The stage is set for the 2024-25 college basketball season, and the top teams are ready to battle it out for national supremacy. After a wild offseason that saw numerous roster shakeups, here’s our final preseason top 25 rankings.
1. Kansas Jayhawks – Bill Self has assembled a powerhouse roster, led by returning starters Dajuan Harris Jr. and K.J. Adams Jr., and bolstered by top transfers AJ Storr, Zeke Mayo, and Rylan Griffen.
2. Alabama Crimson Tide – Nate Oats’ squad boasts a potent mix of returning talent, including Mark Sears and Jarin Stevenson, and impactful transfers Aden Holloway, Chris Youngblood, and Clifford Omoruyi.
3. UConn Huskies – Dan Hurley’s back-to-back national champions are seeking a three-peat, with Alex Karaban leading the charge alongside top recruit Liam McNeeley and Saint Mary’s transfer Aidan Mahaney.
4. Houston Cougars – The Cougars return four starters from a 32-win team, including L.J. Cryer, Emanuel Sharp, and J’Wan Roberts, and welcome Oklahoma transfer Milos Uzan to the fold.
5. Iowa State Cyclones – The Cyclones bring back their top four scorers, including Tamin Lipsey, Curtis Jones, and Keshon Gilbert, and add four transfers, led by former Saint Mary’s forward Joshua Jefferson.
6. Gonzaga Bulldogs – Mark Few’s team returns everyone except Anton Watson and adds transfers Michael Ajayi and Khalif Battle to form a formidable inside-outside attack.
7. Baylor Bears – Scott Drew’s squad is loaded on the perimeter, with VJ Edgecombe, Jeremy Roach, Jayden Nunn, and Langston Love, and welcomes Miami transfer Norchad Omier to anchor the frontcourt.
8. Duke Blue Devils – Jon Scheyer’s young team features Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, and Caleb Foster, with transfers Mason Gillis, Maliq Brown, and Sion James adding depth.
9. Arizona Wildcats – The Wildcats have a new look, with Caleb Love leading the way alongside Jaden Bradley, KJ Lewis, and Trey Townsend, a Horizon Player of the Year at Oakland.
10. Auburn Tigers – Bruce Pearl’s team is fueled by the return of Johni Broome and the addition of transfers JP Pegues, Miles Kelly, and Denver Jones.
11. North Carolina Tar Heels – RJ Davis is back to lead the Tar Heels, who welcome Elliot Cadeau, Drake Powell, and Cade Tyson to the rotation.
12. Texas A&M Aggies – Wade Taylor IV returns to lead the Aggies, who add Zhuric Phelps and Pharrel Payne from the transfer portal.
13. Tennessee Volunteers – The Volunteers feature a high-powered offense, led by Zakai Zeigler, Chaz Lanier, and Igor Milicic Jr.
14. Arkansas Razorbacks – John Calipari’s team is built around Trevon Brazile, DJ Wagner, Johnell Davis, and Jonas Aidoo.
15. Creighton Bluejays – The Bluejays return Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth, and add Pop Isaacs and Jamiya Neal from the transfer market.
16. Purdue Boilermakers – Matt Painter’s team is led by Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer, with Trey Kaufman-Renn and Camden Heide vying for starting roles.
17. Marquette Golden Eagles – Shaka Smart’s team returns Kam Jones, Stevie Mitchell, and David Joplin, and adds Chase Ross and Ben Gold to the mix.
18. Indiana Hoosiers – Mike Woodson’s team features Malik Reneau, Mackenzie Mgbako, and Trey Galloway, with transfers Oumar Ballo, Myles Rice, and Kanaan Carlyle adding depth.
19. Cincinnati Bearcats – The Bearcats bring back six of their top eight scorers, including Jizzle James, Dan Skillings Jr., and Simas Lukosius, and add Dillon Mitchell from Texas.
20. Ole Miss Rebels – Chris Beard’s team is built around Matthew Murrell, with transfers Dre Davis, Sean Pedulla, and Malik Dia adding firepower.
21. Texas Longhorns – Rodney Terry’s team features a high-scoring offense, led by Jordan Pope, Tramon Mark, Tre Johnson, and Arthur Kaluma.
22. Florida Gators – Todd Golden’s team is fueled by Walter Clayton Jr., with Alijah Martin, Will Richard, and Alex Condon vying for starting spots.
23. Kentucky Wildcats – Mark Pope’s team features a new-look roster, with Jaxson Robinson, Koby Brea, and Andrew Carr leading the charge.
24. UCLA Bruins – Mick Cronin’s team returns three starters, including Dylan Andrews, and adds six transfers, led by Kobe Johnson and Tyler Bilodeau.
25. Rutgers Scarlet Knights – Steve Pikiell’s team boasts a talented young core, featuring Airious Bailey and Dylan Harper, alongside veteran scorers Jeremiah Williams and Zach Martini.
The season is just around the corner, and these top teams are ready to battle it out for college basketball supremacy.
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