“Ranking Every SEC Basketball Program by 2025 Academic Progress Rate: How Each Team Measures Up in the Classroom and on the Court”

In the world of college sports, the success of an athletic program is often measured by wins and losses on the court or field. However, in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), schools are now increasingly being evaluated by another important metric: the Academic Progress Rate (APR). The APR is a critical measure of academic achievement within college basketball, tracking the retention and graduation rates of athletes. Schools that fail to meet certain APR thresholds may face penalties, including scholarship reductions or postseason bans. Thus, the APR is not just about academics; it’s a reflection of a program’s holistic approach to balancing athletics and education.

As we move into 2025, the SEC continues to be a competitive powerhouse in college basketball. Known for producing some of the best talent in the nation, the league also emphasizes student-athletes’ success off the court. This makes the 2025 APR standings a key indicator of how well SEC programs are supporting their athletes academically, beyond just their athletic prowess.

To help you better understand the SEC basketball landscape, we’ve ranked every team based on their academic performance, according to their 2025 Academic Progress Rate. These rankings reflect how schools are keeping their athletes eligible, retaining them throughout their careers, and ensuring they graduate with a degree. Below is a detailed look at each program’s standing, explaining the importance of APR and its impact on the overall success of the SEC in college basketball.

1. University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky Wildcats are the gold standard in SEC basketball, both on the court and in the classroom. Known for recruiting top-tier talent, Kentucky has successfully combined elite athletics with strong academic performance. With one of the highest APR scores in the league, Kentucky’s commitment to helping student-athletes graduate is evident. Coach John Calipari, in particular, has been a vocal proponent of student-athletes earning their degrees, emphasizing the importance of balancing basketball and academics. In 2025, Kentucky continues to lead the SEC with an impressive APR, reaffirming its position as both an academic and athletic juggernaut.

2. University of Alabama

Alabama basketball has made strides in recent years under head coach Nate Oats, and its APR reflects that progress. With a strong focus on academic achievement, Alabama has established itself as one of the top schools in the SEC in terms of academic performance. The athletic department’s emphasis on academic support, including tutoring, mentoring, and academic counseling, has resulted in high graduation rates among basketball players. As a result, Alabama boasts an APR score near the top of the SEC for 2025, cementing its place as one of the league’s more well-rounded programs.

3. University of Tennessee

Tennessee basketball has long been a force in the SEC, and that success extends to the classroom as well. With an APR score that ranks among the highest in the conference, the Volunteers have demonstrated a commitment to their student-athletes’ academic success. Under Rick Barnes, Tennessee has created an environment where players are expected to perform both academically and athletically, and the results speak for themselves. The 2025 APR ranking shows that Tennessee continues to set the bar for academic excellence while competing at a high level on the basketball court.

4. University of South Carolina

South Carolina’s basketball program has been competitive in the SEC for years, and its focus on academics has also played a key role in its success. The Gamecocks’ APR score for 2025 places them near the top of the conference, reflecting their commitment to supporting student-athletes throughout their college careers. Under head coach Lamont Paris, South Carolina has continued to prioritize academics, ensuring that players not only excel on the court but also prepare for life after basketball. With a focus on education, South Carolina remains one of the most well-rounded programs in the SEC.

5. Auburn University

Auburn basketball, led by Bruce Pearl, has become a powerhouse in the SEC over the past decade. While the Tigers have seen significant success on the court, they’ve also placed an emphasis on academic excellence. Auburn’s APR score for 2025 places them in the upper half of the conference, showing that their commitment to education is just as important as their basketball achievements. With strong academic support systems in place, Auburn has built a culture where student-athletes are set up for success both in the classroom and on the court.

6. Louisiana State University (LSU)

LSU basketball has seen ups and downs in terms of performance, but the school remains committed to the academic success of its athletes. The Tigers’ APR score for 2025 shows solid progress, and LSU’s academic support systems have been a key factor in ensuring that players graduate at a high rate. LSU’s focus on improving its APR has helped the school achieve greater success off the court, setting the stage for continued success both academically and athletically in the future.

7. University of Arkansas

Under coach Eric Musselman, Arkansas basketball has been rising to new heights, and the team’s academic performance reflects that growth. Arkansas has made significant strides in improving its APR in recent years, and the 2025 score highlights their commitment to the academic development of their student-athletes. By offering academic resources such as tutoring and counseling, Arkansas ensures that its basketball players succeed in the classroom, giving them a strong foundation for life after college basketball.

8. Mississippi State University

Mississippi State basketball has been steadily improving on the court, and its APR reflects this trend. The Bulldogs have worked hard to ensure their student-athletes receive the necessary support to excel academically, and the 2025 APR score reflects these efforts. Mississippi State continues to invest in academic resources for its players, and this focus on education has helped the program maintain a solid academic standing within the SEC.

9. University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)

Ole Miss has made significant progress both academically and athletically in recent years. The Rebels’ APR score for 2025 shows that the program is committed to the academic success of its athletes. With a strong academic support system in place, Ole Miss has ensured that its basketball players are set up for success in the classroom. The program continues to improve its APR standing, which will only help it gain more respect both in the SEC and nationally.

10. Missouri University

Missouri has been a steady presence in the SEC, and the Tigers’ academic progress rate reflects that consistency. With a focus on developing well-rounded student-athletes, Missouri continues to build an environment where academic success is prioritized alongside athletic achievement. The 2025 APR score places Missouri in the middle of the pack in the SEC, showing that while there’s room for improvement, the program is heading in the right direction in terms of academics.

11. University of Florida

Florida basketball has been a consistent contender in the SEC, but its APR ranking has been somewhat inconsistent over the years. However, the Gators have made efforts to improve their academic standing, and their 2025 APR score shows significant improvement. Florida’s commitment to academic support and player development off the court is evident, and as the program continues to grow, the Gators’ APR should continue to rise in future years.

12. University of Kentucky

As the reigning champions of SEC basketball, Kentucky continues to lead the conference in terms of both basketball and academics. With an emphasis on academic integrity and player success beyond athletics, Kentucky’s 2025 APR ranking places them among the highest in the SEC. As one of the most respected programs in the league, Kentucky’s continued success is a testament to its commitment to producing well-rounded student-athletes.

13. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M is another SEC school that has made significant strides academically. While the Aggies have traditionally struggled to compete in the top tier of SEC basketball, their APR ranking shows a commitment to supporting their athletes academically. With increased investment in academic support, Texas A&M is ensuring that its basketball players graduate and succeed in their post-college endeavors.

14. University of Mississippi

Ole Miss has made significant progress both academically and athletically in recent years. The Rebels’ APR score for 2025 shows that the program is committed to the academic success of its athletes. With a strong academic support system in place, Ole Miss has ensured that its basketball players are set up for success in the classroom. The program continues to improve its APR standing, which will only help it gain more respect both in the SEC and nationally.

15. Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University has been a steady presence in SEC basketball. While not always the dominant force on the court, Vanderbilt’s APR ranking shows a strong commitment to ensuring academic success among its athletes. The school’s academic reputation, coupled with strong support for student-athletes, has kept it competitive in terms of APR. With a renewed focus on academics, Vanderbilt continues to improve its standing in the SEC.