The latest preseason Top 25 poll for men’s college basketball offers a snapshot of the teams poised to dominate the 2026 season, with particular attention paid to the blend of seasoned returnees and high‑profile transfers.
Early Powerhouses and Their Core Returns
Florida leads the rankings after a 27‑8 campaign that ended in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. The Gators bring back six of their top seven scorers, preserving a potent offensive nucleus.
Duke follows, having lost only two of its top six scorers from a 35‑3 team that reached the Elite Eight. The Blue Devils augment their roster with transfers from Wisconsin and Belmont, adding depth at the guard positions.
Illinois and UConn round out the top tier. The Illini return five of their eight leading scorers, highlighted by a Providence transfer, while the Huskies retain three of their top seven scorers from a championship‑winning 34‑6 squad and welcome a Duke transfer.
Rising Contenders and Notable Transfers
Texas, Arizona, Michigan State and several other programs showcase a mix of returning stars and coveted five‑star prospects. The Longhorns bring back Matas Vokietaitis and add Marcus Spears Jr., while the Wildcats retain Motiejus Krivas and Ivan Kharchenkov.
Mid‑major programs such as St. John’s, Louisville and Gonzaga also benefit from high‑caliber recruits, including five‑star forward Bruce Branch III at BYU and a Tennessee transfer at Louisville.
Analysts predict that the depth of returning talent across the Top 25 will make the 2026 season one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, with several teams capable of making deep tournament runs.