College basketball is an ever-evolving landscape, with teams constantly changing and adapting to stay competitive. The recent trend of players returning to school instead of entering the NBA draft has had a significant impact on the upcoming season’s rankings. As we look ahead to the 2025-26 college basketball season, here’s a glimpse of the top teams to watch out for.
- Purdue
 Projected starters: Braden Smith, C.J. Cox, Fletcher Loyer, Trey Kaufman-Renn, Oscar Cluff (transfer)
 Notable returners: Daniel Jacobsen, Gicarri Harris, Raleigh Burgess
 Other newcomers: Antoine WestPurdue is in a strong position with a talented roster and continuity from the previous season. Led by first-team AP All-American Braden Smith, the Boilermakers have added South Dakota State transfer Oscar Cluff to strengthen their frontcourt. With a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, Purdue is a team to watch in the upcoming season. 
- Florida
 Projected starters: Portal Player TBD, Denzel Aberdeen, Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, Rueben Chinyelu
 Notable returners: Micah Handlogten, Sam Alexis, Urban Klavzar
 Other newcomers: Alex Lloyd, CJ Ingram (freshman)Fresh off their national championship win, Florida returns their entire frontcourt, making them a formidable team to face. With the addition of a star guard from the portal, the Gators have the potential to continue their success in the upcoming season. 
- Houston
 Projected starters: Milos Uzan, Emanuel Sharp, Terrance Arceneaux, Chris Cenac Jr. (freshman), Joseph Tugler
 Notable returners: Mercy Miller, Ramon Walker
 Other newcomers: Isiah Harwell, Kingston Flemings, Bryce Jackson, Kalifa Sakho (transfer)Houston’s roster will rely on a mix of veterans and freshmen, with Milos Uzan expected to be a key player for the team. The Cougars will look to build on their success from last season and make a strong push in the upcoming year. 
- Louisville
 Projected starters: Mikel Brown Jr. (freshman), Ryan Conwell (transfer), Isaac McKneely (transfer), Kasean Pryor, Aly Khalifa
 Notable returners: James Scott, Khani Rooths
 Other newcomers: Adrian Wooley (transfer), Sananda FruCoach Pat Kelsey has made significant moves in the transfer portal, building a roster with a mix of experienced players and talented newcomers. With a focus on perimeter shooting and offensive versatility, Louisville is poised to make a statement in the upcoming season. 
- Michigan
 Projected starters: Elliot Cadeau (transfer), Nimari Burnett, Roddy Gayle, Yaxel Lendeborg (transfer), Morez Johnson (transfer)
 Notable returners: LJ Cason
 Other newcomers: Trey McKenney, Winters GradyHead coach Dusty May has made strategic moves in the transfer portal to bolster Michigan’s frontcourt. With a focus on offensive firepower and perimeter shooting, the Wolverines are expected to be a strong contender in the upcoming season. 
- BYU
 Projected starters: Portal Player TBD, Portal Player TBD, Richie Saunders, AJ Dybantsa (freshman), Keba Keita
 Notable returners: Dawson Baker, Mihailo Boskovic
 Other newcomers: Dominique Diomande (transfer), Xavion StatonBYU’s roster is highlighted by freshman standout AJ Dybantsa, who is expected to be a lottery pick in 2026. With a mix of returning talent and promising newcomers, the Cougars have the potential to make a deep run in the upcoming season. 
- Michigan State
 Projected starters: Jeremy Fears, Jase Richardson, Coen Carr, Jaxon Kohler, Carson Cooper
 Notable returners: Jesse McCulloch
 Other newcomers: Cam Ward, Jordan ScottMichigan State’s roster boasts a mix of returning veterans and promising newcomers. With a focus on defense and depth, the Spartans are expected to be a competitive force in the upcoming season. 
- Auburn
 Projected starters: Tahaad Pettiford, Portal TBD, Chad Baker-Mazara, Keyshawn Hall (transfer), Portal TBD
 Notable returners: Jahki Howard
 Other newcomers: Sebastian Williams-Adams, Kaden Magwood, Simon Walker, Abdul BashirLed by star guards Tahaad Pettiford and Keyshawn Hall, Auburn’s roster is filled with talent and depth. With a focus on offensive firepower and versatility, the Tigers are expected to be a strong contender in the upcoming season. 
- UConn
 Projected starters: Silas Demary Jr. (transfer), Braylon Mullins (freshman), Solo Ball, Jaylin Stewart, Tarris Reed
 Notable returners: Jayden Ross
 Other newcomers: Darius Adams, Eric Reibe, Jacob FurphyUConn’s roster is highlighted by transfer Silas Demary Jr., who is expected to make a significant impact. With a focus on offensive playmaking and defensive prowess, the Huskies are poised for success in the upcoming season. 
- Duke
 Projected starters: Cayden Boozer (freshman), Caleb Foster, Isaiah Evans, Cameron Boozer (freshman), Patrick Ngongba
 Notable returners: Darren Harris, Maliq Brown
 Other newcomers: Shelton Henderson, Nikolas KhameniaDuke’s roster is filled with talent and potential, with a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers. With a focus on offensive versatility and defensive intensity, the Blue Devils are expected to make a strong push in the upcoming season. These are just a few of the top teams to watch out for in the upcoming college basketball season. With rosters filled with talent and depth, the competition is sure to be fierce as these teams battle it out on the court. 
 
					
 
			 
                                 
                             