College basketball Top 25 breakdown: What to know about every preseason contender

It may only be October, but it’s already time to start talking men’s college basketball.

The USA TODAY Sports preseason coaches poll is out, with a diverse mix of programs atop the rankings. Three SEC teams crack the top 10, led by No. 1 Florida, while the ACC, Big 12 and Big Ten each have two. The Big East rounds out the group with one.

The schools may be familiar, but many of the names on the jerseys won’t be. Another offseason of transfer-portal movement, coupled with an influx of impact freshmen, has reshaped rosters across the country and created plenty to learn before the season begins.

So what does each Top 25 team look like entering 2026-27?

We break down all 25 in our preseason outlooks, highlighting the players, newcomers and storylines you need to know before the ball is tipped Nov. 1.

1. Florida (27-8)

Points: 732 (20 first-place votes). Last year's final ranking: 9.

The Gators were coming off a national title the last time they were No. 1 in the preseason poll 20 years ago. This time, they're two season removed, but several of those key players remain. Much of that talent is in the nation's best frontcourt with Thomas Haugh (17.1 ppg) turning down the NBA to remain with Alex Condon (15.1 ppg) and Rueben Chinyelu (10.1 ppg, 11.2 repg). Junior guard Boogie Fland will look for consistency in his second year with the program after arriving from Arkansas. He is expected be joined by Denzel Aberdeen, a member of the Florida title team that played last season with Kentucky.

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2. Duke (35-3)

Points: 725 (8 first-place votes). Last year's final ranking: 4.

Though it was another agonizing exit from March Madness for the Blue Devils, it still seems like a matter of time before they break through and hang another banner. It might very well be this year, as Jon Scheyer has again assembled one of the deepest rosters in the country. Caleb Foster will be back at the point, and he can be spelled by another experienced hand, Cayden Boozer, when needed. The real strength of the team could be up front, however, starting with touted freshman Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje. Returning winger Dame Sarr and postman Patrick Ngongba II (10.1 ppg) also return, and Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell (19.1 ppg) provides another outside shooting option.

3. Illinois (28-9)

Points: 683 (2 first-place votes). Last year's final ranking: 5.

Fresh off a Final Four appearance, the Illini are loaded for another run despite losing guard Keaton Wagler to the NBA. Center Tomislav Ivisic (10.4 ppg) and forwards David Mirkovic (13.3 ppg) and Andrej Stojakovic (13.5 ppg) make up the most intimidating frontcourt in the nation. The backcourt will have a different look without Wagler, but sophomore transfer Stefan Vaaks (15.6 ppg) from Providence is very ready to shoulder more of a scoring load. Five-star recruit Quentin Coleman leads several incoming freshmen who can fill multiple roles at guard and give coach Brad Underwood intriguing flexibility.

4. Arizona (36-3)

Points: 634. Last year's final ranking: 3.

After finally reaching the Final Four for the first time in 25 years, Tommy Lloyd has reloaded to put the Wildcats in prime position to do it again. There’s a perfect mix of veterans and newcomers replacing the production Arizona lost. Motiejus Krivas (10.4 ppg, 8.2 rpg) will take on a larger role with Big 12 player of the year potential and Ivan Kharchenkov (10.4 ppg) brings needed energy. Joining the fray is five-star touted freshman Caleb Holt who has speed and power mixed with a solid jumper. The key to keeping a balanced offense is transfer Derek Dixon (North Carolina) with his range from beyond the arc.

5. UConn (34-6)

Points: 612. Last year's final ranking: 2.

Alex Karaban and Tarris Reed will be hard to replace. UConn will also be without guard Solo Ball, who is out for the year with a wrist injury. Still, Dan Hurley’s Huskies bring back guard Silas Demary Jr. (5.9 apg) and Braylon Mullins (12.0 ppg) and added two important transfers in Duke forward Nikolas Khamenia and Seton Hall center Najai Hines (2.2 bpg). This team will need Mullins to take on more of the load offensively. But UConn has the roster to take home the Big East crown and be a national contender.

6. Michigan State (27-8)

Points: 570. Last year's final ranking: 11.

The Spartans bring back five of last season’s top seven scorers and have the depth, talent and experience to deliver the program’s first title since 2000. Point guard Jeremy Fears (15.2 ppg, 9.4 apg) is a player of the year candidate. Forward Coen Carr brings an improved outside touch and explosiveness in transition. Sophomores Cameron Ward and Jesse McCulloch bring size and potential to the frontcourt. Tom Izzo has once again built a team capable of winning the Big Ten and going deep into March.

7. Texas (21-15)

Points: 527. Last year's final ranking: 24.

After a disappointing regular season, the Longhorns advanced to the Sweet 16 in the first year under Sean Miller. The roster looks very different but expectations are much higher. Matas Vokietaitis (15.6 ppg) is the key holdover. He will get help on the frontline from TCU transfer David Punch (14.1 ppg) and five-star freshman Marcus Spears Jr. The backcourt welcomed Mikey Lewis (Saint Mary's) and Isaiah Johnson (Colorado), though Lewis is out with a broken foot for the first couple months of the season.

8. Houston (30-7)

Points: 486. Last year's final ranking: 6.

It’s a new day in Houston with Kelvin Sampson’s quest for hoops immortality continuing with an entirely new group. Joseph Tugler is the only player remaining from the national runner-up team in 2025, and he’ll be the focal point of what could be a dominant interior paired with 7-foot freshman Arafan Diane. Dedan Thomas Jr. (LSU) will get a chance to shine coming off a left foot injury and the addition of Chendall Weaver (Texas) helps embody the tough defenses that have become synonymous with the Cougars.

9. Tennessee (25-12)

Points: 435. Last year's final ranking: 12.

The lack of a Final Four appearance continues to hang over the program but the hope is Rick Barnes will finally break the door down. Barnes again went to the portal to replenish his roster after several significant departures. Juke Harris (21.4 ppg) arrives from Wake Forest and is joined by Terrence Hill Jr. (15.0 ppg) from Virginia Commonwealth in the backcourt. Shooting help will come from Tyler Lundblade (Belmont).

10. Virginia (30-6)

Points: 409. Last year's final ranking: 15.

The Cavaliers won’t sneak up on anyone this year after reaching the second round ahead of schedule in Ryan Odom's first season as coach. This year's unit returns several key building blocks, most notably big man Thijs De Ridder (15.6 ppg). The Belgian-born forward was one of the league’s breakout stars and should again be in the mix for all-conference honors. Chance Mallory was a key reserve who should step into a starting role in the backcourt, and rim protector Johann Grunloh is also back.

11. Louisville (24-11)

Points: 369. Last year's final ranking: 23.

By the lofty standards in the Blue Grass State, the Cardinals’ season was a bit of a disappointment with a No. 6 regional seed and a second-round departure in March. Pat Kelsey’s squad reloaded via the portal, bringing in proven talents like guard Jackson Shelstad from Oregon and defensive-minded big man Flory Bidunga from Kansas. Former Iowa power forward Alvaro Folgueiras and Arkansas guard Karter Knox are also part of the transfer class, and five-star 7-footer Obinna Ekezie Jr. could make an immediate impact as well.

12. Gonzaga (31-4)

Points: 361. Last year's final ranking: 18.

The scenery will be different, but the expectations haven’t changed for the Bulldogs as they embark on their new era in the rebirthed Pac-12. Ultimately, the season should result in a 27th consecutive NCAA appearance. The strength for Mark Few’s team will be in the frontcourt, where veteran Braden Huff and swingman Davis Fogle will be joined by Arizona State transfer Massamba Diop. There are questions in the backcourt, where much will be asked of Frenchman Nathan De Sousa to run the point.

13. Arkansas (28-9)

Points: 345. Last year's final ranking: 13.

There were some questions about how John Calipari would fare at Arkansas, but he has delivered consecutive Sweet 16 appearances. This group could go further if the pieces come together. Unsurprisingly, there's an elite recruiting class as a foundation. Five-star guard Jordan Smith Jr. should be the centerpiece with fellow guard JJ Andrews and big man Miikka Muurinen also capable of major contributions. Billy Richmond III (12.7 ppg) is one of the key holdovers that will bring experience.

14. Iowa State (29-8)

Points: 316. Last year's final ranking: 8.

The projection for the Cyclones has varied throughout the offseason due to uncertainty. Iowa State lost all of its major stars of this era to the draft or transfers, but guard Tamin Lipsey received another year thanks to a court ruling. If he’s able to play, it’ll be a huge boost as he is one of the best guards in the Big 12 on both sides of the court. He’ll have to hold down the fort as Iowa State awaits Killyan Toure's return from a significant shoulder injury, but Bradley transfer Jaquan “Bully” Johnson will help defensively.

14. St. John's (30-7)

Points: 316. Last year's final ranking: 10.

A transfer class that was ranked at or near the top of the country could help St. John’s break through and advance past the Sweet 16 under Rick Pitino. New point guard Quinn Ellis was a standout in Europe. Former Baylor small forward Tounde Yessoufou (17.8 ppg) is an All-America candidate. The Red Storm are hoping to gain eligibility for Auburn transfer forward Keyshawn Hall (19.3 ppg). Pitino returns key contributors in shooting guard Ian Jackson (9.4 ppg) and center Ruben Prey.

16. Texas Tech (23-11)

Points: 314. Last year's final ranking: 21.

One of the biggest questions in the country hinges on when JT Toppin returns from his ACL injury. Toppin (21.8 ppg, 10.8 rpg) was one of the best players in the country before his injury stalled the Red Raiders in February last season. While Texas Tech waits for its star, it’s in good hands waiting with transfer pickups Darrion Williams (NC State) and Cruz Davis (Hofstra) able to provide scoring. Donovan Atwell (13.5 ppg) is a prolific 3-point shooter that rounds out what could be a high-scoring offense for the Red Raiders.

17. Miami (26-9)

Points: 292. Last year's final ranking: 22.

Jai Lucas wasted no time reinvigorating the Hurricanes’ program with a second-round tournament appearance in his first year at the helm. Several key starters return, including wingman Shelton Henderson and guard Dante Allen. Miami’s ceiling gets even higher if power forward Malik Reneau is cleared for a fifth season, but if he loses in court there will still be plenty of talent. The transfer class features point guard Acaden Lewis (Villanova) and big man Somto Cyril (Georgia).

18. Alabama (25-10)

Points: 286. Last year's final ranking: 16.

The Crimson Tide under Nate Oats have been so consistent it's hard to remember this program has four consecutive trips to the Sweet 16 — the second-longest active streak in the country. This year's group is capable of continuing the run with Aden Holloway (16.8 ppg) due back after off-court issues and able to team with backcourt mate Amari Allen (11.4 ppg). Size was a priority in the transfer portal, and Oats landed some big bodies, including Brandon Garrison (Kentucky) and Drew Fielder (Boise State).

18. Kansas (24-11)

Points: 286. Last year's final ranking: 20.

Can another No. 1 recruit help get Bill Self his mojo back? He is hoping his loaded freshman class will get Kansas back into the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2022 title season. Tyran Stokes has player of the year potential, arriving alongside Taylen Kinney, and pairing them with returners in Tre White and Melvin Council Jr. should give the Jayhawks a great blend of explosiveness and experience. There’s also good depth among the bigs in transfers Keanu Dawes (Utah), Christian Reeves (Charleston) and Trey Kaufman-Renn (Purdue).

20. Michigan (37-3)

Points: 219. Last year's final ranking: 1.

The defending national champs are the biggest mystery in the preseason poll. Michigan lost its coach, Dusty May, and had three starters go in the lottery. The Wolverines also suffered a big loss when five-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. suffered a torn ACL costing him his season. But Michigan still has major pieces in guards Elliot Cadeau (10.5 ppg, 5.9 apg) and Trey McKenney (9.9 ppg). There will also be continuity after promoting Mike Boynton Jr. as May’s replacement.

21. Vanderbilt (27-9)

Points: 164. Last year's final ranking: 17.

Expectations are high for the Commodores after reaching 27 wins for the first time since the 1992-93 season and making the second round of the tournament for the first time in 14 years. The return of Tyler Tanner (19.5 ppg) and the arrival of Washington State transfer Ace Glass (16.4 ppg) gives Vanderbilt a strong backcourt. The frontline is rebuilt with the additions of Bangot Dak (Colorado) and Berke Buyuktuncel (Nebraska).

22. USC (18-14)

Points: 103. Last year's final ranking: Not ranked.

USC was a major flop in 2025-26 but is poised to rebound under coach Eric Musselman. The Trojans signed a star-studded recruiting class and brought in former Georgetown guard KJ Lewis (14.9 ppg) to join three huge holdovers from last year: guards Rodney Rice and Alijah Arenas (14.1 ppg) and forward Jacob Cofie (9.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg). The pressure is on Musselman to get this group to play unselfishly.

23. Kentucky (22-14)

Points: 100. Last year's final ranking: Not ranked.

The pressure ramps up for Mark Pope to reignite the Kentucky program back into the elite, and he’ll be tasked to do so with nearly an entire new roster. A majority of the newcomers are from the transfer portal, and the Wildcats have one of the best perimeter shooters in Milan Momcilovic (Iowa State). Set to command the offense is Zoom Diallo (Washington), with incumbent Malachi Moreno expected to take a major step toward becoming one of the top interior players in the SEC.

24. Purdue (30-9)

Points: 83. Last year's final ranking: 7.

After spending most of the past few seasons in the Final Four conversation, these Boilermakers enter the campaign with some potential but a lot more questions. Backcourt mainstays Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer are gone, as are bigs Oscar Cluff and Trey Kaufman-Renn. The lone returning starter is sharpshooter CJ Cox, and 7-4 C Daniel Jacobsen is a possible wild card who could raise the team’s fortunes if he can stay on the floor. Matt Painter has depth but little experience at most positions, so expect to see a lot of different lineups early in the schedule.

25. BYU (23-12)

Points: 76. Last year's final ranking: Not ranked.

The Cougars will need to replace the nation’s top scorer in AJ Dybantsa and a second key contributor in Richie Saunders. Look for BYU to do a better job sharing the scoring load, with point guard Robert Wright III (18.1 ppg) taking the lead. Kentucky transfer Collin Chandler (9.7 ppg) was productive in the SEC and is a breakout candidate with added minutes. And BYU has another five-star freshman with lottery potential in forward Bruce Branch III.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College basketball Top 25 breakdown: What to know about every preseason contender