Signing you in

Before getting into the top contenders next season, there are some rules to the exercise that 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:

These rankings will repeatedly be updated as rosters shift throughout the offseason, with transfer portal decisions still coming in. Here is a fresh look at what the way-too-early Top 25 rankings could look like in the 2026-27 season.

Key returns: Isaiah Brown, Rueben Chinyelu, Alex Condon, Boogie Fland, Thomas Haugh, Urban KlavzarKey additions: Denzel Aberdeen*, Arturas Butajevas, Domen PetrovicKey departures: Xaivian Lee

Florida gets back its full frontcourt once again, getting Rueben Chinyelu back beside Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh. The Gators have also dipped into the international market while awaiting an official decision on Denzel Aberdeen’s eligibility.

Key returns: Elliot Cadeau, LJ Cason, Trey McKenneyKey additions: Lincoln Cosby, Quinn Costello, JP Estrella*, Brandon McCoy, Jalen Reed*, Moustapha Thiam*Key departures: Nimari Burnett, Roddy Gayle, Morez Johnson, Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara

Michigan loses Morez Johnson and Aday Mara from last season’s championship frontcourt, but retains Elliot Cadeau in the backcourt rather than losing him to the NBA. The Wolverines have done well to add incoming freshmen and top transfer talent again this offseason.

Key returns: Solomon Ball, Silas Demary, Braylon MullinsKey additions: Junior County, Najai Hines*, Nikolas Khamenia*, Colben Landrew, Nils Machowski*, Jaye Nash*, Isaiah Shaw*Key departures: Alex Karaban, Tarris Reed, Eric Reibe

UConn moved early to secure its players and keep them out of the NBA Draft process, leaving its rotation solidified while others wait. The Huskies can now focus on putting the finishing touches on the backend of the roster alongside recent additions.

Key returns: Cayden Boozer, Caleb Foster, Patrick Ngongba, Dame SarrKey additions: John Blackwell*, Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje, Bryson Howard, Deron Rippey, Drew Scharnowski*, Jacob Theodosiou*, Cameron WilliamsKey departures: Cameron Boozer, Maliq Brown, Isaiah Evans, Nikolas Khamenia

Duke confirms the addition of John Blackwell after testing the NBA waters, although Isaiah Evans will remain in the draft process. The ability to bring in another top recruiting class, international talent and incoming transfers will help the Blue Devils rebuild.

Key returns: Coen Carr, Jeremy Fears, Jordan Scott, Kur Teng, Cameron WardKey additions: Anton Bonke*, Jasiah Jervis, Ethan TaylorKey departures: Carson Cooper, Jaxson Kohler, Divine Ugochukwu

Michigan State got news that Jeremy Fears and Anton Bonke will each return to college basketball next season, setting up the roster. With a preseason All-American-level guard leading the way and a coveted center, the core is strong in this roster.

Key returns: Mercy Miller, JoJo TuglerKey additions: Ikenna Alozie, Arafan Diane, Braden East*, Delrecco Gillespie*, Corey Hadnot*, Dedan Thomas*Key departures: Chris Cenac, Kingston Flemings, Emanuel Sharp, Milos Uzan

Houston has no players currently going through the NBA Draft process who are expected to debate a return. Furthermore, the Cougars appear to be close to a completed roster, with the projected rotation becoming clearer.

Key returns: Jake Davis, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, David Mirkovic, Andrej StojakovicKey additions: Quentin Coleman, Lucas Morillo, Stefan Vaaks*Key departures: Kylan Boswell, Ben Humrichous, Keaton Wagler

Illinois has already seen reports that Andrej Stojakovic plans to return for the 2026-27 season; however, he went through the pre-draft process afterward. While the Illini await official word, it does appear likely he will return.

Key returns: Thijs De Ridder, Johann Grunloh, Sam Lewis, Chance MalloryKey additions: Kalu Anya*, Jurian Dixon*, Christian Harmon*Key departures: Dallin Hall, Ugonna Onyenso, Malik Thomas, Jacari White

Virginia continues to fill out its rotation with another transfer commitment. The Cavaliers will rely on the strong returning core, but add upside with the group of players set to join the rotation and fill out minutes.

Key returns: Davis Fogle, Braden Huff, Mario Saint-SuperyKey additions: Izan Almansa, Massamba Diop*Key departures: Tyon Grant-Foster, Graham Ike, Emmanuel Innocenti, Adam Miller, Braeden Smith, Steele Venters, Jalen Warley

Gonzaga took a hit when reports indicated that international commit Jack Kayil plans to remain in the 2026 NBA Draft class, leaving them light in the backcourt for now. However, the work the Bulldogs did building out the rest of the roster keeps them inside the Top 10.

Key returns: Billy RichmondKey additions: JJ Andrews, Cooper Bowser*, Miikka Muurinen, Jordan Smith, Abdou Toure, Jeremiah Wilkinson*Key departures: Darius Acuff, Trevon Brazile, Malique Ewin, Karter Knox, Meleek Thomas, DJ Wagner

Arkansas got Billy Richmond back from the NBA Draft process before the deadline, but Meleek Thomas decided to leave college basketball. The mixed results lead to a slight fall, but still provide the Razorbacks with enough talent to compete at the top of the sport.

11. ArizonaKey returns: Ivan Kharchenkov, Motiejus KrivasKey additions: Endurance Aiyamenkhue, Derek Dixon*, Cameron Holmes, Caleb Holt, Ugnius Jarusevicius*, JJ Mandaquit*Key departures: Tobe Awaka, Jaden Bradley, Brayden Burries, Anthony Dell’Orso, Koa Peat

12. PurdueKey returns: CJ Cox, Daniel Jacobsen, Omer MayerKey additions: Luke Ertel, Caden Pierce*Key departures: Oscar Cluff, Trey Kaufman-Renn, Fletcher Loyer, Braden Smith

13. TexasKey returns: Matas VokietaitisKey additions: Elyjah Freeman*, Austin Goosby, Isaiah Johnson*, Mantas Laurencikas, Mikey Lewis*, Bo Ogden, David Punch*Key departures: Camden Heide, Tramon Mark, Jordan Pope, Dailyn Swain, Chendall Weaver, Simeon Wilcher

14. LouisvilleKey returns: Adrian WooleyKey additions: Flory Bidunga*, Obinna Ekezie, Alvaro Folgueiras*, Karter Knox*, De’Shayne Montgomery*, Jackson Shelstad*Key departures: Mikel Brown, Ryan Conwell, Sanandra Fru, J’Vonne Hadley, Isaac McKneely, Khani Rooths

15. TennesseeKey returns: N/AKey additions: Dai Dai Ames*, Jalen Haralson*, Juke Harris*, Terrence Hill*, Braedan Lue*, Tyler Lundblade*, Miles Rubin*, Chris WashingtonKey departures: Nate Ament, Bishop Boswell, Jaylen Carey, JP Estrella, Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Felix Okpara

16. VanderbiltKey returns: Tyler TannerKey additions: TO Barrett*, Berke Buyuktuncel*, Bangot Dak*, Ace Glass*, Sebastian Williams-Adams*Key departures: Frankie Collins, Tyler Harris, Devin McGlockton, Duke Miles, Tyler Nickel, AK Okereke, Jalen Washington

17. AlabamaKey returns: Amari Allen, Aden Holloway, London JemisonKey additions: Cole Cloer*, Drew Fielder*, Jaxon Richardson, Qayden SamuelsKey departures: Taylor Bol Bowen, Houston Mallette, Labaron Philon, Aiden Sherrell, Latrell Wrightsell

18. IndianaKey returns: N/AKey additions: Markus Burton*, Bryce Lindsay*, Justin Monden*, Jaeden Mustaf*, Aiden Sherrell*, Clemens Sokolov, Samet Yigitoglu*Key departures: Sam Alexis, Reed Bailey, Tayton Conerway, Tucker DeVries, Nick Dorn, Lamar Wilkerson

19. Iowa StateKey returns: Jamarion Batemon, Blake Buchanan, Killyan ToureKey additions: Leon Bond*, Jaquan Johnson*, Ryan Prather*, Tre Singleton*Key departures: Joshua Jefferson, Tamin Lipsey, Milan Momcilovic, Nate Heise

20. MiamiKey returns: Dante Allen, Marcus Allen, Shelton HendersonKey additions: Brent Bland*, Somto Cyril*, Nick Dorn*, Caleb Gaskins, DeSean Goode*, Acaden Lewis*Key departures: Tre Donaldson, Malik Reneau, Ernest Udeh, Tru Washington

21. KansasKey returns: N/AKey additions: Leroy Blyden*, Keanu Dawes*, Tay Kinney, Dennis Parker*, Christian Reeves*, Tyran StokesKey departures: Flory Bidunga, Melvin Council, Darryn Peterson, Bryson Tiller, Tre White

22. St. John’sKey returns: Ian JacksonKey additions: Kyle Cuffe*, Quinn Ellis, Donnie Freeman*, Babacar Sane, Lazar Stojkovic, Tounde Yessoufou*Key departures: Dylan Darling, Zuby Ejiofor, Bryce Hopkins, Dillon Mitchell, Oziyah Sellers, Joson Sanon

23. LSUKey returns: N/AKey additions: Abdi Bashir*, Brice Dessert, Mo Dioubate*, RJ Luis*, Saliou Niang, Michael Ruzic, Marcio Santos, Divine Ugochukwu*Key departures: Rashad King, Max McKinnon, Robert Miller, Michael Nwoko, Jalen Reece, Jalen Reed, Marquel Sutton, Pablo Tamba, Dedan Thomas

24. USCKey returns: Alijah Arenas, Jacob Cofie, Rodney RiceKey additions: Isaac Bruns*, Christian Collins, Jalen Cox*, Josh Hughes*, Aaron Hunkin-Claytor*, Jadis Jones*, KJ Lewis*, Adonis Ratliff, Darius Ratliff, Eric Reibe*Key departures: Ezra Ausar, Chad Baker-Mazara, Jaden Brownell, Jordan Marsh, Kam Woods

25. NebraskaKey returns: Braden Frager, Pryce SandfortKey additions: Taj DeGourville*, Boden Kapke*, Trevan Leonhardt*, Sam Orme*, Damon Wilkinson*Key departures: Berke Buyuktuncel, Connor Essegian, Sam Hoiberg, Ugnius Jarusevicius, Jamarques Lawrence, Rienk Mast