Summer time exercises are over, rosters are practically set and the battles for enjoying time will ramp up in earnest in brief order with the faculty basketball season a mere 69 days away.
My CBS Sports activities colleague Gary Parrish, aka the King of the High 25 and 1, has his 2025-26 rankings firmly so as. Reminder, these are his scores, not mine! He might have a staff ranked No. 1 that I don’t have as the highest dawg in its personal league (I am shopping for UConn as an enormous bounce-back candidate), however we recognize differing faculties of thought to maintain issues spicy forward of tipoff.
Let’s dive into the projected beginning lineups and the most important preseason personnel battles on faucet for all 26 groups.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Joson Sanon, G Dylan Darling, F Ruben Prey, G Kelvin Odih
Largest preseason battle: 4 beginning spots appear set in stone (Jackson, Hopkins, Mitchell and Ejiofor), however Sellers and Sanon are going to duke it out for that fifth and last slot. Each confirmed shot-makers will play a lot, but it surely’s the little issues like protection, motor and decision-making that may determine who’s on the ground in crunch time.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Kingston Flemings, F Kalifa Sakho, G Mercy Miller, G Ramon Walker, G Chase McCarty
Largest preseason battle: If everyone seems to be wholesome, Houston’s beginning lineup appears fairly self-explanatory. It will be the three returners (Uzan, Sharp and Tugler) plus the 2 five-star recruits (Cenac and Harwell). Whereas freshmen do not have a tendency to begin for Kelvin Sampson, these aren’t typical diaper dandies. That stated, each must earn their preserve. Cenac might be pushed by Sakho, who’s a long-armed, defense-first switch out of Sam Houston State.
Projected beginning lineup
- G Rob Wright
- G Kennard Davis
- G Richie Saunders
- G/F AJ Dybantsa
- F Keba Keita
High reserves: G Dawson Baker, F Dominique Diomande, F Mihailo Boskovic, F Xavion Staton, F Tyler Mrus
Largest preseason battle: Can Davis ace his position? BYU’s Huge 4 makes a bunch of sense, however Kevin Younger’s crew cannot attain its ceiling with out Davis turning into that 3-and-D whiz. The Southern Illinois switch might be pushed by Baker for a spot on this beginning lineup, however this job is Davis’ to lose. He is bought terrific measurables and real-deal defensive chops to assist shore up a BYU perimeter protection that bought shredded final 12 months.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: C Daniel Jacobsen, G Omer Mayer, G Gicarri Harris, F Liam Murphy
Largest preseason battle: All eyes are on the two-guard battle between Cox, Harris and Mayer. Cox enters as the favourite, due to his skill to strain the basketball for 94 ft and add a splash of heat-check buckets. Harris is one other stout defender with a sturdy body and the flexibility to strain the rim as a slasher. Mayer is the shiny new toy. The Israeli guard can go as an on-ball creator. How does his recreation complement All-American Braden Smith? Matt Painter has no unhealthy choices.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: F Jaylin Stewart, G Malachi Smith, F Eric Reibe, G/F Jayden Ross, G Jacob Furphy
Largest preseason battle: Stewart and Mullins are battling for that last spot, they usually make UConn have two vastly totally different pitches. Mullins is a tried-and-true sniper who shreds nets for a residing. There are excessive hopes for the 6-6, five-star freshman capturing guard. Stewart supplies Dan Hurley with some jumbo lineups. The 6-7, 225-pound ahead can stretch the ground and put the ball on the deck a bit, however UConn turns into an enormous handful on the glass when Stewart is on the ground with Reed on the similar time. Stewart may guard these burly forwards. Mullins is the favourite to win the beginning gig, however Stewart goes to play early and infrequently.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G CJ Ingram, C Micah Handlogten, G City Klavzar, G AJ Brown
Largest preseason battle: The Gators’ beginning lineup seems to be formidable, however Florida wants a guard to emerge off the bench because the no-doubt, second-unit dude. Ingram was a top-20 recruit within the Class of 2025, however Brown, an Ohio switch, and a returner like Klavzar need to get tick, too. Florida’s perimeter protection goes to be an space that might slip with out Alijah Martin and Will Richard, so Ingram’s athleticism, measurables and willingness to lock up give him an opportunity to earn critical taking part in time.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Donovan Atwell, F Josiah Moseley, G Jaylen Petty
Largest preseason battle: That is far more about how Grant McCasland needs to play. Does he need to keep huge with Toppin, Watts and Bamgboye on the ground collectively? The rim safety can be nasty with that trio on the ground collectively. Would he choose to begin with a small-ball look that slides Atwell into the lineup and takes Bamgboye out? The capturing and spacing with that smaller lineup can be lethal. Texas Tech can shape-shift its lineup to counteract something it sees. It is why the Crimson Raiders are a official nationwide championship contender in 2025-26.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: C Aday Mara, G Trey McKenney, F Will Tschetter, G LJ Cason, G Winters Grady
Largest preseason battle: Cadeau’s skill to get two ft within the paint will get him on the ground. Burnett’s 3-point capturing might be important. However that third guard spot is the vendor’s selection for Dusty Might. Gayle is again for his second 12 months at Michigan after a rocky marketing campaign the place he endured an ice-cold stretch from downtown and shot beneath 50% on layups. When he is proper, Gayle could be a two-way pressure. However McKenney is an enormous guard with a ready-made, faculty body.
Cason confirmed flashes of being a complete bucket, however his decision-making might drive a workers up a wall. Even Grady might crack his method into this lineup due to his skill to stretch the ground. That is going to be a battle that may very seemingly stretch into the season.
9. Duke
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Cayden Boozer, F Maliq Brown, F Nikolas Khamenia, G Darren Harris, F Sebastian Wilkins
Largest preseason battle: Outdoors of Cameron Boozer and possibly Isaiah Evans, Duke has constructed a roster with a great deal of choices the place nobody’s position is really secure. Ngongba or Brown will sop up all of the minutes on the 5 this 12 months. Sarr, Khamenia and Wilkins will tangle for enjoying time.
Harris will attempt to push Evans to be that A1 shooter. However the level guard battle between Foster and Cayden Boozer might have the most important influence on the precise staff. Foster has proven moments of being a knockdown shooter who can actually guard. Cayden Boozer simply merely is aware of the best way to play and run a staff, even when the jumper seems to be a tad wonky at instances. Each will play, however Jon Scheyer would favor one level guard to stand up and assert himself because the unquestioned dude that may’t come off the ground.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Trent Perry, F Steven Jamerson II, F Brandon Williams
Largest preseason battle: UCLA wager on Booker on the 5 is among the greatest gambles from the 2025 portal cycle. In concept, the concept of a stretch huge like Booker is smart paired with a paint-touch menace like Dent. But when Booker could not discover his footing beneath Tom Izzo, will he discover it beneath Mick Cronin?
If this union doesn’t work out, UCLA must get artistic. Jamerson, a San Diego switch, can be referred to as upon for extra minutes on the 5. UCLA might even have to return to Bilodeau on the 5, which was wonderful offensively however a trainwreck defensively final season. A useful model of Booker makes all the pieces else fall into place for this high-ceiling UCLA membership.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: C Motiejus Krivas, F Ivan Kharchenkov, G/F Dwayne Aristode, C Sidi Gueye, G Evan Nelson
Largest preseason battle: Tommy Lloyd has huge battles at two spots to parse by means of. Can Dell’Orso maintain off each Aristode and Kharchenkov? Who’s the beginning heart, Awaka or Krivas? It is a first-world drawback to have this a lot wonderful depth. Arizona has a deep roster that’s full of physicality. You’ll really feel the ‘Cats this 12 months and exit the ground with bruises galore.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: C Jayden Quaintance (if wholesome), G Jasper Johnson, F Kam Williams, G Collin Chandler, F Malachi Moreno
Largest preseason battle: Kentucky has the deepest roster in faculty basketball, however there are some critical unknowns on the 5-spot. Mark Pope’s finest offenses have featured facilities who could make sharp reads from the highest of the important thing. Garrison is aware of the system, however his really feel as a decision-maker wasn’t a power final 12 months. Possibly that adjustments after a full offseason, however Garrison has critical competitors for enjoying time. Can Quaintance get wholesome and up to the mark earlier than SEC play heats up? Moreno, an impressive-looking freshman, is ready to push exhausting for main minutes as effectively.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Nate Heise, G Dominick Nelson, F Dominykas Pleta, G Killyan Toure, G Cade Kelderman
Largest preseason battle: Iowa State believes it landed a gem in Batemon. The prized freshman ought to assist exchange Curtis Jones’ avalanche of shot-making, however two veterans in Heise and Nelson will push him. Heise is an effective perimeter defender who can drain catch-and-shoot 3-pointers and is a sneaky-good cutter. Nelson is one other strong defender who’s at his finest within the open flooring. He’ll assist exchange Keshon Gilbert’s transition buckets. Solely considered one of them can begin, however Nelson, Batemon and Heise might be in T.J. Otzelberger’s rotation all 12 months.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Latrell Wrightsell Jr. (when wholesome), G Houston Mallette, C Noah Williamson, F London Jemison, G Davion Hannah
Largest preseason battle: Wrightsell is working his method again from a ugly Achilles damage suffered final November. When wholesome, there aren’t many extra dependable deadeyes. However will Alabama coach Nate Oats select to begin Philon, Holloway and Wrightsell collectively? That is not the most important backcourt in any respect.
Finally, Bethea’s readiness will decide this race. The previous five-star prospect had a dreadful 12 months for a pitiful Miami membership. Bethea went to the best system to get his profession again on monitor. In a super world, Bethea lives as much as the prospect hype and provides Alabama a bit extra positional measurement on the perimeter to associate with loads of capturing. Keep in mind, Bethea was considered the very best shooter within the Class of 2024. On this system? There’s main breakout potential.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Adrian Wooley, F Kasean Pryor, C Aly Khalifa, F Khani Rooths, F Vangelis Zougris, G Kobe Rodgers
Largest preseason battle: Who’s the go-to huge man? Fru, a German import, is a big-time athlete who ought to add rim safety, rebounding thump and an environment friendly play-finisher. However Pat Kelsey can go a bunch of various methods. Now wholesome, Khalifa supplies a 5-out choice who can whip backdoor dimes galore. Pryor must get healed up after a season-ending knee damage, however he is one other 5-out expert huge man who needs to get ’em up from downtown. Offense will not be an issue for this Louisville group, so Fru’s defensive influence provides him the leg up.
16. Michigan State
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Kur Teng, F Cam Ward, G Divine Ugochukwu, F Jesse McCulloch, G/F Jordan Scott
Largest preseason battle: Can Teng actually confiscate Fort’s position? The offseason buzz with Teng is actual. The sophomore guard has made an actual soar and can push for main taking part in time after sitting behind Jase Richardson, Tre Holloman and Jaden Akins. However Fort, a 24-year-old Samford switch, is the chief within the clubhouse for this massively essential gunner position. With low-volume (or non-existent) shooters like Fears, Carr, Kohler and Cooper slated for main minutes, Michigan State wants a sharpshooter to bail this halfcourt offense out.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: C Ege Demir, F Sean Stewart, G Dez Lindsay, G Jamari Phillips
Largest preseason battle: Can Simpkins and Pryor lock down beginning roles? Oregon has a stud lead guard in Shelstad and the very best heart within the nation in Bittle. Oh, and a two-way ahead in Evans who can actually play. However the wings will decide simply how excessive the Geese can fly. Simpkins is a strong shooter and scorer who can play on or off the ball. Pryor is a wonderful athlete who has the mindset and bodily instruments to be a weapon defensively. However his offense is a piece in progress. Can they maintain off Lindsay, Phillips or somebody deeper down the roster for tick?
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Elmarko Jackson, F Bryson Tiller, C Paul Mbiya, G Kohl Rosario, G Jamari McDowell
Largest preseason battle: Jackson, Council and Dawson are tangling for 2 beginning spots. Council is an effective athlete who can play protection, run a staff and is a complete dawg. It seems like Council might be very exhausting for Kansas to maintain off the ground. Dawson is that high-volume sniper that KU must preserve the ground spaced for what needs to be a tantalizing Peterson-Bidunga, pick-and-roll recreation. Jackson is the X issue after lacking all of final 12 months with a torn patellar. Has the jumper progressed? Can the athleticism return? How lengthy till the cobwebs are gone after a missed season?
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G/F Elyjah Freeman, G Kaden Magwood, C Emeka Opurum, G Abdul Bashir, F Sebastian Williams-Adams
Largest preseason battle: Pettiford, Corridor and Murphy might be Auburn’s finest three gamers. After that? It is a wide-open competitors for minutes and photographs. Freeman, an uber-athletic, Division II switch, is actually within the combine to earn a spot within the beginning lineup, however he’ll should be extra dependable than Jovic, who has some sharp offensive instruments as a stretch 4. A bucket-getter like Magwood and a deadeye in Bashir will push Overton for that beginning capturing guard spot, too. Auburn has a ton of expertise and possibly much more questions coming into 2025-26.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: F Malique Ewin, G/F Billy Richmond III, G Meleek Thomas, G/F Isaiah Sealy
Largest preseason battle: Arkansas’ battle at heart might be a continuing all 12 months. Pringle is a wonderful defender on the perimeter who can bang with SEC huge fellas and function as a lob risk and voracious rebounder. Ewin is tantalizing. The Florida State switch is a talented driver who can actually cross. His handles are a bit totally different than the traditional 6-11 heart, however his defensive tape was shoddy and woefully inconsistent. Who earns the spot in John Calipari’s closing lineup? Pringle’s consistency and protection give him the slight edge, for now.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Mario Saint-Supery, G Emmanuel Innocenti, F Steele Venters, C Ismaila Diagne, G/F Davis Fogle
Largest preseason battle: Gonzaga has a two-man race to switch sensible level guard Ryan Nembhard. Smith, a switch from Colgate, correctly sat out all of final 12 months to study the Zags’ system. Saint-Supery is a blinding guard from Spain who can put a great deal of strain on the rim and performs with nice tempo. Mark Few and offensive coordinator Stephen Gentry may have two fascinating choices at PG1.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: F Jaylen Carey, F JP Estrella, G Bishop Boswell, F DeWayne Brown, G/F Amari Evans
Largest preseason battle: The Vols quietly have one of many deepest frontcourts in faculty basketball. Who’s the beginning ahead subsequent to Okpara? Phillips is a high-flying, high-energy choice. Now wholesome, Estrella is extraordinarily expert and will add some much-needed offensive pop. Vanderbilt switch Jaylen Carey is aware of SEC wars and is a menace on the glass. Brown, a barely underrated freshman, has been excelling in summer season exercises. Rick Barnes has a secure of massive fellas raring to go.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G/F Camden Heide, G Chendall Weaver, F Lassina Traore, F Declan Duru, F Nic Codie, F John Clark
Largest preseason battle: Pope, Mark and Wilcher are the three most gifted guards on the roster, however do they complement one another? Do not be shocked if position gamers like Heide (a shooter) or Weaver (a menacing on-ball defender) crack this beginning lineup to do the soiled work, and Texas shifts a bit like Wilcher to the bench to function as that bucket-getting sixth man.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: C Zvonimir Ivisic, F David Mirkovic, G Keaton Wagler, G Brandon Lee, F Jake Davis, F Ty Rodgers (when wholesome)
Largest preseason battle: Illinois has three choices to begin subsequent to rising stud huge man Tomislav Ivisic: Mirkovic, Humrichous or his twin brother, Zvonimir. Brad Underwood likes that each one three choices do one thing totally different. Zvonimir Ivisic is a big-time rim protector who has posted block charges that an Illinois huge man has by no means completed through the KenPom period. He can splash 3-pointers, however his mobility and consistency remains to be a piece in progress.
Mirkovic is a hard-playing Montenegrin banger who Illinois can use in high-low actions. Humrichous operates as a high-volume 3-point shooter with critical vary, however he does not have a ton else in his bag of methods. Let the tinkering start.
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: F Jarin Stevenson, G Derek Dixon, G Jonathan Powell, G Jaydon Younger, F James Brown, G Isaiah Denis
Largest preseason battle: UNC desperately wants a fourth ball-handling guard to emerge behind Evans, Trimble and Bogavac. They do not have to be a star, but it surely raises UNC’s flooring if they are often strong on each ends and play mistake-free basketball. Dixon has a easy, well-rounded recreation and was battle-tested in highschool. He’ll compete with Younger for that coveted position. The Virginia Tech switch has a rock-solid body, however he has to sharpen up his decision-making. Powell will present some 3-and-D vibes, however he is not a lot of a ball-handler. Possibly one other fringe top-50 freshman (Denis) can soar into the fray?
Projected beginning lineup
High reserves: G Braeden Carrington, G Jack Janicki, F Elijah Grey, G Hayden Jones, C Aleksas Bieliauskas, G Zach Kinziger
Largest preseason battle: Wisconsin’s inside protection is using on Winter taking an enormous step ahead and turning into a defensive anchor. I am shopping for all of the Nolan Winter inventory I can scoop up, however can anybody else emerge from Wisconsin’s depth choices to supply actual rim safety? The Badgers’ frontcourt depth is extraordinarily unproven and somewhat shaky. Good factor this offense goes to go vroom-vroom.