The 2024-25 college basketball season concluded dramatically after the Florida Gators lifted the national championship trophy on April 7, 2025, defeating Houston 65-63. Florida claimed their third championship in program history after Todd Golden became the youngest winning coach—and the first since 1983—at the age of 29. Confetti hasn’t finished falling, and fans and analysts are already speculating for the 2025-26 season. The Top 25 rankings are beginning to form, and Florida’s victory was heard across the college basketball world. Let’s look into what is behind these early anticipations and which teams are likely to go far.
Florida’s Big Win Sets the Stage
The victory of the Gators in this championship was much more than a happy moment; it was a loud declaration, considering that they had a shot at winning with a record of 36-4 and a loaded roster. “What separates us is our talent and how our guys have played together all year,” he revealed to ESPN. However, Clayton Jr. is expected to leave for the pros, meaning Florida may be in some shuffle in the next season’s ranking. Despite that, Thomas Haugh is returning, and with such a strong recruiting roster, the Gators are not fading anytime soon.
Houston Calibrating the Pack
Even though the Cougars fell short in the title match, they are still graced with the honor of being on top of the 2025-26 rankings. The reason being, Houston’s Coach Kelvin Sampson always seems to come up with the most efficient ways to reload talent. The Cougars are bringing jaw abiding recruiting classes along with Kingston Flemings and Chris Cenac Jr, who are alongside three top 20 prospects. With Emmanuel Sharp and Joseph Tugler also coming back, Houston will surely get redemption. Jeff Borzello from ESPN has already predicted them at number one in his “Way-Too-Early Top 25” due to their versatility and depth. This time Houston is expected to come out strong after coming so close to winning last year.
Purdue did not let their elite eight finish tamper with their confidence, as they still remain a powerhouse alongside Uconn. With a high chance of having the Preseason Wooden Award candidate Braden Smith, and a roster full of continuity pieces, the Boiler makes are guaranteed a spot in the top five. Uconn, the reigning champions in 2023 and 2024, stumbled in the rankings recently but remains relevant. With Solo Ball’s All America hype, Silas Demary Jr. from Georgia, alongside some brilliant coaching, both of these teams have a tight grip on the title.
Unexpected Shockers
The Cardinals making it to number 3 on the ESPN Top 25 list comes as a surprise to everyone as they were ranked 103 during preseason last year. Transfers like Ryan Conwell from Xavier and Mikel Brown Jr., a top 10 recruit, have helped the team tremendously. Auburn is also in contention after a strong semi-final showing, their position in the prediction table sinks them around 11 or 12 so the teams ahead of them could prove to be the deciding factor if they manage to work their magic. Tahaad Pettiford being added to Bruce Pearl’s showtime roster with Keyshawn Hall guarantees the Tigers a fighting chance.
Surprises You Might Actually Pay Attention To
The transfer portal and NBA draft choices with their prior alterations slow blowing and sudden pivots to the rankings like a snow globe. Alabama is a good example of this, losing Mark Sears unquestionably hurting them but retaining Holloway and adding Williamson vaults them to within the 15 mark. Duke risks losing their 8 spots if Cooper Flagg, the brilliance of this year’s team, decides to retire early. The current state of college basketball is ever changing and volatile, simple decisions from athletes at this stage of their lives can shape whole teams.
2025-26 College Basketball Top 25 Standings
| Rank | Team | Key Highlights | Projected Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Houston Cougars | National runner-up in 2025, elite recruiting class | Depth, versatility, coaching stability |
| 2 | Purdue Boilermakers | Elite Eight in 2025, strong returning core | Continuity, guard play, interior presence |
| 3 | Louisville Cardinals | Resurgence under Pat Kelsey, top transfers | Backcourt talent, roster overhaul |
| 4 | UConn Huskies | Back-to-back champs (2023-24), reloading | Transfer additions, coaching pedigree |
| 5 | Florida Gators | 2025 National Champions, some key losses | Returning talent, recruiting pipeline |
| 6 | Auburn Tigers | Final Four in 2025, dynamic roster moves | Guard play, transfer impact |
| 7 | Duke Blue Devils | Cooper Flagg era ends, still competitive | Tradition, new talent infusion |
| 8 | Alabama Crimson Tide | Strong 2025 season, transfer portal activity | Scoring depth, athleticism |
| 9 | St. John’s Red Storm | Rising under Rick Pitino, potential returnees | Frontcourt strength, coaching savvy |
| 10 | BYU Cougars | Sweet 16 in 2025, elite freshman incoming | Scoring punch, team chemistry |
| 11 | Tennessee Volunteers | Consistent contender, roster in flux | Defensive grit, SEC experience |
| 12 | Iowa State Cyclones | Defensive identity, key returnees | Coaching system, resilience |
| 13 | Michigan Wolverines | Big Ten contender, balanced roster | Guard play, tournament experience |
| 14 | Kentucky Wildcats | Rebuilding after departures, new talent | Recruiting class, offensive firepower |
| 15 | Arkansas Razorbacks | Transfer portal success, SEC depth | Versatility, John Calipari’s system |
| 16 | UCLA Bruins | Pac-12 strength, veteran leadership | Defensive tenacity, experience |
| 17 | Gonzaga Bulldogs | Consistent excellence, frontcourt focus | Interior depth, West Coast dominance |
| 18 | Kansas Jayhawks | Reloading after down year, tradition | Athleticism, Bill Self’s adjustments |
| 19 | Texas Tech Red Raiders | Rising program, balanced attack | Defensive intensity, Big 12 edge |
| 20 | Creighton Bluejays | Steady performer, offensive firepower | Shooting, Greg McDermott’s system |
| 21 | Michigan State Spartans | Defensive culture, veteran guards | Tom Izzo’s leadership, rebounding |
| 22 | Arizona Wildcats | Post-Flagg era adjustments, Pac-12 move | Speed, transition game |
| 23 | Marquette Golden Eagles | Shaka Smart’s momentum, guard-heavy | Quickness, Big East competitiveness |
| 24 | Illinois Fighting Illini | Big Ten depth, roster turnover | Size, physicality |
| 25 | Georgetown Hoyas | Emerging under Ed Cooley, sleeper potential | Upside, Big East wildcard |
Notes on the Table
- Houston tops the list due to their runner-up finish in 2025 and a stellar recruiting class, as noted with prospects like Kingston Flemings and Chris Cenac Jr.
- Purdue and Louisville follow, reflecting their strong 2025 performances and roster continuity or transformation, respectively.
- Florida, the reigning champs, slides to No. 5 due to the potential loss of Walter Clayton Jr., balanced by returning players like Thomas Haugh.
- Teams like UConn, Auburn, and Duke remain high based on historical success and projected roster strength, despite uncertainties like NBA draft decisions.
- Lower rankings (15-25) include teams with potential but greater unknowns, such as Georgetown, which could surprise if Ed Cooley’s rebuild gains traction.
What is Next?
The 2025-26 season sure promises to not be boring one, that’s for certain. After Florida won the championship, they set the scope higher and higher, but teams such as Houston, Purdue, and UConn look prepared to go to war for the title. Don’t forget to mention a couple of dark horses. I’m looking at you, Louisville. This along with some of the biggest surprises and best moments of the season looks to be a thriller. The reality of these preliminary rankings is, they will forever remain a snapshot instead of a script. We’re likely to change the entire list of contenders before November arrives. Who, in your opinion, should be favored to win the championship next season?
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