Top 25 College Teams

The college basketball landscape is gearing up for an exciting 2026 season. Many teams are returning a strong core of players along with impactful incoming recruits. Below is a breakdown of the top 25 teams heading into the season based on their performance last year and projections for the upcoming year.

1. Houston

   
   

   The Cougars are ranked first due to the return of four key scorers: Emanuel Sharp, Milos Uzan, Terrance Arceneaux, and Joseph Tugler. Last season, they achieved a remarkable record of 35-5 and reached the championship game of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. They will also benefit from a recruiting class that includes five-star freshman Chris Cenac Jr. and four-star prospects Isiah Harwell and Kingston Flemings, along with Sam Houston transfer Kalifa Sakho.

2. Duke

   
   

   Duke secured the second spot with three returning top scorers: Tyrese Proctor, Isaiah Evans, and Caleb Foster. The Blue Devils compiled an impressive 35-4 record and reached the Final Four last season. Their recruiting class is highlighted by five-star talents Cameron Boozer and Shelton Henderson, along with four-star recruits Nikolas Khamenia and Cayden Boozer.

3. Purdue

   
   

   Purdue ranks third after returning five of their top six scorers: Trey Kaufman-Renn, Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, Daniel Jacobsen, and C.J. Cox. The team concluded the previous season at 24-12 and made it to the Sweet 16. The Boilermakers will also welcome South Dakota State transfer Oscar Cluff into their lineup.

4. Alabama

   
   

   Ranked fourth, Alabama brings back five top scorers, including Latrell Wrightsell Jr. and Aden Holloway, from a team that finished 28-9 and advanced to the Elite Eight. Their recruiting efforts have added former Miami player Jalil Bethea, Florida State transfer Tayor Bol Bowen, and four-star prospects London Jemison and Davion Hannah.

5. UConn

   
   

   UConn is fifth in the rankings, returning four of their seven leading scorers: Solo Ball, Alex Karaban, Tarris Reed, and Jaylin Stewart. The team achieved a record of 24-11 and a second-round appearance in last year’s tournament. The recruiting class includes Georgia transfer Silas Demary Jr. and five-star freshman Braylon Mullins.

6. UCLA

   
   

   With three of their top four scorers returning, UCLA holds the sixth position. Key players include Tyler Bilodeau and Eric Dailey Jr. From a season where they finished at 23-11 and reached the second round, UCLA will also add several transfers, including New Mexico’s Donovan Dent.

7. Iowa State

   
   

   Iowa State ranks seventh after retaining three of their top five scorers, such as Joshua Jefferson. Following a strong season with a record of 25-10 and a second-round finish, they’ll also feature notable transfers from Virginia and Purdue Fort Wayne.

8. Arizona

   
   

   The Wildcats are in eighth, returning key scorers like Jaden Bradley and Anthony Dell’Orso from a squad that went 24-13 and made it to the Sweet 16. Their recruiting class includes five-star freshman Koa Peat.

9. Florida

   
   

   Florida is ranked ninth, notably returning seven of their ten top scorers from last year’s champions, finishing 36-4. Their successful recruiting class is expected to further solidify their standing.

10. St. John’s

    
    

    St. John’s rounds out the top ten, returning five essential scorers from a team that finished 31-5, alongside significant transfers from Providence and Arizona State.