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Season outlooks for USA TODAY Sports college basketball preseason Top 25 rankings
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- Season outlooks for USA TODAY Sports college basketball preseason Top 25 rankings
The USA TODAY Sports preseason men's basketball poll is out with the start of the season less than three weeks away. The Top 25 is filled with teams across the Power Four conferences with traditional powerhouse programs and some unheralded teams occupying many of the places among the Top 25.
It's Purdue that starts at No. 1 for the first time , but there's plenty of contenders behind Matt Painter's team. What is the outlook for the Boilermakers and all the other teams in the rankings? We break them all down in our previews that get you up to speed after another offseason impacted by the transfer portal and recruiting classes.
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1. Purdue (24-12)
Points: 755 (18 first-place votes). Previous ranking: 12.
The Boilermakers aren't exactly shying away from the notion the goal for the season is to bring home the program's first NCAA title. Rising seniors Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn made that pretty clear when announcing they would be back with sharpshooter Fletcher Loyer , all of whom were part of the group that came up just a win short two years ago. Sophomores C.J. Cox and Gicarri Harris provide backcourt depth. Big man Daniel Jacobsen returns from a leg injury, and he'll be joined in the post by transfer Oscar Cluff (South Dakota State).
2. Houston (35-5)
Points: 749 (12 first-place votes). Previous ranking: 2.
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Last year's national runner-up loses stalwarts L.J. Cryer and J'Wan Roberts but is poised to make another run to the Final Four behind one of the top recruiting classes in the country, led by five-star forward Chris Cenac Jr. and guard Isiah Harwell . They should blend well with returning contributors that include guards Milos Uzan and Emanuel Sharp and frontcourt defensive standout Joseph Tugler . Look for the Cougars to again be the class of the Big 12 .
Houston guard Emanuel Sharp (21) and Florida guard Will Richard (5) fight for a loose ball during the 2025 NCAA men's tournament national championship game at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
3. Florida (36-4)
Points: 704 (1 first-place votes). Previous ranking: 1.
The defending national champion Gators will look a bit different this year. They'll be more of a front-court oriented squad with Final Four MVP Walter Clayton Jr. and most of his fellow guards gone. Thomas Haugh (9.8 ppg) and Alex Condon (10.6 ppg) figure to handle even more of the scoring load with Rueben Chinyelu and Micah Handlogten back to man the post. Boogie Fland ( Arkansas ) and Xaivian Lee (Princeton) transfer in and should start immediately in the backcourt.
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4. Connecticut (24-11)
Points: 647. Previous ranking: Not ranked.
Three in a row wasn't in the cards, but a third title in four years isn't out of the question for the Huskies. Liam McNeeley is gone after just one year in Storrs, but there are a lot of key pieces returning, and a strong recruiting class and several key transfers have the roster restocked. The key veterans are do-everything forward Alex Karaban (14.3 ppg) and sharp-shooting guard Solo Ball (14.4 ppg). Tarris Reed Jr. will move into a starting role in the middle, and Ball will be joined in the backcourt by either Silas Demary Jr. (Georgia) or Malachi Smith (Dayton). The high-rated freshman prospects include shooting guard Braylon Mullins and Australian wingman Jacob Furphy.
5. Duke (35-4)
Points: 623. Previous ranking: 3.
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As usual, several talented Blue Devils are off to the next level, and as usual there's a top-rated recruiting class coming in. But this year's Duke squad might actually be deeper than some recent versions thanks to several key contributors who are still with the program. Naturally, the focal point will be freshman phenom Cameron Boozer , whose twin brother Cayden is also among the newcomers. The returning guard tandem of Caleb Foster (4.9 ppg) and Isaiah Evans (6.8 ppg) will be joined by another touted freshman, Dame Sarr , and banger Patrick Ngongba II is back to help on the interior.
6. St. John's (31-5)
Points: 609. Previous ranking: 10.
Now that Rick Pitino has instilled the work ethic needed to bring the Red Storm back to prominence, he hopes the shooters he's brought in via the portal will improve the team's accuracy. Bryce Hopkins (Providence) should provide an immediate boost in that regard if he can stay healthy, with Joson Sanon ( Arizona State ), Oziyah Sellers (Stanford) and Ian Jackson ( North Carolina ) adding back-court depth. Zuby Ejiofor (14.7 ppg) returns and should again be among the Big East's most dominant big men.
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7. Michigan (27-10)
Points: 569. Previous ranking: 11.
Despite losing his top three players, things could get even better in year two for coach Dusty May in Ann Arbor thanks to a huge haul in the transfer portal. Yaxel Lendeborg ( Alabama -Birmingham) elected to forego the NBA for another year in college and should thrive in the May's system. The newcomers also include point guard Elliot Cadeau (North Carolina), forward Morez Johnson Jr. ( Illinois ) and center Aday Mara (UCLA). Michigan also brings in an impact freshman in combo guard Trey McKenney , and returnees Nimari Burnett (9.4 ppg) and Roddy Gayle Jr. (9.8 ppg) could step into bigger roles on the wings.
8. Brigham Young (26-10)
Points: 532. Previous ranking: 15.
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This is rare heights for the Cougars, who have their highest ranking in the preseason poll with the arrival of heralded freshman AJ Dybantsa and holdover talent that includes guard Richie Sanders (16.5 ppg) and forward Keba Keita (7.4 ppg, 7.9 rpg). Also added to the mix are transfer guards Robert Wright III (Baylor) and Kennard Davis (Southern Illinois). Dybantsa will draw the headlines but the supporting cast is what should make BYU a challenger in the Big 12.
9. Kentucky (24-12)
Points: 529. Previous ranking: 14.
Mark Pope didn't have quite as many holes to fill entering his second season at the helm in Lexington, but there will still be quite a few new faces. Thankfully, one of the pieces already in place is high-scoring guard Otega Oweh (16.2 pgg), the preseason pick for SEC player of the year . He'll be joined in the backcourt by touted freshman Jasper Johnson , with Denzel Aberdeen transferring in from Florida's national championship squad to provide another perimeter shooter. Jaland Lowe (Pittsburgh) also arrives via the portal and will likely start at the point. Either Brandon Garrison , who backed up Amari Williams last season, or freshman Malachi Moreno will man the middle.
Kentucky guard Otega Oweh (00) drives to the basket against Troy forward Jackson Fields (15) during their first-round game of the 2025 NCAA men's tournament at Fiserv Forum.
10. Louisville (27-8)
Points: 456. Previous ranking: 21.
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After taking a huge step forward behind a senior-heavy roster in coach Pat Kelsey's first year, Louisville looks to compete for an ACC title behind newcomers to the backcourt, including freshman Mikel Brown Jr. , Xavier transfer Ryan Conwell and Virginia transfer Isaac McKneely . A wild card is 7-foot center Aly Khalifa, who transferred from Brigham Young last season but missed the year due to injury.
11. Texas Tech (28-9)
Points: 455. Previous ranking: 8.
Only two main pieces return from a team that pushed Florida to the brink in the Elite Eight. But the two returnees are huge: junior forward JT Toppin (18.2 ppg, 9.4 rpg) is a player of the year candidate and sophomore guard Christian Anderson (10.6 ppg) is ready to take on more of the scoring load. Two transfers — guard Donovan Atwell ( UNC Greensboro ) and forward LeJuan Watts ( Washington State ) — will help determine where the Red Raiders land in the Big 12.
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12. UCLA (23-11)
Points: 421. Previous ranking: Not ranked.
Former New Mexico guard Donovan Dent may end up being the nation's most impactful transfer. His all-around game should blend in seamlessly. The Bruins also added a promising but unproven newcomer in former Michigan State forward Xavier Booker . The biggest key for Mick Cronin's team may be developing holdovers Eric Dailey Jr. (11.4 ppg) and Tyler Bilodeau (13.5 ppg) while finding minutes for transfer guard Jamar Brown (Missouri-Kansas City).
13. Arizona (24-13)
Points: 398. Previous ranking: 13.
After losing Big 12 player of the year Caleb Love, Arizona will trot out a blended roster of freshmen and seniors that could coalesce into a legitimate national title contender. Dwayne Aristode, Koa Peat and Brayden Burries are set for starting roles or key minutes off the bench as part of one of the nation's top recruiting classes. One veteran who needs to take another step forward is senior guard Jaden Bradley (12.1 pgg).
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14. Illinois (22-13)
Points: 349. Previous ranking: Not ranked.
Illinois is heavy on international imports after striking gold with one-and-done guard Kasparas Jakucionis last season. The Illini have a great building block in junior center Tomislav Ivisic (13.0 ppg, 7.7 rpg), a candidate to break out nationally after a strong 2024-25 season. Arriving to assist him in the frontcourt is is brother Zvonimir Ivisic from Arkansas and Andrej Stojakovic from California. The backcourt of senior Kylan Boswell (12.3 ppg) and freshman Mihailo Petrovic could develop into one of the best in the Big Ten.
Illinois guard Kylan Boswell (4) dribbles the ball against the defense of Iowa guard Drew Thelwell during the 2025 Big Ten tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
15. Arkansas (22-14)
Points: 329. Previous ranking: Not ranked.
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After a really nice debut for John Calipari, Arkansas has the talent to make noise in the SEC. In addition to returning guard D.J. Wagner (11.2 ppg) and breakout candidate Karter Knox (8.3 ppg) at forward, the Razorbacks added in transfer forward Nick Pringle ( South Carolina ) and immediate-impact freshmen Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas . It took some time for Calipari to find the right mix last year before a run to the Sweet 16. That same recipe could be in the cards this season.
16. Alabama (28-9)
Points: 322. Previous ranking: 6.
Nate Oats and the Crimson Tide are dealing with a heavy amount of attrition and will need inexperienced contributors to play beyond their years to make another run at the Final Four. Sophomore guard Labaron Philon Jr. (10.4 ppg) will take on a much bigger role with the loss of Mark Sears and others. Philon and Aden Holloway (11.4 ppg) are two-thirds of a good-looking backcourt that will be even better once Miami transfer Jalil Bethea returns from a toe injury. Taylor Bol Bowen (Florida State) and Noah Williamson (Bucknell) arrive as part of a revamped frontcourt. Houston Mallette's return from injury should also be a major plus.
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17. Tennessee (30-8)
Points: 292. Previous ranking: 5.
Tennessee is a minor rebuilding mode after losing Chaz Lanier , Zakai Zeigler and others from last year's Elite Eight squad. Adding all-conference guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie from Maryland is a big first step. Veteran center Felix Okpara (7.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg) can man the middle and help five-star freshman Nate Ament transition to the SEC. J.P Estrella is another projected contributor up front after missing almost all of last season.
18. Iowa State (25-10)
Points: 289. Previous ranking: 17.
The Cyclones were ranked near the top of the poll last season before injuries derailed hopes of a deep tournament run. Tamin Lipsey (10.6 ppg) was one of the key players hampered, and his status for the start of the season is uncertain after a knee injury. Milan Momcilovic (11.5 ppg) and Joshua Jefferson (13.0 ppg, 7.4 ppg) are returning veterans that will get a boost from the arrivals of WAC player of the year Dominick Nelson (Utah Valley) and Blake Buchanan (Virginia). Incoming freshmen Jamarion Batemon and Killyan Toure are expected to be key contributors.
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19. Kansas (21-13)
Points: 235. Previous ranking: Not ranked.
Since winning the tournament in 2022, the Jayhawks haven't advanced past the second round in the past three seasons. Perhaps a lower starting position will help after being No. 1 in the past two preseason rankings. Bill Self has overhauled the roster with transfers and freshman Darryn Peterson . It may take some time for the talent to mesh, but there's a chance this group could peak in March if sophomore Flory Bidunga reaches his potential.
Kansas forward Flory Bidunga (40) and UCF's Dallan Coleman chase a loose ball during the second half at Addition Financial Arena.
20. Gonzaga (26-9)
Points: 185. Previous ranking: 20.
If size matters, then the Bulldogs are in good shape to start a new streak of Sweet 16 appearances after their run of nine in a row ended last season. Graham Ike (17.3 ppg, 7.3 rpg) and Braden Huff (11.0 ppg) will be formidable threats inside. It's the perimeter group that is a work in progress with Braeden Smith expected to contribute more than one year removed from arriving from Colgate and the addition of sharpshooter Adam Miller from Arizona State. An added bonus would be the inclusion of Tyon Grant-Foster, who is hoping for an injunction to play after being denied eligibility by the NCAA.
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21. Michigan State (30-7)
Points: 144. Previous ranking: 7.
Tom Izzo fell just short of another Final Four last season and returns several key pieces from that squad. This group will again be physical and defense-oriented. Among those that will shoulder more of the load are Coen Carr, Jaxon Kohler and Jeremy Fears Jr. Arriving is Trey Fort (Samford) — a rare transfer of the Izzo tenure. He's expected to have a valuable outside threat the Spartans were lacking last season.
22. Auburn (32-6)
Points: 114. Previous ranking: 4.
The Bruce Pearl era is over after taking the Tigers to their second Final Four last season. The program is now in the hands of his son Steven, who has never been a head coach, making the transition uncertain. On the court, sophomore Tahaad Pettiford (11.6 ppg) should be one of the top guards in the SEC and push for All-America honors. Two Big 12 transfers — Kevin Overton (Texas Tech) and Keyshawn Hall (Central Florida) — will help with the scoring load. Another arrival to monitor is Elyjah Freeman, who comes from Division II with high hopes.
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23. Creighton (25-11)
Points: 103. Previous ranking: 24.
Greg McDermott has made the Bluejays one of the best programs in the country over the last five years. His team will have a new look without Ryan Kalkbrenner in the middle and Steven Ashworth as the primary ball handler. Jackson McAndrew (7.8 ppg) is expected to take a huge step forward as a sophomore. Two transfers from Iowa — Josh Dix and Owen Freeman — will be major contributors as will former Charlotte guard Nik Graves. There's a nice combination of youth and experience that should again have Creighton again near the top of the Big East.
24. Wisconsin (27-10)
Points: 62. Previous ranking: 16.
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Like most editions of the Badgers, this team is long on depth and size that will serve them well for the fight in the Big Ten. John Blackwell (15.8 ppg) will contend for all-conference honors and is joined in the backcourt by San Diego State transfer Nick Boyd. Nolan Winter (9.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg) returns in the frontcourt and will get support from Portland transfer Austin Rapp, who was West Coast Conference freshman of the year.
25. North Carolina (23-14)
Points: 37. Previous ranking: Not ranked.
The Tar Heels start in unfamiliar territory. This is their lowest ranking in the preseason poll since being unranked in 2005. The optimism for this season starts with freshman Caleb Wilson , who will be an anchor up front. Alongside him will be Arizona transfer Henri Veesaar . Holdover senior Seth Trimble (11.6 ppg) leads the backcourt with help from additions Jonathan Powell ( West Virginia ) and Kyan Evans (Colorado State). Another important add is Jarin Stevenson from Alabama, a contributor to recent tournament runs by the Crimson Tide.
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Dropped Out:No. 9 Maryland (27-9);No. 18Mississippi (24-12); No. 19 Texas A&M (23-11); No. 22 Saint Mary's (29-6); No. 23 Clemson (27-7). Others receiving votes: North Carolina State (12-19) 33; Oregon (25-10) 26; Ohio State (17-15) 15; San Diego State (21-10) 15; Baylor (20-15) 13; Virginia (15-17) 11; Vanderbilt (20-13) 10; Southern California (17-18) 7; Texas (19-16) 6; Missouri (22-12) 5; Villanova (21-15) 5; Mississippi (24-12) 4; Cincinnati (19-16) 3; Iowa (17-16) 3; Saint Mary's (29-6) 3; Washington (13-18) 3; Virginia Commonwealth (28-7) 2; Boise State (26-11) 1; Kansas State (16-17) 1; Oklahoma State (17-18) 1.
The USA TODAY Sports Board of Coaches is made up of 31 head coaches at Division I institutions. All are members of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The board for the 2025-26 season: Adrian Autry, Syracuse; John Becker, Vermont; Randy Bennett, Saint Mary's; Jeff Boals, Ohio; Alvin Brooks, Lamar; Pat Chambers, Florida Gulf Coast; Scott Drew, Baylor; Dan Earl, Chattanooga; Jonas Hayes, Georgia State; Donte' Jackson, Alabama A&M; Ben Jacobson, Northern Iowa; James Jones, Yale; Greg Kampe, Oakland; Brad Korn, Southeast Missouri State; Anthony Latina, Sacred Heart; Jim Les, UC Davis; Greg McDermott, Creighton; Nick McDevitt, Middle Tennessee; Mike McGarvey, Lafayette; Dan Monson, Eastern Washington ; Chris Mooney, Richmond; Mike Morrell, UNC Asheville; Nate Oats, Alabama; Eric Olen, New Mexico; Matt Painter, Purdue; Paul Sather, North Dakota; Michael Schwartz, East Carolina ; Patrick Sellers, Central Connecticut State; Zach Spiker, Drexel; Brett Tanner, Abilene Christian; Stan Waterman, Delaware State.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College basketball preseason rankings Top 25 team outlooks
