Way-too-early men’s NCAA top 25 for 2026-27

The 2026 NCAA season just ended, and Michigan is celebrating a national title. However, attention has already shifted toward the 2026-27 college basketball season. Fans and analysts are now looking ahead to see which teams can contend.

Roster changes will play a huge role in shaping next season’s rankings. The transfer portal is opening soon, and many players will explore new options. At the same time, NBA draft decisions will impact several top programs. Because of this, predicting next season is not easy right now.

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Even so, some programs remain strong due to great coaching and smart recruiting. These teams reload every year and stay competitive at the highest level. A strong offseason can easily turn a good roster into a title contender. On the other hand, losing good players can push teams down the rankings.

This way-too-early top 25 gives a clear picture of where things stand today.

25. USC

25. USC

USC is still adjusting under head coach Eric Musselman after a slow start. However, the Trojans are bringing in a strong recruiting class this offseason. Christian Collins leads three McDonald’s All-Americans joining the program next year.

At the same time, retaining players like Rodney Rice and Jacob Cofie is very important. Alijah Arenas is another key name who could shape the team’s future success. If USC keeps its core intact, the team could rise quickly.

Therefore, this season will depend on both development and roster stability in Los Angeles.

24. TCU

24. TCU

TCU showed strong improvement during Big 12 play and finished the season well. The Horned Frogs built momentum and looked competitive against top teams late.

David Punch and Xavier Edmonds provide strength and scoring in the frontcourt. Meanwhile, Micah Robinson and Liutauras Lelevicius add versatility on the wings. Brock Harding also brings stability at the point guard position.

If this core group stays together, TCU can build on last season’s success. However, roster retention will be the biggest challenge during the offseason.

23. Texas Tech

23. Texas Tech

Texas Tech enters the offseason with several important questions about its roster. JT Toppin’s injury status will play a major role in team planning.

In addition, Christian Anderson’s decision could depend on how the roster shapes up. Other young players may also explore their options during this period.

Despite the uncertainty, head coach Grant McCasland has proven he can build strong teams. Texas Tech also has strong financial backing to attract talent through the portal.

22. UCLA

22. UCLA

UCLA faces a challenging offseason after losing key players from last season’s roster. Donovan Dent and Tyler Bilodeau leave major gaps that must be filled.

Still, Trent Perry returns and should take a big step forward next season. Eric Dailey Jr. and Xavier Booker give the Bruins a solid frontcourt foundation.

However, the team must add a reliable point guard and another forward. If UCLA addresses those needs, it can remain competitive in the Big Ten.

21. Iowa

Iowa surprised many teams with a deep run to the Elite Eight last season. That success has created strong momentum heading into the new campaign.

Several important players like Kael Combs and Cooper Koch could return next year. Cam Manyawu also adds balance and strength to the starting lineup.

In addition, Tate Sage and Alvaro Folgueiras showed great potential during the tournament. However, Iowa still needs a high-level guard to lead the offense consistently.

20. Saint Louis

20. Saint Louis

Saint Louis had an excellent season and managed to retain head coach Josh Schertz. That stability gives the program a strong foundation moving forward.

Trey Green and Ishan Sharma provide consistent shooting from the perimeter. Meanwhile, Quentin Jones and Kellen Thames add speed and scoring ability.

Amari McCottry also contributes with his aggressive playing style on both ends. If Saint Louis adds a strong frontcourt player, the team could improve further.

19. Kansas

19. Kansas

Kansas experienced a mixed offseason with both positive and negative developments. Bill Self returning as head coach is a major boost for the program.

However, losing Flory Bidunga and Bryson Tiller to the transfer portal hurts depth. The incoming freshman class brings hope, led by talented guard Taylen Kinney.

Landing top recruit Tyran Stokes would significantly improve Kansas’ overall roster strength. Therefore, recruiting success will play a big role in their season outlook.

18. Purdue

18. Purdue

Purdue will look very different after losing several key players from last season. Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer were major contributors to the team’s success.

Now, Luke Ertel and Omer Mayer are expected to take over ball-handling duties. C.J. Cox could also step into a bigger role as an experienced player.

Additionally, Antione West Jr. is a promising name after sitting out last season. Purdue’s system remains strong, which should help the team stay competitive.

17. Texas

17. Texas

Texas had a successful first season under head coach Sean Miller last year. A Sweet 16 appearance helped build confidence within the program moving forward.

Dailyn Swain’s NBA decision will be very important for the team’s future plans. Meanwhile, Matas Vokietaitis provides strength and presence in the frontcourt.

Freshman Austin Goosby also brings excitement as one of the top young guards. Texas will aim to build on last season’s progress and improve further.

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16. Nebraska

16. Nebraska

Nebraska enjoyed a historic season by winning its first NCAA tournament game. The Cornhuskers also reached the Sweet 16, showing major improvement as a program.

Pryce Sandfort and Braden Frager are key players expected to return next season. Berke Büyüktuncel adds versatility and flexibility in different game situations.

If Nebraska keeps its core intact, the team can compete strongly in the Big Ten again.

15. Vanderbilt

15. Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt continues to improve under head coach Mark Byington’s leadership and vision. The program is clearly moving in the right direction after recent progress.

Tyler Tanner is the most important player to watch during this offseason period. He has the potential to become a first-team All-American next season.

However, he may also consider entering the NBA draft, which creates uncertainty. His decision will likely determine Vanderbilt’s overall ceiling next year.

14. Iowa State

14. Iowa State

Iowa State remains one of the most consistent programs in college basketball recently. However, losing Tamin Lipsey and Joshua Jefferson creates some challenges.

Young guards Killyan Toure and Jamarion Batemon bring energy and future potential. Blake Buchanan provides stability and experience in the frontcourt rotation.

Milan Momcilovic’s draft decision will be crucial for the team’s offensive strength. Therefore, Iowa State’s outlook depends heavily on player retention this offseason.

13. St. John’s

13. St. John’s

St. John’s has made huge progress under head coach Rick Pitino in recent years. Winning back-to-back Big East titles shows the program’s strong development.

However, losing Zuby Ejiofor creates a big gap in the frontcourt rotation. The backcourt could remain strong with Ian Jackson and Joson Sanon returning.

Dylan Darling is another important guard who can contribute significantly next season. The team must rebuild its frontcourt to stay competitive at a high level.

12. Gonzaga

12. Gonzaga

Gonzaga continues to maintain its reputation as a consistent and strong program. The Bulldogs rarely drop out of national rankings due to steady performance.

Braden Huff is expected to lead the team after recovering from his injury. He was one of the most efficient scorers before his season ended early.

Mario Saint-Supery and Davis Fogle showed strong potential last year. If the roster stays healthy, Gonzaga could compete at a high level again.

11. Alabama

11. Alabama

Alabama faces uncertainty with Labaron Philon Jr. likely heading to the NBA draft. Losing him would create a gap in the team’s backcourt leadership.

Aden Holloway and Amari Allen are key players who could return next season. The team also adds talented recruits like Qayden Samuels and Jaxon Richardson.

Head coach Nate Oats has already highlighted the need for more size this offseason.

10. Houston

10. Houston

Houston continues to perform at a high level under head coach Kelvin Sampson. The program is known for strong defense and disciplined team play.

However, the roster will change significantly with key guards expected to leave. Joseph Tugler and Chris Cenac Jr. may also enter the NBA draft soon.

Freshmen Arafan Diane and Ikenna Alozie bring new energy and potential to the team. Houston will rely on development and system strength to stay competitive.

9. Arkansas

9. Arkansas

Arkansas is building a strong future under head coach John Calipari’s leadership. The 2026 recruiting class is one of the best in the country.

Jordan Smith Jr. stands out as a top freshman with strong all-around skills. Abdou Toure and JJ Andrews add athleticism and depth on the wings.

This young group could make Arkansas one of the most exciting teams next season.

8. Illinois

8. Illinois

Illinois reached the Final Four and gained valuable experience from that run. The team will look to build on that success next season.

David Mirkovic is expected to take another step and become a star player. Retaining players like the Ivišić brothers would strengthen the roster further.

Illinois also continues to recruit international talent effectively, which adds depth and variety.

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7. Virginia

7. Virginia

Virginia had a strong first season under head coach Ryan Odom’s system. The team won 30 games and showed clear improvement throughout the year.

Chance Mallory leads the backcourt and continues to develop into a top player. Thijs De Ridder and Johann Grünloh anchor a strong frontcourt unit.

Virginia’s style of play fits well in modern college basketball and should bring success.

6. Duke

6. Duke

Duke remains one of the most consistent programs under head coach Jon Scheyer. The team has lost very few games over the past two seasons.

The incoming class includes top recruits like Deron Rippey Jr. in the backcourt. However, managing guard depth will be an important challenge for the team.

The frontcourt also needs improvement to maintain balance across the roster.

5. Michigan State

5. Michigan State

Michigan State has returned to national relevance with strong recent performances. Jeremy Fears Jr. plays a key role in leading the team’s offense.

If he returns, the Spartans will remain a top contender in the Big Ten. However, the team must rebuild its frontcourt after losing key players.

Cam Ward and Jordan Scott bring potential but still need more experience.

4. Arizona

4. Arizona

Arizona continues to perform well under head coach Tommy Lloyd’s leadership. The program has built a strong foundation in recent seasons.

Ivan Kharchenkov and Motiejus Krivas are key players who could return next year. Caleb Holt leads a talented incoming class in the backcourt.

Arizona will likely target experienced point guards in the transfer portal this offseason.

3. Florida

3. Florida

Florida has the talent to bounce back strongly after last season’s early exit. Several key guards like Boogie Fland are already returning next year.

Urban Klavzar and Isaiah Brown also provide depth and stability in the backcourt. The main focus will be retaining Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu.

Adding more scoring options on the wing will also help improve overall balance.

2. UConn

2. UConn

UConn continues to build a strong program with consistent success in recent years. The team has reached multiple Final Fours during this period.

Silas Demary Jr. is expected to lead the team after a strong previous season. Solo Ball and Jaylin Stewart add depth and scoring ability.

Eric Reibe could have a breakout year, while the freshman class adds more talent.

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1. Michigan

1. Michigan

Michigan enters the new season as the defending national champion and top-ranked team. Head coach Dusty May has built a strong and balanced roster.

Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara are key players with important NBA decisions ahead. Even if one returns, Michigan will remain a serious title contender.

Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney lead a talented backcourt with strong chemistry. Freshman Brandon McCoy adds more depth and scoring ability to the roster.

Conclusion

Many things will change before the new season begins later this year. Player decisions and transfers will reshape teams across the country as soon as possible.

Still, these programs have strong foundations and clear paths to compete for titles.