Aaron Torres College Basketball 'Way Too Early Top 25' - 2025-2026 - Version 2.0
- Aaron Torres
- 27 minutes ago
- 17 min read
The college basketball season just ended less than two weeks ago, but forgive us it feels longer... because it's portal season baby!
That's right, in the portal world days feel like weeks and weeks feel like months, all as your favorite coach does his best to put together another title contender for next season.
Which is why today - just 10 days after the season ended - feels like a great day to update our "Way Too Early Top 25."
Version 1.0 of our rankings dropped the night of the title game, but again with so much happening between the portal, draft declarations, high school decisions and more this felt like a good time to update.
As always, these rankings will change again - probably quite a bit - between now and November when the games kick off.
But now, here is our Top 25.
1. Duke Blue Devils
Key Returnees: Tyrese Proctor, Caleb Foster, Maliq Brown, Isaiah Evans, Patrick Ngongba
Key Departures: Mason Gillis, Sion James, Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, Kon Knueppel
Key Additions: Cam Boozer, Cayden Boozer, Shelton Henderson, Nikolas Khamenia
Yes, Duke lost in catastrophic fashion in the Final Four. And it means absolutely nothing when putting together a "Way Too Early Top 25" for next year.
Duke will again be loaded next year. We know they'll have elite freshmen talent (headlined by five-star McDonald's All-American's Cam and Cayden Boozer) and several of this year's role players could return, including Tyrese Proctor, Caleb Foster and Maliq Brown.
Plus, say what you want about Jon Scheyer's Final Four performance, but he found perfect fits in the portal last off-season when filling out his roster. Expect him to do the same this off-season.
2. Purdue Boilermakers
Key Returnees: Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, Trey Kaufmann-Wrenn, CJ Cox, Daniel Jacobsen
Key Departures: Caleb Furst, Myles Colvin (transfer), Will Berg (transfer), Cam Heide (transfer)
Key Additions: Oscar Cluff (transfer), Omer Mayer, Antoine West
Among the dumbest portal rumors this off-season was that All-American guard Braden Smith would be transferring. It was never happening, and now that he's officially returned we can start talking Purdue as a legitimate Top 5 team heading into next season.
Put simply, Smith was the best pure point guard in college basketball this year averaging 15 points and nearly eight assists per game, and Trey Kauffman-Wrenn was one of the best big men as well. He emerged as a monster in the post, finishing the year averaging 20.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
Purdue will also welcome back former high-profile recruit Daniel Jacobsen who missed this season with injury and also added one of the best big men in the portal in South Dakota State's Oscar Cluff.
This team will be a MONSTER to deal with.
3. Michigan Wolverines
Key Returnees: Roddy Gayle, Will Tschetter
Key Departures: Danny Wolf, Vlad Goldin, Rubin Jones, Nimari Burnett, Justin Pippen (transfer), Tre Donaldson (transfer), , Sam Walters (transfer)
Key Additions: Elliot Cadeau (transfer), Yaxel Lendeborg (transfer), Aday Mara (transfer), Morez Johnson Jr. (transfer), Trey McKinney, Winters Grady
You can argue that no team has been more aggressive and fearless in the portal than the Wolverines, who have added three elite big men (UAB's Yaxel Lendeborg, UCLA's Aday Mara and Illinois' Morez Johnson) as well as former North Carolina point guard Elliot Cadeau.
While it's hard to know exactly how all the big men fit - or if Mara is insurance should Lendeborg stay in the NBA Draft - the bottom line remains that this is the best front court in college hoops.
There are still rotational pieces to find, and shooting to be added, but the size and talent down low is next level. Again, assuming all three end up in Ann Arbor next fall.
4. Houston Cougars
Key Returnees: Milos Uzan, Emmanuel Sharp, JoJo Tugler
Key Departures: LJ Cryer, J'Wan Roberts, Javier Francis, Mylik Wilson, Terrence Arceneaux (transfer)
Key Additions: Pop Isaacs (transfer), Chris Cenac Jr., Isaiah Harwell, Kingston Flemings
It was a brutal end to the season for Houston, no doubt. But they're also Houston - and as long as Kelvin Sampson is head coach the Cougars should be considered Big 12 favorites and Final Four contenders.
Yes, star guard LJ Cryer and program stalwart J'Wan Roberts are gone. But second and third leading scorers Milos Uzan and Emmanuel Sharp could both be back, along with Saturday tournament hero JoJo Tugler.
Uzan did declare for the draft earlier this week, but as of right now he's still expected to return.
Oh, and the Cougs also welcome in two five-star freshmen as well in big Chris Cenac Jr. and guard Kingston Flemings. And on Tuesday they added guard Pop Isaacs, who averaged 16 points, five rebounds and four assists at Creighton last year prior to a season-ending injury.
The Cougars aren't going anywhere.
5. UConn Huskies
Key Returnees: Solo Ball, Tarris Reed, Jaylin Stewart, Jayden Ross
Key Departures: Alex Karaban, Hassan Diarra, Samson Johnson, Liam McNeeley, Ahmad Nowell (transfer), Isaiah Abraham (transfer), Aidan Mahaney (transfer)
Key Additions: Silas Demary Jr. (transfer), Malachi Smith (transfer), Braylon Mullins, Eric Reibe, Darius Adams, Jacob Furphy
You know the standard is high at UConn when a trip to the second round and pushing the eventual champion Florida to the wire is considered a "disappointment." But it was a disappointment, and Dan Hurley has been on a war path since the end of the season to fix it.
To the credit of Hurley and his staff, UConn basically returned every player that they wanted headlined by All-Big East second team guard Solo Ball, who averaged 14.4 points on 41 percent three-point shooting last season. Tarris Reed meanwhile was one of the best low post players in the Big East by the end of last year, including a monstrous 24-point, 18 rebound game against Providence. Jaylin Stewart is a high-upside wing.
Hurley also is bringing in three McDonald's All-Americans headlined by sharp-shooting Braylon Mullins and added a much-needed big guard in Silas Demary Jr. from Georgia.
Oh, and there could be more good news as rumors continue to persist that veteran Alex Karaban could skip the NBA Draft and return for another season in Storrs.
6. BYU Cougars
Key Returnees: Richie Saunders, Keba Keita, Dawson Baker, Mihailo Boskovic, Khadim Mboup
Key Departures: Trevin Knell, Mawot Mag, Fouss Traore, Trey Stewart, Egor Demin, Kanon Catchings (transfer), Dallin Hall (transfer)
Key Additions: AJ Dybantsa, Xavion Staton, Rob Wright (transfer), Dominique Diomande (transfer)
While Richie Saunders hasn't officially announced his return yet, we are assuming he'll be back. And if he is, it doesn't feel hyperbolic to say that this will go down as one of the most anticipated seasons in BYU basketball history.
Saunders is a potential first round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and will be playing alongside the potential No. 1 overall pick in AJ Dybantsa. Keba Keita is returning in the front court and recently the Cougars added point guard Rob Wright. He averaged 11 points and five assists at Baylor as a freshman last year, and he too has All-Big 12 first team potential.
Yes, BYU currently needs a fifth starter and needs to backfill pieces around them. But when the core of your team is four potential All-Big 12 players, you're worthy of a Top 10 ranking. And more.
7. Arkansas Razorbacks
Key Returnees: DJ Wagner, Karter Knox, Billy Richmond, Trevon Brazile
Key Departures: Johnell Davis, Jonas Aidoo, Boogie Fland, Adou Thiero, Zvonimir Ivisic (transfer)
Key Additions: Malique Ewin (transfer), Nick Pringle (transfer), Darius Acuff Jr., Meleek Thomas, Isaiah Sealy, Karim Rtal
It was a little bit of a slow start to the off-season for Arkansas, but John Calipari made his big move recently by adding frontcourt pieces Malique Ewin (Florida State) and Nick Pringle (South Carolina).
Neither is a star, but both fill a big role of the physical bruisers needed to compete in the SEC.
Really though, what Arkansas' off-season - and 2025-2026 season - will be defined by is retention. Because there's a possibility that four key players off last year's Sweet 16 could all return: DJ Wagner, Karter Knox, Billy Richmond, Trevon Brazile.
If all four come back, paired with the transfers and a four-man recruiting class (headlined by McDonald's All-Americans Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas) we could be looking at an SEC favorite.
The question now: Who comes back?! And how soon is it all announced?
8. Kentucky Wildcats
Key Returnees: Otega Oweh, Brandon Garrison, Travis Perry, Trent Noah, Collin Chandler
Key Losses: Lamont Butler, Koby Brea, Jaxson Robinson, Amari Williams, Andrew Carr, Ansley Alamanor
Key Additions: Jayden Quaintance (transfer), Mo Dioubate (transfer), Jaland Lowe (transfer), Malachi Moreno, Jasper Johnson, Andrija Jelavic
Man, it was just a few short weeks ago that everyone - even yes, including me - was worried about Mark Pope in the portal. Well, it's officially safe to say that we need to worry no more.
Pope has put together the best roster in the SEC, with athletic point Jaland Lowe from Pittsburgh and has significantly upgraded his frontcourt as well. Former McDonald's All-American Jayden Quaintance is on board, as is rugged Alabama wing Mo Dioubate. Center Brandon Garrison recently announced his return as well.
Admittedly this ranking is somewhat contingent on wing Otega Oweh returning, but we expect that to eventually happen even after he declared.
The Wildcats are probably one more scorer (outside of Oweh) from being a legitimate national title contender.
9. Louisville Cardinals
Key Returnees: J'Vonne Hadley, James Scott, K'Sean Pryor, Khani Rooths
Key Departures: Chucky Hepburn, Terrence Edwards Jr., Reyne Smith
Key Additions: Ryan Conwell (transfer), Isaac McKneely (transfer), Adrian Wooley (transfer), Mikel Brown Jr., Sananda Fru
People, I'm just warning you. To quote Deion Sanders Louisville is "comin'."
Coming off an ACC Tournament title game runner up, Pat Kelsey has been on a portal rampage. He added 16-point per game Ryan Conwell from Xavier, one of the nation's top three-point shooters (Isaac McKneely) and one of the best mid-major guards in the country in Adrian Wooley, an 18-point per game scorer from Kennesaw State. And that's in addition to a recruiting class that features McDonald's All-American Mikel Brown Jr. and German star big man Sananda Fru.
And while the Cards did lose a lot of this year's team, plenty returns too. James Scott is a big man who got exponentially better over the season while fellow big Kesean Pryor is hoping to get a medical redshirt. J'Vonne Hadley officially announced he'd be coming back as well, after he was granted an extra year as a JUCO transfer.
This team could mess around and win the ACC next season.
10. Arizona Wildcats
Key Returnees: Jaden Bradley, Tobe Awaka, Motiejus Krivas, Anthony Dell'Orso
Key Departures: Caleb Love, Trey Towsend, Carter Bryant, KJ Lewis (transfer), Henri Veesaar (transfer)
Key Additions: Koa Peat, Brayden Burries, Dwayne Aristode, Bryce James
Arizona is another place - like UConn and a few others - where just about every piece of good news imaginable has come to fruition since the end of the season.
Yes, Caleb Love is gone and the program got a bit of a surprise when big man Henri Veesaar left for North Carolina. But Jaden Bradley remains one of the best point guards in college basketball and wing Anthony Dell'Orso and big men Tobe Awaka and Motiejus Krivas have both announced they will return. Krivas was believed to be a potential first round pick before suffering a season-ending injury early in the season.
Even better, Arizona also recently landed a pair of five-stars in forward Koa Peat and guard Brayden Burries. They instantly give the Wildcats NBA size, athleticism and scoring pop - but can do without the pressure of having to be stars.
Now, the big one: Can Arizona convince Carter Bryant - an emerging star with first round potential - to come back for one more year. If they can, this feels like a preseason Top 5 team.
11. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Key Returnees: JT Toppin, Christian Anderson, Federiko Federiko
Key Departures: Darrion Williams (transfer), Kevin Overton (transfer), Elijah Hawkins, Chance McMillian
Key Additions: LeJuan Watts (transfer), Donovan Atwell (transfer), Tyree Bryan (transfer)
To their credit, the Red Raiders probably got the biggest news of any program so far this spring - with the decision by Big 12 Player of the Year JT Toppin to return to school for another year.
Now it's on Grant McCasland and staff to build a championship team around him. Something they're well on their way to doing.
Sharpshooting Christian Anderson returns for his sophomore season after averaging 10 points on 38 percent shooting as a freshman, and so far McCasland and staff have been aggressive in the portal. LeJuan Watts was a double-figure scorer at Washington State and Tyree Bryan is a big guard who was one of the best three-point shooters in all of college basketball.
The Red Raiders are still looking for a steady point guard to lead the ship, but are right back where they were to end the season: With a team good enough to make the Final Four. And maybe more.
12. Creighton Bluejays
Key Returnees: Jackson McAndrew, Jasen Green, Isaac Traudt, Fedor Zugic
Key Departures: Ryan Kalkbrenner, Steven Ashworth, Jamiya Neal, Pop Isaacs (transfer), Fredrick King (transfer)
Key Additions: Owen Freeman (transfer), Josh Dix (transfer), Nick Graves (transfer)
You never root for another man to lose his job, but no one has taken more advantage of Iowa firing Fran McCaffrey than Creighton has.
The Jays added two of the Hawkeyes' top three scorers this season, landing big man Owen Freeman and wing Josh Dix. The pair combined to average over 30 points a game last season in the Big Ten and now come to the Big East, teaming with several high-profile returnees. Jackson McGregor could be a breakout star after a big March this year.
Creighton is probably a guard or two away, but again have a team that will compete at the top of the Big East.
13. UCLA Bruins
Key Returnees: Tyler Bilodeau, Skyy Clark, Eric Dailey, Trent Perry
Key Departures: Kobe Johnson, Lazar Stefanovic, Dylan Andrews (transfer), William Kyle III (transfer), Aday Mara (transfer)
Key Additions: Donovan Dent (transfer), Xavier Booker (transfer), Jamar Brown (transfer), Steve Jamerson II
You might not like Mick Cronin. And his rants about travel may be exhausting. But he should also have a stacked team in 2026.
The big news of course is the addition of Donovan Dent, arguably the best guard to enter the transfer portal all season. The Mountain West Player of the Year and Southern California native will return to Los Angeles, after averaging over 20 points and six assists per game this season for the Lobos. He should immediately be able to step in and have an impact in the Big Ten.
The Bruins also return their two leading scorers in big man Tyler Bilodeau and wing Eric Dailey and added size in the portal with Xavier Booker. UCLA added depth pieces in wing Jamar Brown (of UMKC) and San Diego big man Steve Jamerson II.
14. Auburn Tigers
Key Returnees: Tahaad Pettiford, Chad Baker-Mazara
Key Departures: Johni Broome, Dylan Cardwell, Denver Jones, Miles Kelly, Chaney Johnson, Jahki Howard (transfer)
Key Additions: KeShawn Hall (transfer), Abdul Basheer (transfer), Kaden Magwood, Sebastian Williams-Adams, Simon Walker, Emeka Opurum
Auburn lost a ton off this year's SEC regular season champion and Final Four team, but to the credit of Bruce Pearl they've made big moves of late in the portal to replenish their roster.
First, the returnees.
Tahaad Pettiford proved to be a fearless guard this season and although he's testing the NBA Draft waters is still expected to be back. Chad Baker-Mazara (somehow) has another year of eligiliby as well.
Really though, the impact has been found in the transfer portal. Keyshawn Hall comes from UCF where he was the Big 12's leading scorer this year and KeShawn Murphy is an athletic, versatile front court piece that Bruce Pearl is going to love. He played the last three years at league rival Mississippi State.
There are still probably some backcourt pieces to add. But don't expect the Tigers to fall off too much after this year's Final Four run.
15. Alabama Crimson Tide
Key Returnees: Aden Holloway, Aidan Sherrell, Latrell Wrightsell Jr., Hunter Mallette
Key Departures: Mark Sears, Grant Nelson, Cliff Omoruyi, Grant Nelson, Chris Youngblood, Labaron Philon, Jarin Stevenson (transfer), Derrion Reid (transfer)
Key Additions: Taylor Bol Bowen (transfer), Jalil Bethea (transfer), Noah Williamson (transfer), London Jemison, Davion Hannah, Amari Allen
In our original "Way Too Early Top 25" we may have been a TINY bit aggressive in putting Alabama in the Top 5.
But Nate Oats will still have a deep, talented team capable of giving the rest of the SEC fits.
To Oats and his staff's credit, the Tide got busy early, as on Final Four weekend not one, not two but four players all announced their returns to play for Alabama next year. Point guard Aden Holloway will return to lead the team, alongside sharpshooters Latrell Wrightsell and Hunter Mallette (both of whom were mostly injured this year). And then the big one, as big main Aidan Sherrell will return as well.
The Tide did lose wings Jarin Stevenson and Derrion Reid to the portal but neither is really surprising and replacements are on the way. Former McDonald's All-American Jalil Bethea should start in the backcourt and former Florida State Seminole Taylor Bol Bowen will provide athleticism on the wing.
There's probably a piece or two to add in the frontcourt, but Nate Oats' 2025-2026 roster is largely set = and absolutely good enough to win another SEC title.
16. St. John's Red Storm
Key Returnees: Zuby Ejifor, Simeon Wiltcher, Sadiku Ibine Ayo, Ruben Prey
Key Departures: RJ Luis (transfer), Brady Dunlap (transfer), Kadary Richmond, Devion Smith, Aaron Scott
Key Additions: Bryce Hopkins (transfer), Joson Sanon (transfer), Oziyah Sellers (transfer)
Rick Pitino had a dream season at St. John's this year, leading the school to the Big East regular season and tournament titles. And incredibly, at the age of 72 - may just be getting started for the Red Storm.
The big noise came early for the Red Storm this off-season as Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis departed, right as All-Big East forward Zuby Ejifor announced his return. Ejifor will have more frontcourt scoring help thanks to the arrival of Providence's Bryce Hopkins. Joson Sanon (Arizona State) and Oziyah Sellers (Stanford) are two wings who provide the athleticism and toughness Pitino covets in his team.
Still, there are pieces to add to this squad - specifically in the backcourt. St. John's appears to very much be a player with North Carolina transfer Ian Jackson, Princeton's Xaivian Lee and former Kentucky commit Acaden Lewis.
Like we said, Pitino is just getting started.
17. Florida Gators
Key Returnees: Denzel Aberdeen, Ruben Chinyelu, Thomas Haugh, Micah Handlogten, Sam Alexis
Key Departures: Walter Clayton, Alijah Martin, Will Richard, Alex Condon
Key Additions: Xaivian Lee (transfer) Alex Lloyd, CJ Ingram
The Gators are your 2024-2025 national champions. And even after losing their starting backcourt to graduation, there's no reason to think that Todd Golden can't or won't field a competitive roster in 2025-2026.
First, the good news: Most of the Gators' frontcourt is set to return, with Thomas Haugh set to take on a bigger role, Micah Handlogten 100 percent after injury and Ruben Chinyelu providing the same toughness he did last year.
Beyond that the backcourt got good news late Wednesday night when Princeton star Xaivian Lee - one of the top guards available committed to Golden's squad. Sixth man Denzel Aberdeen will also take a bigger role in 2025-2026.
The Gators still need a few pieces. But are very much in the mix to make noise in the SEC again next season.
18. Iowa State Cyclones
Key Returnees: Justin Jefferson, Tamin Lipsey, Milan Momcilovic, Nate Heise
Key Departures: Curtis Jones, Keshon Gilbert, Brandon Chatfield, Dischon Jackson (transfer)
Key Additions: Blake Buchanon (transfer), Eric Mulder (transfer), Mason Williams (transfer), Jamarion Bateman, Killyan Toure, Xzavion Mitchell, Dominykas Pleta
In some ways you feel bad for Iowa State, because it felt like this past season was kind of their year. And with Keshon Gilbert and Curtis Jones (among others) both moving on, it's hard to see things setting up much better for the Cyclones for a while.
Still, Justin Jefferson, Tamin Lipsey and Milan Momcilovic are as good of a trio as you'll see almost anywhere. And TJ Otzelberger always does a good job finding pieces in the portal who fit. This year's version of that may be Virginia transfer Blake Buchanon who should slide seemlessly into the starting center spot.
19. Kansas Jayhawks
Key Returnees: Elmarko Jackson, Flory Bidunga
Key Departures: Dajuan Harris, Hunter Dickinson, KJ Adams, Zeke Mayo, Shakeel Moore, Flory Bidunga (transfer), AJ Storr (transfer), Rylan Griffen (transfer), Rakease Passmore (transfer)
Key Additions: Darryn Peterson, Tre White (transfer), Jayden Dawson (transfer)
Yes, Kansas is coming off two disappointing seasons. And yes, they barely have enough players currently committed to field a starting five.
But here's the other thing: They may have the best player - yes, player - in college basketball next year in Darryn Peterson. And him and Flory Bidunga is a hell of a one-two punch.
Peterson is of course not only a five-star talent, but was the McDonald's All-American Game MVP, as a 6'5 guard that can do just about everything. He and AJ Dybantsa for "No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft" will likely be the hottest First Take debate of February and March of next year.
Yes, if you listen closely you can already hear Stephen A. Smith screaming in the distance about it.
Yes, Bill Self needs to add more pieces, and there could be an intriguing one on campus this weekend: Tyran Stokes, the No. 1 player in the class of 2026 is set to visit Lawrence. Virtually everyone believes he'll reclassify and play college ball this year. Can Self lure him this weekend?!
20. North Carolina Tar Heels
Key Returnees: Drake Powell, Seth Trimble, Ven-Allen Lubin
Key Departures: RJ Davis, Ian Jackson (transfer), Elliot Cadeau (transfer), Jalen Washington (transfer)
Key Additions: Henri Veesaar (transfer), Jarin Stevenson (transfer), Kyan Evans (transfer), Jonathan Powell (transfer), Caleb Wilson, Isaiah Denis, Derek Dixon
After a season in which the Tar Heels eeked into the NCAA Tournament (and realistically probably should've missed it) Hubert Davis promised change.
And UNC fans have certainly gotten it.
Gone is virtually every key piece off last year's team, as most notably both starting point guard Elliot Cadeau (Michigan) and former five-star Ian Jackson (both committing). And in have come more size, length and versatility all over the floor.
Arizona big man Henri Veesaar is the big portal snag, as an NBA caliber stretch five man who served mostly as the Wildcats' sixth man last season. Jarin Stevenson was a key cog on Alabama's Final Four and Elite Eight teams the last few seasons who could thrive in a bigger role. Meanwhile Kyan Evans (Colorado State) and Jonathan Powell (West Virginia) bring more size and shooting to the backcourt.
Add in five-star Caleb Wilson and the foundation for a very good team is there.
It does feel like the Heels are one more really big piece from being a player in the ACC.
21. Texas Longhorns
Key Returnees: Jordan Pope, Tramon Mark, Chendell Weaver
Key Departures: Tre Johnson, Arthur Kaluma, Kadin Shedrick, Jayson Kent, Julian Larry
Key Additions: Dailyn Swain (transfer), Cam Heide (transfer), Matas Vokietaitis (transfer)
We have a new addition to the Top 25 since Championship Monday - as welcome to the Texas Longhorns.
Listen, when Sean Miller got the Texas job we tried to tell you: The combination of Miller's X's and O's acumen, fearless recruiting chops and Texas' resources mean that the Longhorns are no longer a pushover in the SEC. And so far, Miller is making us look good.
First off, he was able to convince two talented veteran guards (Jordan Pope and Tramon Mark) to return for an additional season. The pair combined to average 21 points for the Longhorns a season ago.
Miller also brought rising star Dailyn Swain with him from Xavier (11.5 points per game) and AAC Freshman of the Year Matas Vokietaitis from Florida Atlantic. Purdue's Cam Heide is a valuable, veteran role player who makes every team better.
There are still pieces and depth to add to this roster. But this is officially a program on the rise in the SEC.
22. San Diego State Aztecs
Key Returnees: Miles Byrd, Magoon Gwath, BJ Davis, Pharoah Compton
Key Departures: Nick Boyd, Jared Coleman-Jones, Wayne McKinney III
Key Additions: Jeremiah Oden, Sean Newman Jr., Tae Simmons
Maybe mid-major basketball isn't dead after all?! At least not at San Diego State.
The Aztecs got arugably the biggest win of anyone this off-season, convincing Mountain West Freshman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year Magoon Gwath to withdraw from the return and return to SDSU. He'll joined by emerging star Miles Byrd and BJ Davis.
In an ever-evolving college basketball landscape, the Aztecs will again have the best team outside the power five conferences next season.
23. Tennessee Volunteers
Key Returnees: Felix Okpara, Cade Phillips, JP Estrella
Key Departures: Zakai Zeigler, Chaz Lanier, Jordan Gainey, Jahmai Mashack,
Key Additions: Ja'Kobi Gillespie (transfer), Jaylen Carey (transfer), Amari Evans, DeWayne Brown, Troy Henderson
The Vols still have a few pieces to add - specifically in the backcourt. But the one thing we've learned over and over again is to never doubt Rick Barnes' ability to put together a team that can compete for an SEC title.
Virtually the entire roster is gone from the Vols back-to-back Elite Eight squads, but there is still plenty of clay for Barnes to mold. Felix Okpara emerged as a tough, physical low post presence and Ja'Kobi Gillespie arrives after finishing second at Maryland in points and leading them in assists this past season.
Again, there is still work to be done but Barnes is quietly making moves. Former Maryland guard Rodney Rice visited campus recently and five-star Nate Ament is still very much in play for the Vols.
24. Michigan State Spartans
Key Returnees: Coen Carr, Jaxson Kohler, Jeremy Fears Jr.,
Key Departures: Jaden Akins, Jase Richardson, Frankie Fidler, Szymon Zapala, Tre Holloman (transfer), Xavier Booker (transfer)
Key Additions: Kaleb Glenn (transfer), Cam Ward, Jordan Scott
Yes, it feels like Michigan State largely overachieved this year. And yes, they did lose some unexpected players in the transfer portal.
But what we also learned is that it's probably safe to never really doubt Tom Izzo. Especially when he brings back a couple key players.
Jeremy Fears is the (bad pun definitely intended) fearless point guard to run the show and Coen Carr is maybe the best athlete in the country. Jaxson Kohler is an improving big man. Izzo doesn't dip into the transfer portal often, but did grab Kaleb Glenn from Florida Atlantic. He'll provide toughness and scoring on the wing.
No, this team will never be great offensively or shoot a ton of threes.
But they'll defend. Rebound. And... win.
25. Saint Mary's Gaels
Key Returnees: Paulius Murauskas, Jordan Ross, Mikey Lewis, Harry Wessels
Key Departures: Augustas Marciulionis, Mitchell Saxen, Luke Barrett
Key Additions: Dillon Shaw
How about a double "maybe mid-majors aren't dead yet" as Saint Mary's should be the class of the WCC next year.
Paulius Murauskas emerged as a star after arriving as an Arizona transfer and Jordan Ross and Mikey Lewis are young guys who add scoring pop.
Like everyone else, they need to add a few pieces, and like some others there's always fear of losing key guys. But if nothing crazy happens, this will again be a Top 25-ish team all season.
New to the Top 25: Texas Longhorns
Dropped Out: LSU Tigers