Aaron Torres College Basketball 'Way Too Early Top 25' - 2025-2026 - Post NBA Draft Deadline Edition

Credit: Kentucky athletics

The NBA Draft deadline has passed, and with it, a quiet milestone has passed on the college hoops calendar: Rosters are, for the most part, set for the 2025-2026 season.

Sure, there may be a reclassification or two, and an international star may still show up on someone's campus (likely Illinois) between now and the start of fall classes. But again, these rosters are largely set.

Which means we can officially begin to look ahead to next season - with our latest (and likely last) "Way Too Early Top 25" before the season.

That's right, we hit several different versions throughout the spring, our Top 25 immediately after the title game. Then when portal season got going, and a Version III when the first wave of draft decisions were made.

But now we have final clarity and it feels like the right time to revisit these rosters.

Here it is, our post NBA Draft Deadline Top 25:

1. Purdue Boilermakers

Key Returnees: Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, Trey Kaufmann-Wrenn, CJ Cox, Daniel Jacobsen 

Key Departures: Caleb Furst, Myles Colvin (transfer), Will Berg (transfer), Cam Heide (transfer)

Key Additions: Oscar Cluff (transfer), Omer Mayer, Antoine West

Quick shout out to all the Purdue fans who are convinced I hate their team. Because if I do, I certainly have a funny way of showing it - by having them as the preseason No. 1 heading into next year.

Braden Smith will be back, and put simply there might not have been a better lead-guard in the sport last year after averaging 15 points and nearly eight assists per game. Trey Kauffman-Wrenn was one of the best big men as well, finishing the year averaging 20.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

Purdue will also welcome back former high-profile recruit Daniel Jacobsen who missed this season with injury and also added one of the best big men in the portal in South Dakota State's Oscar Cluff. Oh, and Israeli import Omer Mayer will be an immediate contributor and star down the line.

This team will be a MONSTER to deal with.

2. Houston Cougars

Key Returnees: Milos Uzan, Emmanuel Sharp, JoJo Tugler

Key Departures: LJ Cryer, J'Wan Roberts, Javier Francis, Mylik Wilson, Terrence Arceneaux (transfer)

Key Additions: Chris Cenac Jr., Isaiah Harwell, Kingston Flemings

Admittedly, every version of my "Way Too Early Top 25's" had Milos Uzan coming back to school - but if I'm being honest, I'm not sure I totally believed it. While he didn't project as a first round NBA Draft pick, by all accounts it sounded like he wanted to leave if at all possible.

Well it really doesn't matter now, because Uzan is back - and with it, Houston officially has another title contender.

Overall, three of the top six players off last year's team return, including Uzan who was the team's best player down the stretch. Emmanuel Sharp is back too after finishing second in scoring for the Cougars.

Houston probably won't be quite as deep with big, athletic, tough, experienced bodies after losing several seniors, but they do welcome in an elite freshman recruiting class. Some of those freshman will have to step up and contribute right away for this team to reach its potential.

But ultimately this ranking comes down to a simple question: Are you betting against Kelvin Sampson?! Me neither.

3. Kentucky Wildcats

Key Returnees: Otega Oweh, Brandon Garrison, Trent Noah, Collin Chandler

Key Losses: Lamont Butler, Koby Brea, Jaxson Robinson, Amari Williams, Andrew Carr, Ansley Alamanor, Travis Perry (transfer), Kerr Kriisa (transfer)

Key Additions: Jayden Quaintance (transfer), Mo Dioubate (transfer), Jaland Lowe (transfer), Denzel Aberdeen (transfer), Reed Potter (transfer), Kam Williams (transfer), Malachi Moreno, Jasper Johnson, Andrija Jelavic, Brayden Hawthorne

Even as recently as Sunday night (with Karter Knox's return) I was touting Arkansas as the team to beat in the SEC. But the more I looked at Kentucky's roster after Otega Oweh's return, the harder it was for me to justify not having Kentucky as the SEC favorite heading into next year.

It's clear this off-season that Mark Pope prioritized adding size and athleticism to this group, and he did it in spades. Jayland Lowe is a lightning quick point guard, and Denzel Aberdeen (Florida), Mo Dioubate (Alabama) and Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State) add the athleticism and toughness that this team sometimes lacked this past season. If Quaintance is back healthy this season, he could be the best big in the SEC.

Oh, and that's not even mentioning Oweh's return as a potential All-SEC player or Brandon Garrison who might be a breakout star nationally. This team is... STACKED.

Courtesy: Aaron Torres Pod YouTube

4. St. John's Red Storm

Key Returnees: Zuby Ejifor, Sadiku Ibine Ayo, Ruben Prey

Key Departures: RJ Luis (transfer), Simeon Wiltcher (transfer), Brady Dunlap (transfer), Kadary Richmond, Devion Smith, Aaron Scott

Key Additions: Ian Jackson (transfer), Bryce Hopkins (transfer), Joson Sanon (transfer), Oziyah Sellers (transfer), Dillon Mitchell (transfer), Dylan Darling (transfer), Imran Suljanovic 

Nothing, literally nothing, has changed since our last update with St. John's. Which is good news for a squad with preseason national championship ambitions.

The big noise came early for the Red Storm this off-season as Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis departed, right as All-Big East forward Zuby Ejifor announced his return. Ejifor will have more frontcourt scoring help thanks to the arrival of Providence's Bryce Hopkins. Joson Sanon (Arizona State) and Oziyah Sellers (Stanford) are two wings who provide the athleticism and toughness Pitino covets in his team. Dillon Mitchell will provide another athletic wing that will be a nightmare for opposing offensive stars to deal with.

Oh, and the backcourt also got a major boost with the addition of former five-star Ian Jackson. And just when you thought Pitino was done he added Dylan Darling, a 19-point a game scorer from Idaho State a season ago.

Put simply this team should be just as good defensively as they were a year ago. With more offensive firepower. Again, Pitino and the Red Storm aren't going anywhere.

5. BYU Cougars

Key Returnees: Richie Saunders, Keba Keita, Dawson Baker, Mihailo Boskovic, Khadim Mboup

Key Departures: Trevin Knell, Mawot Mag, Fouss Traore, Trey Stewart, Egor Demin, Kanon Catchings (transfer), Dallin Hall (transfer)

Key Additions: AJ Dybantsa, Xavion Staton, Rob Wright (transfer), Kennard Davis Jr. (transfer), Dominique Diomande (transfer), Nate Pickens (transfer), Tyler Mrus (transfer)

I've got a confession to make: We all have our vices in life. And while I can't share some of them here, what I will say is this - I am a sucker for a good preseason highlight video.

And when I saw BYU's the other day, let me just say: I nearly fainted.

We know about the top of this roster, the return of All-Big 12 forward Richie Saunders, the arrival of the No. 1 recruit in America AJ Dybantsa and the addition of star transfer Rob Wright.

What I didn't realize is the size and athleticism of everyone else.

Watching the video below, just know much of BYU's roster still isn't on campus yet. Oh, and the ones that are, are bigger and more athletic than I realized. Just as an example, No. 7 (Khadoum Mboup) and No. 10 (Dominique Diomande) in the video below are projected to be, like the 7th and 8th players for the Cougars this year.

If your 7th and 8th players look like... THAT, you're built to play with anyone in college hoops.

It isn't hyperbole to say the most anticipated season in BYU basketball history is upon us.

6. Michigan Wolverines

Key Returnees: Nimari Burnett, Roddy Gayle, Will Tschetter

Key Departures: Danny Wolf, Vlad Goldin, Rubin Jones, Nimari Burnett, Justin Pippen (transfer), Tre Donaldson (transfer), Sam Walters (transfer)

Key Additions: Elliot Cadeau (transfer), Yaxel Lendeborg (transfer), Aday Mara (transfer), Morez Johnson Jr. (transfer), Trey McKinney, Winters Grady

So for most of the spring, I have been higher than the consensus on Michigan - and now with Tuesday's news that Yaxel Lendeborg is officially back, well, there's no turning back now.

Put simply, Lendeborg wasn't only the best player in the portal - but in my opinion, a player who can legitimately compete for National Player of the Year next season. He averaged 17.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.8 blocks per game last season for UAB. And ask NBA people about him and they believe he's only now starting to scratch the surface of his potential, after not picking up basketball until just a few years ago.

The Wolverines have also added Illinois forward Morez Johnson and UCLA big man Aday Mara to create arguably college hoops' best frontline and North Carolina transfer Elliot Cadeau will run the point in the backcourt. There's plenty of perimeter help as well from veterans Roddy Gayle and Nimari Burnett.

Still, Lendeborg was the piece that brought all the other pieces together and made them whole. The Wolverines are a legit national title contender.

7. UConn Huskies

Key Returnees: Alex Karaban, Solo Ball, Tarris Reed, Jaylin Stewart, Jayden Ross

Key Departures: Hassan Diarra, Samson Johnson, Liam McNeeley, Ahmad Nowell (transfer), Isaiah Abraham (transfer), Aidan Mahaney (transfer)

Key Additions: Silas Demary Jr. (transfer), Malachi Smith (transfer), Braylon Mullins, Eric Reibe, Jacob Furphy, Jacob Ross

Overall, it's been an awesome off-season in Storrs, where basically every key player that the Huskies wanted back has returned. Veteran Alex Karaban announced he'd return right at the deadline, weeks after All-Big East second team guard Solo Ball (14.4 points on 41 percent three-point shooting last season) did the same. Meanwhile, Tarris Reed was one of the best low post players in the Big East by the end of last year, highlighted by a monstrous 24-point, 18 rebound game against Providence. Jaylin Stewart is a high-upside wing.

Hurley also is bringing in a pair of McDonald's All-Americans headlined by sharp-shooting Braylon Mullins.

Maybe the most important piece though, was Georgia's Silas Demary Jr. He was the big guard the Huskies desperately needed a season ago.

8. Arkansas Razorbacks

Key Returnees: DJ Wagner, Billy Richmond, Trevon Brazile, Karter Knox

Key Departures: Johnell Davis, Jonas Aidoo, Boogie Fland, Adou Thiero,  Zvonimir Ivisic (transfer)

Key Additions: Malique Ewin (transfer), Nick Pringle (transfer), Darius Acuff Jr., Meleek Thomas, Isaiah Sealy, Karim Rtal

It was an uncharacteristic off-season for John Calipari, where he quietly did all his work in the shadows - and then basically dropped an entire roster on us in the span of a couple days.

The Hogs moved slow in the portal - or at least it appeared that way - waiting until late-April to add veteran big guys Malique Ewin (Florida State) and Nick Pringle (South Carolina). Neither is a star, but both will play an important role of "veteran enforcer" on this team.

Then came the huge news, as in one two-minute social media clip we learned that veterans DJ Wagner, Trevon Brazile and Billy Richmond would all return. Karter Knox announced his own return at the NBA Draft deadline, giving the Hogs four key pieces back off their Sweet 16 team.

In addition to all the veterans might be the two most intriguing prospects on the team: McDonald's All-Americans Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas. Acuff might be the best freshman in teh SEC this season.

Four key returnees, who were all playing their best basketball late in the season. Two McDonald's All-American's and two star transfers? This team is good enough to get the Hogs their elusive first Final Four since 1995 - and maybe even more.

9. Louisville Cardinals

Key Returnees: J'Vonne Hadley, K'Sean Pryor, Khani Rooths

Key Departures: Chucky Hepburn, Terrence Edwards Jr., Reyne Smith, James Scott (transfer)

Key Additions: Ryan Conwell (transfer), Isaac McKneely (transfer), Adrian Wooley (transfer), Mikel Brown Jr., Sananda Fru

Another team where largely nothing has happened since our last update - and that's a great thing if you're a Louisville fan.

Coming off an ACC Tournament title game appearance, Pat Kelsey opened up the off-season on a rampage, adding three elite players (Xavier guard Ryan Conwell, Kennesaw State guard Adrian Wooley and Virginia sharp-shooter Isaac McKneely) within days of the portal officially opening. And that's in addition to a recruiting class that features McDonald's All-American Mikel Brown Jr. and German star big man Sananda Fru.

And while the Cards did lose a lot of this year's team, plenty returns too. J'Vonne Hadley officially announced he'd be coming back as well, after he was granted an extra year as a JUCO transfer. And recently K'Sean Pryor announced he'd return after missing most of last year with an ACL injury.

This team could mess around and win the ACC next season.

10. Duke Blue Devils

Key Returnees: Caleb Foster, Maliq Brown, Isaiah Evans, Patrick Ngongba, Darren Harris

Key Departures: Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, Kon Knueppel, Tyrese Proctor, Mason Gillis, Sion James

Key Additions: Cam Boozer, Cayden Boozer, Nikolas Khamenia, Dame Sarr, Sebastian Wilkins, Ifeanyi Ufochukwu (transfer)

On paper this Duke team is eerily identical to last year's Duke team.

Take a superstar freshman (Cam Boozer), add in several key returnees (headlined by potential breakout star Isaiah Evans) and a couple other freshmen stars (Cayden Boozer and Dame Sarr). This year's team doesn't have as much help from the portal, but frankly it's because they don't need it, with five veterans from last year's team back in the program.

What'll be interesting to see is if Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils can strike lighting in a bottle twice. The ACC should be much improved, but with Boozer (my preseason ACC Player of the Year) leading the way, this is a squad that could once again return to another Final Four.

11. Florida Gators

Key Returnees: Alex Condon, Ruben Chinyelu, Thomas Haugh, Micah Handlogten

Key Departures: Walter Clayton, Alijah Martin, Will Richard, Alex Condon, Denzel Aberdeen (transfer), Sam Alexis (transfer)

Key Additions: Boogie Fland (transfer), Xaivian Lee (transfer), AJ Brown, Alex Lloyd, CJ Ingram

There's been no bigger riser from the last "Too Early Top 25" to this one than the Florida Gators, and it's for two simple reasons.

One, Alex Condon officially announced at the deadline his return to college hoops. The 6'10 forward was seen as a surefire first round pick before a late season swoon made his draft stock take a small hit. Now back, he could be one of the best big men in the country after averaging 10.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game last year.

The other, of course, is the addition of Boogie Fland.

For all of Florida's success throughout the early part of the spring, the one thing they were missing was that bona-fide bucket-getting guard who could take over a game and get you 20 on any given night.

Well, that's who he is. And with him in tow, the Gators are officially good enough to go back-to-back.

12. Arizona Wildcats

Key Returnees: Jaden Bradley, Tobe Awaka, Motiejus Krivas, Anthony Dell'Orso

Key Departures: Caleb Love, Trey Towsend, Carter Bryant, KJ Lewis (transfer), Henri Veesaar (transfer)

Key Additions: Koa Peat, Brayden Burries, Dwayne Aristode, Bryce James

Had star freshman Carter Bryant elected to return, there was a strong case for Arizona at preseason No. 1. It didn't happen, but Tommy Lloyd still has a roster good enough to compete at the top of the Big 12.

Jaden Bradley is a veteran point guard and surrounded by toughness in the paint with Tobe Awaka and the return of Motiejus Krivas. Krivas was trending as a first round pick in the NBA Draft last season before an injury sidelined him for most of the year.

Still, the ceiling of this team might be defined by a pair of McDonald's All-Americans, in guard Brayden Burries and forward Koa Peat. If they can both hit their ceiling, this team has a chance to be special next season.

13. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Key Returnees: JT Toppin, Christian Anderson

Key Departures: Darrion Williams (transfer), Kevin Overton (transfer), Federiko Federiko (transfer), Elijah Hawkins, Chance McMillian

Key Additions: LeJuan Watts (transfer), Donovan Atwell (transfer), Tyree Bryan (transfer), Josiah Mosely (transfer), Luke Bamgboye (transfer)

To their credit, the Red Raiders probably got the biggest news of any program this spring - with the decision by Big 12 Player of the Year JT Toppin to return to school for another year.

And to their credit, they've done a great job of putting talented pieces around him as returnee Christian Anderson and transfers Donovan Atwell (UNC-Greensboro) and Tyeree Bryan (Santa Clara) provide plenty of shooting around him. LeJuan Watts is a wildly underrated transfer that should fill the role of departed forward Darrion Williams.

Really at this point, my only concern is at point guard. Christian Anderson will take over for the departed Elijah Hawkins. While Anderson had a solid freshman year, it's a big leap to take over running the show from a sixth-year senior in Hawkins.

14. UCLA Bruins 

Key Returnees: Tyler Bilodeau, Skyy Clark, Eric Dailey, Trent Perry

Key Departures: Kobe Johnson, Lazar Stefanovic, Dylan Andrews (transfer), William Kyle III (transfer), Aday Mara (transfer)

Key Additions: Donovan Dent (transfer), Xavier Booker (transfer), Jamar Brown (transfer), Steve Jamerson II

You might not like Mick Cronin. And his rants about travel may be exhausting. But he should also have a stacked team in 2026.

The big news of course is the addition of Donovan Dent, arguably the best guard to enter the transfer portal all season. The Mountain West Player of the Year and Southern California native will return to Los Angeles, after averaging over 20 points and six assists per game this season for the Lobos. He should immediately be able to step in and have an impact in the Big Ten.

The Bruins also return their two leading scorers in big man Tyler Bilodeau and wing Eric Dailey and added size in the portal with Xavier Booker. UCLA added depth pieces in wing Jamar Brown (of UMKC) and San Diego big man Steve Jamerson II.

15. Creighton Bluejays

Key Returnees: Jackson McAndrew, Jasen Green, Isaac Traudt, Fedor Zugic

Key Departures: Ryan Kalkbrenner, Steven Ashworth, Jamiya Neal, Pop Isaacs (transfer), Fredrick King (transfer)

Key Additions: Owen Freeman (transfer), Josh Dix (transfer), Nick Graves (transfer), Blake Harper (transfer), Hudson Greer

You never root for another man to lose his job, but no one has taken more advantage of Iowa firing Fran McCaffrey than Creighton has.

The Jays added two of the Hawkeyes' top three scorers this season, landing big man Owen Freeman and wing Josh Dix. The pair combined to average over 30 points a game last season in the Big Ten and now come to the Big East, teaming with several high-profile returnees. Jackson McGregor could be a breakout star after a big March this year.

Creighton needed more scoring late in the portal and added Howard transfer Blake Howard - and again have a team which can compete for a Big East title.

16. Iowa State Cyclones

Key Returnees: Justin Jefferson, Tamin Lipsey, Milan Momcilovic, Nate Heise

Key Departures: Curtis Jones, Keshon Gilbert, Brandon Chatfield, Dischon Jackson (transfer)

Key Additions: Blake Buchanon (transfer), Eric Mulder (transfer), Mason Williams (transfer), Dominick Nelson (transfer), Jamarion Bateman, Killyan Toure, Xzavion Mitchell, Dominykas Pleta

In some ways you feel bad for Iowa State, because it felt like this past season was kind of their year. And with Keshon Gilbert and Curtis Jones (among others) both moving on, it's hard to see things setting up much better for the Cyclones for a while.

Still, Justin Jefferson, Tamin Lipsey and Milan Momcilovic are as good of a trio as you'll see almost anywhere. And TJ Otzelberger always does a good job finding pieces in the portal who fit. This year's version of that may be Virginia transfer Blake Buchanon who should slide seamlessly into the starting center spot.

17. Illinois Fighting Illini

Key Returnees: Tomislav Ivisic, Kylan Boswell, Ty Rodgers, Jake Davis

Key Departures: Kasparas Jakucionis, Will Riley, Morez Johnson, Tre White, Ben Humrichous

Key Additions: Andrej Stojakovic (transfer), Zvonimir Ivisic (transfer), Mihailo Petrovic, David Mirkovic

When the off-season started we knew that the Illini were going to lose Kasparas Jakucionis and likely Will Riley too, and when Morez Johnson and Tre White decided to transfer you wondered how the Illini would reload.

Well, safe to say Brad Underwood is doing just fine - and is doing it in the most unique way possible.

Followin the success of recruiting Europe with Jakucionis and Tomislav Ivisic, Underwood decided to double-down this off-season. Ivisic's brother Zvonimir comes in from Arkansas and guard early on the process they also added guard David Mirkovic as well.

However, the big splash came a week ago when guard Mihailo Petrovic committed to the Illini. He is 22-years-old (yes, you read that correctly) and widely believed to be one of the best available European players on the market.

Then the latest big splash - and maybe the biggest one period - came with the addition of Cal wing Andrej Stojakovic. The 6'7 forward averaged 18.9 points per game this season for the Golden Bears and was one of the best players available in the portal.

The Illini are not only in the Top 25 but again a factor in the Big Ten title race. And oh, Brad Underwood got himself a new profile pic in the process as well.

18. Auburn Tigers

Key Returnees: Tahaad Pettiford

Key Departures: Johni Broome, Dylan Cardwell, Denver Jones, Miles Kelly, Chaney Johnson, Chad Baker-Mazara (transfer), Jahki Howard (transfer)

Key Additions: KeShawn Hall (transfer), Abdul Basheer (transfer), Kevin Overton (transfer), Elyjah Freeman (transfer), Kaden Magwood, Sebastian Williams-Adams, Simon Walker, Emeka Opurum, Filip Jokic

It's been a wild few weeks since Auburn's season ended in the Final Four. But despite the ups-and-downs, Bruce Pearl again has a team ready to compete at the top of the SEC.

We assume Tahaad Pettiford will be back, as last year's sixth man is currently testing the NBA Draft waters.

Assuming he is, he'll be joined by UCF transfer KeShawn Hall, who led the Big 12 in scoring a season ago. Kevin Overton (Texas Tech) and Elyjah Freeman transfer in too, with Freeman coming in as a D2 star with long-term NBA upside.

There are still a few spots to fill, but this team won't fall off nearly as far as most expect heading into next year.

19. Kansas Jayhawks

Key Returnees: Elmarko Jackson, Flory Bidunga

Key Departures: Dajuan Harris, Hunter Dickinson, KJ Adams, Zeke Mayo, Shakeel Moore, Flory Bidunga (transfer), AJ Storr (transfer), Rylan Griffen (transfer), Rakease Passmore (transfer)

Key Additions: Darryn Peterson, Tre White (transfer), Melvin Council (transfer), Jayden Dawson (transfer), Bryson Tiller, Simas Calderon, Corbin Allen

Yes, Kansas is coming off two disappointing seasons. And yes, they barely have enough players currently committed to field a starting five.

But here's the other thing: They may have the best player - yes, player - in college basketball next year in Darryn Peterson. And him and Flory Bidunga is a hell of a one-two punch.

Peterson is of course not only a five-star talent, but was the McDonald's All-American Game MVP, as a 6'5 guard that can do just about everything. He and AJ Dybantsa for "No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft" will likely be the hottest First Take debate of February and March of next year.

Yes, if you listen closely you can already hear Stephen A. Smith screaming in the distance about it.

The issue now is simple: Has Self done enough around them? Tre White, Melvin Council and Jayden Dawson are nice pieces, but it feels like Kansas is missing one more big-time player. And after missing on both Darrion Williams and Dame Sarr in recent days, it's hard to know if they'll find that piece before the start of the season.

20. Alabama Crimson Tide

Key Returnees: Labaron Philon, Aden Holloway, Aidan Sherrell, Latrell Wrightsell Jr., Hunter Mallette

Key Departures: Mark Sears, Grant Nelson, Cliff Omoruyi, Grant Nelson, Chris Youngblood, Labaron Philon, Jarin Stevenson (transfer), Derrion Reid (transfer)

Key Additions: Taylor Bol Bowen (transfer), Jalil Bethea (transfer), Noah Williamson (transfer), London Jemison, Davion Hannah, Amari Allen

There was no bigger surprise at the NBA Draft deadline than the news that Labaron Philon - who closed the door on a return to Alabama - shockingly making an announcement that he'd return to school.

And with it, the entire trajectory of the Tide's season next year has changed.

Philon was a surprise freshman star averaging 11 points, three boards and four assists as a freshman and could make the jump to "First Team All-SEC" type status. He is joined by fellow lead guard Aden Holloway, alongside sharpshooters Latrell Wrightsell and Hunter Mallette (both of whom were mostly injured this year). And then the big one, as big main Aidan Sherrell will return as well.

The Tide also added former McDonald's All-American Jalil Bethea and former Florida State Seminole Taylor Bol Bowen on the wing.

This team isn't as deep as last year, but frankly that might be a good thing. Their top eight is really, REALLY talented.

21. NC State Wolfpack

Key Returnees: Paul McNeill, Jordan Snell

Key Departures: Marcus Hill, Dontrez Styles, Ben Middlebrooks, Jayden Taylor

Key Additions: Darrion Williams (transfer), Tre Holloman (transfer), Terrance Arceneaux (transfer), Ven-Allen Lubin (transfer), Jerry Deng (transfer), Paul Mbiya, Matt Able

For the first time this off-season, it's time to welcome Will Wade's NC State Wolfpack to the Top 25!

Wade had been quietly accumulating pieces all off-season, adding solid veterans like Tre Holloman (Michigan State), Terrance Arceneaux (Houston) and Jerry Deng (Florida State), as well as five-star freshman Matt Able and international star Paul Mbiya.

But then the big bomb dropped right before the Memorial Day holiday, as All-Big 12 forward Darrion Williams announced his commitment to the Pack.

With him, Wade his bona-fide star, a legitimate NCAA Tournament team and one that should be in the mix right behind Duke and Louisville in the ACC.

22. Texas Longhorns

Key Returnees: Jordan Pope, Tramon Mark, Chendell Weaver

Key Departures: Tre Johnson, Arthur Kaluma, Kadin Shedrick, Jayson Kent, Julian Larry

Key Additions: Dailyn Swain (transfer), Cam Heide (transfer), Matas Vokietaitis (transfer), Simeon Wilcher (transfer)

When Sean Miller got the Texas job we tried to tell you: The combination of Miller's X's and O's acumen, fearless recruiting chops and Texas' resources mean that the Longhorns are no longer a pushover in the SEC. And so far, Miller is making us look good.

First off, he was able to convince two talented veteran guards (Jordan Pope and Tramon Mark) to return for an additional season. The pair combined to average 21 points for the Longhorns a season ago.

Miller also brought rising star Dailyn Swain with him from Xavier (11.5 points per game) and AAC Freshman of the Year Matas Vokietaitis from Florida Atlantic. Purdue's Cam Heide is a valuable, veteran role player who makes every team better and Simeon Wilcher was a part of St. John's Big East title team a year ago.

There will be growing pains. But this is officially a program on the rise in the SEC.

23. North Carolina Tar Heels

Key Returnees: Seth Trimble

Key Departures: RJ Davis, Ian Jackson (transfer), Elliot Cadeau (transfer), Jalen Washington (transfer), Drake Powell

Key Additions: Henri Veesaar (transfer), Jarin Stevenson (transfer), Kyan Evans (transfer), Jonathan Powell (transfer), Jaydon Young, Luka Bogavac, Caleb Wilson, Isaiah Denis, Derek Dixon

With the addition of international star Luka Bogavac on the last day of May, we have moved UNC back into our "Way Too Early Top 25."

Put simply, Bogavac, at least on paper, appears to be the star Hubert Davis desperately needed. The 6'6 wing originally from Montenegro averaged 14 points on 39 percent three-point shooting in one of Europe's top clubs this off-season and now comes to the states as a veteran, 22-year-old grown man.

He'll join a group of nice pieces including returnee Seth Trimble in the backcourt, five-star Caleb Wilson and high-profile transfers Henri Veesaar (Arizona), Kyan Evans (Colorado State) and Jarin Stevenson (Alabama).

We don't want to overrated the pieces, but if it all clicks this could be an ACC title contender.

24. Tennessee Volunteers

Key Returnees: Felix Okpara, Cade Phillips, JP Estrella

Key Departures: Zakai Zeigler, Chaz Lanier, Jordan Gainey, Jahmai Mashack,

Key Additions: Ja'Kobi Gillespie (transfer), Jaylen Carey (transfer), Nate Ament, Amari Evans, DeWayne Brown, Troy Henderson

Virtually the entire roster is gone from the Vols back-to-back Elite Eight squads, but there is still plenty of clay for Barnes to mold. Felix Okpara emerged as a tough, physical low post presence and Ja'Kobi Gillespie arrives after finishing second at Maryland in points and leading them in assists this past season. Forward Jaylen non Carey is a bruiser down low who transferred in from Vanderbilt.

Then there was the big, late news as the Vols added five-star Nate Ament, the highest-rated recruit in program history.

This team won't be as deep or talented as previous Vol squads. But the one thing we've learned through the years is that we should probably always trust Rick Barnes to have a team that finishes towards the top of the SEC.

25. Gonzaga Bulldogs

Key Returnees: Graham Ike, Braden Huff, Emmanuel Innocenti, Davis Fogle

Key Departures: Ryan Nembhard, Nolan Hickman, Khalif Battle, Michael Ajayi, Ben Gregg

Key Additions: Jalen Warley (transfer), Braeden Smith (transfer), Steele Venters (transfer), Tyon Grant-Foster (transfer)

Gonzaga got the best news they possibly could back in late April, when two of their three leading scorers - Graham Ike and Braden Huff - officially announced they will return. Ike has been a star in his two years in Spokane, averaging 17 points and seven rebounds per game last season.

Now, to the complicated part: They have zero returning production in the backcourt. And not very much depth behind what they have.

Instead, they'll rely on three transfers who - in a strange twist - were all in the program a season ago.

Braeden Smith is a transfer from Colgate who redshirted a season ago, after winning Patriot League Player of the Year in the 2023-2024 season. Steele Venters is coming off two separate season-ending injuries but did average 15 points on 37 percent shooting when he last played. Jalen Warley has been in Spokane since January, transferring from Virginia after Tony Bennett's retirement.

So yes, again there are pieces and bodies that still need to be added. But starting off with Ike and Huff in your frontcourt and a point guard who has been in your system for a year isn't a bad place to begin.

Next up:

26. Miami Hurricanes

27. Michigan State Spartans

28. San Diego State Aztecs

29. Iowa Hawkeyes

30. USC Trojans