After falling just short of winning the national title, the Houston Cougars are the team to beat in our way-too-early 2025-26 Top 25 men’s college basketball rankings.
The confetti is still falling from the rafters of the Alamodome, but it’s never too soon to start thinking about next season. After all, the transfer portal is already abuzz with serious names switching schools and teams scrambling to get their rosters in place as soon as possible.
Of course, there are just as many unknown factors as known ones at this point in the offseason, which is officially only hours old. Players will still hit the portal, or enter the NBA Draft — perhaps both — and the coaching carousel can throw things for a loop without much notice.
Nevertheless, the shape of the 2025-26 season is already starting to form in the distance. Here’s our best early guess at what it might look like.
More Heat Check CBB:
25. 
Illinois Fighting Illini
Brad Underwood is no stranger to attrition, as he’ll look to flip another roster. This time, though, he’ll benefit from the return of Kylan Boswell, who slots in as the starting point guard. Zvonimir Ivisic (Arkansas) transfers in to join brother Tomislav Ivisic, who thrived in his freshman season after playing for a club in Montenegro (13.0 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.3 rpg). Big-time scoring wing Will Riley still hasn’t made his intentions known regarding the NBA Draft. But if he returns, the Illini will have the goods to contend for a Big Ten title.
24. 
Tennessee Volunteers
Rick Barnes has his work cut out for him after losing Zakai Zeigler, Chaz Lanier, Igor Milicic, Jordan Gainey and Jahmai Mashack. But he scouts the portal as well as any coach in the country, and he has already landed one stud in All-Big Ten point Ja’Kobi Gillespie (Maryland). In the frontcourt, Felix Okpara and Cade Phillips likely return, and the Vols will welcome in Jaylen Carey (Vanderbilt). That trio will maintain the level of physicality and effort on the glass that has characterized Tennessee throughout Barnes’ tenure.
23. 
Baylor Bears
Losing Rob Wright knocks the Bears down several spots, but they have a couple of mid-major studs looking to excel as up-transfers in JJ White (Omaha) and Obi Agbim (Wyoming). Both have good positional size and shot over 40% from deep last season. Scott Drew will flank them with two excellent forwards: top-20 freshman Tounde Yessoufou, a high-flying athlete with lockdown defender potential, and Oregon State transfer Michael Rataj, a stretch-4 who gets physical on the glass. The Bears will still be looking for a big man, but they have a nice start to their roster.
22. 
North Carolina Tar Heels
Can Hubert Davis return UNC to prominence in a make-or-break season? The head coach has gotten off to a solid start in the portal, adding Arizona transfer Henri Veesaar, solving the center conundrum that plagued the Tar Heels last season. Veesaar shines in pick-and-pops and on the short roll, fitting nicely next to top-10 freshman forward Caleb Wilson. West Virginia transfer Jonathan Powell will help the Heels’ 3-point shooting, but they still desperately need help in the guard room.
21. 
Gonzaga Bulldogs
With over 65% of their scoring, including the team’s four lead guard options no longer on the roster, Gonzaga has plenty of question marks heading into the offseason. But returning two of the best-scoring post players in the country, Graham Ike and Braden Huff, will help buoy any dips in trust for a team sitting at 26 straight tournament appearances. The Zags will try to replace Ryan Nembhard’s offensive creation via redshirt transfer guard Braeden Smith, the 2024 Patriot League Player of the Year at Colgate.
20. 
Auburn Tigers
When it comes to replacing Johni Broome, Bruce Pearl has his work cut out for him. But thankfully, he can lean on a high-upside perimeter unit if some factors break in his favor. Perhaps freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford tests the NBA Draft process, but he likely returns to the Plains for a sophomore campaign. He’ll benefit from playing next to 6-7 bucket-getter Keyshawn Hall, who migrates to Auburn from UCF. Should Chad Baker-Mazara use his final year of eligibility, he will again boost Auburn with his 3-and-D skill set.
19. 
Oregon Ducks
The Ducks are trending back in the right direction thanks to an eighth-place finish in the Big Ten and a win in the NCAA Tournament. Dana Altman won early in the portal just by Jackson Shelstad confirming that he’d be back for his junior season. Having an elite guard to continue to pair and develop with Nate Bittle for his final year of eligibility makes the Ducks a team with a high returning floor. If Kwame Evans confirms he’s back, Oregon should contend for the top half of their conference and favorable seeding.
18. 
Iowa State Cyclones
TJ Otzelberger must replace most of this season’s backcourt in the wake of Keshon Gilbert and Curtis Jones exhausting their eligibility, but he has earned the benefit of the doubt. He already landed one transfer in Mason Williams (Eastern Washington). The 6-5 guard gets downhill and shines as a secondary playmaker — a skill set that fits nicely next to veteran Tamin Lipsey. But junior Milan Momcilovic may stand as the biggest benefactor of the available perimeter minutes. The 6-8 wing scored 17 or more points in four of Iowa State’s final seven contests. He should lead the Cyclones in scoring next year.
17. 
Arizona Wildcats
Tommy Lloyd has somewhat quietly put together one of the best four-year runs in the sport since taking over in Tucson in 2021, racking up three Sweet 16s and an average of 28 wins per season. Caleb Love is gone while Henri Veesaar and KJ Lewis transferred, but Jaden Bradley is the team’s leading returning scorer and Carter Bryant could blossom as an offensive focal piece. The 6-8 wing showcased soft shooting touch and defensive tools in Year 1. He’ll benefit from playing next to top-10 freshman Koa Peat, a skilled forward with a nonstop motor. But how does 7-2 big man Motiejus Krivas respond after missing most of last season with a leg injury? He could be the X-factor for another run at a top seed.
16. 
UCLA Bruins
UCLA made an immediate splash in the portal by landing New Mexico guard Donovan Dent, the Mountain West Player of the Year. Dent will team with Skyy Clark to form one of the nation’s most explosive backcourts. Stretch forwards Tyler Bilodeau and Eric Dailey are back as well — the only Bruins to average double figures last season — after hitting 38.9% of their 3-point attempts. Kansas City transfer Jamar Brown (40.2 3P%) can also spray it from deep, and Mick Cronin will hope former top-15 recruit Xavier Booker can finally tap into his potential after two underwhelming years at Michigan State.
15. 
Michigan State Spartans
The Spartans won their first Big Ten crown since 2020 and made their first Elite Eight since 2019, showing that Tom Izzo hasn’t lost his fastball. Now, the head coach looks to retain much of the roster that achieved such lofty heights. Jaxon Kohler and Coen Carr should anchor the frontcourt, while Jeremy Fears should take another step in Year 3. The key, however, will be Jase Richardson. Should the freshman forgo the NBA Draft, he’d enter a second season in East Lansing with All-American expectations. The lefty guard came up repeatedly in the clutch, and the Spartans will need his shot creation desperately.
14. 
BYU Cougars
Year 2 for Kevin Young looks ripe with expectations, largely thanks to incoming freshman AJ Dybantsa. The No. 1 recruit in the class of 2025 has tantalized scouts with his blend of size and shot-making throughout his prep career (the hype reached a fever pitch in his 2023 Peach Jam matchup with Cooper Flagg). He’ll join a roster flush with veterans like First Team All-Big 12 guard Richie Saunders and rebounding machine Keba Keita. BYU will be in search of a point guard following Egor Demin’s draft departure, but it has a strong roster otherwise.
13. 
Arkansas Razorbacks
John Calipari salvaged his first year in Fayetteville, reaching the Sweet 16 and upsetting 2-seed St. John’s after starting 0-5 in SEC play. The Razorbacks are positioned for a big year with the expected returns of DJ Wagner, Billy Richmond, Karter Knox and Trevon Brazile. Add in a top-five recruiting class with five-star guards Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas, and Arkansas should be in the mix for the SEC crown.
12. 
St. John’s Red Storm
Coming off a disappointing early exit from the NCAA Tournament, Rick Pitino got right to work rebuilding the Red Storm via the portal. While Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis is on the way out, another Big East standout arrives in the form of Providence’s Bryce Hopkins. He will form what should be one of the nation’s best frontcourt tandems with returning big man Zuby Ejiofor, while Arizona State transfer and former five-star recruit Joson Sanon joins Simeon Wilcher in the backcourt. Expect the Johnnies to remain near the top of the Big East.
11. 
Alabama Crimson Tide
A good deal of this prediction depends on whether Labaron Philon tests the pro waters after an impressive freshman season, but Aden Holloway and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. will provide stability either way to offset the losses of Mark Sears and Chris Youngblood. Questions remain with Grant Nelson, Cliff Omoruyi and Mouhamed Dioubate leaving the frontcourt, but Nate Oats brought in Florida State big man Taylor Bol Bowen as a reinforcement alongside Jarin Stevenson, Aiden Sherrell and Derrion Reid. Oats is also bringing in a trio of four-star recruits headlined by top-50 forward London Jemison.
10. 
Michigan Wolverines
Dusty May loses one playmaking forward in Danny Wolf and instantly reloads with UAB transfer Yaxel Lendeborg. The 6-9 German ranked in the top four in the AAC in points, rebounds and assists and won the league’s defensive player of the year. Illinois transfer Morez Johnson will join him in a twin tower lineup, and he looks to be in for a breakout sophomore campaign. Meanwhile, point guard Tre Donaldson is out, and UNC transfer Elliot Cadeau is in. Can Cadeau shake off shooting and turnover concerns to realize the potential that once made him a Top 15 recruit?
9. 
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Darrion Williams’ portal entry stings, but JT Toppin could keep the Red Raiders afloat should he return to Lubbock. This past season, the 6-9 sophomore grew into one of the nation’s top low post scorers and most dominant rebounders, improving in nearly every statistical category. While Texas Tech has plenty of spots to fill, it can at least pair Toppin with Christian Anderson. The shifty combo guard had a strong finish to his rookie campaign, averaging a tick under 13 points per game over Tech’s final 11 contests.
8. 
Kansas Jayhawks
For the third year in a row, the Kansas Jayhawks’ season came to a crashing halt. Bill Self’s program has made it out of the NCAA Tournament’s first weekend just once since 2019, when it won the title in 2022. Will 2026 be the year Kansas returns to its lofty standards? Transfers Tre White (Illinois) and Jayden Dawson (Loyola Chicago) join the fold as well as potential top-five NBA Draft selection Darryn Peterson. Getting Flory Bidunga back for a second year is significant — a top-20 recruit who showed signs of a sky-high ceiling as a freshman.
7. 
Florida Gators
Fresh off a national title, the Gators must reload following the departure of their star-studded guard trio of Walter Clayton, Alijah Martin and Will Richard. Thankfully, they should return multiple impact players in the frontcourt to relieve the burden. Thomas Haugh will headline breakout player lists, especially after his tournament run (11.7 ppg, 7 rpg, 2.7 apg in the NCAAT). Defensive specialist Rueben Chinyelu solidifies the floor, and do-everything big Alex Condon could turn down the NBA for another season in Gainesville. But Todd Golden will have to hit the portal to find the guards to pair with Denzel Aberdeen.
6. 
Kentucky Wildcats
Mark Pope led the Wildcats to a Sweet 16 in Year 1, spending much of the season ranked inside of the AP top 10. With a half-dozen rotational departures this spring, Pope is tasked with retooling the roster. ACC all-league point guard Jaland Lowe (Pitt), 3-and-D wing Kam Williams (Tulane), defensive-minded forward Mouhamed Dioubate (Alabama), and former top-10 recruit Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State). have already been snagged out of the portal. Should Otega Oweh return following an all-SEC campaign, Kentucky will be in business.
5. 
Louisville Cardinals
The portal has been open for just two weeks, but that hasn’t stopped Pat Kelsey from making multiple splashes. The Cards nabbed two of the best shooters on the market in Xavier transfer Ryan Conwell (208 made 3s over the past two seasons) and Virginia import Isaac McKneely (192 made 3s over the past two seasons). Kennesaw State transfer and reigning CUSA Freshman of the Year Adrian Wooley will provide versatile shot-making to the backcourt, and five-star point guard Mikel Brown Jr. will run the show. The rookie boasts impressive athleticism and a feel for the game that exceeds his age.
4. 
UConn Huskies
UConn didn’t have the year many envisioned after winning consecutive national titles. Following a second-round tournament loss, the Huskies will nevertheless enter the season with massive expectations once again. Georgia transfer Silas Demary Jr. is a significant addition to the backcourt, improving perimeter scoring chops and size. The Huskies are also bringing in five-star sharpshooter Braylon Mullins to join a solid returning cast led by Alex Karaban, Liam McNeeley, Solo Ball and Tarris Reed. Joining Mullins on the McDonald’s All-America team were two fellow UConn freshmen: 7-foot German center Eric Reibe and 6-5 combo guard Darius Adams.
3. 
Duke Blue Devils
The Blue Devils must bid farewell to National Player of the Year Cooper Flagg and many others from Duke’s fourth 35-win team since 2000, but Tyrese Proctor should return as a steady building block. As for reinforcements, head coach Jon Scheyer — the leading scorer for Duke’s 35-win team in 2010 — brings in highly touted freshmen Cameron Boozer and Cayden Boozer, whose father Carlos was the starting center for Duke’s 35-win team in 2001. Meanwhile, Shelton Henderson and Nikolas Khamenia round out the country’s top recruiting class, per 24/7 Sports.
2. 
Purdue Boilermakers
With Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer and Trey Kaufman-Renn back, Purdue has arguably the best returning trio in all of college basketball. South Dakota State transfer Oscar Cluff, a Summit all-leaguer, will re-energize the frontcourt with scoring pop. Big man Daniel Jacobsen’s health following a broken tibia in November will be paramount, particularly given Purdue’s dismal interior defense post-Zach Edey. Hard-nosed guards CJ Cox and Gicarri Harris have breakout potential as sophomores.
1. 
Houston Cougars
After reaching its first national title game in over 40 years, Houston is poised to advance deep in the tournament again in 2026. Assumed to return are starters Emanuel Sharp, Milos Uzan and JoJo Tugler, as well as sixth man Terrance Arcenaux. That was already a strong foundation for Kelvin Sampson, who has led the Cougars to a remarkable five consecutive top-five KenPom seasons. Furthermore, Houston welcomes in one of the country’s best recruiting classes, highlighted by five-star forward Chris Cenac. Four-star Isiah Harwell strengthens the backcourt.
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