College basketball rankings 2026-27: Duke, Florida, Illinois lead Sporting News preseason Top 25

College basketball rankings 2026-27: Duke, Florida, Illinois lead Sporting News preseason Top 25 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

A few years ago, any next-season college basketball rankings before April were far too early. When the era of increased player movement began, any rankings before May were too early.

This offseason, it felt like any rankings before the literal first tip-off were too early.

The chaos surrounding eligibility dragged through the summer and into the fall, leaving teams with roster uncertainty right up to the start of the season. After so many months of off-the-court headlines, though, the focus of college basketball is finally right back where it belongs: on the hardwood.

The Sporting News ranks the top 25 teams entering the season, headlined by Duke and Florida.

Sporting News College Basketball Preseason Top 25

1. Duke

Coach: Jon Scheyer (5th season)

Key players: G John Blackwell, F Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje, C Patrick Ngongba II, G Cayden Boozer, F Dame Sarr, G Caleb Foster

2026 finish: 35-3, Elite Eight

Why they’re here: Jon Scheyer obviously still has something to prove after back-to-back seasons ended in complete collapse in the NCAA Tournament, but this is the deepest team he's ever had. There might not be a Cooper Flagg or a Cameron Boozer, but the combination of returnees Ngongba, Cayden Boozer, Sarr and Foster plus the addition of talented scorer John Blackwell alone make this team dangerous. Add in an impressive class of freshmen, including freakishly talented 17-year-old Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje, and the Blue Devils have everything needed to win a national championship, provided point guard play is stable enough.

MORE:Duke betting preview for 2026-27

2. Florida

Coach: Todd Golden (5th season)

Key players: F Thomas Haugh, F Alex Condon, C Rueben Chinyelu, G Boogie Fland, G Denzel Aberdeen, G Urban Klavzar

2026 finish: 27-8, Round of 32

Why they’re here: Florida's continuity is unprecedented in this era. The championship-winning frontcourt of Haugh, Condon and Chinyelu remains intact two seasons later, and the Gators even brought back a member of that team with Denzel Aberdeen back in the fold after a year away. The backcourt held this team back at times last season, but Florida is hoping a backcourt featuring Boogie Fland and Urban Klavzar along with Aberdeen is enough to supplement the best frontcourt in the nation.

MORE:Florida betting preview for 2026-27

3. Illinois

Coach: Brad Underwood (10th season)

Key players: G Andrej Stojakovic, F David Mirkovic, G Stefan Vaaks, F Tomislav Ivisic, G Quentin Coleman, F Jake Davis

2026 finish: 28-9, Final Four

Why they’re here: Brad Underwood was able to hold Illinois' core together, with the exception of Keaton Wagler, after a run to the Final Four. A foot injury delaying David Mirkovic's season debut is something to watch for the Illini, but they have the talent to stay afloat while he works his way back. Former Providence guard Stefan Vaaks joins a high-level scorer in Andrej Stojakovic, and freshman guard Quentin Coleman will look to rival the impact Wagler made last season.

MORE:Illinois betting preview for 2026-27

4. Michigan State

Coach: Tom Izzo (32nd season)

Key players: G Jeremy Fears Jr., F Coen Carr, C Anton Bonke, F Cam Ward, F Jordan Scott, G Kur Teng

2026 finish: 27-8, Sweet 16

Why they’re here: Tom Izzo has bemoaned the state of college basketball but adamantly resisted retirement. Why would he retire when he can still put together rosters like this? The Spartans were able to bring back potential All-American Jeremy Fears Jr., bring in center Anton Bonke through the portal and retain some intriguing talent. With Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper gone, all eyes are on how some of the pieces in the frontcourt develop — namely Jordan Scott and Cam Ward. Izzo's track record says those returns will be positive.

MORE:Michigan State betting preview for 2026-27

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5. UConn

Coach: Dan Hurley (9th season)

Key players: G Silas Demary Jr., G Braylon Mullins, C Najai Hines, F Nikolas Khamenia, F Colben Landrew, F Jayden Ross

2026 finish: 34-6, national runner-up

Why they’re here: Dan Hurley has some work to do after losing Alex Karaban and Tarris Reed, plus seeing Solo Ball undergo season-ending surgery, but the Huskies are well-equipped to make another run. Braylon Mullins is ready to take a leap after his shining moment, and the additions of talented sophomores Najai Hines and Nikolas Khamenia give the frontcourt a sky-high ceiling. Youth could be a detriment, as Demary could be the only starter who isn't a freshman or sophomore, but Hurley should be trusted to get the most out of this group.

MORE:UConn betting preview for 2026-27

6. Arizona

Coach: Tommy Lloyd (6th season)

Key players: C Motiejus Krivas, F Ivan Kharchenkov, G Caleb Holt, G Derek Dixon, F Cameron Holmes, G J.J. Mandaquit

2026 finish: 36-3, Final Four

Why they’re here: Arizona finally broke through with a Final Four appearance last season, even if the end result wasn't what Tommy Lloyd wanted. The roster experienced some turnover this offseason, but a frontcourt led by returnees Motiejus Krivas and Ivan Kharchankov is more than capable of leading the way. How a much younger backcourt pans out will determine the ceiling for this team. Caleb Holt and UNC transfer Derek Dixon certainly have the talent, but both might have to learn as they go.

MORE:Arizona betting preview for 2026-27

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7. Houston

Coach: Kelvin Sampson (13th season)

Key players: C JoJo Tugler, G Dedan Thomas Jr, F Delrecco Gillespie, G Mercy Miller, F Chase McCarthy, G Corey Hadnot II

2026 finish: 30-7, Sweet 16

Why they’re here: Houston experienced more turnover than usual this offseason, but it's hard not to trust Kelvin Sampson to get the most out of a talented group. JoJo Tugler's return sets the tone for the frontcourt, while Dedan Thomas Jr. and Delrecco Gillespie give the Cougars two transfer additions that fit Sampson's mold well. Houston's ceiling depends on what kind of leap Chase McCarty and Mercy Miller can make in expanded roles.

MORE:Houston betting preview for 2026-27

8. Louisville

Coach: Pat Kelsey (3rd season)

Key players: C Flory Bidunga, G Jackson Shelstad, G Seth Trimble, F Alvaro Folgueiras, G Adrian Wooley, C Obinna Ekezie Jr.

2026 finish: 24-11, Round of 32

Why they’re here: Louisville was one of the most active teams in the transfer portal, adding four starters in Bidunga, Shelstad, Trimble and Folgueiras. Assuming Trimble remains eligible, the Cardinals are loaded up with experience and have a legitimate point guard as long as Shelstad remains healthy. The player who can elevate Louisville's ceiling is freshman big man Obinna Ekezie Jr., who really stood out in an exhibition game against Kansas.

MORE:Louisville betting preview for 2026-27

9. Virginia

Coach: Ryan Odom (2nd season)

Key players: F Thijs De Ridder, G Chance Mallory, F Johann Grunloh, G Sam Lewis, G Jurian Dixon, F Christian Harmon

2026 finish: 30-6, Round of 32

Why they’re here: Retention was the name of the game for Ryan Odom this offseason, as four of his five projected starters are returnees from what was a terrific first season in Charlottesville. Virginia is looking for a leap from 5-9 guard Chance Mallory, while the international frontcourt duo of Thijs De Ridder and Johann Grunloh will be one of the best in the country. Depth isn't quite what it was last season, but the development of the players who returned can make up the difference.

MORE:Virginia betting preview for 2026-27

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10. Texas

Coach: Sean Miller (2nd season)

Key players: C Matas Vokietaitis, F David Punch, G Isaac Johnson, G Mikey Lewis, F Elyjah Freeman, G Austin Goosby

2026 finish: 21-15, Sweet 16

Why they’re here: Texas went from a bubble team to the Sweet 16 in Sean Miller's first season, but the Longhorns are no longer an underdog. Miller went out and found four starters in the transfer portal to put next to star center Matas Vokietaitis, and freshmen Austin Goosby and Marcus Spears Jr. give Texas an additional punch. Speaking of punch, TCU transfer David Punch has All-SEC potential in the frontcourt.

MORE:Texas betting preview for 2026-27

11. Tennessee

Coach: Rick Barnes (12th season)

Key players: F Juke Harris, G Terrence Hill Jr, G Dai Dai Ames, F Jalen Haralson, G Tyler Lundblade, C Dewayne Brown II

2026 finish: 25-12, Elite Eight

Why they’re here: Tennessee built what looked like a super-team in the transfer portal, adding as many as seven rotation pieces. How it will all fit is now the question, particularly after the Vols were walloped by Duke in an exhibition game. There's no doubt Tennessee will be able to score, between Juke Haris, Terrence Hill Jr. and sneaky shooter Tyler Lundblade. After size was a major asset for Tennessee last season, however, it could be a deficiency as Rick Barnes finds the best lineup to utilize the talent he has.

MORE:Tennessee betting preview for 2026-27

12. Kansas

Coach: Bill Self (24th season)

Key players: G Melvin Council Jr., F Trey Kaufman-Renn, F Tyran Stokes, F Tre White, G Leroy Blyden Jr., G Taylen Kinney

2026 finish: 24-11, Round of 32

Why they’re here: Kansas wasn't a top-25 team before fifth-year players, eligible for now, joined and rejoined the roster. The Jayhawks not only have Melvin Council Jr. and Tre White back, but they added former Purdue star Trey Kaufman-Renn despite him being selected in the NBA Draft. The trio represents a much-needed reinforcement next to No. 1 recruit Tyran Stokes and a handful transfer additions who are much better served as complementary pieces than featured players.

MORE:Kansas betting preview for 2026-27

13. Michigan

Coach: Mike Boynton (1st season)

Key players: G Elliot Cadeau, C J.P. Estrella, C Moustapha Thiam, F Trey McKenney, G Roddy Gayle Jr., G Kenny Noland

2026 finish: 37-3, national champions

Why they’re here: Michigan lost coach Dusty May, its entire national championship frontcourt and even five-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. in the offseason. Still, there's a case to be made that the Wolverines are being overlooked simply because May left. Mike Boynton does have something to prove, but he brings back PG Elliot Cadeau, should get a major leap from Trey McKenney and has a rebuilt frontcourt between transfer additions J.P. Estrella and Moustapha Thiam. Depth isn't what it was, but this is a high-level Big Ten roster.

MORE:Michigan betting preview for 2026-27

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14. Texas Tech

Coach: Grant McCasland (4th season)

Key players: F JT Toppin, G Darrion Williams, G Cruz Davis, G Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, F Bassala Bagayoko, G Damarion Dennis

2026 finish: 23-11, Round of 32

Why they’re here: All eyes are on the return of JT Toppin, who isn't ready for the start of the season as he recovers from an ACL tear but is expected back at some point. Do the Red Raiders have enough to stay afloat in his absence? They absolutely should, with Darrion Williams back after a year away and transfer guards Cruz Davis and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn in the mix. The backcourt is not in question, but the frontcourt will need Toppin at some point for Texas Tech to reach its potential.

MORE:Texas Tech betting preview for 2026-27

15. Miami

Coach: Jai Lucas (2nd season)

Key players: F Malik Reneau, G Acaden Lewis, F Shelton Henderson, C Somto Cyril, G Dante Allen, F DeSean Goode

2026 finish: 26-9, Round of 32

Why they’re here: Jai Lucas has Miami rolling after a stellar first season, and the Hurricanes quietly had one of the best offseasons in the country. Lucas was able to retain Shelton Henderson and Dante Allen as both prepare for sophomore leaps while adding two premier portal pieces in Acaden Lewis and Somto Cyril. The roster already looked strong before fifth-year player Malik Reneau returned, giving Miami a lead offensive option.

MORE:Miami betting preview for 2026-27

16. Gonzaga

Coach: Mark Few (28th season)

Key players: F Braden Huff, F Massamba Diop, G Javon Bennett, G Davis Fogle, G Isiah Harwell, G Xaivian Lee

2026 finish: 31-4, Round of 32

Why they’re here: Braden Huff's injury derailed Gonzaga last season, but Mark Few has what can easily be a second weekend team with Huff leading the way. Massamba Diop should help fill the void left by Graham Ike, while fifth-year additions Javon Bennett and Xaivian Lee helped solve a concerning backcourt situation.

MORE:Gonzaga betting preview for 2026-27

17. Iowa State

Coach: T.J. Otzelbeger (6th season)

Key players: G Tamin Lipsey, G Leon Bond III, C Blake Buchanan, G Jaquan Johnson, F Tre Singleton, G Jamarion Batemon

2026 finish: 29-8, Sweet 16

Why they’re here: Iowa State always seems to punch above its weight, at least in the regular season, but this isn't T.J. Otzelberger's most talented team. The return of Tamin Lipsey, whose eligibility had been in question leading up to the season, is massive and should allow other transfer portal additions to slot into roles that better fit their skill sets rather than front-facing roles.

MORE:Iowa State betting preview for 2026-27

18. Kentucky

Coach: Mark Pope (3rd season)

Key players: F Milan Momcilovic, G Alex Wilkins, G Zoom Diallo, C Malachi Moreno, C Ousmane N'Diaye, G Mason Williams

2026 finish: 22-14, Round of 32

Why they’re here: Few high-major programs had worse vibes during the heart of portal season than Kentucky, which missed on a number of targets, but the late addition of sharpshooter Milan Momcilovic changed everything for the Wildcats. With Malachi Moreno back in the fold as well, the frontcourt should be one of the SEC's strongest, leaving the pressure on transfer additions Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins in the backcourt. If the lights are too bright for one of them, freshman Mason Williams could be ready to contribute earlier than anticipated.

MORE:Kentucky betting preview for 2026-27

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19. Arkansas

Coach: John Calipari (3rd season)

Key players: G Billy Richmond III, G Jeremiah Wilkinson, G Jordan Smith Jr., C Cooper Bowser, F Miikka Muurinen, F Jashawn Andrews

2026 finish: 28-9, Sweet 16

Why they’re here: It all runs through the backcourt for Arkansas, with Billy Richmond III back alongside talented freshman Jordan Smith Jr. and proven scorer Jeremiah Wilkinson. If a frontcourt that features two freshmen, including one with sky-high potential in Miikka Muurinen, can rise to the occasion, Arkansas can compete near the top of the SEC again.

MORE:Arkansas betting preview for 2026-27

20. USC

Coach: Eric Musselman (3rd season)

Key players: G Rodney Rice, G Alijah Arenas, G KJ Lewis, F Jacob Cofie, F Christian Collins, C Adonis Ratliff

2026 finish: 18-14, missed NCAA Tournament

Why they’re here: This already feels like a prove-it year for Eric Musselman, who justifiably got a pass last season due to a number of injuries but now brings back a talented team. Rodney Rice should be one of the Big Ten's top scorers, while Alijah Arenas flashed a bit of what he can do down the stretch last season. A younger frontcourt anchored by Jacob Cofie will have to do its part, but the Trojans have to aim for a single-digit seed this season.

MORE:USC betting preview for 2026-27

21. Alabama

Coach: Nate Oats (8th season)

Key players: G Aden Holloway, F Amari Allen, F Drew Fielder, F Jaxon Richardson, C Brandon Garrison, F Qayden Samuels

2026 finish: 25-10, Sweet 16

Why they’re here: Alabama will have to adjust to life without Labaron Philon, but bringing back both Aden Holloway and Amari Allen is a start. Whether Holloway is ready to be the high-volume scorer Philon and Mark Sears were is a question, so the Crimson Tide might run more through a deep frontcourt this season. Keep an eye on freshmen Jaxon Richardson and Qayden Samuels, who can raise the ceiling for this team.

MORE:Alabama betting preview for 2026-27

22. BYU

Coach: Kevin Young (3rd season)

Key players: G Robert Wright III, G Collin Chandler, F Bruce Branch III, F Jaxon Kohler, F Tyler Betsey, G Dawson Baker

2026 finish: 23-12, Round of 64

Why they’re here: BYU relied on three players for offense last season, and that shrunk to two when Richie Saunders went down. The Cougars should be a bit more balanced this season. Scoring will go through Robert Wright and sharpshooter Collin Chandler, but Jaxon Kohler is a major boost to the frontcourt while freshman Bruce Branch III should give BYU a jolt even if he isn't quite AJ Dybantsa.

MORE:BYU betting preview for 2026-27

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23. St. John's

Coach: Rick Pitino (4th season)

Key players: F Tounde Yessoufou, F Keyshawn Hall, G Quinn Ellis, G Ian Jackson, F Ruben Prey, F Reed Bailey

2026 finish: 30-7, Sweet 16

Why they’re here: You have to wonder whether St. John's missed its best opportunity to reach a Final Four, as Rick Pitino's team nearly toppled Duke in the Sweet 16 last season. Hope shouldn't be lost, though. The late additions of Tounde Yessoufou and Keyshawn Hall (currently eligible for a fifth season) are massive, giving the Red Storm a fighting chance to win the Big East. If relative unknown Quinn Ellis can be the point guard St. John's believes he is, Pitino's ability to get the most out of his rosters could lead to a deep March run.

MORE:St. John's betting preview for 2026-27

24. Vanderbilt

Coach: Mark Byington (3rd season)

Key players: G Tyler Tanner, F Bangot Dak, G Ace Glass, F Chandler Bing, F Berke Buyuktuncel, F Sebastian Williams-Adams

2026 finish: 27-9, Round of 32

Why they’re here: Vanderbilt has its star back in Tyler Tanner, who took his NBA Draft decision down to the wire in May. Do the Commodores have the pieces around him to compete with the SEC's best? Depth is no problem with a large portal class coming in, but Mark Byington will be looking for someone to step up as legitimate second and third scoring options next to Tanner.

MORE:Vanderbilt betting preview for 2026-27

25. Villanova

Coach: Kevin Willard (1st season)

Key players: G Tyler Perkins, C Luigi Suigo, F Devin Royal, G Darryl Simmons II, G Jake Fiegen, F Kwame Evans Jr.

2026 finish: 24-9, Round of 64

Why they’re here: Villanova overperformed its talent level under Kevin Willard last season. The Wildcats still aren't exactly loaded, but the return of Tyler Perkins along with improved depth should work well for one of the Big East's better coaches. Freshman center Luigi Suigo is the X-factor, as he clearly needs some time to adjust but has the raw ability to be one of the Big East's best big men.