Kentucky (+275) and Florida (+450) Lead Early SEC Regular-Season Title Odds

• Last year, LSU finished with the best regular-season record in the SEC at 16-2
• Kentucky, which returns plenty of experience, finished 15-3
• Florida is top-ten in the preseason rankings after adding a strong recruiting class and Virginia Tech transfer Kerry Blackshear

Kentucky and Florida are expected to be the top teams in the SEC in the 2019-20 season. The Wildcats and Gators have been installed as the favorites to win the SEC regular-season title at sportsbooks, though UK has been given a decided edge.

Which of the two teams is the best bet to finish atop the SEC?

 Odds to Win 2020 SEC Regular-Season Title

*Odds taken 09/11/2019.

Is Kentucky Final Four-Worthy?

John Calipari has spoiled Wildcat fans, taking the school to the Final Four in 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2015. That was four times in his first six seasons on the job.

He hasn’t been back since, although nobody is really too worried. After all, they made it to the Elite Eight last season before losing in overtime to Auburn.

This year’s team is – stop me if you’ve heard this before – loaded. The difference is that this Wildcats team has a ton of experience joining the typically star-studded recruiting classes. Sophomores Ashton Hagans, Immanuel Quickley, EJ Montgomery and junior Nick Richards – all five-star recruits – are back.

Add in freshman guard Tyrese Maxey, who was the No. 13-overall player in the country, and the Wildcats have a lot to work with. They’ll have what could wind up being the best backcourt in the nation, but their success will be dependent on the growth of big men Montgomery and Richards up front.

Gators Are Back In Business

The Gators have not been relevant in March Madness for several seasons. After reaching the Final Four in 2014, they have won a total of five NCAA Tournament games since. The good news is Billy Donovan has himself a team this year, one that could be every bit as good as the Wildcats.

Their offseason started inconspicuously as they were set to return point guard Andrew Nembhard, sharpshooter Noah Locke, and wing Keyontae Johnson. Then they added a couple of five-star recruits in Scottie Lewis and Tre Mann, which probably put then in the top-20 range.

Then they plucked Virginia Tech transfer Kerry Blackshear, which put them over the top.

Blackshear averaged 14.9 points per game last season along with 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.8 blocks and 0.7 steals. That’s a fantastic find.

With all of this talent, the Gators are now as good as anyone in the country on paper. That’s why their 2020 National Championship odds have shortened. It’s just a matter of putting it all together.

What’s The Best Bet?

The Gators are an intriguing bet in this spot. Had the Wildcats been welcoming an entirely new cast as they typically do year-to-year, I’d be tempted by the Gators at +400.

With the Wildcats returning a slew of experience and adding in Maxey, and the price tag not being that much shorter, I’ll go with the Wildcats at +275.