0% UConn 8.0% Houston 8.0% Illinois 5.0% Florida 4.0% Predict Learn more about Prediction MarketsBruce Pearl shares pick for best SEC team midway through 2025-26 season Saturday Down South.
Hence then, the article about bruce pearl shares pick for best sec team midway through 2025 26 season was published today ( ) and is available on SATURDAY DOWN SOUTH ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Bruce Pearl shares pick for best SEC team midway through 2025-26 season )
Also on site :