Ahead of a highly anticipated basketball season in Mississippi, both men’s SEC programs in the state are garnering some national attention.
Ole Miss landed at No. 24 in the AP preseason poll released on Monday – the program’s first preseason top 25 ranking since the 1997-98 season. The ranking highlights soaring expectations in Chris Beard’s second year as the head coach in Oxford after finishing 20-12 a season ago.
The Rebels bring back five returners from last year’s team, four of which played significant time in 2023-24, who narrowly missed an NCAA Tournament appearance and were ranked as high as No. 22 during the regular season. Beard also added six transfers to the roster – including Third Team All-ACC point guard and Virginia Tech transfer Sean Pedulla – along with three new freshmen.
Mississippi State carries similar expectations in Chris Jans’ third year as the leader of the Bulldogs. The maroon and white didn’t break into the top 25 but did receive six top 25 votes from media members ahead of the new campaign.
Beard, Jans, and two player representatives each for the Rebels and Bulldogs will give a full season preview in Birmingham, Ala., on Tuesday as part of SEC Media Days.
Southern Miss did not receive any votes in the AP preseason poll.
