Top 25 And 1: Marcus Spears Jr.'s commitment lifts Texas into top five

Key Points:

• Florida tops the rankings by returning six of the top seven scorers from a 27-8 team that reached the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, adding key transfers and a 7-foot center to their roster.
• Duke follows with four of the top six scorers returning from a 35-3 team that made the Elite Eight, bolstered by a strong recruiting class including multiple transfers and five-star prospects.
• Illinois, UConn, and Texas round out the top five, each returning significant scoring talent and bringing in impactful transfers and highly rated recruits to build on their successful 2026 NCAA Tournament runs.
• Michigan, Arizona, and Michigan State also feature prominently, returning core scorers from teams that advanced deep into the tournament, with recruiting classes aimed at maintaining their competitive edge.
• Several other notable programs, including Gonzaga, Virginia, Louisville, Tennessee, and Kentucky, are highlighted for their mix of returning scorers and incoming talent, positioning them for strong performances in the upcoming season.