Tennessee selected fourth in SEC preseason poll as Barnes addresses roster eligibility

The Southeastern Conference released its men's basketball preseason media poll and honors on Monday afternoon ahead of the 2026-27 season. Yahoo Sports Top and CBS College Basketball both report that Florida was chosen as the preseason favorite to win the SEC. Yahoo Sports Top also reports that Tennessee was selected to finish fourth in the conference media poll. [1][2][7]

Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes spoke at SEC media day regarding the status of Jalen Washington, who is currently facing uncertainty over his playing eligibility. According to Yahoo College Basketball, Yahoo Sports Top, and Rocky Top Insider, Barnes stated that Washington has handled the ongoing eligibility fight like an absolute pro. [1][4][5][8][9]

Other conference predictions were detailed across the league rankings. Yahoo Sports Top reports that Texas A&M is projected to finish ninth in the SEC under head coach Bucky McMillan, and guard PJ Haggerty earned a selection to the Preseason All-SEC Third Team. Vanderbilt secured one selection on the All-SEC First Team and was picked to finish in the top half of the conference, according to Yahoo College Basketball and Yahoo Sports Top. [1][2][3]

Barnes is currently the head coach at the University of Tennessee after previously leading programs at George Mason, Providence, Clemson, and Texas. Over his head coaching career, he has guided teams to 16 NCAA Division I tournament appearances at Texas, including a Final Four run in 2003. [10][12]