With a month passed since the conclusion of the college basketball season, ESPN is casting its gaze towards the 2025-26 season. Jeff Borzello has significantly updated his early Top 25 rankings.
The landscape of college basketball is intriguing, as the transfer portal continues to play a significant role in shaping the Top 25 following March Madness. While these rankings may change, Borzello has a solid understanding of which teams are likely to compete next season.
With this in mind, let’s delve into ESPN’s current Top 25 rankings. While we can expect some shifts over the coming months, Borzello offers a strong starting point as we move into May.
Purdue made a notable push during the 2025 Men’s NCAA Tournament. Though they didn’t achieve their ultimate goal, it’s clear that they have the potential to make a significant impact this upcoming season, and ESPN seems to be an advocate for the Boilermakers.
Borzello: “Purdue may have the preseason Wooden Award favorite and two All-Americans next season. Braden Smith will begin as the top guard in the nation following strong development last season, while Trey Kaufman-Renn stands out as a dominant presence in the paint.”
The Connecticut Huskies nearly made it a three-peat during the 2025 Men’s NCAA Tournament. While they fell short, expectations are high for their resurgence this coming season.
Borzello: “UConn’s championship run ended at two, but Dan Hurley and the Huskies have replenished their roster for another championship run. If Tarris Reed Jr. maintains consistency, UConn looks as formidable as any team in the nation.”
St. John’s captured hearts during much of the 2024-25 season, but their early exit in the Round of 32 surprised many. However, under Rick Pitino, the Red Storm is poised for another strong season with renewed expectations.
Borzello: “Despite the unexpected early exit, Rick Pitino led them to capture both the Big East regular-season and tournament titles, positioning them back into the national conversation. Pitino has brought in one of the strongest portal classes, including five top-100 recruits.”
ESPN’s early Top 25 ranking — Nos. 11-25:
11. Kentucky (-1)
12. Arizona
13. Iowa State
14. UCLA (+2)
15. Auburn
16. Wisconsin (+1)
17. Illinois (NR)
18. Florida (+1)
19. Creighton (NR)
20. Tennessee (-4)
21. Kansas (-3)
22. Gonzaga (+1)
23. Michigan State (-3)
24. Alabama (-3)
25. North Carolina (-3)
Next in line: Ohio State, Texas, San Diego State, USC, Oregon
