These SEC basketball MVP predictions for 2026-27 highlight the player each team can rely on most this year. For some teams, that number one is already a proven star, and for others, a transfer, freshman, or returning player stepping into a larger role is vital. Being able to score is important, but defense, playmaking, and leadership are also essential values a team's best player should have. Here are guys who are ready to be their team's MVP.
Amari Allen has the chance to step into a larger role this year to become Alabama's MVP, similar to what Labaron Philon Jr. did last year. Allen has the chance to be the lead contributor on offense and serve as the initiator. Despite testing the NBA waters, Allen decided to come back to Alabama basketball to further his development for the NBA.
As a freshman, he was known as a lockdown defender who often took on the toughest assignments. Allen had a strong freshman campaign, earning All-Freshman honors and averaging 11.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. This year, Allen's elite two-way playstyle gives him the potential to lead Alabama on both ends and earns him the Crimson Tide's spot in these MVP predictions.
John Calpari may have gotten his next great guard in Jordan Smith Jr. The freshman from the DMV has the two-way versatility needed to be Arkansas' MVP. Smith is coming off his senior year in high school, where he was the consensus high school player of the year.
The highly touted prospect is a pest on defense who loves to speed up and disrupt the opposition. After losing most of their roster from last season, Smith will be thrown into the fire, taking a heavy load on both ends. On offense, he is known to be an elite playmaker who excels at finishing at the rim through contact.
Calipari will be asking Smith to lead the offense. Smith is known to be an efficient playmaker who raises the level of play of his teammates. The freshman guard has the opportunity to be the next top-five pick produced by Calipari and help continue the success of Arkansas basketball .
Now returning for his junior season, Tahaad Pettiford has the keys to Auburn basketball , especially on offense, making him the team's MVP this year. Pettiford is an elite scorer and playmaker who averaged 15.4 points and led the team with 3.8 assists per game last season.
With another year under his belt, Pettiford will be counted on to lead this experienced Auburn team. Pettiford was Auburn's only player to be named to a preseason All-SEC team. The lefty guard is the key to this team's improvement after winning the NIT championship last season.
Thomas Haugh is a coach's dream to have on their team. The junior forward is a versatile do-it-all player. Last season, Haugh exploded onto the scene by leading Florida in scoring with 17.1 points and 6.1 boards per game. The consensus All-American helped lead an extremely talented Florida roster to an SEC regular-season championship and a No. 1 seed in March.
Haugh is a capable shooter and loves to drive the ball with intent to the basket. The All-American is an elite defender who can give the Gators another rim protector. His stellar play from last season earned him SEC Preseason Player of the Year for this upcoming season.
Feb 7, 2026; College Station, Texas, USA; Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) looks to grab a rebound during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Blue Cain is an experienced, patient guard who will be Georgia's MVP this year, in part due to the improvement he has made each year. Cain has been with the Bulldogs for all four years, which is something rare in today's landscape of college basketball.
Mike White will be counting on his senior guard to bring veteran leadership to his team this year. Last season, Cain had his best season yet, averaging 13.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. The senior guard will be a valuable player to have in close games. His poise allows him to play level-headed. Cain is a reliable option in close games thanks to his 90.7% free-throw shooting last year. This year, Georgia will be counting on Cain to be a consistent playmaker and scorer.
This portal season, the Kentucky Wildcats had arguably the best pickup in the cycle by adding sharpshooter Milan Momcilovic . The Wildcats' new addition recently earned All-SEC 2nd team in the preseason poll.
Last season at Iowa State, Momcilovic led the nation in three-point percentage, shooting the ball at 48.7% on 7.5 attempts per contest. Momcilovic's shooting and fit in Mark Pope's offense make him Kentucky's choice in the MVP predictions.
With uncertainty regarding how many eligible players this LSU team will have, they have found their floor general and MVVP in Donovan Dent . The veteran guard is an elite playmaker who sees the floor exceptionally well. Last season, he averaged 7.6 assists per game.
In LSU's exhibition win over UCF, Dent made sure that his impact was felt. In that game, he dropped 21 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds in a draining 38 minutes. Dent is a capable defender who will give the Tigers a solid foundational piece this year.
Coming into this season, there is no question that Josh Hubbard is the heart and soul of this team. Hubbard also earned All-SEC 1st team honors in the preseason media poll.
The senior guard is the engine for this Bulldog offense. Last season, he averaged 22.1 points per game. Hubbard also broke the school record for most three-pointers in program history with 311. In each of his three seasons at Mississippi State, Hubbard has earned All-SEC honors. His ability to create shots and his experience make him extremely valuable to the success his team will have this year.
For most teams in this era of college basketball, having a freshman as your team's MVP is a rarity. However, freshman Jason Crowe Jr. will be the MVP for this Missouri squad this year.
In his senior year of high school, Crowe broke the record to become California's all-time leading scorer in high school basketball with 4,718 points. In that spectacular season, he also took home MVP in the McDonald's All-American Game.
Crowe is an offensive juggernaut. Dennis Gates had no other choice but to name him a starter from the beginning. His elite offensive ability has the chance to elevate the level of play Missouri will play at.
Oct 14, 2026; Birmingham, AL, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Jason Crowe Jr. speaks during the SEC Basketball Tipoff at Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images
Oklahoma's offense goes as Xzayvier Brown goes. Porter Moser will be relying on Brown to be their number-one scoring option.
Returning for his senior year, Brown is looking to be one of the top guards in the conference. Last season, Brown led the Sooners in minutes played. He averaged 15.4 points and 3.3 assists per game. His strong playmaking, shot-making, and experience make him priceless for the Sooners.
Seton Hall transfer Adam Clark has a serious case to be Ole Miss' MVP this season. Last season Clark earned All-Big East honors as well as defensive honors.
Clark's relentless defense will bring the fiery edge the Rebels will want. Last season, Clark led Seton Hall with 12.7 points, 4.9 assists, and two steals per game. His elite perimeter defense and IQ make him a playmaker who will raise the Rebels' level of play this season.
George Mason transfer Kory Mincy is looking to make his impact felt this year at South Carolina. This year, Lamont Paris is most likely going to be giving him the reins to this offense. Mincy is known to play at a great pace, never getting sped up, and having elite playmaking abilities.
At George Mason, he earned All-A-10 honors while averaging 14.3 points and shooting 38.9% from three. This South Carolina team features 12 new players. Paris is trusting Mincy's ability to not turn the ball over, his high IQ, and relentless defense to help South Carolina compete with the rest of the conference.
Wake Forest junior transfer Juke Harris has all the tools needed to give Tennessee a deep run and be their MVP. Harris was a massive pickup for Rick Barnes and Tennessee. Last season, Harris exploded onto the scene by earning All-ACC honors and being named the ACC's Most Improved Player. He averaged 21.4 points and 6.5 boards per game. His combination of scoring and length on the defensive end gives Tennessee a star player who Rick Barnes will thrive with.
Tennessee guard Juke Harris (2) speaks with media before a Tennessee basketball practice in Pratt Pavilion on July 23, 2026. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
In-state transfer David Punch is coming to Texas ready to be Texas' MVP this season. Punch is an extremely physical, versatile player who can guard multiple positions. Last season, Punch averaged 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. He is a lethal two-way player who is ready to help make Texas one of the best teams in the country. Punch's deadly combination of inside and mid-range scoring, in addition to his tenacious defense, is an exceptional tool that will help anchor Texas to a successful season.
PJ Haggerty is back in college for a fifth year. Haggerty is one of the best scorers in the game. Last season, he averaged 23.4 points and 5.3 rebounds on 35.1% from three and 48.9% from the field.
The veteran guard is an elite player who finished fourth in the country in scoring. His premier scoring and playmaking ability will make him a natural fit in Bucky McMillan's high-paced offense. Despite having a rocky season at Kansas State last year, Haggerty is ready to bring his veteran leadership to a talented Aggie squad in hopes of helping them have a successful year.
After coming off an All-SEC season, Tyler Tanner is looking for more going into his junior year. Tanner's dominance was on display all of last season for the nation to see. He averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.4 steals per game on 36.8% from beyond the arc.
Last season, Tanner broke the Vanderbilt school record for most steals in a season. Tanner is an elite two-way player who brings intensity and playmaking every game. His contributions to the team make him irreplaceable for Mark Byington and Vanderbilt. Tanner rounds out the list for MVP predictions, with his scoring, defense, and playmaking making him crucial to Vanderbilt's upcoming success.
Featured Image: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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