2025-26 males’s NCAA basketball rankings: Means-Too-Early High 25

Historical past was made Monday night time, as Todd Golden turned the youngest coach to win a nationwide championship since 1983, guiding Florida to its third title up to now 19 years.

So what’s subsequent? Whereas some would possibly hibernate from hoops for the summer time, we’re rolling proper into the switch portal and monitoring the remainder of the teaching carousel.

Listed below are the home guidelines for ESPN’s Means-Too-Early High 25 rankings:

• Any participant ranked within the prime 50 of ESPN’s 2025 NBA draft rankings is taken into account a departure. For now, not less than. Clearly, we’ll modify a staff’s rating ought to that participant decide to return to high school. (There may be one exception: Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg, who simply transferred from UAB. If a projected draft decide commits to a different college, we’re factoring him into the rating.)

• Gamers not ranked within the prime 50 are included as returnees — until they’ve already introduced their intention to go away college and switch professional.

• Gamers who’ve one other yr of eligibility due to the juco waiver (introduced in December) are thought-about to be returning, till introduced in any other case.

With that out of the best way, it is time to dive in. Solely 210 days till the 2025-26 males’s faculty basketball season suggestions off!

For now, we’re projecting Milos Uzan to show professional. He is No. 40 in ESPN’s NBA draft rankings and was taking part in a few of the finest basketball within the nation over the second half of the season. Kelvin Sampson may search the portal for an skilled level guard if Uzan decides to go away. However the Cougars are bringing in one of many elite recruiting lessons within the nation, with three top-20 prospects. Mix all that with the return of Emanuel Sharp and Joseph Tugler, and we think about Houston.

Projected beginning lineup

Kingston Flemings (No. 20 in ESPN 100)
Isiah Harwell (No. 13 in ESPN 100)
Emanuel Sharp (12.7 PPG)
Joseph Tugler (5.5 PPG)
Chris Cenac Jr. (No. 6 in ESPN 100)

There’s an opportunity Purdue has the preseason Wood Award favourite and two All-Individuals on its roster subsequent season. Braden Smith would be the finest guard within the nation, after taking the subsequent step in his improvement this previous season, and Trey Kaufman-Renn is a dominant paint power. The addition of South Dakota State switch Oscar Cluff ought to assist inside, and a wholesome Daniel Jacobsen may very well be poised for a breakout season.

Projected beginning lineup

Braden Smith (15.8 PPG)
C.J. Cox (6.0 PPG)
Fletcher Loyer (13.8 PPG)
Trey Kaufman-Renn (20.1 PPG)
Oscar Cluff (17.6 PPG at South Dakota State)

Pat Kelsey has had as robust an offseason as any coach within the nation by the primary couple of weeks, touchdown influence transfers Ryan Conwell (Xavier), Isaac McKneely (Virginia) and Adrian Wooley (Kennesaw State) to go together with top-10 recruit Mikel Brown Jr. in subsequent season’s backcourt. There are questions up entrance, as neither J’Vonne Hadley nor Kasean Pryor has definitively introduced a return to the Cardinals for one more season. James Scott and Aly Khalifa are choices up entrance, as is Germany native Sananda Fru.

Projected beginning lineup

Mikel Brown Jr. (No. 8 in ESPN 100)
Isaac McKneely (14.4 PPG at Virginia)
Ryan Conwell (16.5 PPG at Xavier)
J’Vonne Hadley (12.2 PPG)
Kasean Pryor (12.0 PPG in seven video games)

UConn’s nationwide championship streak ended at two, and now Dan Hurley and the Huskies will look to reload to make one other run. Solo Ball is prone to obtain professional preseason All-America buzz, whereas Georgia switch Silas Demary Jr. is way more in keeping with what the Huskies had in Tristen Newton a few seasons in the past. Braylon Mullins ought to be one of many extra impactful newcomers within the nation, and Tarris Reed Jr. is a double-double menace. In the meantime, what’s going to Alex Karaban do?

Projected beginning lineup

Silas Demary Jr. (13.5 PPG at Georgia)
Solo Ball (14.4 PPG)
Braylon Mullins (No. 14 in ESPN 100)
Jaylin Stewart (5.4 PPG)
Tarris Reed Jr. (9.6 PPG)

Dusty Might hit the portal early, touchdown three potential starters for the subsequent season in Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB), Elliot Cadeau (North Carolina) and Morez Johnson Jr. (Illinois). Lendeborg is a borderline first-round draft decide, so there’s an opportunity he’ll depart, however Cadeau is an extremely gifted passer and Johnson is primed for a giant bounce down low. The Wolverines even have returnees Roddy Gayle Jr. and Nimari Burnett, and five-star signee Trey McKenney on the wings.

Projected beginning lineup

Elliot Cadeau (9.4 PPG at North Carolina)
Roddy Gayle Jr. (9.8 PPG)
Nimari Burnett (9.4 PPG)
Yaxel Lendeborg (17.7 PPG at UAB)
Morez Johnson Jr. (7.0 PPG at Illinois)

Kentucky may very well be loaded on the perimeter subsequent season, with the arrivals of transfers Jaland Lowe (Pitt) and Kam Williams (Tulane), in addition to top-25 prospects Jasper Johnson and Acaden Lewis. That is on prime of the potential returns of main scorer Otega Oweh and rotation gamers Collin Chandler and Travis Perry. Mark Pope wants extra choices up entrance, however Monday’s dedication from Alabama switch Mouhamed Dioubate offers the Wildcats some toughness and flexibility.

Projected beginning lineup

Jaland Lowe (16.8 PPG at Pitt)
Jasper Johnson (No. 17 in ESPN 100)
Otega Oweh (16.2 PPG)
Mouhamed Dioubate (7.2 PPG at Alabama)
Brandon Garrison (5.9 PPG)

Arkansas surged down the stretch this previous season, incomes an NCAA event bid after which making a run to the Candy 16 earlier than dropping to Texas Tech in time beyond regulation. Can John Calipari carry over that momentum? 4 of the Razorbacks’ prime six highest-minutes gamers from that postseason run ought to return, and Boogie Fland and Adou Thiero are projected top-50 draft picks. The arrival of top-10 recruits Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas provides some scoring pop to the backcourt.

Projected beginning lineup

Darius Acuff (No. 5 in ESPN 100)
D.J. Wagner (11.2 PPG)
Meleek Thomas (No. 10 in ESPN 100)
Karter Knox (8.3 PPG)
Trevon Brazile (6.8 PPG)

The large questions for Duke encompass Tyrese Proctor and Isaiah Evans. Each are ranked inside the highest 50 of ESPN’s most up-to-date NBA draft rankings, however neither is a projected first-round decide. In addition to them, Jon Scheyer brings within the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class and would possibly want to start out a number of freshmen once more subsequent season. The headliner is Cameron Boozer, who ought to be among the many most efficient frontcourt gamers within the nation.

Projected beginning lineup

Cayden Boozer (No. 16 in ESPN 100)
Caleb Foster (5.1 PPG)
Nikolas Khamenia (No. 21 in ESPN 100)
Cameron Boozer (No. 3 in ESPN 100)
Maliq Brown (2.4 PPG)

The Purple Storm’s NCAA event run ended sooner than anticipated, however Rick Pitino guided them to the Large East regular-season and event titles and has them again within the nationwide dialogue for the primary time in a very long time. The losses of Kadary Richmond, RJ Luis Jr. and Aaron Scott will sting, however Zuby Ejiofor is again and Pitino has already landed Bryce Hopkins (Windfall) and Joson Sanon (Arizona State) from the portal. Anticipate some extra wing scoring to go to Queens.

Projected beginning lineup

Joson Sanon (11.9 PPG at Arizona State)
Simeon Wilcher (8.0 PPG)
Sadiku Ibine Ayo (1.9 PPG)
Bryce Hopkins (15.5 PPG at Windfall in 2023-24)
Zuby Ejiofor (14.7 PPG)

UCLA made an enormous early splash within the portal, touchdown Mountain West Participant of the Yr Donovan Dent from New Mexico. He offers the Bruins a dynamic, aggressive playmaker. Three starters from this season’s staff also needs to be again, and coach Mick Cronin will hope for a step ahead from freshman Trent Perry. Eric Dailey Jr. and Tyler Bilodeau type one of many higher frontcourt duos within the Large Ten, with each gamers posing matchup issues for opponents.

Projected beginning lineup

Donovan Dent (20.4 PPG at New Mexico)
Skyy Clark (8.5 PPG)
Trent Perry (3.7 PPG)
Eric Dailey Jr. (11.4 PPG)
Tyler Bilodeau (13.5 PPG)

We simply assume Nate Oats will make the appropriate choices within the switch portal this spring, contemplating the Crimson Tide have figured it out seemingly each offseason. Labaron Philon is an NBA choice to observe, however Aden Holloway and a wholesome Latrell Wrightsell Jr. ought to type a stable backcourt. The Tide have additionally already landed three transfers: Noah Williamson (Bucknell), Taylor Bol Bowen (Florida State) and Jalil Bethea (Miami). They don’t seem to be accomplished but, both.

Projected beginning lineup

Aden Holloway (11.4 PPG)
Latrell Wrightsell Jr. (11.5 PPG in eight video games)
Derrion Reid (6.0 PPG)
Jarin Stevenson (5.4 PPG)
Noah Williamson (17.6 PPG at Bucknell)

Auburn reached the Ultimate 4 this season, however the roster now faces questions. Tahaad Pettiford ought to be some of the electrical gamers within the nation subsequent season, however he’ll check the NBA draft waters. Chad Baker-Mazara has one other yr of eligibility if he needs to make use of it, and he would give the Tigers some continuity and expertise. Coach Bruce Pearl did land UCF switch Keyshawn Corridor, a terrific begin to the offseason.

Projected beginning lineup

Tahaad Pettiford (11.7 PPG)
Abdul Bashir (27.2 PPG at Casper School)
Chad Baker-Mazara (12.2 PPG)
Keyshawn Corridor (18.8 PPG at UCF)
Ja’Heim Hudson (1.4 PPG)

Iowa State’s offensive enchancment this season may take successful with the losses of Keshon Gilbert and Curtis Jones. However the Cyclones have ranked within the prime 15 nationally in adjusted defensive effectivity in every of TJ Otzelberger’s 4 seasons in Ames, so there is a fairly excessive ground given the returning starters. Tamin Lipsey, Milan Momcilovic and Joshua Jefferson type a robust core, and Nate Heise began instead of Gilbert late within the season. Virginia switch Blake Buchanan ought to assist down low.

Projected beginning lineup

Tamin Lipsey (10.6 PPG)
Nate Heise (5.1 PPG)
Milan Momcilovic (11.5 PPG)
Joshua Jefferson (13.0 PPG)
Blake Buchanan (5.7 PPG at Virginia)

Wisconsin discovered success this previous season taking part in at a a lot quicker tempo than earlier groups below Greg Gard. The Badgers have been additionally extra reliant on the 3-point shot. Is that their new method? Gard has already succeeded within the switch portal in a giant method, touchdown three potential starters in Nick Boyd (San Diego State), Andrew Rohde (Virginia) and Austin Rapp (Portland). All-Large Ten guard John Blackwell can also be again to paved the way.

Projected beginning lineup

Nick Boyd (13.4 PPG at San Diego State)
Andrew Rohde (9.3 PPG at Virginia)
John Blackwell (15.8 PPG)
Austin Rapp (13.8 PPG at Portland)
Nolan Winter (9.4 PPG)

Coach Invoice Self acquired a giant enhance for subsequent season Sunday, when Flory Bidunga withdrew from the switch portal and introduced he was returning to the Jayhawks. He ought to type among the finest inside-outside duos within the nation with Darryn Peterson, the projected No. 1 decide within the 2026 NBA draft. Kansas has additionally already landed a few transfers in Tre White (Illinois) and Jayden Dawson (Loyola Chicago). Self in all probability wants a big-time perimeter scorer and extra dimension earlier than he is accomplished.

Projected beginning lineup

Darryn Peterson (No. 2 in ESPN 100)
Elmarko Jackson (4.3 PPG at 2023-24)
Tre White (10.5 PPG at Illinois)
Jayden Dawson (13.9 PPG at Loyola Chicago)
Flory Bidunga (5.9 PPG)

All eyes shall be on Provo subsequent season, as No. 1 recruit A.J. Dybantsa arrives to swimsuit up for the Cougars. How will Kevin Younger construct round him? Teaming him up on the wing with high-level scorer Richie Saunders is a good begin, though BYU wants a degree guard after the departures of Egor Demin and Dallin Corridor. The important thing shall be BYU bettering defensively: The Cougars have been elite on the offensive finish, however hitting their ceiling would require extra consistency on protection.

Projected beginning lineup

Dawson Baker (7.5 PPG)
Richie Saunders (16.5 PPG)
A.J. Dybantsa (No. 1 in ESPN 100)
Keba Keita (7.4 PPG)
Xavion Staton (No. 35 in ESPN 100)

That is one other staff that in all probability could have a dramatically completely different lineup for our subsequent replace. The Wildcats want one other guard, and so they’re concentrating on five-star recruit Brayden Burries. They might additionally use one other versatile frontcourt participant, on condition that it is unlikely the trio of Koa Peat, Tobe Awaka and Motiejus Krivas will play collectively all that a lot for Tommy Lloyd. Peat is a terrific participant, and it will not be a shock to see him assume the function because the staff’s go-to man proper off the bat.

Projected beginning lineup

Jaden Bradley (12.1 PPG)
Dwayne Aristode (No. 38 in ESPN 100)
Koa Peat (No. 9 in ESPN 100)
Tobe Awaka (8.0 PPG)
Motiejus Krivas (7.9 PPG in eight video games)

Tom Izzo produced among the finest teaching jobs of his profession this season, guiding the Spartans to their first 30-win marketing campaign since 2019. Can he run it again regardless of the doubtless departure of freshman Jase Richardson within the first spherical of the NBA draft? A number of key frontcourt gamers return, led by massive man Jaxon Kohler and gifted ahead Coen Carr. Jeremy Fears Jr. shall be key at level guard, and the Spartans may use some wing scoring out of the portal.

Projected beginning lineup

Jeremy Fears Jr. (7.2 PPG)
Jordan Scott (No. 81 in ESPN 100)
Coen Carr (8.1 PPG)
Jaxon Kohler (7.8 PPG)
Carson Cooper (5.0 PPG)

How will the Gators comply with an unbelievable season? It may depend upon how Todd Golden rebuilds the perimeter. Walter Clayton Jr. is clearly the main departure, however Will Richard and Alijah Martin are additionally out the door. And what about Alex Condon? He is a borderline first-round draft decide and will check the waters. Thomas Haugh is a breakout candidate subsequent season, and Rueben Chinyelu can also be again down low. Anticipate a a lot completely different projected lineup within the subsequent replace of those rankings.

Projected beginning lineup

Denzel Aberdeen (7.9 PPG)
City Klavzar (3.2 PPG)
Cornelius Ingram Jr. (No. 26 in ESPN 100)
Thomas Haugh (9.8 PPG)
Rueben Chinyelu (6.1 PPG)

It may be a brand new search for Gonzaga, with starters Ryan Nembhard, Nolan Hickman, Khalif Battle and Ben Gregg all out of eligibility. However Graham Ike can return because the staff’s anchor down low, and Braden Huff ought to be again to play alongside him within the frontcourt. The perimeter has loads of questions. Braeden Smith and Jalen Warley each sat out this previous season after transferring, and Steele Venters hasn’t performed since 2023 as a consequence of damage.

Projected beginning lineup

Braeden Smith (12.5 PPG at Colgate in 2023-24)
Jalen Warley (7.5 PPG at Florida State in 2023-24)
Steele Venters (15.3 PPG at Jap Washington in 2022-23)
Braden Huff (11.0 PPG)
Graham Ike (17.3 PPG)

Tennessee appears to be busy within the switch portal early, and for good cause. Program stalwart Zakai Zeigler is gone, as are starters Chaz Lanier, Jahmai Mashack, Igor Milicic Jr. and reserves Jordan Gainey and Darlinstone Dubar. Rick Barnes already landed Maryland switch Ja’Kobi Gillespie, among the finest level guards accessible, and massive man Jaylen Carey from Vanderbilt. However the Vols desperately want a lift on the wings.

Projected beginning lineup

Ja’Kobi Gillespie (14.7 PPG at Maryland)
Bishop Boswell (0.3 PPG)
Amari Evans (No. 75 in ESPN 100)
Jaylen Carey (8.0 PPG)
Felix Okpara (7.1 PPG)

This rating could be very a lot a vote of confidence in Grant McCasland. The Purple Raiders may wish a rebuild on the perimeter if neither Darrion Williams nor JT Toppin return to Lubbock. Each are projected second-round draft picks, and Williams can also be within the switch portal. Christian Anderson was one of many extra underrated freshman guards within the nation, and rotation gamers Kevin Overton and Federiko Federiko are again.

Projected beginning lineup

Christian Anderson (10.6 PPG)
Leon Horner (0.2 PPG)
Kevin Overton (7.8 PPG)
Eemeli Yalaho (3.3 PPG)
Federiko Federiko (5.1 PPG)

Ohio State’s stumbles down the stretch stored the Buckeyes from reaching the NCAA event, however there’s optimism in Columbus given they began just one senior this previous season and appear poised to carry again 4 starters. Bruce Thornton is among the finest level guards, and John Mobley Jr. and Devin Royal ought to take one other step ahead. The one key addition up to now has been Santa Clara switch Christoph Tilly, a 7-footer from Germany who ought to instantly slot into the lineup.

Projected beginning lineup

Bruce Thornton (17.7 PPG)
John Mobley Jr. (13.0 PPG)
Devin Royal (13.7 PPG)
Sean Stewart (5.7 PPG)
Christoph Tilly (12.5 PPG at Santa Clara)

It is an offseason of change in Austin. Rodney Terry was fired shortly after the Longhorns’ NCAA event exit, with Xavier’s Sean Miller introduced as his alternative lower than a day later. Miller introduced guard Dailyn Swain with him from the Musketeers and is taking up a roster that brings again three starters in Jordan Pope, Chendall Weaver and Tramon Mark. He additionally landed a key switch Sunday when Florida Atlantic massive man Matas Vokietaitis dedicated.

Projected beginning lineup

Jordan Pope (11.0 PPG)
Chendall Weaver (6.4 PPG)
Tramon Mark (10.6 PPG)
Dailyn Swain (11.0 PPG at Xavier)
Matas Vokietaitis (10.2 PPG at Florida Atlantic)

There may be loads nonetheless up within the air for the Tar Heels, notably with the standing of Drake Powell. He isn’t a lock to be a first-round draft decide however may decide the NBA anyway. Elliot Cadeau and Ian Jackson have already hit the portal. Hubert Davis landed among the finest massive males within the portal in Arizona switch Henri Veesaar and has top-10 recruit Caleb Wilson coming to Chapel Hill. However the staff very a lot wants a real level guard, in addition to some extra pop on the wing.

Projected beginning lineup

Derek Dixon (No. 52 in ESPN 100)
Seth Trimble (11.6 PPG)
Jonathan Powell (8.3 at West Virginia)
Caleb Wilson (No. 7 in ESPN 100)
Henri Veesaar (9.4 PPG at Arizona)

Subsequent in line:

Illinois Preventing Illini
San Diego State Aztecs
Baylor Bears
Creighton Bluejays
Oregon Geese