Sports Illustrated’s preseason Top 25 for the 2026‑27 men’s college basketball season was released this week, setting the early narrative for a year that promises as much movement as it does momentum. At the summit, Florida occupies the No. 1 spot, buoyed by a returning frontcourt that blends size, skill and experience, positioning the Gators as a potential powerhouse.
The defending national champion Michigan Wolverines will look markedly different. Key departures to the NBA have reshaped the roster, but the team retains point guard Elliot Cadeau and has woven in fresh talent, hoping continuity in the backcourt can offset the loss of veteran firepower.
UConn’s rebuild is anchored by two high‑profile transfers: Seton Hall center Najai Hines and Duke forward Nik Khamenia. The young core brings a blend of interior presence and perimeter versatility that could reshape the Huskies’ identity.
Illinois is banking on continuity, with Andrej Stojaković confirming a second year and the program supplementing its lineup with new additions to replace departing wing Keaton Wagler. The retention adds stability to a squad that finished strong last season.
Texas has locked in star big man Matas Vokietaitis and bolstered the frontcourt with Colorado transfer guard Isaiah Johnson. The additions aim to preserve the Longhorns’ inside dominance while adding depth to the perimeter.
Duke, traditionally a magnet for top high‑school recruits, has embraced its latest class while integrating Wisconsin star guard John Blackwell. The blend of fresh talent and experienced returnees seeks to maintain the Blue Devils’ elite status despite departures.
St. John’s has strengthened its backcourt by securing former Baylor standout Tounde Yessoufou, pairing him with Ian Jackson and Quinn Ellis. The trio offers a dynamic mix of scoring and playmaking that could push the Red Storm up the rankings.
Arizona faces questions at the point guard position after losing freshman Koa Peat, but the Wildcats retain Motiejus Krivas and added Ivan Kharchenkov. The new arrivals bring size and skill, though the team will need to find a rhythm quickly.
Houston continues its pursuit of a national championship, welcoming LSU transfer Dedan Thomas and reinforcing a frontcourt that already boasts elite talent. The Cougars hope the new pieces can translate into a deeper tournament run.
The Transfer Landscape
Other programs are also making notable moves. Gonzaga added Arizona State center Massamba Diop to a frontcourt that already includes Braden Huff, while Tennessee introduced Wake Forest sharpshooter Juke Harris, hoping his shooting will offset defensive concerns. Vanderbilt brings back point guard Tyler Tanner, surrounded by increased size and physicality, and Arkansas, despite losing Meleek Thomas, retains a deep backcourt featuring Jeremiah Wilkinson and Jordan Smith Jr. Louisville’s portal haul includes Flory Bidunga, Jackson Shelstad, Alvaro Folgueiras and freshman Obinna Ekezie, signaling an aggressive push for relevance. Virginia returns potential All‑American forward Thijs De Ridder and relies on point guard Chance Mallory to anchor its attack, while Alabama’s rising sophomore Amari Allen adds positional size to the frontcourt. Miami’s portal class, headlined by PG Acaden Lewis and center Somto Cyril, could see sophomores break out, and Kansas kept coach Bill Self out of retirement, landing top recruit Tyran Stokes alongside five‑star Taylen Kinney.