Way-too-early Top 25 college basketball rankings 9.0: Lineup projections for 2026-27 season

As the NBA Draft‘s international withdrawal deadline passes, the college basketball landscape continues to take full shape as top teams put the finishing touches on their roster. Now able to build around a core and pursue international talent, plenty of big-time calls have moved programs across the board.

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Before getting into the top contenders next season, there are some rules to the exercise that must be noted. Some teams, players and coaches still have decisions to make before the tip-off, so the list is always in flux. Here are the guidelines you still need to know:

• There are still a number of players whose eligibility for next season remains in question. While most players running out of eligibility face a clear picture, some will still apply for waivers, hoping to gain another year.

These rankings will repeatedly be updated as rosters shift throughout the offseason, with one final addition coming soon. Here is a fresh look at what the way-too-early Top 25 rankings could look like in the 2026-27 season.

1. Florida

Key returns: Isaiah Brown, Rueben Chinyelu, Alex Condon, Boogie Fland, Thomas Haugh, Urban Klavzar
Key additions: Denzel Aberdeen*, Arturas Butajevas, Domen Petrovic
Key departures: Xaivian Lee
Projected starting five: Boogie Fland, Denzel Aberdeen, Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, Rueben Chinyelu

Florida gets back its full frontcourt once again, getting Rueben Chinyelu back beside Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh. The Gators have also dipped into the international market while awaiting an official decision on Denzel Aberdeen’s eligibility.

2. Michigan

Key returns: Elliot Cadeau, LJ Cason, Trey McKenney
Key additions: Lincoln Cosby, Quinn Costello, JP Estrella*, Brandon McCoy, Jalen Reed*, Moustapha Thiam*
Key departures: Nimari Burnett, Roddy Gayle, Morez Johnson, Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara
Projected starting five: Elliot Cadeau, Brandon McCoy, Trey McKenney, JP Estrella, Moustapha Thiam

Michigan loses Morez Johnson and Aday Mara from last season’s championship frontcourt, but retains Elliot Cadeau in the backcourt rather than losing him to the NBA. The Wolverines have done well to add incoming freshmen and top transfer talent again this offseason.

3. UConn

Key returns: Solomon Ball, Silas Demary, Braylon Mullins
Key additions: Junior County, Najai Hines*, Nikolas Khamenia*, Colben Landrew, Nils Machowski*, Jaye Nash*, Isaiah Shaw*
Key departures: Alex Karaban, Tarris Reed, Eric Reibe
Projected starting five: Silas Demary, Braylon Mullins, Colben Landrew, Nikolas Khamenia, Najai Hines

UConn moved early to secure its players and keep them out of the NBA Draft process, leaving its rotation solidified while others wait. The Huskies can now focus on putting the finishing touches on the backend of the roster alongside recent additions.

4. Duke

Key returns: Cayden Boozer, Caleb Foster, Patrick Ngongba, Dame Sarr
Key additions: John Blackwell*, Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje, Bryson Howard, Deron Rippey, Drew Scharnowski*, Jacob Theodosiou*, Cameron Williams
Key departures: Cameron Boozer, Maliq Brown, Isaiah Evans, Nikolas Khamenia
Projected starting five: Cayden Boozer, John Blackwell, Dame Sarr, Cameron Williams, Patrick Ngongba

Duke confirms the addition of John Blackwell after testing the NBA waters, although Isaiah Evans will remain in the draft process. The ability to bring in another top recruiting class, international talent and incoming transfers will help the Blue Devils rebuild.

5. Michigan State

Key returns: Coen Carr, Jeremy Fears, Jordan Scott, Kur Teng, Cameron Ward
Key additions: Anton Bonke*, Jasiah Jervis, Ethan Taylor
Key departures: Carson Cooper, Jaxson Kohler, Divine Ugochukwu
Projected starting five: Jeremy Fears, Jordan Scott, Kaleb Glenn, Coen Carr, Anton Bonke

Michigan State got news that Jeremy Fears and Anton Bonke will each return to college basketball next season, setting up the roster. With a preseason All-American-level guard leading the way and a coveted center, the core is strong in this roster.

6. Houston

Key returns: Mercy Miller, JoJo Tugler
Key additions: Ikenna Alozie, Arafan Diane, Braden East*, Delrecco Gillespie*, Corey Hadnot*, Dedan Thomas*
Key departures: Chris Cenac, Kingston Flemings, Emanuel Sharp, Milos Uzan
Projected starting five: Dedan Thomas, Corey Hadnot, Mercy Miller, JoJo Tugler, Delrecco Gillespie

Houston has no players currently going through the NBA Draft process who are expected to debate a return. Furthermore, the Cougars appear to be close to a completed roster, with the projected rotation becoming clearer.

7. Illinois

Key returns: Jake Davis, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, David Mirkovic, Andrej Stojakovic
Key additions: Quentin Coleman, Lucas Morillo, Stefan Vaaks*
Key departures: Kylan Boswell, Ben Humrichous, Keaton Wagler
Projected starting five: Quentin Coleman, Stefan Vaaks, Andrej Stojakovic, David Mirkovic, Tomislav Ivisic

Illinois has already seen reports that Andrej Stojakovic plans to return for the 2026-27 season; however, he went through the pre-draft process afterward. While the Illini await official word, it does appear likely he will return.

8. Virginia

Key returns: Thijs De Ridder, Johann Grunloh, Sam Lewis, Chance Mallory
Key additions: Kalu Anya*, Jurian Dixon*, Christian Harmon*
Key departures: Dallin Hall, Ugonna Onyenso, Malik Thomas, Jacari White
Projected starting five: Chance Mallory, Sam Lewis, Jurian Dixon, Thijs De Ridder, Johann Grunloh

Virginia continues to fill out its rotation with another transfer commitment. The Cavaliers will rely on the strong returning core, but add upside with the group of players set to join the rotation and fill out minutes.

9. Gonzaga

Key returns: Davis Fogle, Braden Huff, Mario Saint-Supery
Key additions: Izan Almansa, Massamba Diop*
Key departures: Tyon Grant-Foster, Graham Ike, Emmanuel Innocenti, Adam Miller, Braeden Smith, Steele Venters, Jalen Warley
Projected starting five: Mario Saint-Supery, Isiah Harwell, Davis Fogle, Braden Huff, Massamba Diop

Gonzaga took a hit when reports indicated that international commit Jack Kayil plans to remain in the 2026 NBA Draft class, leaving them light in the backcourt for now. However, the work the Bulldogs did building out the rest of the roster keeps them inside the Top 10.

10. Arkansas

Key returns: Billy Richmond
Key additions: JJ Andrews, Cooper Bowser*, Miikka Muurinen, Jordan Smith, Abdou Toure, Jeremiah Wilkinson*
Key departures: Darius Acuff, Trevon Brazile, Malique Ewin, Karter Knox, Meleek Thomas, DJ Wagner
Projected starting five: Jeremiah Wilkinson, Jordan Smith, Billy Richmond, Miikka Muurinen, Cooper Bowser

Arkansas got Billy Richmond back from the NBA Draft process before the deadline, but Meleek Thomas decided to leave college basketball. The mixed results lead to a slight fall, but still provide the Razorbacks with enough talent to compete at the top of the sport.

Ranking 11-25

11. Arizona
Key returns: Ivan Kharchenkov, Motiejus Krivas
Key additions: Endurance Aiyamenkhue, Derek Dixon*, Cameron Holmes, Caleb Holt, Ugnius Jarusevicius*, JJ Mandaquit*
Key departures: Tobe Awaka, Jaden Bradley, Brayden Burries, Anthony Dell’Orso, Koa Peat
Projected starting five: Derek Dixon, Caleb Holt, Ivan Kharchenkov, Cam Holmes, Motiejus Krivas

12. Purdue
Key returns: CJ Cox, Daniel Jacobsen, Omer Mayer
Key additions: Luke Ertel, Caden Pierce*
Key departures: Oscar Cluff, Trey Kaufman-Renn, Fletcher Loyer, Braden Smith
Projected starting five: Omer Mayer, CJ Cox, Gicarri Harris, Caden Pierce, Daniel Jacobsen

13. Texas
Key returns: Matas Vokietaitis
Key additions: Elyjah Freeman*, Austin Goosby, Isaiah Johnson*, Mantas Laurencikas, Mikey Lewis*, Bo Ogden, David Punch*
Key departures: Camden Heide, Tramon Mark, Jordan Pope, Dailyn Swain, Chendall Weaver, Simeon Wilcher
Projected starting five: Isaiah Johnson, Austin Goosby, Elyjah Freeman, David Punch, Matas Vokietaitis

14. Louisville
Key returns: Adrian Wooley
Key additions: Flory Bidunga*, Obinna Ekezie, Alvaro Folgueiras*, Karter Knox*, De’Shayne Montgomery*, Jackson Shelstad*
Key departures: Mikel Brown, Ryan Conwell, Sanandra Fru, J’Vonne Hadley, Isaac McKneely, Khani Rooths
Projected starting five: Jackson Shelstad, De’Shayne Montgomery, Adrian Wooley, Alvaro Folgueiras, Flory Bidunga

15. Tennessee
Key returns: N/A
Key additions: Dai Dai Ames*, Jalen Haralson*, Juke Harris*, Terrence Hill*, Braedan Lue*, Tyler Lundblade*, Miles Rubin*, Chris Washington
Key departures: Nate Ament, Bishop Boswell, Jaylen Carey, JP Estrella, Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Felix Okpara
Projected starting five: Dai Dai Ames, Terrence Hill, Juke Harris, Jalen Haralson, Miles Rubin

16. Vanderbilt
Key returns: Tyler Tanner
Key additions: TO Barrett*, Berke Buyuktuncel*, Bangot Dak*, Ace Glass*, Sebastian Williams-Adams*
Key departures: Frankie Collins, Tyler Harris, Devin McGlockton, Duke Miles, Tyler Nickel, AK Okereke, Jalen Washington
Projected starting five: Tyler Tanner, TO Barrett, Chandler Bing, Berke Buyuktuncel, Bangot Dak

17. Alabama
Key returns: Amari Allen, Aden Holloway, London Jemison
Key additions: Cole Cloer*, Drew Fielder*, Jaxon Richardson, Qayden Samuels
Key departures: Taylor Bol Bowen, Houston Mallette, Labaron Philon, Aiden Sherrell, Latrell Wrightsell
Projected starting five: Aden Holloway, Qayden Samuels, Amari Allen, Drew Fielder, Brandon Garrison

18. Indiana
Key returns: N/A
Key additions: Markus Burton*, Bryce Lindsay*, Justin Monden*, Jaeden Mustaf*, Aiden Sherrell*, Clemens Sokolov, Samet Yigitoglu*
Key departures: Sam Alexis, Reed Bailey, Tayton Conerway, Tucker DeVries, Nick Dorn, Lamar Wilkerson
Projected starting five: Markus Burton, Bryce Lindsay, Jaeden Mustaf, Samet Yigitoglu, Aiden Sherrell

19. Iowa State
Key returns: Jamarion Batemon, Blake Buchanan, Killyan Toure
Key additions: Leon Bond*, Jaquan Johnson*, Ryan Prather*, Tre Singleton*
Key departures: Joshua Jefferson, Tamin Lipsey, Milan Momcilovic, Nate Heise
Projected starting five: Jamarion Batemon, Jaquan Johnson, Killyan Toure, Tre Singleton, Blake Buchanan

20. Miami
Key returns: Dante Allen, Marcus Allen, Shelton Henderson
Key additions: Brent Bland*, Somto Cyril*, Nick Dorn*, Caleb Gaskins, DeSean Goode*, Acaden Lewis*
Key departures: Tre Donaldson, Malik Reneau, Ernest Udeh, Tru Washington
Projected starting five: Acaden Lewis, Dante Allen, Shelton Henderson, Caleb Gaskins, Somto Cyril

21. Kansas
Key returns: N/A
Key additions: Leroy Blyden*, Keanu Dawes*, Tay Kinney, Dennis Parker*, Christian Reeves*, Tyran Stokes
Key departures: Flory Bidunga, Melvin Council, Darryn Peterson, Bryson Tiller, Tre White
Projected starting five: Tay Kinney, Leroy Blyden, Tyran Stokes, Keanu Dawes, Christian Reeves

22. St. John’s
Key returns: Ian Jackson
Key additions: Kyle Cuffe*, Quinn Ellis, Donnie Freeman*, Babacar Sane, Lazar Stojkovic, Tounde Yessoufou*
Key departures: Dylan Darling, Zuby Ejiofor, Bryce Hopkins, Dillon Mitchell, Oziyah Sellers, Joson Sanon
Projected starting five: Quinn Ellis, Ian Jackson, Tounde Yessoufou, Donnie Freeman, Ruben Pry

23. USC
Key returns: Alijah Arenas, Jacob Cofie, Rodney Rice
Key additions: Isaac Bruns*, Christian Collins, Jalen Cox*, Josh Hughes*, Aaron Hunkin-Claytor*, Jadis Jones*, KJ Lewis*, Adonis Ratliff, Darius Ratliff, Eric Reibe*
Key departures: Ezra Ausar, Chad Baker-Mazara, Jaden Brownell, Jordan Marsh, Kam Woods
Projected starting five: Alijah Arenas, Rodney Rice, Christian Collins, Jacob Cofie, Eric Reibe

24. Kentucky
Key returns: Kam Williams
Key additions: Zoom Diallo*, Franck Kepnang*, Justin McBride*, Milan Momcilovic*, Jerone Morton*, Ousmane N’Diaye, Alex Wilkins*
Key departures: Denzel Aberdeen, Collin Chandler, Mo Dioubate, Andrija Jelavic, Jaland Lowe, Otega Oweh, Jayden Quaintance
Projected starting five: Zoom Diallo, Alex Wilkins, Milan Momcilovic, Ousmane N’Diaye, Malachi Moreno

25. North Carolina
Key returns: Jarin Stevenson
Key additions: Matt Able*, Maximo Adams, Neoklis Avdalas*, Terrence Brown*, Sayon Keita, Alexsandros Samodurov
Key departures: Luka Bogavac, Derek Dixon, Seth Trimble, Henri Veesaar, Caleb Wilson
Projected starting five: Neoklis Avdalas, Terrence Brown, Matt Able, Jarin Stevenson, Sayon Keita