It is a humiliation of storyline and star-power riches in school hoops this season. Take a very good go searching and you may see prospects overlaying the canvas. Florida is coming off a nationwide championship and theoretically has the roster to chase a repeat. Ever-excellent Houston could possibly be simply nearly as good after falling to UF in that nationwide title recreation within the waning seconds and has all of the motivation within the universe to atone for that defeat. UConn and Dan Hurley look poised to vault again to the elite tier following final season’s melodramas. Purdue could possibly be one of the best group of all of them, led by perhaps essentially the most useful participant of all of them, Braden Smith.
Rick Pitino and St. John’s are the preseason favorites within the Huge East. Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and AJ Dybantsa headline a freshman class that is perhaps the strongest in school basketball in a decade. The SEC will attempt to come near matching final season’s record-shattering run of 14 NCAA Event groups, together with two that made the Ultimate 4. However the league must sq. up with the Huge Ten and Huge 12, which look constructed to be stronger than a yr in the past.
Teaching legends nonetheless strut the sidelines, even with high-profile departures of title-winning coaches lately. We have got nonetheless received Izzo and Self and Calipari and Barnes, along with the likes of Pitino, Hurley, Kelvin Sampson and extra. Louisville goes to be good once more. Huge-brand groups like Arizona, Michigan, Illinois and UCLA might have Ultimate 4 fates. Even a league just like the A-10 appears set to rattle again to some relevancy.
I. JUST. CAN. NOT. WAIT. FOR. THE. SEASON. TO. START!
With opening day barely every week away, it is time to ratchet up the anticipation and take a protracted tour via all of the groups I anticipate to matter most over the following 5 months. My labor of affection for the religious, devoted school basketball fan: I am thrilled to as soon as once more share my annual preseason grasp record of the Prime 100 And 1 groups in males’s school basketball.
2025-26 CBS Sports activities Preseason All-America Groups: Purdue, Huge Ten lead approach with school basketball’s high gamers
Gary Parrish
1. Houston
At No. 1 I am taking this system that has mastered ending No. 2. The Cougars unintentionally authored one of many more odd and heartbreaking losses in NCAA historical past when Emanuel Sharp did not get a shot off on the ultimate possession of the nationwide title recreation in opposition to Florida, securing the Cougars as No. 2 within the event — and No. 2 at KenPom.com for a fourth straight season. There may be in all probability no coach higher wired to be motivated by such a gutting defeat (keep in mind how Houston knocked off Duke two days prior? The irony is piercing) than Kelvin Sampson.
The Coogs misplaced key items, (J’Wan Roberts, L.J. Cryer, Ja’Vier Francis), however this roster might have extra expertise. Sharp, Milos Uzan and JoJo Tugler are the core three again, hungry to avenge. They will be joined by among the best recruits in program historical past, freshman 6-10 stretch large Chris Cenac Jr., along with 6-6 wing Isiah Harwell and four-star level guard Kingston Flemings. It is the No. 2 class, per 247, behind Duke. Houston’s by no means had this many good-to-great freshmen blended with so many confirmed juniors and seniors who’re Houston Guys. Possibly it takes just a few weeks to discover a groove; final yr’s UH group began 4-3, then misplaced two video games the following 4 months. If Sampson, 70, goes to win a nationwide championship, this could be his final nice probability to do it.
2. Purdue
Matt Painter is increase a Corridor of Fame résumé. He’ll lock it up if he can get Purdue a nationwide title. This five-year span the Boilermakers are in represents one of the best half-decade run in program historical past. Purdue is 116-31 the previous 4 seasons with a number of league titles, No. 1 seeds, a nationwide championship recreation look and two-time nationwide participant of the yr in Zach Edey.
And right here comes one other potential NPOY. Braden Smith is our preseason honoree in what could possibly be a crowded race for the nation’s finest participant. If Smith hits on the preseason hype, delivers one other Huge Ten title, will get Purdue to the highest line on Choice Sunday and units the NCAA all-time assists file within the course of, Purdue ought to be nearly as good as anybody. Smith’s abilities are magnified by enjoying alongside a top quality 2-guard (Fletcher Loyer, 13.8 ppg) and All American-level ahead (Trey Kaufmann-Renn, who led Purdue at 20.1 ppg in ’24-25). The Boilermakers are preseason No. 1 within the AP Prime 25 for the primary time at school historical past due to it.
Search for South Dakota State ahead switch Oscar Cluff to waste little time adjusting to Huge Ten life. Israeli guard Omer Mayer may be among the many finest imports in school hoops, too. Yeah, there’s lots of strain right here, however Painter and this system are used to it and virtually actually might be one of many 4 or 5 groups that garner essentially the most protection and commentary from November into March … and fairly presumably April.
No one’s greater on Kentucky than me. There are large expectations in Yr 2 for Mark Pope, to make certain. Kentucky was borderline terrific in his first season, profitable eight video games in opposition to groups ranked within the high 15, tying a D-I file. The Wildcats made the Candy 16 with a 3 subsequent to their identify within the Huge Bracket. He is not even 18 months into the job, however Pope does appear to be the right decide to switch John Calipari.
This season, I believe Kentucky jumps from Ultimate 4 hopeful to nationwide title contender. Preseason SEC POY Otega Oweh is cause No. 1. Oweh is likely one of the finest two-way gamers within the nation; if he maximizes his potential and Kentucky is a top-five group, he’ll vie with the easiest within the sport for NPOY. Oweh has Brandon Garrison, Collin Chandler and Trent Noah again; these three will all see their stats swell from a season in the past.
UK is working with what’s believed to be sport’s greatest NIL finances in 2025-26, with on report setting the quantity north of $20 million. Here is who’s new: Pitt switch Jaland Lowe (nursing a shoulder harm however I am advised he’ll be good briefly order) goes to begin at level. He is perhaps essentially the most useful switch within the SEC. If not him, then my decide is Jayden Quaintance, the monster energy ahead who’s not but been cleared from an ACL harm however is hoping to be again in some unspecified time in the future earlier than we flip to January. Quaintance, when totally wholesome, will be among the best defenders within the nation. Search for Alabama switch Mouhamed Dioubate to begin on the 5 to begin the season — and he is no defensive slouch both. Kentucky additionally introduced on Denzel Aberdeen from Florida, whose protection and well timed playmaking bolsters the enterprise. Kentucky ought to be 10-deep.
I am excessive on UK as a result of they carry again an All American-level participant in Oweh, have clearly and considerably upgraded on protection and may nonetheless have the taking pictures and playmaking to be a top-15 offense (they have been No. 10 in effectivity in 2024-25). The most effective group cash can purchase? We’ll quickly discover out.
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A 19-win soar for the Wolverines in Yr 1 underneath Dusty Might has set the desk for an enormous 2025-26 in Ann Arbor. I like how the items are poised to fuse. We’ll begin not with the large portal get (maintain on) however as an alternative, the core that Might saved on campus. Roddy Gayle Jr. (9.8 ppg), Nimari Burnett (9.4 ppg), Will Tschetter (6.4 ppg) and L.J. Cason (4.3 ppg) aren’t top-tier school hoops skills, however they’re the sort of guys who institute profitable and might be important within the carryover from Yr 1 to 2. They’re example-setters, the rationale why Michigan was capable of convey on some large names. Now, let’s discuss these names.
Yaxel Lendeborg was a stat stuffer at UAB and almost went to the NBA, however as an alternative, the top-ranked switch — and CBS Sports activities’ preseason Switch of the Yr — is enjoying one season with the Maize and Blue. Lendeborg will attempt to match his 26 double-doubles (finest in NCAA) from final season. He was additionally the one man with at the very least 60 blocks and steals. He will not have to be Superman, although. UCLA middle Aday Mara ought to pop in a brand new scheme, and I am intrigued to see what level guard Elliot Cadeau does in new environment after some ups and downs at UNC. Morez Johnson (Illinois) is one other high quality piece within the fray, including a touch of drama to the Huge Ten race. And there is nonetheless yet one more participant to the touch on: Trey McKenney is likely one of the finest in-state prospects to decide to Michigan in a while. He’ll get some run on the level and, I believe, wind up being one of the best frosh within the convention.
5. Duke
Final season’s 35-4 monster squad misplaced within the Ultimate 4 in a choke-like style, however regardless of the disastrous gag in opposition to Houston, Duke was comfortably the No. 1 group at KenPom and EvanMiya.com. It had the NBA’s Nos. 1, 4, 10, 33 and 49 picks in its beginning lineup. Cooper Flagg was one of many 5 finest freshmen of this century, becoming a member of the likes of Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Zion Williamson and Carmelo Anthony. Some would possibly put him as excessive as No. 2. However he is gone, as is the remainder of the beginning lineup. Can Duke reload once more and be No. 1 seed materials? I say sure.
Prepare for a complete lot of Cameron Boozer, a versatile energy ahead whose monitor file of profitable over the previous 4 years at the highschool stage is perhaps unmatched by any prospect this century. Boozer is a special participant than Flagg, however his influence on profitable can come near matching Flagg’s generational expertise. Even when this group goes to be only a slight step down from statistically the second-best group of the previous 20 years (no nationwide championship apart), Duke ought to nonetheless clearly be the ACC’s finest. To make sure that, although, sophomore Isaiah Evans might want to make a soar and go from averaging seven factors to north of 12 or 13. Caleb Foster will begin on the level, backed up by Cayden Boozer, who is not the one-and-done prospect like his brother.
There are extra within the combine right here (Patrick Ngongba, Nik Khamenia), however one identify carrying intrigue is Italian/Senegalese wing Dame Sarr, an 18-year-old small ahead who was in FC Barcelona’s system the previous three years and could possibly be something from Duke’s sixth most essential participant to its second-best man by March.
6. Connecticut
A high-profile regression to the imply performed out in a turbulent, humbling five-month marathon for. Dan Hurley’s program in 2024-25. We have been all reminded us how arduous it’s for faculty basketball groups to remain elite, significantly with nationwide championship aspirations, three years in a row. Connecticut went 24-11, earned a No. 8 seed and was knocked from the mountaintop. (For extra on this, take a look at my column from earlier this week on Hurley and his atonement for dangerous conduct.)
However I do not see a repeat of that efficiency. EvanMiya.com charges UConn with 4 “elite” 3-point shooters, matching Purdue, Oklahoma and Virginia for essentially the most in school hoops. The most effective of them ought to be junior 2-man Solo Ball, who sank 99 of his 239 treys final season (41.4%) and is supplied to be among the best give-you-a-boost shooters within the nation. He’ll be arrange by Georgia switch Silas Demary, a troublesome and massive level guard who will ease the considerations UConn confronted with its backcourt a season in the past. These two will play with freshman Braylon Mullins, who will not face the strain of getting to be nearly as good as Liam McNeeley a season in the past however ought to however discover a good function by league play. Alex Karaban‘s again for his senior season as properly. Actually no group within the nation has a participant together with his profitable pedigree and the ups and downs to endear him to a vital management function. Tarris Reed Jr. can be again and will develop right into a top-10 large within the sport. I just like the Huskies to take the Huge East for the third time in 4 years.
A program that was the preseason No. 1 group the previous two seasons — solely to have its worst two seasons in additional than 30 years — has been understandably knocked down by most forward of this November. Not right here.
Whereas you may discover KU positioned within the teenagers in human polls and pc metrics earlier than a recreation has been performed, I’ll predict that Invoice Self Is not Going Out Like That. Final yr (a primary spherical loss as a No. 7 seed after taking 13 losses) was the nadir for a program with expectations as excessive as any within the sport. For 2025-26, I am forecasting a surge again into the national-title-contender convo because of having perhaps the No. 1 decide within the draft and perhaps one of the best participant in America. He is a participant who Self says is essentially the most spectacular inbound freshman he is ever had. And he’ll have the ball in his arms as a lot as perhaps anybody within the nation.
Darryn Peterson could possibly be particular.
The 18-year-old combo guard might make Self’s twenty third season with the Jayhawks a borderline nice one. As a excessive schooler, Peterson was an elite defender, nice passer, good with shot choice and had A-level athleticism to spherical out his profile. He’ll hyperlink up with Flory Bidunga (breakout season incoming for the large man) and Elmarko Jackson, who sat out all of 2024-25 with an harm. Switch-wise, Melvin Council Jr. is a slender 2-man who ought to begin. Loyola Chicago switch Jayden Dawson and Illinois switch Tre White are additionally going to search out loads of minutes within the rotation. Look ahead to Paul Mbiya, who’ll battle for big-man minutes behind Bidunga. Mbiya is a confirmed middle who averaged 15 and 12 within the high French professional league final season. The items are right here, it is an enormous roster flip, however I will take Self carrying Kansas again to a outstanding perch within the sport.
I’ve received three Huge 12 groups in my high eight, all of which ought to have the personnel to win a nationwide championship. In Tucson, Tommy Lloyd’s group says goodbye to Caleb Love, KJ Lewis, Henri Veesaar, Trey Townsend AND Carter Bryant. It is quite a bit to lose from a top-four seed that received 24 video games and reached the Candy 16. Fortunately, essentially the most essential items coming again are all above-average defenders: Jaden Bradley, Tobe Awaka, Motiejus Krivas and Anthony Dell’Orso is a extremely good core to work with. Bradley and Awaka could possibly be top-20 defenders nationally, whereas Krivas ought to be sturdy as ever after happening with an harm final December. And people 4 are bringing again 35 factors per recreation, too, which can mix with two freshmen who might be big contributors.
Koa Peat is a top-10 prospect within the Class of ’25, an influence ahead with an amazing motor, good defensive instincts and one-and-done prospects. On some nights, Peat could also be Zona’s MVP. On others, it could possibly be the fidgety Brayden Burries, a five-star guard who ought to be a good looking slot in Lloyd’s schemes. But it surely all begins with Bradley, who I believe is on the short-short record of finest/most full gamers to not get preseason All-America honors.
9. Illinois
An excellent-solid returning core mixed with a top quality freshman class and a few high-potential worldwide gamers makes me an enormous purchaser on Illinois as a Huge Ten and Ultimate 4 contender. You may see, hear and skim loads within the coming months concerning the Euro infusion that is reached Champaign. Brad Underwood is rostering gamers from Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia, along with guys who hail from intriguing lands akin to Saginaw, Michigan and Shawnee, Kansas. I believe the Illini are dripping with potential, a perception backed by the truth that Underwood’s had single-digit NCAA tourney groups six years in a row. In two of these seasons, he guided Illinois into the highest two within the Huge Ten. Why cannot this group get there?
Again for the Illini are Tomislav Ivisic (13.0 ppg), Kylan Boswell (12.3 ppg) and Ben Humrichous (7.6 ppg). Ivisic could possibly be All-Huge Ten First Group in March. Becoming a member of him is his twin brother, Zvonimir, who spent the previous two seasons enjoying for John Calipari. There’s hope for Andrej Stojakovic, an 18 per recreation man at Cal final season, to spice up his profile. But there’s one other “ic” man who I believe will get Illinois into the highest 10: 6-2 Mihailo Petrovic was a standout enjoying for KK Mega Basket within the Adriatic League: 14.2 factors, 7.3 assists on 49% taking pictures. He is a fast research, as is freshman Keaton Wagler, apparently, who has made lots of noise together with his adaptation this fall. Ty Rodgers was out final season and if he will get wholesome, may also determine to be within the combine, including some depth to a boisterous offense. Ought to be a must-watch band of hoopers.
10. St. John’s
I’ve received the Pink Storm tenth, however they’re fifth within the preseason AP Prime 25 — this system’s highest October rating in historical past. SJU deserves it. Rick Pitino coached the Johnnies to a 31-5 mark a season in the past. Now, it ended badly with an anemic offensive show in a 75-66 second spherical loss within the NCAA Event, however that whimper apart, St. John’s had its finest season in 25 years. And you can also make the case that this yr’s roster is healthier. Huge man Zuby Ejiofor (14.7 ppg) might be within the combine because the Huge East finest participant resulting from his all-league protection and the actual fact he averaged extra offensive rebounds (4.4 per recreation) than anybody final season. He is the one large piece again, however examine the portal class: Bryce Hopkins, Oziyah Sellers, Dillon Mitchell, Ian Jackson, Joson Sanon. Quite a lot of talent variety in that group.
Hopkins has battled accidents, however take note at one level, he was a top-five participant within the Huge East. Jackson did not click on the best way he’d hoped at UNC and can now attempt to leap to the NBA as Pitino’s combo guard choice. Sellers and Sanon performed in obscurity final season, however each are two-way help items who will slot in properly with Pitino’s scheme. Mitchell’s been in school a very long time however has a ceiling as among the best rim protectors within the sport if he can maximize his potential. The one main query is who runs the purpose and the way the offense flows from that. There isn’t a true 1 on this group (Idaho State switch Dylan Darling goes to get a while there, however we’ll see if he can deal with the soar in competitors; Sellers will make the primary go at it on opening evening), but when any coach can work his approach round that, it is Pitino.
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11. Florida
I am a tad decrease on Florida than most others might be, however keep in mind there might be just a few groups within the high 10 who fall properly in need of that standing. (Take a look at what’s occurred this yr in school soccer as the newest proof of what is inevitable.) I nonetheless have UF second within the SEC — however I believe lots of of us have downplayed Walter Clayton Jr. (the third-best participant within the nation final yr!), Will Richard (who’s apparently going to appear to be he was drafted 15 spots too late) and Alijah Martin (on-ball defensive menace) meant to this group. Changing all of their manufacturing and sides within the backcourt will not occur with this new group.
The bigs are again, although; Florida in all probability has one of the best frontcourt within the nation. The names you understand who’re nonetheless in Gainesville: Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, Rueben Chinyelu and Micah Handlogten. BEEF. The issue? Handlogten and Chinyelu cannot play on the ground collectively (neither shoots from past 10 toes) and basically I’m wondering how the bigs will combo with two high-profile portal guards: Boogie Fland (by way of Arkansas) and Xaivian Lee (by way of Princeton) want to assist exchange the near-54 factors per recreation offered by Clayton, Martin, Richard and Denzel Aberdeen. The preseason AP No. 3 rating does not hassle me in any way … I simply lean towards a little bit drift again from a season in the past.
Was it actually simply a few years in the past when Louisville had the worst program in high-major basketball and was enduring the nadir of its 100-plus-year existence? How rapidly issues have modified. Pat Kelsey engineered the largest turnaround of ’24-25, taking Louisville from an eight-win program to going 27-8 and incomes a No. 8 seed. This yr’s group ought to be even higher, though U of L misplaced greater than 75% of its manufacturing.
The participant inspiring essentially the most optimism is Mikel Brown Jr., a slender 6-4 freshman who was excellent in FIBA World Cup play this summer season and figures to be a top-five frosh within the sport. He’ll play with, and off of, Xavier switch Ryan Conwell, a bona fide flamethrower in Kelsey’s offense. (Conwell had a 62.4 true taking pictures share final season.) Search for Louisville to be among the best taking pictures groups in America: Kelsey introduced on Isaac McKneely (42.1 3-pt%) from Virginia and Adrian Wooley (42.2 3-pt%) from Kennesaw State to hitch up with returnees J’Vonne Hadley and Khani Rooths. There’s additionally reinforcements from Kobe Rodgers and Aly Khalifa, two guys who did not play final yr however will issue right into a 10-deep rotation. That Nov. 11 recreation in opposition to Kentucky cannot get right here quick sufficient. It is nice to be enthusiastic about Louisville hoops once more.
13. Alabama
Tide followers, do you understand that, since 2021, 14 out of the 16 packages within the SEC have undergone a training change? Your college is one among solely two to not endure a swap. (Tennessee is the opposite.) Nate Oats has constructed NCAA Event groups with Candy 16 runs or deeper in 4 of the previous 5 years, all with seeds between No. 1-6. Issues have really by no means been higher for Tuscaloosa hoops. He ought to once more have a group close to the highest of the SEC with a very good quantity subsequent to its identify on Choice Sunday. The most important cause? My colleague Kyle Boone charges Alabama’s backcourt No. 1 within the nation.
That backcourt is led by Labaron Philon, whose determination to tug out of the draft course of late and return to Bama was huge; I might in all probability have the Tide 12-14 spots decrease if Philon wasn’t on the roster. He is lightning fast and ought to be a headache to scheme in opposition to. Actual All-American potential there. Philon returns alongside acquainted faces Aden Holloway and Latrell Wrightsell, giving the Tide cozy chemistry in its three-guard assault and, yep, a case as one of the best guard trio within the nation. Aiden Sherrell, a 6-10 large man who began to see issues click on in March, is on board for his sophomore season as properly. Reinforcements arrived within the type of Miami switch Jalil Bethea (a former top-10 highschool recruit) and 7-footer Noah Williamson, who was almost an 18-and-8 man at Bucknell.
After 51-20 via two campaigns in Lubbock, Grant McCasland enters his first season as coach with severe expectations. Tech has objectively been a top-15 program, big-picture, since he arrived and is poised to remain in that layer in Yr 3. Take into account, this group in all probability ought to have made the Ultimate 4. Tech went 28-9, received a 3-seed and misplaced within the Elite Eight again in March, blowing it late vs. eventual champ Florida. Now TTU, for the primary time, has a preseason All-American. JT Toppin handed on potential first-round NBA cash to take an enormous paycheck and be one of many faces of school hoops.
Toppin is coming off the second-best season by any Tech participant in historical past: 18.2 factors, 9.4 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, 55.4% from the sphere. The Toppin story can be the Tech story. All through the game, TTU is thought to be one of many 5 greatest spenders this yr, with a finances believed to be properly north of $12 million in basketball alone. And but, the roster is not loaded with well-known names. Few colleges have dedicated the best way TTU has. Christian Anderson put up 10.6 factors final season for TTU and he is again for extra as properly; he was nice in worldwide play over the summer season. Search for UNCG guard Donovan Atwell to play a ton at taking pictures guard, Washington State switch LeJuan Watts to begin on the 3 and VCU large Luke Bamgboye to be a terrific defensive presence.
Kevin Younger’s group might be a lot greater than headliner freshman wing AJ Dybantsa, although Dybantsa alone will make this essentially the most must-watch BYU group ever (sorry, Danny Ainge). We received our first glimpse of the Brockton, Massachusetts, product in BYU’s exhibition loss at Nebraska. Dybantsa casually went for 30 factors whereas wanting like he was in third gear many of the evening. Buckle up, as a result of he’ll be requested, and desires to do some little bit of all the pieces in Provo.
For all of Dybantsa’s expertise, the Cougars make my high 15 as a result of they’ve a top-10 backcourt. It begins with senior Richie Saunders, who was good for 16.5 factors per recreation a season in the past and can play with Baylor switch Rob Wright III, among the best sophomores in America. This offense goes to hum. Dybantsa, Wright and Saunders ought to mix to place up 50-plus factors on common and provides BYU among the best scoring trios in school hoops. We’d see this group common near 90 per recreation, and it will not be a sieve defensively. Energy ahead/defensive menace Keba Keita may also be again to provide the Cougars some intimidation within the paint. Younger received BYU to the Candy 16 with a 26-win season in Yr 1. That was a freebie. Now the actual expectations set in.
I used to be decrease on ISU than the remainder of the media heading into final season — and that was a mistake. I will not make that misstep once more, even when there are some large losses. ISU has been good yearly underneath TJ Otzelberger and we’ll see extra of the identical, together with just a few Quad 1A wins that guarantee one other high quality NCAA Event seed.
Happily, one of many higher level guards in America calls Ames residence, which is why I’ve received ISU tucked inside my high 20. Tamin Lipsey, whose two-way dependability would be the greatest aspect of Otzelberger’s program in 2025-26, has All-American expertise. He is been battling harm however is about to begin on opening evening. Whenever you’ve received a top-five level guard and 53% of your minutes again (tops within the Huge 12, comfortably forward of No. 2 Houston at 43.1, per Torvik), that is a prescription for 25-plus wins. Joshua Jefferson (13.0 ppg) and Milan Momcilovic (11.5) are the opposite two vets who comprise the nucleus, with Jefferson having some rising NBA instruments. I am additionally watching to see if Blake Buchanan‘s transfer from Virginia results in a task whereby he is a top-tier Huge 12 glue man.
17. Tennessee
Some main modifications to this roster, however with Rick Barnes having coached a top-15 KenPom group in six of the previous eight seasons (and the one off yr coming in 2019-20), it might be silly to fit the Vols outdoors of the highest 20 going into November. The most effective items again, nonetheless, have not confirmed their offensive worth, so I haven’t got UT being top-three within the SEC. Felix Okpara (7.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg) is not a go-get-you-a-bucket participant, and I might make the case he fell in need of expectations final season. J.P. Estrella was held again by accidents, however his yr to emerge was all the time going to be 2025-26, so look ahead to him to develop right into a useful starter.
The playmaker arriving by way of the portal is Ja’Kobi Gillespie, final seen making quite a few appearances in profitable conditions at Maryland. Gillespie can (ought to?) lead the Vols in scoring, but when that does not occur it will likely be as a result of freshman Nate Ament emerges because the uncommon youngin’ to play an MVP function on a Barnes-coached group. Ament is a top-five prospect within the class of 2025 and initiatives as a top-10 NBA decide subsequent June. He can swap between enjoying the three or 4 relying on the school stage. I am most to see how Ament’s grown from a silky and easygoing prospect 16 months in the past. If he is placed on some actual muscle and is able to play VolBall, UT will once more slot into the highest 4 within the Southeastern Convention.
18. UCLA
Hoo, I let you know, the highest 20 this season seems particularly deep heading into Week 1. You possibly can construct out a case for the Bruins to be top-12 standing, in any case. Mick Cronin’s fashion mixed with Donovan Dent‘s pace and savviness would possibly make for one of many higher team-ups between first-time coach-and-player combos this season. Dent, a 6-footer, is each quick and nice at enjoying via contact (he had 31 And-1s final season, per CBB Analytics). His averages at New Mexico: 20.4 factors, 6.4 assists, 2.3 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 41% 3-point shooter.
Dent can completely fly and Cronin’s by no means had somebody like him earlier than; he is perhaps essentially the most useful switch in 2025-26. The actual fact he joins a group with very nice returning items like Tyler Bilodeau, Eric Dailey Jr. and Skyy Clark makes UCLA a enjoyable Huge Ten darkish horse. UCLA’s depth is up for debate however the beginning 5’s viability is just not. And yet one more bonus: We cannot hear any gripes from Cronin about journey this yr both: UCLA actually doesn’t play a recreation east of Los Angeles within the nonconference.
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19. Arkansas
I am greater on John Calipari’s group now than I used to be three months in the past. The extra I took a have a look at the SEC, I purchased into the notion Calipari’s going to have a extra constant Yr 2 than Yr 1. Arkansas returned lots of studs (DJ Wagner, Karter Knox, Trevon Brazile and Billy Richmond is the strongest quartet of returnees within the SEC, objectively) and has some extra expertise inbound, in fact. The Hogs will nonetheless take a few vexing losses, and there is not any assure that Wagner makes The Bounce or Brazile for certain ever scrapes a ceiling that is appeared inside attain for 3 years now. However the items are right here.
The most recent one-and-doner for Cal is Darius Acuff Jr., who I believe might be in that high six or seven of one of the best frosh within the nation — and one of the best within the SEC, beating out Ament at Tennessee. I like his pairing with Wagner. I believe this group goes to have some scorch potential (in bursts) on offense, which wasn’t the case for about 90% of final season. And on protection, I might be stunned if Arkansas is ever beneath a B general in its effectivity numbers. Too lengthy, too athletic and Calipari is aware of his groups need to be cussed on that finish to be thought of within the SEC’s higher crust.
20. Michigan State
With 4 good items (Coen Carr, Jeremy Fears Jr., Jaxon Kohler, Carson Cooper) again from final season’s squad that earned a No. 2 seed, a top-10 standing within the metrics and the honour of being one among Tom Izzo’s favourite groups to teach of the previous 15 years, there is not any approach I am dipping any additional than No. 20 with the Spartans. Fears — who’s as powerful as any man within the Huge Ten — is poised to have a terrific yr as a backcourt chief. Carr remains to be virtually actually one of the best dunker within the school recreation, Kohler might make the largest soar of any participant within the B1G. Dropping Jase Richardson after only one yr is large (I might have MSU top-10 if he was nonetheless round), however Sparty all the time finds a approach.
There’s additionally freshman Cam Ward to regulate. (Kaleb Glenn, an FAU switch, had excessive hopes however might not return from harm this season.) This group in all probability cannot meet the ceiling of final season’s group, however Izzo and Co. will simply be within the NCAA Event for a twenty eighth straight time and selecting off a wide range of gutty wins alongside the best way.
The Bulldogs’ ultimate season within the WCC (they head to the new-look Pac-12 in 2026-27) ought to characteristic the twenty third regular-season convention championship underneath Mark Few. The Zags convey again Graham Ike at middle, a 17.3 ppg, 7.3 rpg man who might be thought of among the many 20-or-so finest gamers heading into the season. Braden Huff can be again, and eventually — lastly — Gonzaga ought to get to see Steele Venters take his shot. Venters has missed the previous two years to harm, so his influence and worth is TBD. One other debut after a redshirt yr is coming for Braeden Smith, the previous Colgate guard who was among the many finest mid-major factors over a two-year stretch from 2021-23. He’ll run the present for the Zags.
Within the portal, Gonzaga introduced on Adam Miller from Arizona State, Jalen Warley from FSU and Tyon Grant-Foster from Grand Canyon, who’s nonetheless not been cleared for yet one more season of play and whose eligibility case is the newest check of the NCAA’s ethical compass. This in all probability will not be a deep group, and with out Grant-Foster I would not log it as a Ultimate 4 contender, however I do anticipate GU to thrive and put an exclamation level on its WCC period.
Unusually, the Mountain West failed to supply a top-30 group in predictive metrics final season (whereas having 5 within the 41-60 vary). Within the seven seasons prior, they have been producing at the very least one high 25-quality group. On this ultimate yr of the Mountain West as we all know it (SDSU and different key gamers are shifting to the brand new Pac-12 in 2026), I anticipate the convention to ship at the very least three groups to the NCAAs once more, led by San Diego State’s surge again to the highest of the league. The Aztecs have made the event 12 instances since 2010, and it might be 13 if we had a 2020 event.
Brian Dutcher brings again in all probability one of the best participant within the league, senior wing Miles Byrd, who’ll be flanked by Reese Dixon-Waters, Magoon Gwath (one of the best sophomore within the convention and a freak on D) and B.J. Davis, all of whom performed large roles on final yr’s 11-seed. Sean Newman Jr. comes over from Louisiana Tech, the place he averaged 7.9 assists. I am unsure if the ‘Tecs could have long-range functionality, however the defensive structure once more seems fabulous and the substitute items recommend a one- or two-notch improve from what we noticed in ’24-25.
Dana Altman — who, after being the topic of retirement rumors the previous two Marches, feels like he is received at the very least two extra years within the tank — has by no means not received at the very least 20 video games with Oregon. Past that, he is by no means had a below-.500 season in additional than 30 years of head teaching expertise. I am a little bit greater on O than most others in nationwide media. That is as a result of Nate Bittle, Jackson Shelstad and Kwame Evans all return and all ought to be assured to enhance markedly of their ultimate season collectively. Shelstad’s coping with a damaged proper hand that can stop him from being totally wholesome and capable of play to begin the season, however this can be a top-six or -seven group within the Huge Ten to me as soon as Shelstad’s a full-go, in order that’s why I put the Geese twenty third. Oregon introduced on Sean Stewart from Ohio State and mid-major bucket-getter TK Simpkins from Elon as properly. Geese will dance once more in 2026, little question.
With roughly $14 million spent on the roster, Hubert Davis enters November with extra stress on his job than simply about any coach … besides perhaps Invoice Belichick. UNC is worthy of high 25 inclusion as a result of the expertise compilation virtually insists upon it. Being a top-10 spender in 2025, however having two of the previous 4 seasons finish as flops, makes Davis’ Yr 5 the pivotal one for his future at his alma mater. Take into account, this group is the primary with zero gamers who’ve ties to when Roy Williams was the coach.
Davis brings again Seth Trimble as a vital defensive 2-guard. Talking of protection, search for the Heels’ to be improved from final season. 5-star freshman Caleb Wilson and Arizona middle switch Henri Veesaar will stiffen North Carolina’s aptitude for ball-stopping. After whiffing a yr in the past within the frontcourt, UNC will not be outsized this yr in opposition to most groups, which might be a sight for sore eyes in Chapel Hill. At level guard, Kyan Evans comes by the use of Colorado State. I am a little bit cautious about his dealing with of that spot, however he did have some good moments in serving to the Rams to one among their higher seasons, and he can shoot it in streaks. Fleshing out the beginning 5 is Luka Bogavac, who comes over from the Adriatic League and is perhaps the particular ingredient to maintain Carolina punching with Duke and Louisville for ACC supremacy.
I do not suppose you may discover anybody else as excessive on Marquette as me. We’ll see if my religion in Shaka Good’s distinctive strategy to roster fashioning pays off, as a result of I can let you know lots of people in and round that program are intrigued to see how this goes over the following 5 months. Marquette, once more, is just not bringing in a switch. The one different locations among the many 360-ish colleges in D-I the place that is additionally true are navy academies or Ivy/Patriot League packages, the place scholarships aren’t out there. To do that amid essentially the most portal-frenzied period ever is an act of hubris, defiance, belief and religion. I am riveted.
Chase Ross would be the subsequent star guard for the Golden Eagles now that Kam Jones and Stevie Mitchell have graduated. I like his chemistry together with Ben Gold and Royce Parham, however past that, it should need to be an old-school strategy. Marquette has 5 freshmen on the roster and different gamers who did not crack greater than 5 factors per recreation. Fading MU in 2025-26 is a simple selection; I will go the opposite approach and say it nonetheless works and that Good’s group has a single-digit NCAA seed for a fifth straight yr.
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26. Auburn
Since we have not gotten to the video games but, I do not know if I’ve truly digested the truth that Auburn will do that factor with out Bruce Pearl as its coach. His son, Steven, is now working the present, which understandably knocks the Tigers down only a bit from the place they’d in any other case be. The inheritor wants to point out he is received the chutzpah to run a program from the highest the best way Bruce did for thus a few years.
At the very least Tahaad Pettiford’s again. The peppy lefty critically flirted with going to the NBA, however now that he is readying for a sophomore season, he might change into among the best watches within the sport. He’ll in all probability wind up carrying an enormous load, with Johni Broome (the second-best participant in school basketball final season behind Cooper Flagg) having left, along with mainstays Dylan Cardwell, Denver Jones, Chaney Johnson and Miles Kelly not roaming about campus. Be looking out for the 2 dudes with comparable names to step in and strike fast: UCF switch Keyshawn Corridor led the Huge 12 at 18.8 factors per recreation final season; Mississippi State switch KeShawn Murphy will step in to Broome’s spot. D-II switch Elyjah Freeman will group up with Pettiford in an try to remain within the high third within the SEC.
27. Creighton
Just one group has to maneuver on from a four-time convention defensive participant of the yr. It should be bizarre to activate a Creighton recreation and never see Ryan Kalkbrenner posted within the paint. Steven Ashworth and Jamiya Neal are additionally gone. I am unable to fade too far on Creighton, although, not when coaches this summer season voted Greg McDermott because the third-best X’s-and-O’s thoughts within the recreation. Huge Mac will prop up returnees Jackson McAndrew, Jasen Inexperienced, Isaac Traudt and Fedor Zugic. That quartet goes to mesh alongside a duo of Iowa transfers: Owen Freeman and Josh Dix. Freeman’s coming back from a knee harm and is anticipated to be able to play in November. (Correction: I initially mislabeled the timeline for Freeman’s return as deeper into the season; apologies!) Nik Graves (Charlotte switch) additionally figures to be a dependable choice, significantly from deep. It will be no shock if this Creighton group is essentially the most 3-point-happy of any within the Huge East; the Jays have been top-11 nationally in 3-point fee the previous two years.
28. Oklahoma
Taking an enormous swing on Porter Moser’s Sooners. Few staffs on the high-major stage seemingly received extra budget-friendly bargains within the portal than Oklahoma (which, to be clear, nonetheless spent greater than $5 million). The Sooners retain sufficient from final yr’s No. 9 seed. Even shedding top-10 decide Jeremiah Fears after one season in all probability will not ding the group’s profile. Fears was a enjoyable expertise however performed minimal protection, which should not be a theme on this yr’s squad. Xzayvier Brown (by the use of St. Joe’s) is likely one of the higher portal provides within the SEC; I believe he generally is a top-15 participant within the league if deployed accurately. Brown will play alongside 3-point sniper Nijel Pack (STILL within the sport!), Derrion Reid (Alabama) and Tae Davis (Notre Dame), all top-100 transfers who will give OU extra depth and energy than final season. Moser’s going to see an enormous soar on protection from Mohamed Wague within the center, and with that, doubtlessly his finest defensive group in 5 seasons in Norman.
29. Virginia
Lots has been stated and written concerning the match between establishment and coach right here. Ryan Odom had childhood rising up when his father, Dave, was on workers in Charlottesville. Past the connections to Virginia, I like Odom’s possibilities within the large image — and in Yr 1 — as a result of his file backs up the forecast. He is received 64% of his video games at three mid-major colleges (and at D-II Lenoir Rhyne), totaling 227 wins. Odom additionally received greater than $10 million to play with straight away, which ought to equate to an enormous bounce-back after the Tony Bennett hangover season was a 15-17 bust.
The Wahoos are anticipated by some to be within the high third of the ACC. I believe they get there because of a basketful of transfers who can all hit the deep ball, with most of them averaging double digits a season in the past. Names to know, with 3-point accuracy in parentheses: Malik Thomas (39% at San Francisco), Sam Lewis (44.4% at Toledo), Jacari White (40% at North Dakota State), Devin Tillis (39% at UC Irvine), Dallin Corridor (35.3%) at BYU. After which there’s Thijs de Ridder, a 6-8, 230-pound ahead from Belgium who might unlock all of it. He enters school hoops after logging 33 video games in Liga ACB previously yr — and was a 39.1% 3-point shooter. Virginia’s going to look a LOT completely different, stylistically, from the Bennettball period.
30. Iowa
Quite a lot of my groups between 26-40 are coached by first-year guys. Much like Virginia, I’ll take a reasonably large swing and predict Iowa is instantly good underneath new possession. Hey, 44-year-old Ben McCollum, who went 31-4 at Drake and received an NCAA tourney recreation in his first season teaching in D-I. His rep was so good, Indiana critically appeared into him, as did West Virginia … however Iowa was the not-so-secret frontrunner for the Hawkeye State native.
McCollum has received 82% of his video games in his profession, with 4 D-II nationwide titles. He is bringing Bennett Stirtz with him. The slender level guard is a CBS Sports activities preseason All-American and will vie with Braden Smith for the nation’s finest help fee. Quite a lot of Drake guys transferred up, and take note many of those guys started with McCollum at D-II Northwest Missouri State just some years in the past. This decide might completely blow up in my face … or look good!
31. Saint Mary’s
There are particular coaches the place it’s important to abide by the monitor file. Randy Bennett is one such coach. Saint Mary’s loses level guard Augustas Marciulionis, lumberjack Mitchell Saxen, Luke Barrett and Jordan Ross. These 4 mixed for greater than half the group’s manufacturing. It is a ton. However Paulius Murauskas, Mikey Lewis and Harry Wessels are loyal servants within the Faculty of Randy, able to preserve SMC within the NCAA Event image. There’s a few portal guys (Tony Duckett appears primed to pop) and a pair freshmen whose roles are nonetheless being ironed out, however Bennett’s just too good for me to place the Gaels any decrease at this level. SMC’s KenPom common end the previous 10 years: thirtieth. (And that is together with the COVID-year seventy fifth end that kills the common.) I will trip with Bennett’s boys once more and really feel no uneasiness inserting them this excessive after a 29-6 run in 2024-25.
32. Wisconsin
I’ve received Badgers junior guard John Blackwell making the Huge Ten First Group in March. He put up 15.8 factors final season whereas being a semi-understudy to the fabulous switch redemption story that was John Tonje. Now that is Blackwell’s group. The one different Badger again who averaged greater than two factors per recreation is ahead Nolan Winter (9.4). The brand new face who I believe will get Wisconsin safely into the NCAA Event is a man with Ultimate 4 expertise: San Diego State switch Nick Boyd leveled up after being an off-the-bench man on FAU’s Cinderella group in 2022-23. Bringing him and Andrew Rohde from Virginia ought to preserve Wisconsin safely within the high half of the Huge Ten.
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33. Ohio State
If you happen to’ve been following alongside this month with all of our preseason protection (and I belief you could have; no outlet is extra inventive, enthusiastic, dependable or thorough as our group), you noticed we launched our All-America groups earlier this week. I am right here to reveal my greatest gripe: Bruce Thornton did not make the lower. He was a Second Group selection on my poll. The OSU senior lead guard averaged 17.7 factors, 4.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds, shot 42.2% from 3-point vary, 85.3% from the road and 50.1% from the sphere. He is an outright stud and can carry OSU into the NCAAs in 2026 after the Buckeyes missed out in ’25. Thornton has Devin Royal (13.7 ppg) returning and John Mobley Jr., who averaged 13 factors and will change into a top-10 3-point torcher over the following 5 months. Buckeyes have an excessive amount of expertise to squander. An excellent buy-low group.
34. Texas
Texas has made one Ultimate 4 since 1947, the 2003 run underneath Rick Barnes. Rodney Terry took UT to the NCAA Event in all three seasons he ran this system, nevertheless it went from 29 wins, a 2-seed and the Elite Eight; to 21 wins, a 7-seed and the second spherical; to 19 wins, an 11-seed and never clearing the First 4. The coach who beat Terry? Yep: Sean Miller. And now the 56-year-old Miller is the coach in Austin. He is received 487 video games in his profession, opting to bail on Xavier — after it gave him a brand new lease on life following his firing from Arizona — as a result of he believes profitable a nationwide title in his new place is feasible, in contrast to the previous place. Whether or not that is true, we’ll discover out within the years to come back.
In Yr 1, Miller has a group that figures to make the NCAAs … however perhaps it’s going to be flirting with that First 4 standing. The Horns retained Tramon Mark and Jordan Pope, a very good duo price 20-plus factors per evening, along with a pair extra guys who opted to remain on with the brand new regime. The very best-ceiling switch is probably going Simeon Wilcher, who left Rick Pitino and St. John’s for an opportunity to broaden his skillset. This would be the ultimate cease of Miller’s school profession. Will or not it’s his finest?
35. NC State
The Wolfpack’s fanbase feels prefer it has cause for pleasure and a few braggadocio now that 42-year-old Will Wade is in charge of this system. The final time State went right into a season with this a lot on-the-table optimism was in all probability 2012-13, which was Mark Gottfried’s second season (group included T.J. Warren, CJ Leslie and Lorenzo Brown; it wound up a No. 8 seed). How about this for a plot twist: It is State — not Duke or North Carolina or anybody else within the league — that claims the preseason ACC participant of the yr. Texas Tech switch Darrion Williams (15.1 ppg) is the tip of the spear of a portal class that additionally contains Tre Holloman (Michigan State), Quadir Copeland (McNeese), Ven-Allen Lubin (UNC) and Terrance Arceneaux (Houston).
Wade has among the best monitor information of fast fixes, so it is honest to forecast State within the NCAA Event dialog straight away. That is Wade’s fifth job, following his most up-to-date two-year success at McNeese, which got here after LSU, VCU and Chattanooga. In eight of his earlier 11 seasons, Wade has been in control of an NCAA Event group.
36. Ole Miss
There’s simply no approach the SEC can come near matching final season’s record-setting greatness. My rankings mirror this not simply with the place I’ve Mississippi (ninth general within the pecking order), however the groups you may see quickly hereafter. Chris Beard’s membership brings a top quality ahead in Malik Dia (10.8 ppg) again however nobody else who averaged higher than two factors on a 24-win group that earned a 6-seed. The Rebels can depend on depth, although. This is perhaps Beard’s deepest group ever, and I believe you may see that mirrored within the first month of the season, when the beginning rotation might characteristic seven or eight guys over a seven-, eight-game span. The identify that is emerged early is Kentucky switch Travis Perry, who’s going to be one of many breakout guys within the SEC, however he’ll be uplifted by the likes of Kansas switch AJ Storr (who desperately wants a reset) and Louisville switch James Scott, an elite lob menace.
37. Mississippi State
The Bulldogs once more characteristic one of many must-see gamers within the sport, 5-9 (if that) Josh Hubbard, who averaged 18.9 factors final season and hopefully generally is a 20-per-game man in 2025-26. You can also make the case that counting on a small lead guard for a lot offense can hamper different sides of an assault. However, if I can current a counterpoint: diminutive guards who can hoist and haul up the factors is likely one of the finest promoting factors of school basketball. Here is to hoping Hubbard is so good, he makes a push for SEC Participant of the Yr. Hubbard misplaced greater than 60 factors per recreation in help from final season’s group. Jayden Epps, by the use of Georgetown, will flank him within the backcourt. And I just like the Achor Achor add (Okay-State). That is an ideal match for Chris Jans’ system.
38. Baylor
An absolute enigma getting into the season. Baylor received 20 video games and was a No. 9 seed a yr in the past … but misplaced each single participant to both commencement or switch. This usually occurs with a group that undergoes a training change, not a program with its finest coach in historical past and with a nationwide title not up to now within the rearview. What provides? The attract of the portal, primarily. Scott Drew’s had more durable teaching jobs, for certain, however none fairly like this one. He managed to usher in one other top-10 recruit, nonetheless. Search for freshman guard Tounde Yessoufou to have loads of alternatives to match or exceed any first-year participant within the convention (together with Dybantsa and Peterson) in utilization fee. The Bears’ most promising transfers appear to be Obi Agbim (higher than 17 factors/recreation at Wyoming) and Michael Rataj (16.9 ppg with Oregon State). I additionally just like the Dan Skillings Jr. add. Skillings was a connective piece at Cincinnati and is a good scheme match for Drew’s system. BU’s vary could possibly be nearly as good as a No. 5 seed and as dangerous as not even sniffing the event. Oh, and if you would like one other common reminder of your mortality, there is a freshman in Waco by the identify of Andre Iguodala Jr.
39. Memphis
One other group the place everyone left. Penny Hardaway’s attempting to get via even only a six-month run with none drama, however that appears inconceivable with this program. The Tigers have received the American auto bid in two of the previous three seasons, however they can not seem to deal with the prospect of prosperity that properly. Nonetheless, it is Memphis: this ought to be one of the best group within the convention. The switch consumption is just too lengthy to record, so I will level out three guys I’ve excessive hopes for in preserving the Tigers as a top-40 outfit: Okay-State switch Dug McDaniel on the level; McNeese switch Honest Parker because the beginning taking pictures guard; and former Kentucky/Ohio State middle Aaron Bradshaw to discover a residence that empowers him to make good on his five-star status popping out of highschool.
40. Indiana
Mike Woodson is out after 4 years. In comes Darian DeVries, who received 169 video games at Drake and West Virginia. The intriguing factor is DeVries almost coached on this state two years in the past: he was the No. 2 selection at Notre Dame behind Micah Shrewsberry. Can he be the man to get Indiana again to blue blood standing? Will probably be a heavy elevate and it will not come instantly, even when the Hoosiers have been one of many greatest spenders within the portal, simply clearing $10 million within the spring. The brand new faces are Lamar Wilkerson (20.5 ppg at Sam Houston), Tucker DeVries (14.9 at West Virginia earlier than sitting out many of the season with a shoulder situation), Reed Bailey (18.8 ppg with Davidson), Nick Dorn (15.2 ppg with Elon) and Conor Enright (glue man at DePaul).
The roster does not appear to have the names to justify all the cash spent, however that is all hypothesis till we truly get going. The Hoosiers are in a bizarre spot the place the soccer program can win a nationwide title and the lads’s basketball group is simply hoping to be ok to make the NCAA Event.
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41. SMU
If you happen to’re not paying shut sufficient consideration, SMU within the bubble combine would possibly float proper over your head. Andy Enfield lacked high-end wins in Yr 1, however the Ponies did win 24 video games and end tied for fourth within the 18-team, down ACC. There’s loads to work with right here; a 2026 NCAA Event look is kind of potential. The Mustangs will look to attain that by counting on a man named “Boopie,” who’s Exhibit No. 4,298 why School Basketball is The Finest. Boopie Miller averaged 13.2 factors a season in the past and should properly soar that to north of 17/recreation by March. He’ll play off large man Samet Yigitogulu and senior backcourt mate B.J. Edwards. If Virginia can threaten to win the ACC in soccer, perhaps SMU can do the identical in hoops?
42. Missouri
Dennis Gates returns greater than 40% of his minutes, together with Mark Mitchell, Anthony Robinson and Trent Pierce. I’ve received the Tigers eleventh within the SEC pecking order. Mistake? It is potential, however the cause I wound up slotting them seven or eight spots decrease than in my preliminary go on the high 101 is as a result of switch class. Jayden Stone scored greater than 20/recreation at Detroit … however that was two seasons in the past, so we’ll see how he’s coming off the redshirt yr. Sebastian Mack (UCLA) and Shawn Phillips Jr. (Arizona State) are TBD with their roles and influence. Mizzou has been good-bad-good in Gates’ three seasons. I do not suppose this can be a dangerous group by any stretch — no shot — however must see how the items slot in an SEC that is nonetheless going to be ridiculous within the high eight.
43. Boise State
After three straight NCAA Tournaments, the Broncos missed final season, although they managed to complete a good 26-11. Leon Rice has coached this program since 2010 and averaged 19.8 wins per yr; there have been a pair of 13-win campaigns, however in any other case Boise’s hit the 20-plus-win mark within the different 11 seasons. I am leaning in on an enormous yr regardless of some dings: Tyson Degenhart (who felt like he was there eight seasons), O’Mar Stanley and Alvaro Cardenas left. A pair of 6-7 upperclassmen are again in Javan Buchanan and Andrew Meadow, they usually’ll be propped up by UCLA switch Dylan Andrew (big get) and Drew Fielder, who’s a 6-10 incomer from Georgetown that was a puzzle piece-type addition for Rice’s crew. Additionally, I believe guard Pearson Carmichael might be one of many breakout guys within the Mountain West — and I believe the Broncos squeak into the Huge Dance for the fourth time in 5 years.
44. Vanderbilt
Mark Byington went from James Madison to Vanderbilt and instantly received the Commodores into the NCAAs, which amounted to one of many higher teaching jobs in 2024-25, a season with no scarcity of spectacular first-year résumés. Some within the basketball world regard Byington as an upper-tier teaching thoughts, and if he can overshoot my Vandy prediction right here by 20 slots, put together to listen to Byington’s identify within the rumor mill on the teaching carousel in 2026 and 2027. A yr in the past, Byington scheduled a weak non-con, however went 12-1 and it set his group up with the arrogance essential to have a shot within the SEC. This yr’s November-December slate is a notch more durable, however with transfers Mike James (from Louisville), Duke Miles (from Oklahoma) and Frankie Collins (from TCU), Vandy ought to have the ability to climate some early storms. Tyler Nickel (10.4 ppg) and Devin McGlockton (10.3 ppg) returning to the fold ought to preserve this group aggressive nationally.
45. USC
I believe USC is the hardest group to peg of all 18 within the Huge Ten. I might see the Trojans being ok to complete sixth or dangerous sufficient to wind up 14th. What we all know: Eric Musselman’s group might be enjoying from behind, as five-star prospect Alijah Arenas is rehabbing a knee harm and will not know till at the very least mid-January whether or not or not he’ll play this season. Absent Arenas, USC brings again Terrance Williams on the wing … and nobody else. The portal pickups have been highlighted by Maryland’s Rodney Rice and Auburn’s Chad Baker-Mazara, who to be honest, could possibly be big additions. There are additionally gamers from Youngstown State, UNC Asheville, Dartmouth, Robert Morris, Utah and Samford on the roster. USC received 17 video games final season and wasn’t a top-50 group. I believe it nudges up … nevertheless it looks like an unpredictable subsequent 5 months.
46. Dayton
It is a blatant contrarian take. Dayton is just not the highest decide by people or predictive metrics within the A-10. The Flyers might need a much bigger rebuild in 2025 than after the Obi Toppin 2019-20 season or the Da’Ron Holmes 2023-24 season — and perhaps even any of the high-end Archie Miller groups from the mid-2010s. It is honest to suppose UD slips to 3rd, fourth, fifth or sixth in that league. However I will fly with the Flyers given their monitor file of 21-plus wins in 5 of the earlier six seasons, the one exception being the COVID-shortened 2020-21 experiment. My cause for staying true begins with the purpose guard, Javon Bennett, coming again, a 5-10 waterbug who will pair with a 7-1 Frenchman (Amael L’Etang) that can make them a troublesome scout even with an general expertise dip. The defensive profile ought to nonetheless be upper-tier within the league, because of inbound transfers from Georgia, NC State, Iona and Rutgers who ought to all preserve Dayton a cussed group on that finish of the ground.
47. Utah State
Jerrod Calhoun’s agent acquired some calls in final yr’s cycle, however fortunately USU is just not coping with one more teaching change after Calhoun taking the job in 2024 represented the fifth head coach in Logan since 2018. Extra excellent news, Aggie followers: I believe your group goes to be in competition to get an NCAA Event bid. And actually, I’ve received USU at 47 right here, however a top-35 season is throughout the realm of chance because of Mason Falslev (15.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.7 apg) returning to the fold. I believe Falslev can play his approach into being the Mountain West POY. Utah State, general, brings again almost 40 factors per recreation from final season, a wholesome quantity for a mid-major within the portal period. Calhoun ain’t messin’ round, both: Garry Clark is within the combine after being a 15 point-per-game man at A&M Corpus-Christi. Transfers from Butler (Kolby King), Vanderbilt (MJ Collins Jr.) and Utah (Zach Keller) will fortify a justifiable squad within the Beehive State.
48. Clemson
The Tigers went 18-2 within the ACC final season. If you happen to aren’t a Clemson fan, you in all probability did not even understand this; to be honest, the ACC was pungent. Brad Brownell’s group received 27 video games, then received booted within the first spherical of the NCAAs by McNeese — the one high-major to lose to a low-major in final yr’s tourney. With lead guard Chase Hunter, ahead Ian Schieffelin and middle Viktor Lahkin all shifting on (although Schieffelin’s truly enjoying soccer for Clemson in 2025), the Tigers are virtually actually taking an enormous step again. Dylan Hunter is the one man again who performed legit minutes a season in the past. Nevada switch Nick Davidson — a moldable ahead — ought to discover lots of room to thrive right here, however questions linger on the defensive finish. Is it a strong sufficient roster to nonetheless be top-five within the ACC? Brownell’s completed a pleasant job previously 5 years, so a top-50 rating is bowing to his latest monitor file.
49. Cincinnati
One of many strangest tales of the previous six months is the dismissal of Jizzle James from Cincinnati. James was, by all accounts, a top quality teammate via his first two seasons with the Bearcats. However one thing modified within the spring, and by July, coach Wes Miller needed to sever ties. James would’ve been the group’s projected finest participant underneath excellent circumstances, so UC in consequence will get knocked down a bit in my rankings with out him. UC additionally misplaced Dillon Mitchell, Dan Skillings Jr., Simas Likosius, Aziz Bandaogo … and many of the roster from one among 2024-25’s most disappointing groups. Miller must make the NCAA Event to carry on to his job. Day Day Thomas (10.2 ppg) is the one participant again who contributed a season in the past and he ought to be a very nice participant over the following 5 months. Cincinnati’s most promising additions are Jalen Celestine from Baylor, Baba Miller from FAU (beforehand at FSU), Honest Harris from West Virginia and Kerr Kriisa, who received harm final fall and by no means factored in at Kentucky.
50. Kansas State
I had the Wildcats twenty fourth a yr in the past, and I used to be unsuitable identical to everybody else who thought one of many greatest 2024 spenders within the portal would cruise to the NCAA Event. Jerome Tang’s group was a bust, ending 16-17. For ’25-26, I’ve Okay-State lacking the Huge Dance once more, however I believe the group will get to twenty wins and is rather more competent. PJ Haggerty is right here after one season at Memphis. Possibly he’ll lead the nation in scoring? Possibly he is truly going to be so superior, Okay-State outshoots this prediction. Hopes are excessive within the Little Apple. Tang saved just a few bit gamers, however this can be a hefty roster flip, together with three worldwide prospects whose manufacturing I am to trace. Whereas the offense ought to be quite a bit higher (Okay-State was one hundred and twenty fifth in effectivity a season in the past), I believe the protection sags.
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51. Maryland
What a violent swing for the Terps. This group completed tenth at KenPom, received 27 video games and made the Candy 16 … however underwent 100% turnover after Kevin Willard tied himself into knots after which sliced his approach out of School Park within the course of. So, hiya, Buzz Williams, who was rumored the previous two years to be itching once more to change jobs. The 53-year-old has 373 wins to his identify and 12 NCAA Event victories (each rather more than Willard), offering some short-term optimism for Terps followers. Supplied with a wholesome NIL finances, Williams and his workers introduced Pharrel Payne and Solomon Washington alongside from A&M, along with Myles Rice (10/recreation at Indiana, however has potential to pop), Isaiah Watts (Washington State) and Elijah Saunders (10.4 ppg at Virginia). Freshman to know: Darius Adams, a five-star prospect who’s a slender 6-5 2-guard and can get some actual run straight away.
52. Saint Louis
The Billikens did not instantly upend the A-10 in Josh Schertz’s first season, however they’ll have a shot at taking the league in 2026. SLU and Schertz get yet one more yr from Robbie Avila, the guileful and goggled 6-10 centerpiece who put up 17.3 factors and 6.9 boards per recreation in an injury-affected season. Avila received some preseason All-American buzz final October, then fell properly in need of that, however I believe he turns in a terrific send-off senior season. The Payments get Avila and his frontcourt mate, Kalu Anya, again within the fold, they usually’ll have reinforcement with Quinnipiac switch Paul Otieno, giving SLU the highest frontcourt within the A-10. (SLU ought to have one of the best measurement within the league, in truth.) Guard-wise, Xavier switch Trey Inexperienced is poised to run the purpose — one among eight gamers on this roster with a monitor file of taking pictures at the very least 35% from past the arc.
53. Villanova
The Kyle Neptune period was sadly an enormous miss. Three seasons, with every marketing campaign falling properly in need of NCAA Event high quality. In: Kevin Willard, who’s received 335 instances in his profession throughout Maryland, Seton Corridor and Iona. He is turned the web page after one of many uglier coach-and-school divorces within the sport previously 15 years. Nova wasn’t one of many richest colleges within the portal this yr, nevertheless it ranked close to the highest within the Huge East, so this is what to know: Eric Dixon, among the best gamers in program historical past, is gone. As is many of the roster, although Tyler Perkins (6.3 ppg) did stick round. Willard introduced on journeyman Devin Askew, whose profession started in 2020 at Kentucky and contains stops at Texas, Cal and Lengthy Seashore State. Sure, he nonetheless has eligibility. Bryce Lindsay (James Madison) and Duke Brennan (Grand Canyon) are a pair of mid-major guys who must make a leap and show their talent to justify Villanova’s preseason projection of being a top-six group within the Huge East. The freshman to know is Acaden Lewis, who might change into the most efficient frosh within the convention resulting from how a lot Willard leans on his lefty combo guard.
54. Georgia
The Dawgs’ 10-year NCAA Event drought was snapped final March when UGA earned a No. 9 seed and navigated its approach via a hellish SEC schedule. Mike White’s group was promptly kicked out of the Dance with a 21-point defeat to Gonzaga, however at the very least the arrow was getting into the best route. Alas, as you’ll be able to see with the place I’ve received the group right here, I believe a regression is inbound. Blue Cain is again, and he’ll in all probability soar from 9.6 factors to 12 or 13 per recreation, however you’ll be able to’t make the case this group is extra proficient than final yr’s. Asa Newell went one-and-done to the NBA and Silas Demary took a pay soar to go and attempt to win a nationwide title at UConn. White’s hoping Jeremiah Wilkinson’s 15.1 ppg manufacturing at Cal can switch seamlessly into the SEC. Wilkinson is a lead guard and must thrive to provide Georgia a shot at top-10 standing within the SEC. The 6-9 Kanon Catchings left BYU for Athens and is a projected starter as properly.
55. Notre Dame
Suppose that is the place we see Micah Shrewsberry’s teaching acumen making an enormous distinction in roster high quality vs. general end. Shrews’ group was 118th at KenPom in 2024, 98th final season and never forecasted by the computer systems to be within the realm I am inserting it. A soar into the highest 70 ought to be the possible end result, with a top-60 end potential because of one of many ACC’s finest nonetheless on the town. Markus Burton is a darkish horse ACC POY decide. The junior lead guard averaged 21.3 factors in 2024-25. That quantity won’t enhance as a result of Braeden Shrewsberry (14.0 ppg) will increase and freshman Jalen Haralson could possibly be one of the best non-Duke/UNC beginner within the ACC. That league can not/is not going to be as mediocre as final season. It will take just a few groups making some northward vaults. I like ND as a kind of groups.
56. Texas A&M
We had 14 high-major teaching modifications in March and April; this is one other. After spending his first 41 years on planet earth calling the state of Alabama residence, Bucky McMillan left Samford for School Station and goes to convey his BuckyBall system to the SEC. McMillan’s groups have historically pressed like madmen. I am to see if the philosophy is totally introduced over now that he is competing on the highest stage in school hoops. McMillan’s key portal additions are Pop Isaacs — who joined solely after defecting from Houston (Isaacs pledged to UH after leaving Creighton within the spring) as soon as Milos Uzan opted out of the NBA Draft — and former Indiana large Mackenzie Mgbako. Rylen Griffen’s fizzle-out at Kansas additionally led to him coming right here, and he’ll be flanked within the backcourt by NC State switch Marcus Hill and North Alabama level guard Jacari Lane (17.3 ppg). No expectations in Yr 1 from the skin in, so let’s simply toss a bunch of fascinating gamers collectively and see the way it all cooks.
57. Georgetown
“Discover me in Yr 3” was what Ed Cooley advised me a few years again after we have been discussing the truth of the rebuild at Georgetown and what it was going to take to show that battleship round. Properly, that is Yr 3. Cooley’s file on the college is 27-39. I need not see an NCAA Event group, however I do must see a group that’s within the bubble dialog getting into February. Georgetown has the items to maneuver up a tier within the Huge East. Malik Mack is again to run the offense, supported by 4 function gamers who ought to develop right into a stronger unit. Georgetown does not have a single freshman on its roster, the one high-major (perhaps the one college within the nation?) the place that’s the case. Transfers KJ Lewis (Arizona), Langston Love (Baylor) and Vincent Iwuchukwu (St. John’s) clearly make this group streets forward of the previous two. Lewis is perhaps a top-10 defender in America.
58. TCU
The Horned Frogs have been background noise within the larger panorama of school hoops final yr. A 16-16 marketing campaign, no All-Huge 12 expertise, simply … there. However except 2019-21 (COVID-affected, take note), Jamie Dixon does not do back-to-back subpar seasons. So whereas I do not suppose the Horned Frogs might be dancing in 2026, I do suppose they will be above .500 and battling for the highest half of the Huge 12. The unknown is who winds up changing into the No. 1 man. Will or not it’s a returnee (David Punch, Micah Robinson) or one of many transfers (Utah Valley’s Tanner Toolson, Windfall’s Jayden Pierre)?
59. Nebraska
Fred Hoiberg is lucky to convey again Connor Essegian, the thread that connects all within the offense. Nonetheless, Essegian averaged simply 10.7 factors a season in the past. He’ll group up with Rienk Mast, who sat out ’24-25 with a knee harm. Mast was a volcano of 3s in NU’s exhibition vs. BYU, an preliminary constructive signal that the Cornhuskers will dodge the Huge Ten basement. Getting Mast again, plus Braden Frager off a redshirt yr ought to present Nebraska with sufficient expertise and camaraderie to play a spoiler on some nights within the league. The switch class may be very a lot to-be-determined so far as influence goes. Hoiberg’s had a top-50 group the previous two seasons. This group should not be too far off, I would not suppose.
60. LSU
It is a hot-seat season for Matt McMahon. The Bayou Bengals are 45-53 in McMahon’s three seasons and might want to make the Huge Dance to ensure that him to hold on in Baton Rouge. I do not challenge LSU to be that good, although I believe there is a wholesome probability that is McMahon’s finest group. One double-digit scorer returns: junior PF Jalen Reed (11.1 ppg). Incoming? UNLV’s Dedan Thomas Jr., Omaha’s Marquel Sutton and Mississippi State’s Michael Nwoko. This group collectively could have extra offensive prowess than the three earlier groups underneath McMahon. The portal haul does not rank among the many seven or eight most harmful within the SEC, however I do like how the workers was ready to usher in guys who’re confirmed bucket-getters. If it should be a bumpy season, at the very least attempt to win video games within the 80s.
61. Butler
Thad Matta has not hit but at Butler, however you’ll be able to financial institution on this group — in his fourth season — being one of the best but. The Bulldogs have not had a squad as deep or athletic general as what was constructed via, coincidentally sufficient, one of the best NIL finances Matta was given. Junior G Finley Bizack (10.3) is one of the best returner, however look out for Michael Ajayi (who did not hit his ceiling at Gonzaga) and Jalen Jackson (a inventive scorer at Purdue Fort Wayne) to be two of the higher transfers within the Huge East. Nonetheless not an NCAA tourney group, however BU will rack up extra wins this season vs. NCAA tourney-level competitors than in any yr since 2020.
62. West Virginia
Can WVU maneuver itself into an period of stability within the again half of the last decade? The Mountaineers have their fourth coach in as a few years — the one high-major presently enduring a revolving door of management 4 seasons working. The brand new man on the town is 45-year-old Ross Hodge, who comes by the use of North Texas after years of increase a status as one of many elite defensive minds within the recreation. Attention-grabbing, then, that one among his key transfers is Treysen Eaglestaff, who was the one participant to go for 50-plus in a recreation final season when he dropped 51 whereas at North Dakota. WVU’s roster is filled with lots of up-transfer mid-major guys (like Honor Huff, who was good for 15/recreation at Chattanooga and might be a vital element), so we’ll get a right away have a look at if Hodge’s scheme is instantly adaptable on the highest stage with a litany of gamers who’ve by no means performed within the NCAA Event.
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63. Wake Forest
The Deacs do not seem to have the 1-10 heft of the previous three seasons’ price of groups — and none of these certified for the NCAA Event. However this group goes to select off some good wins this yr as a result of there’s sufficient pace, athleticism and defensive upside to make Wake an ACC spoiler. Myles Colvin is in search of an enormous soar after being unhappy together with his function at Purdue, whereas Mekhi Mason (Washington), Cooper Schwieger (Valpo) and Nate Calmese (Washington State) ought to all be double-digit scorers. If Wake will be vastly improved from 3 (it solely made 28.5% final season, putrid) and get above 35% past the arc as a group, this rating will show too low.
64. Northwestern
In polling almost 100 coaches this summer season, we requested who one of the best X-and-O minds in school hoops have been. Chris Collins acquired just a few votes in that ballot, which implies I am in all probability slotting Northwestern 5-10 spots too low. The Wildcats convey again small ahead Nick Martinelli and his 20.5 factors per evening. Okay.J. Windham and Jordan Clayton additionally return from a group that went 17-16 however misplaced 4 toss-up Huge Ten video games (defeated by 5 factors or fewer). NU’s going to be out-athleted and outsized on most nights, however Collins has had solely two really dangerous groups previously 10 seasons. This group ought to equally land properly away from the Huge Ten cellar whereas falling some notches in need of NCAA Event qualification.
65. Windfall
We have got a roster makeover in Rhode Island. Kim English went from narrowly lacking the NCAAs in his first season to solely managing 12 victories final yr. The Friars convey again 5 scholarship gamers, however their high choices ought to be new faces into the fold. Vanderbilt switch Jason Edwards (17.0 ppg and PC’s finest participant) and UCF switch Jaylin Sellers might be a enjoyable duo to observe. One other intriguing participant is Stefan Vaaks, who’s getting some preliminary curiosities from the NBA ranks, however the 6-7 Estonian will possible ease into the season earlier than discovering his match by the beginning of league play.
66. Virginia Tech
This might be a bounce-back season, virtually assured, for the Hokies. Mike Younger’s group was a large number final yr. A 13-19 file, a sub-160 KenPom rating and a backcourt rife with points. Was it an outright purge? No. Tobi Lawal, Jaden Schutt and Tyler Johnson, most notably, are nonetheless concerned — and I believe all three make jumps to get Virginia Tech far away from the ACC basement. The Hokies additionally introduced on Greek ahead Neoklis Avdalas, among the best foreign-born gamers coming into school hoops. Will or not it’s sufficient to save lots of Mike Younger’s job? Presumably, however at the very least VT ought to compete within the lower-middle of a greater ACC.
67. Pittsburgh
Jeff Capel has one NCAA Event journey in seven seasons. He in all probability must get No. 2 in 2026 to remain on right here. The Panthers do not challenge as a tournament-worthy squad, alas. The offense will in all probability be a work-in-progress heading into December, even when the wins vs. buy-game groups come. Jaland Lowe was so strong final season, however now he’ll shine for Kentucky, not Pitt. Capel’s going to have to search out other ways by the week to grind to some victories, until I am misfiring solely right here and his portal pickups have been quietly a number of the finest bargain-bin hauls within the ACC.
68. George Washington
How usually do you get a possible NCAA Event group from a mid-major whose finest participant is 6-11 or taller? Chris Caputo has the luxurious of constructing his offense round his middle. Senior Rafael Castro is a preseason A-10 First Teamer after averaging 14 factors and 9 snags a yr in the past. His counterweight on the offensive finish is 6-2 grad switch Tre Dinkins, who was a ball-mover at Duquesne. GW has its most loaded roster in additional than a decade, and it is due to groups like this (along with just a few extra from the convention you may see shortly) that make me imagine the Atlantic 10 could have a shot as one of the best mid-major league in 2025-26.
69. Washington
The Huskies are getting some love as a Huge Ten group that can end top-half of the league, however I am not bought but. A part of that is because of an essential harm: Switch Jacob Ognacevic, the ASUN participant of the yr out of Lipscomb, is recovering from foot surgical procedure and will not be out there till January. At level guard, freshman J.J. Mandaquit initiatives as an all-league participant by his junior season, however he’ll in all probability want a while to adapt. Who’s the alpha in Seattle? Prone to be Wesley Yates III, however Zoom Diallo is again for his sophomore season they usually’ll group up with USC switch Desmond Claude, who took one thing of a journey after his noisy determination to go one-and-done at USC. The Huge Ten goes to be a bear. I believe it winds up because the No. 1 league in school hoops. Coach Danny Sprinkle received 13 video games final season. That will get to at the very least 15, nevertheless it’ll be hard-fought. UW takes the actual soar a yr from now.
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70. Miami
The Hurricanes are coached by Jai Lucas, a first-year coach who involves Coral Gables after spending the previous couple of years underneath Jon Scheyer at Duke. Miami in all probability will not be a top-half-of-the-ACC group in metrics however it will likely be rattling shut in expertise. The 2 most confirmed D-I gamers are former Indiana ahead Malik Reneau and former Michigan/Auburn bruising guard Tre Donaldson. That is a pleasant place to begin. Shelton Henderson is the five-star prospect who might be within the beginning 5 from Day 1 whereas enjoying alongside Ernest Udeh Jr., who’s a defense-first large who’s additionally the commanding voice on the ground for the U.
71. Oklahoma State
5 double-digit-scoring mid-major gamers have transferred in, spotlighted by Anthony Roy, who led the nation at 25.7 factors per recreation a season in the past for lowly Inexperienced Bay (however he solely performed 11 video games, so he did not qualify as the game’s chief in ppg). Steve Lutz can do extra with much less and he’ll get to do this methodology out for a second straight season in Stillwater. The Cowboys have not been capable of compete monetarily with lots of different packages within the Huge 12, placing them a few tiers beneath the large boys. To offset this, Lutz recruited for and can once more attempt to win with tempo — hoping to push Oklahoma State into the highest 10 for many possessions per recreation.
72. Loyola Chicago
A great season in honor of Sister Jean awaits. School basketball’s most well-known centenarian died earlier this month at 106; I might be a idiot to suppose Drew Valentine’s Ramblers would stagger in her reminiscence. Per CBB Analytics, no returning participant had extra alley-oops a season in the past than LUC middle Miles Rubin (30 in 32 video games), who doubles as a implausible paint protector alongside PF Kymany Houinsou. Getting these two again alongside lead guard Justin Moore (5.3 apg) goes to show pivotal within the A-10, which might wind up as among the best league races in school hoops. Nowadays, a mid-major preserving three starters is borderline important to having a shot to win your league. Valentine’s received 23-plus video games in three of his earlier 4 seasons, and I believe he hits that quantity once more.
73. UNLV
Josh Pastner, welcome again to the sideline. After two seasons within the TV enterprise, Pastner was itching to return to his true calling. So he finds himself in Vegas and with a roster-building expertise in contrast to something he is completed earlier than. I am positively greater on the Rebs than the computer systems. Pastner’s greatest portal will get have been Illinois’ Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, UC Irvine guard Myles Che and former Excessive Level bruiser Kimani Hamilton. Pastner has been infused with new objective; I will be stunned if by 2029 on the newest he hasn’t earned UNLV its first NCAA Event win since … 2008!
74. Xavier
Musketeer followers didn’t suppose they’d be beginning with a brand new coach this season, however would not you somewhat be with somebody who needs to be with you? Sean Miller dipped out for Texas, making approach for Richard Pitino to hitch his father within the Huge East and provides extra compelling storylines to the league. Pitino’s received 247 video games in his profession and is coming off a pleasant two-year run at New Mexico with back-to-back NCAA appearances, totaling 53 wins and training up the likes of JT Toppin and Donovan Dent. I believe Yr 1 might be bumpy and certain by no means characteristic X within the bubble image, however this ought to be a rent that finally works, a lot in order that that is in all probability the bottom preseason rating X could have for me for nonetheless lengthy Pitino’s in Cincy.
75. Minnesota
Few suits higher on this yr’s teaching carousel than 51-year-old Niko Medved going again residence to Minneapolis to teach the Gophers. Medved did a stellar job growing NBA expertise and title-winning groups at Colorado State. Earlier than that, he lower his tooth at Drake and Furman. He is prepared for this. His group will in all probability be within the backside 4 of the Huge Ten, however I do not suppose Minnesota is doomed to irrelevancy. Medved’s going to make this work. He’ll get Minnesota into the NCAA Event a number of instances for nonetheless lengthy this tenure lasts. This feels proper. The roster rotation is up within the air, however Cade Tyson has appeared particularly good within the preseason (after he stunk at UNC) and suits significantly better in Medved’s system, which incorporates this bewitching play-call.
76. Grand Canyon
The Antelopes have run from the WAC to the Mountain West, and in doing so, given this convention a jolt of buzz. This group’s residence enviornment (checking … it is … the World Credit score Union Enviornment? This place, which seems like a rave known as … that? Somebody repair this ASAP, please) immediately jumps into the top-three environments within the convention. Bryce Drew brings again level guard Makaih Williams, and though Caleb Shaw received some burn final season, there’s lots of new items to place into place. Since that is GCU, the portal handled it properly, contemplating the extent it was recruiting to and the funds it needed to make some influence. Dusty Stromer comes over from Gonzaga, Nana Owusu-Anane a terrific and underrated get by way of Brown. The Lopes received the WAC 4 of the earlier 5 seasons. They will not win the Mountain West straight away, however they will slot in superbly.
77. VCU
The Rams are the official preseason decide to win the A-10, however I will veer away from that and as an alternative challenge Phil Martelli Jr. to complete top-four in his first season at an amazing job. The previous Bryant coach does not have a POY candidate within the convention however he did decide up Tyrell Ward from LSU (Ward sat out final season), Ahmad Nowell from UConn (he’ll be rather more impactful within the A-10), Jadrian Tracey from Oregon and four-star guard Nyk Lewis, who’s appeared good in preseason. Bryant switch Barry Evans joined Martelli and acquired preseason Second Group All-League honors with Ward and Tracey. I’ve received the Rams 77th. They’ve completed seventy fifth or worse at KenPom simply twice since 2006, however these two years have been the primary seasons for Ryan Odom and Mike Rhoades.
78. Penn State
Talking of Mike Rhoades. He had it going so properly at VCU. Then Penn State opened, the examine was too good and he needed to make the transfer. However this can be a arduous job. And Penn State’s portal skills have been on the backside of the Huge Ten this previous spring. So I’ve received the Nittany Lions seventeenth within the 18-team pecking order. Rhoades is such a very good coach, he can simply overshoot this prediction. Freddie Dilione V (9.4 ppg) is the one actual influence man who’s returning. After that, it is up within the air on who steps in and steps up. Hopes are excessive for freshman Kayden Mingo, a four-star participant who’s one of the best recruit to decide to this system this century.
79. Syracuse
Pink Autry had a misplaced season in Yr 2, going 14-19 and ending properly outdoors the highest 100. This yr should go higher, in any other case a program that noticed one teaching change in 5 a long time will discover itself with three coaches in a four-year span. The Orange convey again JJ Starling and Donnie Freeman — two high quality ACC starters. Can they be profitable gamers? Welcome in Naithan George (12.3), who had some good moments in-league at Georgia Tech. And there’s a feel-good story you may hear loads about: Kiyan Anthony, son of Carmelo, will play for SU. Anthony and Sadiq White are the way forward for this program, offered they’ll win sufficient to get Autry to Yr 4.
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80. South Carolina
Lamont Paris’ group went 11 wins in Yr 1, then jumped to 26 victories and a 6-seed in Yr 2, then dipped again all the way down to 12-20 and was the one dangerous group within the superior SEC final season. One of the fascinating roster conditions within the sport is predicated right here, nonetheless. I’ve dubbed the “performed right here, went there, then got here again” transfer as a “boomerang switch,” however Meechie Johnson is transcending the idea. He was at Ohio State from 2020-22, then performed at South Carolina from ’22-24. Then Johnson went again to Ohio State final season. And now he is again in Columbia AGAIN. Women and gents, I’m coining this the Ping Pong Switch. Extremely-rare. Johnson’s a strong participant, too! Might properly lead the group in scoring.
81. Liberty
The Flames have 5 top-100 finishes underneath Ritchie McKay since 2019. I anticipate this season to be the sixth because of McKay’s potential to hold on to some useful expertise. Quite a lot of mid-majors in comparable spots misplaced their finest gamers, however Liberty is not scrambling. The Flames are the overwhelming favourite in CUSA after posting a 28-7 file final season. Double-digit scorers Kaden Metheny (13.3) and Zach Cleveland (11.0) return, along with level guard Colin Porter (9.1 ppg, 4.3 apg).
82. Stanford
I’ve the Cardinal ranked one spot behind the place they completed at KenPom final season: 81. Kyle Smith’s group was 21-14 and went 12-10 in opposition to ACC competitors in its first season within the league. It did so as a result of it had the second-most productive participant within the ACC: Maxime Raynaud led the league in scoring (20.2) and have become an NBA decide. With Raynaud, Jaylen Blakes and Oziyah Sellers gone (that is 47 factors per recreation), Stanford will flip to junior wing Ryan Agarwal, senior ahead Chisom Okpara and freshman guard Ebuka Okorie to attempt to preserve heading within the correct route.
83. San Francisco
USF was a mean mid-major program for a very long time, however have a look at what’s transpired since 2016: Kyle Smith, then Todd Golden, now Chris Gerlufsen. A mixed 188-111, with the Dons coming off a 25-win season, their highest complete since 1981-82. USF returns 5-10 lead guard Ryan Beasley and 6-6 small ahead Tyrone Riley, who’s one of many extra well-rounded gamers within the WCC. The Dons might be top-three/4 within the WCC once more with improved depth and an improve in frontcourt protection, bolstered by 7-foot Pitt switch Guillermo Diaz Graham.
84. Belmont
I’ve received Casey Alexander’s group profitable out in what could possibly be a terrific Missouri Valley chase. Belmont returns Tyler Lundblade, who’s a menace to make 50% of his 3-pointers and 95% of his foul pictures. Not many higher shooters within the nation, no matter stage, than that 6-5 senior. Ahead Sam Orme can be again to help a forged that’s on its approach to a seventh straight season of 20-plus wins underneath Alexander.
85. Georgia Tech
Type of simply … present. There are just a few high-major colleges that have not really been related in a very long time that I might prefer to see make a surge again. Tech is a kind of packages, however this is not the yr. Damon Stoudamire is in his third season, and I do suppose there might be a nudge up after ending outdoors the KenPom high 100 in his first two excursions. Junior PF Baye Ndongo generally is a 14-and-10 man and ought to be the middle of the operation. I’ve received the Bees so low as a result of the backcourt ranks close to the underside within the ACC.
86. Rutgers
A yr in the past, hopes have been excessive. Rutgers was going to compete close to the highest of the Huge Ten with Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, its two finest recruits in program historical past. RU went 15-17 and was THE bummer of final season. Now … we see what Steve Pikiell can do with one more reset. One other Dylan — Dylan Grant — returns because the group’s main scorer … at simply 5.9 factors per recreation. Jamichael Davis and Emmanuel Ogbole additionally returned. Can they reverse the vibes? Take into account, Rutgers’ high portal get was a man from an NJIT group that received six video games a season in the past. It is a powerful ask.
87. UC Irvine
Russell Turner continues to churn out actually good groups in stunning Irvine, California. Final season, UCI went 32-7 (NIT runner-up), however you did not see it within the NCAA Event as a result of UC San Diego was a Huge West wagon. I anticipate the Anteaters to return to the highest of the league, given UCSD coach Eric Olen took the New Mexico job. UCI’s had some standout bigs previously decade, however this season it ought to be sophomore guard Jurian Dixon (Huge West freshman of the yr) and grad pupil Andre Henry who paved the way. Henry’s coming off an harm and could possibly be the tip-the-scales issue between UCI and rival UC Santa Barbara.
88. DePaul
The primary season underneath Chris Holtmann was 14-20 — which was an 11-game enchancment from the yr prior. This yr’s membership figures to enhance by 2-4 wins, I determine, with CJ Gunn beginning senior wing CJ Gunn taking over a starring function. The Blue Demons have been truly acceptable on protection a season in the past, a development that can proceed with Radford switch Brandon Maclin teaming up with Gunn as upper-end on-ball hawks. It is a larger group vs. final yr’s, so I doubt it endures a dip just like the 2-14 run it had in the midst of 2024-25. DePaul’s completed higher than one hundredth simply twice at KenPom since 2007. Mark me down for 2025-26 being the third exploit into the highest 100.
89. South Florida
Few groups have extra expertise within the sport than USF, which ranks fourth nationally in that division in response to Torvik. A bit of greater than a yr faraway from the tragic dying of former coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, the Bulls want to rapidly reestablish their trajectory from his period with new coach Bryan Hodgson. USF was the No. 2 decide within the American, behind Memphis, and might be led by redshirt senior ahead Daimion Collins (beforehand at LSU, Kentucky) and massive man Izaiyah Nelson, who got here together with Hodgson from Arkansas State.
90. UCF
Essentially the most closely rumored coach to be fired/retire final spring who did not truly transfer was UCF’s Johnny Dawkins. That is Dawkins’ tenth season. He is had just one NCAA Event group in his time right here. Final yr the Knights have been a middle-of-the-road Huge 12 group that had simply two wins vs. top-50 competitors. After which they wound up shedding each. single. participant. on the roster. Not a single man on scholarship right here performed a minute final season for Dawkins. Essentially the most recognizable names right here, now, are former Florida/Mississippi State guard Riley Kugel and former TTU ahead Devan Cambridge. Something shy of an NCAA run will most positively result in a training change in Orlando subsequent March.
91. Yale
One other yr, one other actually good James Jones group in New Haven, Connecticut. (Aspect observe: New Haven now has TWO Division I groups with D-I’s latest member: The College of … New Haven.) As for the Elis within the Ivy League, senior ahead Nick Townsend is able to be the following all-league participant who stars for the Bulldogs, following within the footsteps of fellows like Danny Wolf, Bez Mbeng, Miye Oni, Justin Sears, and so forth. Jones (418 wins) is likely one of the oldest-tenured coaches in D-I: he is been at Yale since 1999. He ought to’ve had a much bigger job years in the past. I anticipate to see his group cozily ranked inside the highest 100 of the metrics for the sixth time in an eight-year span.
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92. Colorado
Is that this Tad Boyle’s ultimate yr in Boulder? He had zero curiosity retiring after a 14-21 season and last-place end within the 16-team Huge 12, so let’s have a look at if the following 5 months generally is a — ahem, tad — bit higher. The roster is not overly inspiring (the main scorer could possibly be a 6-footer who performed at UC Riverside), however I doubt Colorado takes back-to-back cellar-dwelling seasons (I’ve Utah final within the league in ’25-26).
93. Charleston
Chris Mack is mighty assured on this group. It is one among his strongest groups, and accordingly, Charleston would be the favourite within the CAA. The Cougars’ measurement and athleticism will get an enormous improve from final season, when Mack’s debut marketing campaign ended with a splendid 24-9 file. Names to know embrace Chol Machot (the group’s finest defender) and bucket-getters Mister Dean (elite identify!) and Christian Reeves (Clemson switch). Few mid-majors had as a lot cash within the portal as Charleston. Appears a secure wager this group is attending to at the very least 24 wins once more.
94. Florida State
The youngest high-major coach employed in 2025 is in Tallahassee, the place 35-year-old Luke Loucks has come aboard after constructing out his résumé on the NBA stage over the previous 10 years. Loucks is an alum (2008-12) who spent the previous three seasons with the Sacramento Kings. It is a large wait-and-see. FSU had petered out in Leonard Hamilton’s ultimate three seasons and there is not any telling if Loucks will want three or 4 seasons to search out his bearings and navigate via the ACC. I am understandably promoting in Yr 1, however most others are as properly, particularly since FSU, per my sources, had one of many three lowest NIL budgets within the 18-team ACC for the upcoming season. The highest dude right here could possibly be Clemson switch Chauncey Wiggins, who ought to certainly surge concerning the 8.3 factors he averaged a season in the past within the ACC.
95. Miami (OH)
I will take the RedHawks within the MAC, which if it involves go would mark the primary time since 2006-07 they received a league crown. Former Xavier coach Travis Steele has discovered a groove right here, and this season’s group has a pleasurable mixture of high-end mid-major freshman expertise and reliable expertise. Guard Peter Suder (team-leading 13.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.8 apg) thrives off connectivity together with his teammates. Suder, Evan Ipsaro and Eian Elmer would be the core in Oxford, Ohio.
96. Northern Iowa
I almost took Bradley (which is coming off 76 wins previously three seasons, its finest run since Hersey Hawkins was a nationwide participant of the yr on the Missouri Valley college within the late Eighties), however UNI has an excessive amount of returning to not give Ben Jacobson’s squad the nod. UNI returns, by far, the best share of its gamers within the Valley. Look ahead to senior guard Trey Campbell to make a push for MVC POY. With Belmont my projected champ, it was obligatory to get a second MVC group within the high 100. The convention all the time squeezes at the very least two groups into this echelon, if no more.
97. Nevada
May not appear to be it, however that is type of a swing of religion. The Wolf Pack have completed top-100 at KenPom in 5 of the earlier six seasons underneath Steve Alford (general ending common in Alford’s time: 78.5). So, regardless of bringing again the third-fewest general minutes within the Mountain West and shedding his high 5 scorers, I will give Alford the good thing about the doubt and sneak Nevada onto the record right here. Search for Tyler Rolison to be a breakout MW man, with Elijah Worth and Corey Camper bursting onto the scene as key portal pickups.
98. James Madison
Preston Spradlin is likely one of the sharpest younger minds in mid-major teaching. After efficiently navigating the low-end of the game at Morehead State, he walked into the JMU job a season in the past and received 20 video games. Now he brings again F Eddie Ricks and G Justin Taylor to mix with some high-end mid-major transfers in Brad Douglas (who’ll run level) and Cliff Davis (who made 100-plus 3-pointers the previous two seasons whereas at UTRGV). The Dukes even have a former top-150 recruit at energy ahead in Justin McBride and a former top-100 recruit in Ike Cornish. If all are wholesome, that is one of the best group within the Solar Belt.
99. Tulane
The Inexperienced Wave have American Convention preseason participant of the yr Rowan Brumbaugh, a venturesome redshirt junior guard who’s essentially the most completed participant again within the league. He’ll be again together with senior guard Asher Woods, giving Ron Hunter’s group a very good base — and there are nonetheless a handful of function gamers from final season nonetheless in play in New Orleans. Hunter ought to have his finest two-year run since arriving at Tulane in 2019.
100. Colorado State
A training change (Niko Medved left for Colorado, making approach for March Insanity legend Ali Farokhmanesh to get promoted) will in all probability lead a downswing for the Rams, however I’ve received religion that the Mountain West can once more produce at the very least six top-100 groups. The difficulty is the departure of fifty factors per recreation within the type of Nique Clifford, Jalen Lake, Kyan Evans and Jaylen Crocker-Johnson. It is potential — even possible — that Farokhmanesh winds up beginning 4 transfers alongside one of the best returnee, Rashaan Mbemba (7.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg). The success might depend on Josh Pascarelli (15.9 ppg at Marist) within the backcourt and Jevin Muniz (10.6 ppg at FGCU). Former four-star Carey Sales space is now campus right here as properly. Is that this the spot the place he can thrive?
And 1: UAB
It is a swing, as a result of UAB underwent a complete rebuild after shedding each scholarship participant. So why am I nonetheless logging on to endorse ’em? As a result of probably the most dependable mid-major coaches within the nation lives in Birmingham. That is Yr 6 for Andy Kennedy with the Blazers, and do you know UAB has averaged 25.0 wins the previous 5 years underneath his tutelage? Common KenPom end: 81st. I am unable to preserve the Dragons out of the Prime 100 And 1 with that sort of monitor file. UAB takes a large hit with the lack of Yaxel Lendeborg (who, together with Cooper Flagg, have been the one gamers to guide their group in each statistical class a season in the past) to Michigan.