The 2025 college basketball offseason has been nothing short of chaotic—and transformative. With the transfer portal playing a larger role than ever and elite freshmen finding their landing spots, rosters across the country have been overhauled, reimagined, and in some cases, supercharged. As programs finalize their lineups and summer workouts begin, it’s time to take a way-too-early look at the updated Top 25 after the dust has settled.
Here’s where things stand after one of the busiest portal cycles in NCAA history.
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1. Duke
Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils land at No. 1 after pairing an elite freshman class—featuring five-star forward Khaman Maluach and guard Joson Sanon—with key portal additions like veteran shooter Jalen Cone. The balance of youth, size, and shooting makes them the team to beat.
2. Kansas
Bill Self brings back key returners and adds five-star phenom AJ Dybantsa along with high-IQ guard transfers. After last year’s tournament stumble, this roster looks ready for redemption.
3. UConn
Dan Hurley reloads yet again, even after sending three starters to the NBA. The addition of Jaden Bradley (Arizona) and continued development of Solo Ball keeps the Huskies in the title mix.
4. North Carolina
UNC retains RJ Davis for a final year while adding scoring guard Jahmir Young (Maryland). The Tar Heels are experienced and explosive, with unfinished business after last season’s Sweet 16 exit.
5. Alabama
Nate Oats brings in firepower via the portal, including dynamic scorer Tyrin Lawrence (Vanderbilt), while his freshman class features several future NBA talents. Expect the Crimson Tide to remain a Final Four threat.
6. Baylor
The Bears added Saint Mary’s transfer Aidan Mahaney, one of the best guards available, to pair with elite returner Langston Love. Baylor’s backcourt will be lethal.
7. St. John’s
No team improved more dramatically through the portal than Rick Pitino’s Red Storm. The addition of RJ Luis Jr. (Miami), Handje Tamba, and others gives St. John’s the talent to win the Big East.
8. Houston
Kelvin Sampson’s defense-first philosophy remains intact, and transfer wing Jayden Nunn adds a two-way punch to a loaded perimeter group.
9. Kentucky
Mark Pope’s first UK roster features BYU transfer Jaxson Robinson, Utah’s Keba Keita, and a host of top-tier shooters. The offense should shine—but defense remains a question mark.
10. Arizona
Tommy Lloyd returns several key contributors while bringing in forward depth through the portal. Expect another Pac-12 title chase before the Wildcats head to the Big 12.
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Other Notables in the Top 25:
11. Michigan State – Elite recruits and veteran leadership keep the Spartans in the hunt.
12. Creighton – Ryan Kalkbrenner returns for one last run at glory.
13. Auburn – Bruce Pearl’s squad adds size and athleticism on the wings.
14. Arkansas – John Calipari’s debut season features high-octane freshmen and a deep bench.
15. Florida Atlantic – The Owls bring back most of their core and added high-major talent.
16. Texas A&M – Transfer guard upgrades make them a dark-horse SEC contender.
17. Purdue – Life after Edey begins with a strong freshman class and veteran guards.
18. Tennessee – Still dangerous with Rick Barnes at the helm and strong forward play.
19. Iowa State – Defense travels—and the Cyclones are tough as ever.
20. Miami – Added scoring guards and length through the portal to retool quickly.
21. Illinois – Led by versatile wing play and experienced bigs.
22. Gonzaga – The Zags bring in athleticism and perimeter firepower.
23. UCLA – After a rough year, the Bruins restock with elite freshmen and European talent.
24. Colorado – Cody Williams returns to anchor a sneaky-talented group.
25. Providence – The Friars ride transfer portal success and backcourt continuity into preseason hype.
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Final Thoughts
As the transfer portal reshapes the sport, experience, depth, and chemistry are more valuable than ever. Programs that struck the right balance between returning stars, incoming freshmen, and savvy portal picks will have the upper hand in the 2025–26 season.
One thing is clear: The path to Houston in April will run through some newly built superteams—and the race has already begun.