<p>The SEC is always a conference packed with talent, and there's a tight battle to be the best every season. With many teams in the SEC in the top 10 in the country, this season is sure to bring out some great competition within the conference. </p>

<p>LSU won its first SEC championship since 1981 last season, and will look to defend their title, but teams like Florida and Alabama are sure to put up a fight.</p>

<p>Let’s take a look at the top teams in the SEC based on incoming freshmen, overall talent, and coaching.
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<h2>1. Florida</h2>

<p>The Florida Gators are stacked with an outstanding amount of talent with a lot of international elite experience. The Gators bring back some key routines from last season with standout senior Alex McMurtry, along with bringing in some new faces. Seniors Kennedy Baker and Rachel Slocum will supply big energy and leadership along with sophomores Amelia Hundley and Rachel Gowey, who were consistent all-around gymnasts last season. </p>

<p>Freshmen Megan Skaggs, Alyssa Baumann, and Jazmyn Foberg will bring a boost to this team and add great depth. Watch for the Gators to add difficulty as the season goes on and peak at the right time to aim for an SEC championship along with a national title.  </p>

<p><strong>Strengths</strong>: Experience, leadership, big difficulty</p>

<p><strong>Challenge</strong>: Transitioning many talented freshmen to NCAA</p>

<p><strong>Gymnasts to watch</strong>: Alex McMurtry, Rachel Gowey, Alyssa Baumann, Jazmyn Foberg</p>

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<h2>2.LSU</h2>

<p>The defending SEC champs will be looking to replace big scores and routines from Ashleigh Gnat and Sydney Ewing. The Tigers recently lost junior McKenna Kelley to a <a href="https://www.flogymnastics.com/articles/6050779-lsus-mckenna-kelley-ruptures-achilles-at-practice-out-for-2018-season">season-ending Achilles rupture</a> and will feel her absence on floor in particular. </p>

<p>LSU has an outstanding group of gymnasts who are hungry for another SEC championship along with winning their first national title. Watch for new faces from in the lineups that will provide a strong and consistent season for the Tigers, such as Reagan Campbell and former international elite Christina Desiderio. Myia Hambrick, Sarah Finnegan, and Lexie Priessman will be key contributors back as well.</p>

<p><strong>Strengths</strong>: Leadership, motivation</p>

<p><strong>Challenge:</strong> Young Team, replacing big routines lost  </p>

<p><strong>Gymnasts to watch</strong>: Myia Hambrick, Sarah Finnegan, Lexie Priessman, Christina Desiderio
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<br>3.Alabama</h2>

<p>Bama will be another team to watch as they have great depth and potential to be the best in the SEC. Bama brings in outstanding freshman Bailie Key and transfer Peyton Ernst, both of whom have outstanding experience that will be a boost to the Crimson Tide, but it will be key for them both to stay healthy. Alabama will also count on Maddie Desch, Nickie Guerrero, and Kiana Winston this season as they look to be a top contender.  </p>

<p><strong>Strengths</strong>: Beam lineup, experience</p>

<p><strong>Challenge</strong>: Young team, 10.0 SV vaults</p>

<p><strong>Gymnasts to watch</strong>: Maddie Desch, Nickie Guerrero, Kiana Winston Bailie Key, Peyton Ernst </p>

<h4>Other SEC Contenders</h4>

<p>Georgia, Auburn, Kentucky, Arkansas, Missouri</p>

<h2>Who do you think will be the top team out of the SEC this season?</h2>
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<div class="froala-image"><strong>Related: </strong></div>

<p><a href="https://www.flogymnastics.com/articles/6050858-2018-pac-12-conference-season-preview">2018 Pac-12 Conference Preview</a></p>