Early Top 25 Rankings: Post 2026 Title Game
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- Michigan tops Sports Illustrated’s way-too-early 2026-27 college basketball rankings, with key players Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara potentially returning alongside backcourt stars Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney.
- UConn, Florida, Arizona, and Michigan State round out the top five, each boasting strong returning talent and promising recruits despite offseason uncertainties like NBA draft declarations and transfers.
- Several programs including Duke, Virginia, Illinois, Arkansas, and Houston are highlighted for their roster strengths and recruiting classes, positioning them as contenders or strong competitors next season.
- Retention of key players and successful navigation of the transfer portal are emphasized as critical factors for teams like Alabama, Gonzaga, St. John’s, Iowa State, and Vanderbilt to maintain or improve their standings.
- The rankings reflect optimism for continuity and development across college basketball, with programs like Nebraska, Texas, Purdue, Kansas, and others aiming to build on recent successes amid the evolving offseason landscape.
