Men’s college basketball way-too-early Top 25: Purdue’s No. 1; Florida isn’t going anywhere

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.

1. 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 West

   Purdue 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 Fru

   Coach 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.

5. 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 Grady

   Head 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.

6. 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 Staton

   BYU’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.

7. Michigan State
   Projected starters: Jeremy Fears, Jase Richardson, Coen Carr, Jaxon Kohler, Carson Cooper
   Notable returners: Jesse McCulloch
   Other newcomers: Cam Ward, Jordan Scott

   Michigan 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.

8. 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 Bashir

   Led 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.

9. 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 Furphy

   UConn’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.

10. 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 Khamenia

    Duke’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.