Michigan just wrapped up one of the most dominant title runs in recent memory, finishing 37–3 and winning 29 games by double digits. Now the focus shifts quickly. With draft decisions looming and the transfer portal still active, projecting next season remains fluid. Still, it is always fun to look ahead and with 200-plus days until first tip, here are our early Top 25 rankings for 2026–27.
1. Michigan
Michigan’s “Nine Starters” mantra carried them through a title run and should remain a strength. Lead guard Elliot Cadeau and electrifying Trey McKenney headline the returning group, joined by top-20 recruit Brandon McCoy. The futures of Aday Mara and Morez Johnson remain uncertain, but even if they both follow Yaxel Lendeborg to the NBA, Dusty May has shown he can find the right portal pieces.
2. Duke
Losing Cameron Boozer hurts, and other roster decisions are still pending, but Duke remains one of the sport’s premier destinations. The Blue Devils also bring in the nation’s top recruiting class, featuring three five-star commits.
3. Illinois
Illinois is positioned to retain more continuity than most contenders, anchored by a core of European players with remaining eligibility. Keaton Wagler is expected to depart, but freshman point guard Quentin Coleman will slot in as more than a capable replacement.
4. Michigan State
Tom Izzo has another roster built to compete at the highest level. Jeremy Fears Jr. and Coen Carr are expected back, and the Spartans add the nation’s third-ranked recruiting class. Teams led by Izzo consistently contend, and this group looks no different.
5. UConn
UConn remains a perennial contender under Dan Hurley, but there are key questions to address. Alex Karaban and Tarris Reed have exhausted eligibility, and Braylon Mullins could enter the draft. Without a top-tier recruiting class, internal development becomes critical and this year’s bench pieces will need to step up.
6. Arizona
Arizona maintains a strong foundation despite losing Jayden Bradley, Brayden Burries, and Koa Peat. Caleb Holt, 247’s fourth-ranked recruit, should make an immediate impact. Retaining Ivan Kharchenkov and Motiejus Krivas would be just as important.
7. Arkansas
John Calipari reloads again, landing three five-stars, including the nation’s top guard Jordan Smith. His track record with elite guards suggests Arkansas will remain a factor, regardless of veteran turnover.
8. Iowa State
Tamin Lipsey and Joshua Jefferson represent major losses, but they were not the only drivers of success. T.J. Otzelberger has consistently maximized his roster, and a mix of freshmen and returning pieces keeps Iowa State competitive.
9. Houston
Houston enters a retooling phase and will rely heavily on the portal. JoJo Tugler returns, and Chris Cenac could join him, but Kelvin Sampson still faces a significant roster rebuild.
10. Virginia
Ryan Odom has quickly elevated the program, turning a 15-win team into a 30-win group. A strong returning core provides stability, though the lack of committed recruits could become a factor.
11. St. John’s
Zuby Ejiofor will be difficult to replace, and Bryce Hopkins and Dillon Mitchell are also gone. Still, Rick Pitino’s presence provides confidence that St. John’s will be just fine.
12. Alabama
Labaron Philon has declared for the draft, and Amari Allen could follow. Even so, a strong recruiting class and Aden Holloway’s return give Alabama a solid foundation heading into portal season.
13. Florida
Florida’s trio of Alex Condon, Thomas Haugh, and Rueben Chinyelu may not stay intact, with Haugh already departing. If Condon and Chinyelu return, they’ll pair with Boogie Fland for another run. If not, expect some regression.
14. Gonzaga
Gonzaga faces a transition heading into its first season in the reformed Pac-12. Retaining Braden Huff helps, along with a group of developing underclassmen.
15. Kansas
Bill Self’s return provides stability, and Kansas adds another strong recruiting class. The decision of top recruit Tyran Stokes, who lists Kansas among his finalists, looms large.
16. Purdue
Purdue turns the page after the departures of Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, and Trey Kaufman-Renn. The program has a track record of developing new contributors, but this roster will look very different.
17. BYU
BYU adds five-star forward Bruce Branch as a potential replacement for AJ Dybantsa. His fit alongside Rob Wright is promising, though frontcourt depth remains a concern.
18. North Carolina
Hiring Mike Malone introduces uncertainty, given his lack of college coaching experience. Still, a solid returning core and top-10 recruit Dylan Mingo provide a foundation.
19. Tennessee
Rick Barnes added Tyler Lundblade through the portal, but more help will be needed to push beyond the Elite Eight and finally reach a Final Four.
20. Nebraska
Replicating last season will be difficult, but Nebraska retains significant continuity following the program’s best year. Pryce Sandfort returns, and Ugnius Jarusevicius adds frontcourt help.
21. USC
USC brings in three five-star freshmen expected to contribute immediately. If Alijah Arenas and Rodney Rice both depart, however, the team’s ceiling drops significantly.
22. Iowa
This marks Ben McCollum’s first Division I season without Bennett Stirtz. How he adjusts will be a key storyline, though most of last year’s rotation is expected back.
23. Wisconsin
John Blackwell entering the portal leaves Wisconsin thin on the wing, but a strong front line gives the Badgers a stable floor.
24. Texas
Texas exceeded expectations last season, reaching the Sweet 16. Sean Miller looks to build on that momentum with the nation’s 12th-ranked recruiting class.
25. Missouri
Despite backcourt losses, Missouri adds high school scoring leader Jason Crowe Jr. to an athletic roster that was limited by injuries last season.
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