With the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline passed, rosters in college basketball are nearly set. Teams out there are looking for one or two more pieces, whether through the NCAA transfer portal or looking at international prospects. But for the most part, we have a good idea of how teams will look in 2025-2026.
To celebrate, ESPN has put together its latest top 25. There is a ton of movement throughout the rankings, specifically inside the top 10.
Five different conferences are represented inside the top 10, showing the potential parity we might have in the sport next season. That being said, let’s check out how ESPN ranks college basketball’s best in early June.
Multiple teams are candidates to take the No. 1 overall spot. ESPN has gone with Purdue due to Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn. Nobody else in the country will have guys like those two returning like the Boilermakers do.
ESPN: “There’s a chance Purdue has the preseason Wooden Award favorite and two All-Americans on its roster next season.”
Florida was the biggest riser from ESPN, getting news back on Alex Condon. He will return for Gainesville for another season, hoping to win a second national championship. Combined with the commitment of Boogie Fland, the Gators should be one of college basketball’s best.
ESPN: “There could be growing pains as Todd Golden figures out how all his players fit, but the Gators are certainly in the discussion to go back-to-back.”
ESPN highlighted the mixed bag of news for Houston. Milos Uzan returning is a positive but Pop Issacs decommitting in favor of Texas A&M was a blow. Even so, no program has been as consistent in recent years as Kelvin Sampson‘s.
ESPN: “It was an eventful NBA draft withdrawal deadline for Houston with all eyes on Milos Uzan’s decision. Hours before Uzan announced his return — which puts the Cougars in the conversation for preseason No. 1.”
UConn never came close to achieving a three-peat, having a down year by their standards. Everyone expects them to be back near the top this winter, getting back guys such as Alex Karaban and Solo Ball.
ESPN: “UConn’s national championship streak ended at two, but Dan Hurley and the Huskies have reloaded to make another run.”
St. John’s put itself back on the national map before a disappointing NCAA Tournament run. Rick Pitino has made sure the Red Storm are not a one-season wonder, adding through the portal while getting Zuby Ejiofor back in the program.
ESPN: “The Red Storm’s NCAA tournament run ended earlier than expected, but Rick Pitino guided them to the Big East regular-season and tournament titles and has them back in the national discussion.”
Having the No. 1 overall recruit on your roster is enough to raise eyebrows. Doing so at BYU only adds to the intrigue, needing to build a quality roster around him. BYU is hoping they have done so, looking to go a step further than 2025’s Sweet Sixteen appearance.
ESPN: “All eyes will be on Provo, Utah, next season, as No. 1 recruit A.J. Dybantsa arrives in college to suit up for the Cougars.”
Pat Kelsey hit the ground running in Year One, producing results not many thought were possible. Expectations have now been raised for Kelsey in the ACC. Outside support has followed, constructing a top roster, on paper, for the ’25-26 season.
ESPN: “Pat Kelsey had as strong an offseason as any coach in the country so far, landing impact transfers Ryan Conwell (Xavier), Isaac McKneely (Virginia) and Adrian Wooley (Kennesaw State) to go with top-10 recruit Mikel Brown Jr. in the backcourt.”
Michigan’s preseason expectations seemingly relied on the decision of Yaxel Lendeborg. Honest throughout the full process, Lendeborg chose for one more year of college basketball. ESPN kept them in the top 10 because of that.
ESPN: “Michigan solidified its preseason standing at the withdrawal deadline, when potential first-round pick Yaxel Lendeborg pulled his name out of the draft and headed to Ann Arbor.”
Similar to his in-state rival, Mark Pope has completely won over a fan base. Kentucky fans are all in, hoping Pope can bring back another national championship. His style of play brings excitement, especially given the talent acquisition from this offseason.
ESPN: “Kentucky is absolutely loaded on the perimeter next season… Mark Pope also revamped the frontcourt with defense in mind.”
Last time ESPN posted a top 25, Texas Tech was inside the top three. Things have changed in Lubbock, even with some quality portal additions. Mainly Darrion Williams leaving in favor of Will Wade in Raleigh.
ESPN: The biggest move was the return of JT Toppin, a preseason All-American who dominated the second half of the season. And LeJuan Watts, a versatile and skilled wing forward, would be a seamless replacement for Darrion Williams.
ESPN college basketball top 25 following NBA draft withdrawal deadline: Nos. 11-25
11. Arkansas Razorbacks
12. Duke Blue Devils
13. Arizona Wildcats
14. Auburn Tigers
15. UCLA Bruins
16. Illinois Fighting Illini
17. Alabama Crimson Tide
18. Iowa State Cyclones
19. Gonzaga Bulldogs
20. Wisconsin Badgers
21. Kansas Jayhawks
22. Creighton Bluejays
23. Tennessee Volunteers
24. NC State Wolfpack
25. North Carolina Tar Heels
