The price range wanted to area a aggressive faculty basketball roster appears to be the one factor on the planet trending up proper now, and the attractive consequence is that many of the greatest gamers with eligibility remaining are returning to high school. It’s in that unsure world, within the wake of Florida’s nationwide championship win at Houston’s expense, that we deliver you this too-early have a look at subsequent season’s greatest groups.
It’s possible you’ll discover that there are gamers listed within the projected ’25-26 rosters beneath who’re additionally displaying up in NBA mock drafts, most of that are projected second-round picks. Previously, most of these gamers can be gone. Now? Many will return as a result of they might be sacrificing {dollars} to go to the NBA. Sure, that’s the place we’re proper now: Excessive-major groups are paying higher than most second-round contracts and positively higher than a two-way deal.
After all, the continuing motion within the portal (which closes to new entries on April 22, although gamers already in by that date can wait longer to determine on their subsequent college) provides one other diploma of problem to this train. You’ll additionally discover some spots that I’m simply assuming can be stuffed by a top quality portal addition, based mostly on want and the historical past of that program. With all that in thoughts, it’s not simple to seek out 25 rankable groups proper now, however let’s get bizarre and go for it. Right here’s your super-duper-early Prime 25.
1. Purdue
Projected starters: Braden Smith, C.J. Cox, Fletcher Loyer, Trey Kaufman-Renn, Oscar Cluff (switch)
Notable returners: Daniel Jacobsen, Gicarri Harris, Raleigh Burgess
Different newcomers: Antoine West
Expertise plus roster continuity is a successful system, and no group has a greater mixture of that at this second than Purdue. The Boilermakers’ perimeter depth took a success with the latest departures of Myles Colvin (to Wake Forest) and Camden Heide (Texas), however this would be the solely group returning a first-team AP All-American in Braden Smith, to not point out an honorable point out in ahead Trey Kaufman-Renn. When Houston prepped for Purdue within the Candy 16, the Cougars’ coaches took to calling Smith, Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer “Stockton, Malone and Hornacek.”
Coach Matt Painter added a veteran massive who’s an elite rebounder in South Dakota State switch Oscar Cluff, who was a starter on the Washington State group that gained an NCAA Event sport in 2024. Daniel Jacobsen might emerge as the following star Purdue massive and will present the rim safety this season’s group actually missed with out Zach Edey. It’s additionally doable Purdue might add one perimeter participant or extra, which might strengthen the Boilers’ preseason No. 1 case.
2. Florida
Projected starters: Portal Participant TBD, Denzel Aberdeen, Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, Rueben Chinyelu
Notable returners: Micah Handlogten, Sam Alexis, City Klavzar
Different newcomers: Alex Lloyd, CJ Ingram (freshman)
Returning your complete frontcourt is a superb place to begin for the nationwide champions. They already had the deepest frontcourt in faculty basketball and can retain that title and add “greatest frontcourt in faculty basketball” to the superlatives. (And even when Alex Condon will get drafted, that is nonetheless a very good group.) The idea is the Gators will get a star guard out of the portal. The gross sales pitch is fairly simple: Come be our subsequent Walter Clayton Jr. Denzel Aberdeen was among the finest bench guards within the nation and will take a leap. It wouldn’t be a shock if Thomas Haugh and Condon changed into 2026 first-rounders.
3. Houston
Projected starters: Milos Uzan, Emanuel Sharp, Terrance Arceneaux, Chris Cenac Jr. (freshman), Joseph Tugler
Notable returners: Mercy Miller, Ramon Walker
Different newcomers: Isiah Harwell, Kingston Flemings, Bryce Jackson, Kalifa Sakho (switch)
Milos Uzan probably can be on the fence about staying or going, and if he leaves, anticipate Houston to seize a veteran level guard to permit freshman Kingston Flemings the correct time to marinate in this system. This roster can be extra reliant on freshmen than any of Kelvin Sampson’s others, but it surely nonetheless has one of many higher returning veteran cores. Anticipate JoJo Tugler to develop his sport and be one of the crucial priceless bigs within the nation. Emanuel Sharp might make that acquainted Houston leap wherein a guard goes from an excellent participant to an All-American.
4. Louisville
Projected starters: Mikel Brown Jr. (freshman), Ryan Conwell (switch), Isaac McKneely (switch), Kasean Pryor, Aly Khalifa
Notable returners: James Scott, Khani Rooths
Different newcomers: Adrian Wooley (switch), Sananda Fru
Many groups on the high of those rankings are right here principally due to roster continuity. Right here’s the group that has gained the switch portal thus far. Head coach Pat Kelsey has earned some belief after constructing a whole roster from scratch in his first yr and coming away with a winner. There’s some familiarity again, too, with each Kasean Pryor and Aly Khalifa, who transferred in a yr in the past solely to overlook most — or all, in Khalifa’s case — of the season.
Khalifa was among the finest passing bigs within the nation at BYU, and a slimmed-down model will take the ground for Louisville. The backcourt is stacked and gifted: Ryan Conwell was among the finest guards within the Huge East at Xavier; Adrian Wooley is getting NBA buzz; Isaac McKneely is considered one of greatest shooters within the nation; Mikel Brown Jr. is a five-star freshman. If Pryor can play on the stage he was beginning to flash earlier than his harm and Kelsey can microwave the chemistry, this might hit massive.
5. Michigan
Projected starters: Elliot Cadeau (switch), Nimari Burnett, Roddy Gayle, Yaxel Lendeborg (switch), Morez Johnson (switch)
Notable returners: LJ Cason
Different newcomers: Trey McKenney, Winters Grady
Dusty Might is off to a terrific begin within the switch portal, particularly up entrance with Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson. These two give him a semi-comparable frontline to what he simply had in Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin. Lendeborg has the perimeter expertise to play the Wolf position, and Johnson is extra of an old-school massive like Goldin, though he scores through the hustle classes reasonably than a strictly back-to-the-basket sport.
Elliot Cadeau gives some promise in a brand new system as a result of his imaginative and prescient and passing might be elite, although some could also be frightened by Cadeau’s taking pictures observe document (28.1 % from 3 in two years at North Carolina). Including extra taking pictures out of the portal might assist, however the return of Nimari Burnett at the very least provides the Wolverines a confirmed deep risk. Roddy Gayle’s quest for consistency might management Michigan’s ceiling. And the one massive query mark for the following two months can be whether or not Lendeborg reveals; his inventory might get to the purpose the place he stays within the NBA Draft.
6. BYU
Projected starters: Portal Participant TBD, Portal Participant TBD, Richie Saunders, AJ Dybantsa (freshman), Keba Keita
Notable returners: Dawson Baker, Mihailo Boskovic
Different newcomers: Dominique Diomande (switch), Xavion Staton
It’s doable level guard Egor Demin returns for a sophomore season. If that occurs, I’ll most likely be transferring the Cougars up a few spots. Demin is a projected first-rounder however one who most likely would profit from one other yr of seasoning. One factor is evident: BYU donors have made a large funding in hoops. Mix that with how enjoyable it seemed to play in Kevin Younger’s system throughout the former NBA assistant’s first yr as a university head coach, and also you’d anticipate the Cougars to draw some gifted guards to fill these backcourt spots.
Clearly the headliner right here is AJ Dybantsa, who’s seen as a surefire 2026 lottery decide. Dybantsa provides Younger some lineup flexibility as a result of he’s a 6-9 super-athlete with perimeter expertise, and he’s getting into a program with a confirmed star already on the roster in Richie Saunders. The notable returners listed above are each ok to begin — Dawson Baker on the two and Mihailo Boskovic on the 4. If the Cougars can simply add yet another confirmed guard, a kind of might take the opposite beginning spot and nonetheless provide you with a contender on paper.
7. Michigan State
Projected starters: Jeremy Fears, Jase Richardson, Coen Carr, Jaxon Kohler, Carson Cooper
Notable returners: Jesse McCulloch
Different newcomers: Cam Ward, Jordan Scott
The present projected beginning lineup performed solely 13 minutes collectively in 2024-25, per CBB Analytics. It may be unrealistic to play Coen Carr on the wing and never on the 4, however this is able to be a terrific defensive lineup. (And, for the document, that group was plus-12 in these 13 minutes on the ground.) The Spartans clearly want so as to add some taking pictures, however they clearly wanted taking pictures this previous yr and so they nonetheless gained the Huge Ten.
The massive query mark right here is Jase Richardson. He would sometimes be somebody I’d mission as leaving, however the intestine feeling from a couple of who know that program method higher than myself is that he’ll be again. Returning 5 key contributors from a Huge Ten champion is a pleasant beginning spot. If Tom Izzo can add some high quality depth on the perimeter by means of the portal, he might have himself one other convention champ.
8. Auburn
Projected starters: Tahaad Pettiford, Portal TBD, Chad Baker-Mazara, Keyshawn Corridor (switch), Portal TBD
Notable returners: Jahki Howard
Different newcomers: Sebastian Williams-Adams, Kaden Magwood, Simon Walker, Abdul Bashir
Each Tahaad Pettiford and Keyshawn Corridor are preseason All-American candidates in my eyes. Corridor is constructed to get buckets and will thrive within the spots Auburn will put him in taking part in out of the flex. He simply averaged 18.8 factors, 7.1 rebounds and a pair of.4 assists with respectable effectivity numbers at UCF, and now he’ll be surrounded by higher gamers, which ought to assist him within the effectivity class.
Pettiford probably would have been an actual risk to depart a couple of years in the past, however in faculty basketball’s 2025 mannequin, it makes loads of sense for him to return. If he has the sort of season I believe he might need, he might be a lottery decide in 2026. That leaves head coach Bruce Pearl in a very good beginning place, and based mostly on Pearl’s means to seek out portal additions who match his system, this roster might be one which finally ends up again on the highest line subsequent yr, particularly if Pettiford or Corridor pull a Johni Broome and elevate to nationwide participant of the yr consideration.
9. UConn
Projected starters: Silas Demary Jr. (switch), Braylon Mullins (freshman), Solo Ball, Jaylin Stewart, Tarris Reed
Notable returners: Jayden Ross
Different newcomers: Darius Adams, Eric Reibe, Jacob Furphy
That is one other roster I might be underselling, particularly contemplating the flashes Solo Ball and Tarris Reed produced this yr. One other season within the system for every might produce higher consistency. Silas Demary Jr. provides UConn the Tristen Newton alternative it lacked this yr, a giant guard who can run the offense and in addition generate his personal. It’s doable that Alex Karaban returns as effectively, and if he doesn’t, UConn could use the cash put aside for his doable return to land his alternative.
10. Duke
Projected starters: Cayden Boozer (freshman), Caleb Foster, Isaiah Evans, Cameron Boozer (freshman), Patrick Ngongba
Notable returners: Darren Harris, Maliq Brown
Different newcomers: Shelton Henderson, Nikolas Khamenia
Duke might have some roster retention work to do right here. Isaiah Evans is in demand as a employed gun, and Shelton Henderson was recruited by former Duke assistant Jai Lucas and will determine he needs to go play for Lucas at Miami. What is going to at all times be true is that Duke, the betting favourite to assert 2026 title when the solar got here up on Tuesday, ought to have one of the crucial gifted rosters in faculty hoops.
Cameron Boozer isn’t Cooper Flagg, however he’s a ready-made star for this stage with a low-post sport that’s nonetheless very related in faculty hoops. It’ll take some fashion changes, however the Blue Devils will probably play by means of Boozer and sophomore-to-be Patrick Ngongba. Head coach Jon Scheyer will once more have nice positional dimension however could not have fairly as a lot size and shot blocking on the defensive inside. Including a couple of extra veteran guards, even when they’re bench guys, can be useful.
11. Arizona
Projected starters: Jaden Bradley, Portal Participant TBD, Anthony Dell’Orso, Koa Peat (freshman), Motiejus Krivas
Notable returners: Tobe Awaka
Different newcomers: Dwayne Aristode, Bryce James
Even with the lack of Henri Veesaar (now at North Carolina), the Wildcats have among the finest and deepest frontcourts within the nation with three startable gamers in Koa Peat, Motiejus Krivas and Tobe Awaka.
Peat is flexible sufficient to slip to the three and permit coach Tommy Lloyd to go along with a large frontline, however he’s most likely higher for the offense as a playmaking 4. Motiejus Krivas was most likely about to have a breakout marketing campaign earlier than a foot harm ended his season in December. Lloyd’s precedence now’s discovering a Caleb Love alternative. The standard of that eventual add might decide whether or not the Wildcats keep this excessive, however banking on Lloyd fielding a top-10ish outfit is sort of a given at this level.
12. Texas Tech
Projected starters: Christian Anderson, Kevin Overton, Portal TBD, JT Toppin, Federiko Federiko
Notable returners: Eemeli Yalaho
Different newcomers: None
Head coach Grant McCasland has loads of work to do within the portal, but when JT Toppin does return, he at the very least has an All-American to construct round. Christian Anderson will take over at level guard and will flip into one of many high guards within the nation. It’s not simple to crack the rotation as a freshman guard in faculty hoops, and it’s even tougher to make 70 3s at a 38 % clip as a freshman; Anderson did each with the coolness of a veteran.
Kevin Overton had some moments within the NCAA Event when you can see how he’ll grow to be a constant double-digit scorer as soon as his confidence arrives. McCasland must seize a couple of shooters, however the principle portal precedence is discovering one other chess piece like Darrion Williams. His choice to switch damage. Make a couple of sensible portal grabs, which Texas Tech has finished in addition to anybody, and McCasland could have himself one other group that might go deep within the event.
13. Alabama
Projected starters: Aden Holloway, Latrell Wrightsell, Derrion Reid, Jarin Stevenson, Aiden Sherrell
Notable returners: Houston Mallette
Different newcomers: Jalil Bethea (switch), London Jemison, Davion Hannah, Amari Allen, Taylor Bol Bowen (switch), Noah Williamson (switch)
This feels a bit of low for the Crimson Tide as a result of there’s a superb core returning and head coach Nate Oats is on one heck of a run, but it surely appears like Oats is lacking a star now that Mark Sears is lastly graduating. If Labaron Philon returns, perhaps he’s that man. Aden Holloway might additionally grow to be that dude.
However these aren’t the one two intriguing gamers right here who might be in for breakouts, particularly within the sophomore class with Aiden Sherrell and Derrion Reid. Miami switch Jalil Bethea might additionally thrive in a brand new spot. Depth isn’t a difficulty, and the battle for spots within the preseason might be wholesome. The velocity with which this group develops chemistry and finds that star might decide the place the Crimson Tide fall on the spectrum between contender and pretender.
14. Iowa State
Projected starters: Tamin Lipsey, Nate Heise, Milan Momcilovic, Joshua Jefferson, Blake Buchanan (switch)
Notable returners: None
Different newcomers: Eric Mulder (switch), Mason Williams (switch), Jamarion Batemon, Killyan Toure, Xzavion Mitchell, Dominykas Pieta
This might be a bit of low for the Cyclones contemplating the confirmed commodities coming again. My one concern is whether or not they’ll discover a dynamic scoring guard to interchange Curtis Jones and Keshon Gilbert. As soon as Gilbert’s position light late within the season, the Cyclones had been now not the elite outfit they’d been in 2023-24 and early this season.
They may nonetheless add that participant within the portal, transferring Nate Heise again to extra of a sixth man position. That might probably elevate this group to top-10 standing. However perhaps it’s simply time for a slight tactical shift, leaning into the star energy of Joshua Jefferson and Milan Momcilovic. There’s nonetheless loads to love right here, and the Blake Buchanan addition is smart as a result of he comes from a program (Virginia) that T.J. Otzelberger has lengthy admired.
15. Kansas
Projected starters: Darryn Peterson (freshman), Elmarko Jackson, Jayden Dawson (switch), Tre White (switch), Flory Bidunga
Notable returners: Bryson Tiller, Jamari McDowell
Different newcomers: Samis Calderon
It appears like Kansas is being extra intentional within the switch portal, going for gamers who might be complementary items as a substitute of solely chasing identify recognition. Possibly that comes from the posh of confidence that Darryn Peterson is usually a star. Invoice Self seems to be doing for Peterson what Jon Scheyer did for Cooper Flagg, constructed a roster round his stud freshman. Convincing Flory Bidunga to return might be the most important win of the early offseason. For KU followers, watching Bidunga elsewhere could have felt just like the expertise of watching Zuby Ejiofor thrive at St. John’s.
Peterson and Bidunga have the potential to be an elite pick-and-roll tandem. And Kansas might return to taking part in extra like Self performed the yr he began KJ Adams at heart and surrounded him with guards and large wings, principally ignoring post-ups. That 2022-23 group was the final No. 1 seed Self produced. He nonetheless wants extra perimeter depth, and yet another starter-level man on the three/4 most likely wouldn’t damage, but it surely’s beginning to come collectively.
16. North Carolina
Projected starters: Seth Trimble, Drake Powell, Jonathan Powell (switch), Caleb Wilson (freshman), Henri Veesaar (switch)
Notable returners: Ven-Allen Lubin
Different newcomers: Derek Dixon, Isaiah Denis
This can be a prove-it yr for Hubert Davis, who noticed the weak spot of his earlier group — the frontcourt — and has turned it right into a energy. Caleb Wilson is a lottery-level expertise with elite defensive capabilities, and Veesaar is one other participant who initiatives as a professional. So UNC goes from no professionals up entrance to 2 probably ones. Now the fear is within the backcourt: The cabinet isn’t naked with Seth Trimble and Drake Powell returning, but it surely’d be sensible to go get at the very least one confirmed perimeter participant from the portal, ideally at level guard.
17. St. John’s
Projected starters: Portal Participant TBD, Joson Sanon (switch), Simeon Wilcher, Bryce Hopkins (switch), Zuby Ejiofor
Notable returners: Vince Iwuchukwu, Ruben Prey, Lefteris Liotopoulos
Different newcomers: None
If Rick Pitino lands a stud guard, I’ll most likely be inclined to maneuver St. John’s into the highest 10 as a result of it’s Pitino. Sanon will probably profit from his teaching and ability improvement and will grow to be the following portal marvel — and he’s a guard who could make a 3, a weapon the Purple Storm didn’t at all times have in 2024-25.
If Bryce Hopkins can keep wholesome, that’s one of many higher frontcourts within the nation. Shedding Huge East participant of the yr RJ Luis was unusual, but it surely is a chance to attempt to modernize by filling the perimeter spots with guys who can reside past the 3-point line and within the midrange. Discover guys who can try this and guard like this previous bunch, and Pitino can be battling UConn for the Huge East title.
18. Kentucky
Projected starters: Jaland Lowe (switch) Jasper Johnson (freshman), Otega Oweh, Kam Williams (switch), Brandon Garrison
Notable returners: Collin Chandler, Trent Noah, Travis Perry
Different newcomers: Malachi Moreno, Acaden Lewis, Mouhamed Dioubate (switch)
Mark Pope likes to play by means of his fours and fives on the perimeter, utilizing these guys to provoke the zoom actions and discovering cutters. Brandon Garrison has at the very least performed within the system for a yr, however there was a drop-off when he got here on the ground and Amari Williams took a seat. It’ll be attention-grabbing to see whether or not Pope makes any stylistic modifications to his offense based mostly on the personnel.
Jaland Lowe is rather more of a ball-dominant guard than Lamont Butler was, and perhaps we’ll see a better frequency of ball screens with Lowe at level guard. Whereas Pope has loads of depth already, it wouldn’t be stunning to see him attempt to add a couple of veterans. This can be a a lot youthful roster than his first one. The Cats probably is not going to be pretty much as good early as they had been final yr, however there’ll most likely be extra in-season progress, as a result of final yr’s group got here fairly ready-made, regardless of an offseason of modifications.
19. Creighton
Projected starters: Nik Graves (switch), Josh Dix (switch), Jasen Inexperienced, Jackson McAndrew, Owen Freeman (switch)
Notable returners: Fedor Zugic, Isaac Traudt
Different newcomers: Hudson Greer
On the Gamers Period Pageant in November this previous yr, I used to be satisfied Creighton wasn’t an NCAA Event group. The lesson? By no means underestimate coach Greg McDermott and his means to get a group to enhance. I like the addition of Josh Dix, considered one of my favourite perimeter scorers within the portal. He and fellow Iowa switch Owen Freeman ought to thrive in McDermott’s offense. Hudson Greer matches McDermott’s system as effectively.
The important thing can be whether or not Nik Graves, who averaged 17.5 factors and 4.3 assists at Charlotte, can deal with the transfer up in ranges. McDermott has had a superb run of level guards, and the Bluejays want that one to hit. Additionally, making an attempt to play protection with out massive man Ryan Kalkbrenner now not round to repair every little thing across the rim can be an adjustment. This group ought to be capable of rating, however there are positively defensive issues. (See Iowa’s 167th-ranked protection.)
20. UCLA
Projected starters: Donovan Dent (switch), Skyy Clark, Eric Dailey, Tyler Bilodeau, Xavier Booker (switch)
Notable returners: Trent Perry
Different newcomers: Steven Jamerson (switch), Jamar Brown (switch)
Donovan Dent is among the high switch portal prizes to date and will solidify issues at level guard, a place that has been a bit of shaky for the reason that commencement of Tyger Campbell. I don’t love the Xavier Booker match. He doesn’t look like a Mick Cronin participant, however perhaps a change of surroundings will get him to play to the hype he as soon as had. If he’s a miss, the Bruins can downsize to the Eric Dailey-Tyler Bilodeau frontcourt. These two and Dent make for one of many higher trios in faculty hoops.
21. Illinois
Projected starters: Kylan Boswell, Portal Participant TBD, Will Riley, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic
Notable returners: Jake Davis
Different newcomers: Brandon Lee, Keaton Wagler
The Ivisic brothers collectively might be enjoyable to observe on offense. Defensively? I’ve obtained some questions as to how that’ll work, and perhaps Brad Underwood will play them collectively solely not often. However each are superior offensive skills, and Underwood might get artistic with the system he builds round them.
Will Riley might find yourself leaving for the NBA, but when not, he ought to grow to be a focus. A starting-caliber guard and a few energy ahead assist is anticipated through the portal, and there’s already sufficient expertise right here to imagine this can be a group value rating as soon as the roster is ready.
22. Missouri
Projected starters: Anthony Robinson, Sebastian Mack, Trent Pierce, Mark Mitchell, Jevon Porter (switch)
Notable returners: Trent Burns, TO Barrett, Peyton Marshall
Different newcomers: Luke Northweather (switch), Aaron Rowe, Nicholas Randall
This may be a tad low for the Tigers, perhaps a product of recency bias from their one-and-done tourney exit. It’s solely doable Anthony Robinson turns into an absolute star as a junior, and I actually like Sebastian Mack within the Tony Perkins position. The wild card is, what sort of productiveness do the Tigers get out of the middle place. Jevon Porter, who turns into the third Porter brother to play for the Tigers, was an environment friendly scorer on a middle-of-the-pack WCC group, however he can shoot the three.
Trent Burns, who’s 7-foot-5 and redshirted this previous yr, can even shoot the three and Mizzou workers is happy about his potential, however he appears to be like like a robust wind might take him down. Then there’s Peyton Marshall, a 7-footer on the opposite finish of the burden spectrum who couldn’t crack the rotation as a freshman. The Tigers might play small with Mark Mitchell on the 5, however the very best SEC groups have been massive up entrance, and Mizzou might have one of many tallest groups within the nation if these facilities are playable.
23. Arkansas
Projected starters: Darius Acuff Jr. (freshman), DJ Wagner, Billy Richmond, Karter Knox, Trevon Brazile
Notable returners: None
Different newcomers: Meleek Thomas, Isaiah Sealy
John Calipari is at all times going to have expertise, and he’ll add two extra five-stars in Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas. For the Razorbacks to play to this rating, guys like Billy Richmond and Karter Knox should enhance, however they each appeared to be trending upwards because the season ended. The wants for this group within the portal are taking pictures and frontcourt depth. Thomas is a gunner who might present a number of the taking pictures, but it surely’d be good so as to add at the very least one confirmed perimeter scorer, after which Calipari wants a giant who can defend and rebound.
24. Ohio State
Projected starters: Bruce Thornton, John Mobley, Devin Royal, Sean Stewart, Christoph Tilly (switch)
Notable returners: None
Different newcomers: Gabe Cupps (switch), A’mare Bynum, Dorian Jones
This group would possibly look misplaced contemplating the Buckeyes return a core that simply went 17-15, however they did end this yr No. 37 at KenPom and had stretches the place they seemed like a Prime 25 group. Love the Bruce Thornton and John Mobley backcourt. Including Christoph Tilly from Santa Clara solidifies the middle place after a yr of driving the Aaron Bradshaw curler coaster. It is going to be necessary for Jake Diebler to show he’s the coach to guide this program after a barely disappointing first full yr, however retaining a robust core from a top-40 group will get you ranked on this train.
25. Tennessee
Projected starters: Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Portal Participant TBD, Portal Participant TBD, Jaylen Carey (switch), Felix Okpara
Notable returners: Cade Phillips, JP Estrella
Different newcomers: Amari Evans, DeWayne Brown, Troy Henderson
The Vols are arrange entrance with two guys off the bench in Cade Phillips and JP Estrella who might find yourself successful beginning spots. Estrella, who missed most of 2024-25, has an opportunity to present the Vols some inside scoring they haven’t had shortly. Ja’Kobi Gillespie (from Maryland) was an important switch signing. Now the entire consideration turns to the 2 and three spots. Contemplating Rick Barnes has had Dalton Knecht and Chaz Lanier back-to-back, I’d think about there’s a very good wing on the market who can be persuaded to come back be the following one.
(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; Pictures: Ed Zurga, Rey Del Rio, Jamie Squire / Getty Pictures)