Aaron Torres College Basketball 'Way Too Early Top 25' - 2025-2026 - Version 3.0

Credit: AJ Dybantsa/Instagram

Incredibly, the college hoops season ended less than three weeks ago - but it's never too early to look ahead to the 2025-2026 season.

Which is exactly what we are going to do with our "Way Too Early Top 25" - Version 3.0!

The bottom line is that things move so quick this year, that it's already time for a new update - as there have been big changes at several schools on this list - just since last week.

But with the portal closing, things are finally starting to settle.

So with it, here is Version 3.0 of our Way Too Early Top 25.

Version I dropped the night of the title game. Version 2.0 late last week.

Here is Version 3.0.

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 that I hate them. 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.

Frankly, with the way rosters currently are I don't even think there's a particularly strong debate for anyone else.

Braden Smith will be back at point guard, and put simply he might have been the best in college basketball this year 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. 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

You can argue that no team has been more aggressive and fearless in the portal than the Wolverines, who have added three elite big men (UAB's Yaxel Lendeborg, UCLA's Aday Mara and Illinois' Morez Johnson) as well as former North Carolina point guard Elliot Cadeau.

While it's hard to know exactly how all the big men fit - or if Mara is insurance should Lendeborg stay in the NBA Draft - the bottom line remains that this is the best front court in college hoops.

There are still rotational pieces to find, and shooting to be added, but the size and talent down low is next level. Again, assuming all three end up in Ann Arbor next fall.

3. 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

Rick Pitino had a dream season at St. John's this year, leading the school to the Big East regular season and tournament titles. And incredibly, at the age of 72 - may just be getting started for the Red Storm.

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.

4. 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

Since the day UConn's season ended with a Round of 32 loss to Florida, it seems like every piece of good news Husky fans could've hoped for has come true.

The final one dropped at the deadline, with the return of veteran Alex Karaban. And just like that, the Huskies are back in the mix for another national title in 2025-26.

Basically, there's no other way to put it: UConn basically returned every player they wanted this off-season. All-Big East second team guard Solo Ball is back, after averaging 14.4 points on 41 percent three-point shooting last season. Tarris Reed meanwhile was one of the best low post players in the Big East by the end of last year, including 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 added this spring was Georgia's Silas Demary Jr. the big guard the Huskies desperately needed a season ago.

5. 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: Pop Isaacs (transfer), Chris Cenac Jr., Isaiah Harwell, Kingston Flemings

It was a brutal end to the season for Houston, no doubt. But they're also Houston - and as long as Kelvin Sampson is head coach the Cougars should be considered Big 12 favorites and Final Four contenders.

Yes, star guard LJ Cryer and program stalwart J'Wan Roberts are gone. But second and third leading scorers Milos Uzan and Emmanuel Sharp could both be back, along with tournament hero JoJo Tugler. Uzan has declared for the draft, but as of right now he's still expected to return.

Oh, and the Cougs also welcome in two five-star freshmen as well in big Chris Cenac Jr. and guard Kingston Flemings. And they recently added guard Pop Isaacs, who averaged 16 points, five rebounds and four assists at Creighton last year prior to a season-ending injury.

The Cougars aren't going anywhere.

6. 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., Dominique Diomande (transfer)

Richie Saunders officially announced his return over the weekend - and it doesn't feel hyperbolic to say that this will go down as one of - if not the most - anticipated seasons in BYU basketball history.

Saunders is a potential first round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and will be playing alongside the potential No. 1 overall pick in AJ Dybantsa. Keba Keita is returning in the front court and recently the Cougars added point guard Rob Wright. He averaged 11 points and five assists at Baylor as a freshman last year, and he too has All-Big 12 first team potential.

Yes, BYU currently needs a fifth starter and needs to backfill pieces around them. But when the core of your team is four potential All-Big 12 players, you're worthy of a Top 10 ranking. And more.

7. 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. They'll be flanked by a pair of McDonald's All-Americans in Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas and it feels very much like Karter Knox - who is testing the draft waters - will be as well.

Add it up and there's no other way to put it: This is the best roster on paper in the SEC heading into 2025-2026.

8. 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), Kam Williams (transfer), Malachi Moreno, Jasper Johnson, Andrija Jelavic

Man, it was just a few short weeks ago that everyone - even yes, including me - was worried about Mark Pope in the portal. Well, it's officially safe to say that we need to worry no more.

Pope has upgraded the athleticism, toughness and talent of his roster across the board in basically every spot. Point guard Jaland Lowe comes to Lexington after averaging 17 points and 5.5 assists per game at Pitt, and should be joined in an upgraded backcourt by Florida transfer Denzel Aberdeen and returnee Otega Oweh.

Then there's the frontcourt, which might be more loaded. Former McDonald's All-American Jayden Quaintance is on board, as is rugged Alabama wing Mo Dioubate. Center Brandon Garrison recently announced his return as well.

Admittedly this ranking is somewhat contingent on wing Oweh returning, but we expect that to eventually happen even after he declared.

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

To quote Deion Sanders Louisville is "comin'."

Coming off an ACC Tournament title game runner up, Pat Kelsey has been on a portal rampage. He added 16-point per game Ryan Conwell from Xavier, one of the nation's top three-point shooters (Isaac McKneely) and one of the best mid-major guards in the country in Adrian Wooley, an 18-point per game scorer from Kennesaw State. 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. 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

Arizona is another place where just about every piece of good news imaginable has come to fruition since the end of the season.

Yes, Caleb Love is gone and the program got a bit of a surprise when big man Henri Veesaar left for North Carolina. But Jaden Bradley remains one of the best point guards in college basketball and wing Anthony Dell'Orso and big men Tobe Awaka and Motiejus Krivas have both announced they will return. Krivas was believed to be a potential first round pick before suffering a season-ending injury early in the season.

Even better, Arizona also recently landed a pair of five-stars in forward Koa Peat and guard Brayden Burries. They instantly give the Wildcats NBA size, athleticism and scoring pop - but can do without the pressure of having to be stars.

Now, the big one: Can Arizona convince Carter Bryant - an emerging star with first round potential - to come back for one more year. If they can, this feels like a preseason Top 5 team.

11. 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: Cedric Coward (transfer), Cam Boozer, Cayden Boozer, Nikolas Khamenia

Like John Calipari and Arkansas, it took awhile for any major news to come out of Duke. Then it all came out in a hurry.

Cooper Flagg, Kon Kneuppel and Khaman Maluach made the expected decisions to go pro, and guard Tyrese Proctor made a somewhat surprising decision to follow them to the pros as well.

But really, the Blue Devils got as good a news as they could at the deadline - with five players choosing not to enter the portal and return.

The headliner is Isaiah Evans. The soon-to-be sophomore "only" averaged seven points per game as a freshman, but showed plenty of flashes along the way. That included 18 points in a half against the then No. 1 ranked Auburn Tigers and a four-game stretch in February where he averaged over 17 per game.

The frontcourt will be led by a pair of returnees (Pat Ngongba and Maliq Brown) but the x-factor will be the addition of freshman Cam Boozer, one of the top players in the class. The backcourt will be led by Boozer's twin brother Cayden who will take over point guard duties.

Oh, and the Blue Devils also added one of the best players in the portal available in wing Cedric Coward.

Yeah, Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils are going to be just fine.

12. 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 so far 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 that it doesn't appear that Grant McCasland has yet filled the void of departing point guard Elijah Hawkins. Whether they do or not, this is still a team good enough to compete at the top of the Big 12 yet again.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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 seemlessly into the starting center spot.

16. 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

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.

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. Alabama Crimson Tide

Key Returnees: 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

In our original "Way Too Early Top 25" we may have been a TINY bit aggressive in putting Alabama in the Top 5.

But Nate Oats will still have a deep, talented team capable of giving the rest of the SEC fits.

To Oats and his staff's credit, the Tide got busy early, as on Final Four weekend not one, not two but four players all announced their returns to play for Alabama next year. Point guard Aden Holloway will return to lead the team, 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 did lose wings Jarin Stevenson and Derrion Reid to the portal but neither is really surprising and replacements are on the way. Former McDonald's All-American Jalil Bethea should start in the backcourt and former Florida State Seminole Taylor Bol Bowen will provide athleticism on the wing.

There's probably a piece or two to add in the frontcourt, but Nate Oats' 2025-2026 roster is largely set = and absolutely good enough to win another SEC title.

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

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.

Yes, Bill Self needs to add more pieces, and there could be an intriguing one on campus this weekend: Tyran Stokes, the No. 1 player in the class of 2026 is set to visit Lawrence. Virtually everyone believes he'll reclassify and play college ball this year. Can Self lure him this weekend?!

20. 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

The Vols still have a few pieces to add - specifically in the backcourt. But the one thing we've learned over and over again is to never doubt Rick Barnes' ability to put together a team that can compete for an SEC title.

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.

21. 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 are still pieces and depth to add to this roster. But this is officially a program on the rise in the SEC.

22. North Carolina Tar Heels

Key Returnees: Seth Trimble, Ven-Allen Lubin

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, Caleb Wilson, Isaiah Denis, Derek Dixon

After a season in which the Tar Heels eeked into the NCAA Tournament (and realistically probably should've missed it) Hubert Davis promised change.

And UNC fans have certainly gotten it.

Gone is virtually every key piece off last year's team, as most notably both starting point guard Elliot Cadeau (Michigan) and former five-star Ian Jackson (St. John's). Drake Powell recently declared for the draft.

Still, there are some nice pieces here.

Arizona big man Henri Veesaar is the big portal snag, as an NBA caliber stretch five man who served mostly as the Wildcats' sixth man last season. Jarin Stevenson was a key cog on Alabama's Final Four and Elite Eight teams the last few seasons who could thrive in a bigger role. Meanwhile Kyan Evans (Colorado State) and Jonathan Powell (West Virginia) bring more size and shooting to the backcourt.

Add in five-star Caleb Wilson and the foundation for a very good team is there.

It does feel like the Heels are one more really big piece from being a player in the ACC.

23. 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)

Gonzaga got the best news they possibly could earlier this week, 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 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.

24. Florida Gators

Key Returnees: Ruben Chinyelu, Thomas Haugh, Micah Handlogten

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

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

If there was ever an example that time - and the portal - stops for no team, I present you the last month for the Florida Gators.

The vibes were high off winning a national championship, but the road to get back to the top will certainly be a challenge.

Gone is the entire starting backcourt, and Denzel Aberdeen made the surprising decision to give up a guaranteed starting spot for a bigger payday at Kentucky.

In its place is high-profile Princeton transfer Xaivian Lee, Ohio guard AJ Brown and a bunch of front court pieces.

We believe that Todd Golden will figure it out because he's simply too smart.

But there is a LOT of work to do on this roster.

25. Miami Hurricanes

Key Returnees: N/A

Key Departures: Nijel Pack, Jalil Bethea, Matthew Cleveland, Lynn Kidd

Key Additions: Malik Reneau (transfer), Tre Donaldson (transfer), Tru Washington (transfer), Ernest Udeh (transfer), Shelton Henderson, Dante Allen, Timotej Malovec

Well, well, what do we have here: A new addition to our Top 25, Jai Lucas' Miami Hurricanes!

To Lucas' credit he has already built a fringe Top 25 team, with a slew of savvy portal additions. Tre Donaldson is a veteran guard who has spent time at both Auburn and Michigan, while Malik Reneau is a rugged low post player with three years experience at Indiana. Tru Washington adds depth at the guard spot after helping New Mexico to the Round of 32 this year. And Ernest Udeh is another low post guy with experience at both Kansas and TCU.

Beyond that Shelton Henderson and Dante Allen are both former Top 50 recruits who could develop into nice long-term pieces.

There's still some more to add, specifically in three-point shooting.

But Lucas should have an NCAA Tournament team, and more, in his first year in Coral Gables.

New to the Top 25: Illinois, Gonzaga, Miami

Dropped out: San Diego State, Michigan State, Saint Mary's

Next up:

26. Michigan State

27. San Diego State

28. Iowa

29. Saint Mary's

30. USC Trojans