{"id":87507,"date":"2025-04-07T22:15:26","date_gmt":"2025-04-08T03:15:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/demo.wztzfm.com\/wp\/2025-26-way-too-early-top-25-college-basketball-rankings-immediate-look-ahead-to-next-season\/"},"modified":"2025-04-07T22:15:26","modified_gmt":"2025-04-08T03:15:26","slug":"2025-26-way-too-early-top-25-college-basketball-rankings-immediate-look-ahead-to-next-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/demo.wztzfm.com\/wp\/2025-26-way-too-early-top-25-college-basketball-rankings-immediate-look-ahead-to-next-season\/","title":{"rendered":"2025-26 Way-too-early Top 25 college basketball rankings: Immediate look ahead to next season"},"content":{"rendered":"

Now that Florida holds the title of national champion of the 2024-25 season, every fan across college basketball has started to wonder what their team will look like in 2024-25. That is why it is never too early for the way-too-early Top 25 rankings to release.<\/p>\n

Before getting into the top contenders next season, there are some rules to the exercise which must be noted. Some teams, players and coaches still have decisions to make before the tip off, so the list is always in flux. Here are the guidelines you need to know:<\/p>\n

All NBA Draft decisions will not be made for the player. They are considered back unless they currently ranked inside the Top 25 of On3\u2019s current NBA Draft Big Board. Any other decisions will be accounted for when the player announces their plan moving forward.<\/p>\n

There are still a number of players whose eligibility for next season remains in question. Waivers and senior decisions will shape the final roster. At the moment, those expected to run out of eligibility are out, but could return if granted another year.<\/p>\n

Teams without a full rotation of returning and incoming players at the time of ranking were not considered. They will be added into the mix after adding to the roster on the recruiting trail or through the transfer portal. Same for teams currently without a coach.<\/p>\n

These rankings will repeatedly be updated as rosters shift throughout the offseason, starting with transfer portal decisions already under way. Here is a way-too-early look at what the Top 25 rankings could look like in the 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n

1. Houston<\/h2>\n

Key returns: Terrance Arceneaux<\/a><\/strong>, Emanuel Sharp<\/a><\/strong>, JoJo Tugler<\/a><\/strong>, Milos Uzan<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: Chris Cenac<\/a><\/strong>, Kingston Flemings<\/a><\/strong>, Isiah Harwell<\/a><\/strong>, Kalifa Sakho*<\/a><\/strong>
Key departures: LJ Cryer<\/a><\/strong>, Ja\u2019Vier Francis<\/a><\/strong>, J\u2019Wan Roberts<\/a><\/strong>, Mylik Wilson<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Houston sits atop this ranking based on the amount of talent they can return from 2024-25 and the major commitment they made to young talent. Kelvin Sampson\u2019s group has veteran leadership and high-end talent together like few teams will be able to assemble.<\/p>\n

2. Duke<\/h2>\n

Key returns: Isaiah Evans<\/a><\/strong>, Caleb Foster<\/a><\/strong>, Patick Ngongba<\/a><\/strong>, Tyrese Proctor<\/a><\/strong>,
Key additions: Cameron Boozer<\/a><\/strong>, Cayden Boozer<\/a><\/strong>, Shelton Henderson<\/a><\/strong>, Nikolas Khamenia<\/a><\/strong>
Key departures: Cooper Flagg<\/a><\/strong>, Sion James<\/a><\/strong>, Kon Knueppel<\/a><\/strong>, Khaman Maluach<\/a><\/strong>, <\/p>\n

Duke puts together another top-end recruiting class which features some of the top prospects, and promises to surround that group with veteran talent and positional size. The formula for Jon Scheyer worked, and he now looks to set up a repeat performance next season.<\/p>\n

3. Alabama<\/h2>\n

Key returns: Aden Holloway<\/a><\/strong>, Labaron Philon<\/a><\/strong>, Derrion Reid<\/a><\/strong>, Jarin Stevenson<\/a><\/strong>, Latrell Wrightsell<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: Amari Allen<\/a><\/strong>, Taylor Bol Bowen*<\/a><\/strong>, Davion Hannah<\/a><\/strong>, London Jemison<\/a><\/strong>, Noah Williamson*<\/a><\/strong> Jalil Bethea<\/strong><\/a>
Key departures: Mo Dioubate<\/a><\/strong>, Grant Nelson<\/a><\/strong>, Clifford Omoruyi<\/a><\/strong>, Mark Sears<\/a><\/strong>, Chris Youngblood<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Alabama could bring back several top talents to the roster, even after losing a large amount of star power from the starting lineup. Nate Oats got an early start replacing the production, but has a few more pieces to make them worthy of conversation at No. 1 overall.<\/p>\n

4. Kentucky<\/h2>\n

Key returns: Brandon Garrison<\/a><\/strong>, Otega Oweh<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: Jasper Johnson<\/a><\/strong>, Acaden Lewis<\/a><\/strong>, Jaland Lowe*<\/a><\/strong>, Malachi Moreno<\/a><\/strong>, Kam Williams*<\/a><\/strong>, Mo Dioubate*<\/a><\/strong>
Key departures: Ansley Almonor<\/a><\/strong>, Koby Brea<\/a><\/strong>, Lamont Butler<\/a><\/strong>, Andrew Carr<\/a><\/strong>, Jaxson Robinson<\/a><\/strong>, Amari Williams<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Kentucky will get back a couple key pieces from the roster, which promise to complement a huge recruiting class and plenty talented transfers. Mark Pope overachieved in Year One and could enter the season as a top contender with the level of talent set to join the roster.<\/p>\n

5. Louisville<\/h2>\n

Key returns: Aly Khalifa<\/a><\/strong>, Kobe Rodgers<\/a><\/strong>, James Scott<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: Mikel Brown<\/a><\/strong>, Ryan Conwell*<\/a><\/strong>, Isaac McKneely*<\/a><\/strong>, Adrian Wooley*<\/a><\/strong>
Key departures: Terrence Edwards<\/a><\/strong>, J\u2019Vonne Hadley<\/a><\/strong>, Chucky Hepburn<\/a><\/strong>, Reyne Smith<\/a><\/strong>, Noah Waterman<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Louisville gets a bigger boost than any team in the country based on early transfer portal returns, locking up three coveted guard to complement a huge recruiting win. Pat Kelsey overachieved in Year One, and now might just build a roster that can leap them further up the pecking order.<\/p>\n

6. Florida<\/h2>\n

Key returns: Denzel Aberdeen<\/a><\/strong>, Rueben Chinyelu<\/a><\/strong>, Alex Condon<\/a><\/strong>, Thomas Haugh<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: CJ Ingram<\/a><\/strong>, Alex Lloyd<\/a><\/strong>
Key departures: Walter Clayton<\/a><\/strong>, Alijah Martin<\/a><\/strong>, Will Richard<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Florida might lose three massive pieces from the roster, but the entire supporting cast could come back with an influx of young talent backing them up. Todd Golden got the formula right and has everything in place to repeat it next season.<\/p>\n

7. Iowa State<\/h2>\n

Key returns: Joshua Jefferson<\/a><\/strong>, Tamin Lipsey<\/a><\/strong>, Milan Momcilovic<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: Jamarion Batemon<\/a><\/strong>, Blake Buchanan*<\/a><\/strong>, Eric Mulder*<\/a><\/strong>, Mason Williams*<\/a><\/strong>
Key departures: Keshon Gilbert<\/a><\/strong>, Nate Heise<\/a><\/strong>, Dishon Jackson<\/a><\/strong>, Curtis Jones<\/a><\/strong>, <\/p>\n

Iowa State loses more of its production than last season, but continues to draw back top producers in a rare formula across college basketball. TJ Otzelberger has already done plenty of his roster-building too, giving a good idea what the group will look like next season.<\/p>\n

8. North Carolina<\/h2>\n

Key returns: Ven-Allen Lubin<\/a><\/strong>, Drake Powell<\/a><\/strong>, Seth Trimble<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: Derek Dixon<\/a><\/strong>, Jonathan Powell*<\/a><\/strong>, Henri Veesaar*<\/a><\/strong>, Caleb Wilson<\/a><\/strong>
Key departures: Elliot Cadeau<\/a><\/strong>, RJ Davis<\/a><\/strong>, Ian Jackson<\/a><\/strong>, Jalen Washington<\/a><\/strong>, Jae\u2019lyn Withers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

North Carolina got off to a nice start addressing needs in the transfer portal, landing one of the top available centers and a solid veteran wing to complement the recruiting class. However, for Hubert Davis the big potential comes with returning talent which saw a down year hurt their draft stock and leave a potential return on the table.<\/p>\n

9. Kansas<\/h2>\n

Key returns: Flory Bidunga<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: Jayden Dawson*<\/a><\/strong>, Darryn Peterson<\/a><\/strong>, Bryson Tiller<\/a><\/strong>, Tre White*<\/a><\/strong>
Key departures: KJ Adams<\/a><\/strong>, David Coit<\/a><\/strong>, Hunter Dickinson<\/a><\/strong>, Rylan Griffen<\/a><\/strong>, Dajuan Harris<\/a><\/strong>, Zeke Mayo<\/a><\/strong>, AJ Storr<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Kansas loses almost every bit of production from last year\u2019s roster, including some promising young players. However, Bill Self starts in good positions regardless with a talented group of young players and some transfer activity already done.<\/p>\n

10. St. John\u2019s<\/h2>\n

Key returns: Zuby Ejiofor<\/a><\/strong>, Simeon Wilcher<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: Bryce Hopkins*<\/a><\/strong>, Joson Sanon*<\/a><\/strong>
Key departures: Brady Dunlap<\/a><\/strong>, RJ Luis<\/a><\/strong>, Kadary Richmond<\/a><\/strong>, Aaron Scott<\/a><\/strong>, Deivon Smith<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

St. John\u2019s looks to build on a historic season, already picking up two major transfer portal prospects who raise the ceiling of the group, even with a few big losses. Rick Pitino will have no shortage of talent on next year\u2019s roster and could turn this success into a regular thing.<\/p>\n

Ranking 11-25<\/h2>\n

11. Michigan
<\/strong>Key returns: Roddy Gayle<\/a><\/strong>, Will Tschetter<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: Elliot Cadeau*<\/a><\/strong>, Morez Johnson*<\/a><\/strong>, Yaxel Lendeborg*<\/a><\/strong>, Trey McKenney<\/a><\/strong>
Key departures: Nimari Burnett<\/a><\/strong>, Tre Donaldson<\/a><\/strong>, Vlad Goldin<\/a><\/strong>, Sam Walters<\/a><\/strong>, Danny Wolf<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

12. Purdue<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Key returns: CJ Cox<\/a><\/strong>, Daniel Jacobsen<\/a><\/strong>, Trey Kaufman-Renn<\/a><\/strong>, Fletcher Loyer<\/a><\/strong>, Braden Smith<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: Oscar Cluff*<\/a><\/strong>
Key departures: Myles Colvin<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

13. UConn
<\/strong>Key returns: Solomon Ball<\/a><\/strong>, Alex Karaban<\/a><\/strong>, Tarris Reed<\/a><\/strong>, Jaylin Stewart<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: Darius Adams<\/a><\/strong>, Silas Demary*<\/a><\/strong>, Braylon Mullins<\/a><\/strong>, Eric Reibe<\/a><\/strong>
Key departures: Hassan Diarra<\/a><\/strong>, Samson Johnson<\/a><\/strong>, Liam McNeeley<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

14. Arkansas
<\/strong>Key returns: Trevon Brazile<\/a><\/strong>, Karter Knox<\/a><\/strong>, Billy Richmond<\/a><\/strong>, Adou Thiero<\/a><\/strong>, DJ Wagner<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: Darius Acuff<\/a><\/strong>, Maleek Thomas<\/a><\/strong>
Key departures: Jonas Aidoo<\/a><\/strong>, Johnell Davis<\/a><\/strong>, Boogie Fland<\/a><\/strong>, Zvonimir Ivisic<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

15. Auburn
<\/strong>Key returns: Chad Baker-Mazara<\/a><\/strong>, Tahaad Pettiford<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: Abdul Bashir*<\/a><\/strong>, Keyshawn Hall*<\/a><\/strong>, Kaden Magwood<\/a><\/strong>, Sebastian Williams-Adams<\/a><\/strong>
Key departures: Johni Broome<\/a><\/strong>, Chaney Johnson<\/a><\/strong>, Denver Jones<\/a><\/strong>, Miles Kelly<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

16. Creighton<\/strong>
Key returns: Jackson McAndrew<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: Josh Dix*<\/a><\/strong>, Owen Freeman*<\/a><\/strong>, Nik Graves*<\/a><\/strong>, Hudson Greer<\/a><\/strong>
Key departures: Steven Ashworth<\/a><\/strong>, Pop Isaacs<\/a><\/strong>, Jamiya Neal<\/a><\/strong>, Ryan Kalkbrenner<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

17. BYU
<\/strong>Key returns: Dawson Baker<\/a><\/strong>, Keba Keita<\/a><\/strong>, Richie Saunders<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: AJ Dybantsa<\/a><\/strong>, Xavion Staton<\/a><\/strong>
Key departures: Kanon Catchings<\/a><\/strong>, Egor Demin<\/a><\/strong>, Dallin Hall<\/a><\/strong>, Trevin Knell<\/a><\/strong>, Mawot Mag<\/a><\/strong>, Fousseyni Traore<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

18. Tennessee
<\/strong>Key returns: Felix Okpara<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: Ja\u2019Kobi Gillespie*<\/a><\/strong>
Key departures: Jordan Gainey<\/a><\/strong>, Chaz Lanier<\/a><\/strong>, Jahmai Mashack<\/a><\/strong>, Igor Milicic<\/a><\/strong>, Zakai Zeigler<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

19. Illinois
<\/strong>Key returns: Kylan Boswell<\/a><\/strong>, Tomislav Ivisic<\/a><\/strong>, Will Riley<\/a><\/strong>, Ty Rodgers<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: Zvonimir Ivisic<\/a><\/strong>
Key departures: Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn<\/a><\/strong>, Ben Humrichous<\/a><\/strong>, Kasparas Jakucionis<\/a><\/strong>, Morez Johnson<\/a><\/strong>, Tre White<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

20. Wisconsin
<\/strong>Key returns: John Blackwell<\/a><\/strong>, Nolan Winter<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: Nick Boyd<\/a><\/strong>, Austin Rapp<\/a><\/strong>, Andrew Rohde<\/a><\/strong>
Key departures: Steven Crowl<\/a><\/strong>, Max Klesmit<\/a><\/strong>, Kamari McGee<\/a><\/strong>, John Tonje<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

21. UCLA
<\/strong>Key returns: Tyler Bilodeau<\/a><\/strong>, Skyy Clark<\/a><\/strong>, Eric Dailey<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: Jamar Brown*<\/a><\/strong>, Donovan Dent*<\/a><\/strong>, Steven Jamerson*<\/a><\/strong>
Key departures: Dylan Andrews<\/a><\/strong>, Kobe Johnson<\/a><\/strong>, Sebastian Mack<\/a><\/strong>, Aday Mara<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

22. Arizona
<\/strong>Key returns: Tobe Awaka<\/a><\/strong>, Jaden Bradley<\/a><\/strong>, Anthony Dell\u2019Orso<\/a><\/strong>, Motiejus Krivas<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: Dwayne Aristode<\/a><\/strong>, Koa Peat<\/a><\/strong>
Key departures: Carter Bryant<\/a><\/strong>, KJ Lewis<\/a><\/strong>, Caleb Love<\/a><\/strong>, Trey Townsend<\/a><\/strong>, Henri Veesaar<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

23. Michigan State
<\/strong>Key returns: Coen Carr<\/a><\/strong>, Carson Cooper<\/a><\/strong>, Jeremy Fears<\/a><\/strong>, Tre Holloman<\/a><\/strong>, Jaxson Kohler<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: N\/A
Key departures: Jaden Akins<\/a><\/strong>, Frankie Fidler<\/a><\/strong>, Jase Richardson<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

24. Texas Tech
<\/strong>Key returns: Christian Anderson<\/a><\/strong>, Kevin Overton<\/a><\/strong>, JT Toppin<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: N\/A
Key departures: Devan Cambridge<\/a><\/strong>, Federiko Federiko<\/a><\/strong>, Elijah Hawkins<\/a><\/strong>, Chance McMillian<\/a><\/strong>, Kerwin Walton<\/a><\/strong>, Darrion Williams<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

25. Gonzaga
<\/strong>Key returns: Braden Huff<\/a><\/strong>, Graham Ike<\/a><\/strong>, Braeden Smith<\/a><\/strong>, Steele Venters<\/a><\/strong>
Key additions: Davis Fogle<\/a><\/strong>, Jalen Warley*<\/a><\/strong>
Key departures: Michael Ajayi<\/a><\/strong>, Khalif Battle<\/a><\/strong>, Ben Gregg<\/a><\/strong>, Nolan Hickman<\/a><\/strong>, Ryan Nembhard<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The post 2025-26 Way-too-early Top 25 college basketball rankings: Immediate look ahead to next season<\/a> appeared first on On3<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Now that Florida holds the title of national champion of the 2024-25 season, every fan…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-87507","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/demo.wztzfm.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87507","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/demo.wztzfm.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/demo.wztzfm.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demo.wztzfm.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=87507"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/demo.wztzfm.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87507\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/demo.wztzfm.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=87507"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demo.wztzfm.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=87507"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demo.wztzfm.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=87507"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}