The 2025-26 college basketball season is shaping up to be exciting, as transfer portal decisions and recruitment news have caused significant changes in the rankings. After a week of major movement following the 2024-25 season, On3 presents an updated “way-too-early” Top 25 college basketball rankings.
Top 10 Overview
- Houston leads with a blend of veteran leadership and new talent, including Chris Cenac and Kalifa Sakho.
- Duke continues to shine with a stellar recruiting class, including the Boozer brothers and veteran returns like Tyrese Proctor.
- Louisville rises significantly, strengthened by three key transfers and impressive recruits like Mikel Brown and Isaac McKneely.
- Kentucky is rebuilding with the addition of promising players like Mo Dioubate and Jasper Johnson but faces challenges from roster changes.
- Alabama faces departures like Jarin Stevenson and Mark Sears, but key returns like Aden Holloway and fresh talent give hope for a strong 2025-26 campaign.
- Florida is poised for a repeat after returning most of its supporting cast and adding young talent.
- Iowa State builds on last season’s success with significant additions like Jamarion Batemon.
- North Carolina is starting strong, with the transfer additions of Jarin Stevenson and Henri Veesaar, but must rely on returning talent to rebound from a disappointing year.
- Michigan has added depth and talent, featuring recruits like Aday Mara and Trey McKenney to complement returnees like Nimari Burnett.
- Kansas, despite losing several players, remains a top contender with young talents and recent transfer activity.
Rankings 11-25
11. St. John’s has solidified its roster with key transfers like Bryce Hopkins.
12. Purdue continues to develop its depth with returning players and the addition of Oscar Cluff.
13. UConn looks strong with returning talents like Solomon Ball and new recruits like Braylon Mullins.
14. Auburn adds significant depth with players like Abdul Bashir.
15. Arkansas strengthens its roster with the addition of DJ Wagner and new transfers.
16. BYU adds fresh recruits like AJ Dybantsa, and retains solid returning players.
17. Creighton welcomes recruits like Josh Dix and Owen Freeman to enhance their roster.
18. Tennessee has made solid additions, including Jaylen Carey, to complement Felix Okpara.
19. Texas Tech rebuilds with transfers like Donovan Atwell and LeJuan Watts.
20. Illinois continues to develop with players like Kylan Boswell and new recruit Zvonimir Ivisic.
21. Arizona strengthens its future with new talent like Dwayne Aristode and Brayden Burries.
22. Wisconsin makes solid moves with new recruits like Nick Boyd and Andrew Rohde.
23. Michigan State adds new talent like Kaleb Glenn, alongside returning key players.
24. UCLA continues to grow with new talent and returning players like Tyler Bilodeau.
25. Gonzaga rounds out the list with key returnees and transfers like Jalen Warley.
These rankings will continue to evolve as player decisions and transfers unfold in the coming months.
