College basketball rankings show Kansas, UConn, and Alabama sitting atop the preseason top 25. As college campuses buzz with football excitement, the basketball season is fast approaching, with only three weeks until March Madness. The 2024-25 college basketball campaign promises to be thrilling, showcasing a sport that is thriving and full of potential.
The Connecticut Huskies are aiming for an extraordinary feat, one that only John Wooden and UCLA have achieved in men’s college basketball: three consecutive national championships. With coach Dan Hurley at the helm and junior Alex Karaban returning, the Huskies are firmly placed in the top three of early rankings.
In Durham, North Carolina, Cooper Flagg, a standout freshman, is set to make waves at Duke. Standing 6-foot-9, Flagg is not only an elite defensive player but also possesses a high basketball IQ and an evolving skill set that could position him as the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Meanwhile, Kansas is bringing back Hunter Dickinson and a solid core, with coach Bill Self making significant strides in the transfer portal. Indiana’s Mike Woodson is expected to lead his best team yet, featuring Malik Reneau and Arizona All-American transfer Oumar Ballo. At Arkansas, John Calipari is kicking off a new era with a squad that appears to be top-15 material.
Amidst all the roster changes and coaching shifts, the preseason top 25 rankings are taking shape.
1. Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas has excelled in roster retention during a time when the transfer portal and NIL climate create challenges. Bill Self and his coaching staff receive high marks for their offseason efforts, placing the Jayhawks at the top of the rankings.
With Dickinson, point guard Dajuan Harris, and power forward KJ Adams returning, along with a highly regarded transfer class, Kansas is poised for success. The addition of Wisconsin transfer AJ Storr, who averaged nearly 17 points per game last season, enhances their offensive firepower, making him one of the premier scorers in the Big 12.
2. UConn Huskies
Having claimed the last two national championships and winning their last 12 March Madness games by a staggering 260 points, UConn earns a top-three spot in the preseason rankings.
Despite the departures of key players like Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer, Karaban’s return solidifies his role as the centerpiece. Point guard Hassan Diarra is expected to lead the offense, supported by Saint Mary’s transfer Aidan Mahaney and five-star freshman Liam McNeeley. The frontcourt’s performance, particularly from Samson Johnson and Michigan transfer Tarris Reed, remains a pivotal question.
Coach Hurley has expressed confidence in McNeeley’s readiness to contribute immediately. “He’s as ready as any freshman that has come in,” Hurley noted, highlighting McNeeley’s impressive work ethic and skill set.
3. Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama boasts the nation’s top player in Mark Sears, who is back for his fifth season after averaging an impressive 21.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists last season. His scoring ability and versatile skill set will be crucial for Nate Oats’ program, especially following the school’s first Final Four appearance.
Returning players like Grant Nelson and Latrell Wrightsell, combined with strong additions from the transfer portal, including USF’s Chris Youngblood and Rutgers’ Cliff Omoruyi, position Alabama as a formidable contender.
4. Houston Cougars
Houston is likely to remain a perennial top-10 team under coach Kelvin Sampson, who has established a program known for its toughness. With four of the projected starters returning, including L.J. Cryer and Emanuel Sharp, the Cougars are in a strong position.
Milos Uzan, a transfer from Oklahoma, will add depth to the playmaking role. The strength of Houston’s starting five is evident, but the team’s bench performance will be a crucial factor to watch.
5. Gonzaga Bulldogs
Mark Few enters his 26th season with the Gonzaga Bulldogs, looking to maintain their status as one of the top offensive teams in the nation. With Ryan Nembhard and Nolan Hickman providing continuity in the backcourt, Gonzaga is well-positioned for success.
Graham Ike returns after a productive season, and the addition of Arkansas transfer Khalif Battle enhances their scoring options. Despite losing Anton Watson and facing injuries, Gonzaga still possesses the potential to reach the Final Four.
6. Iowa State Cyclones
7. Duke Blue Devils
While Cooper Flagg garners much attention, Duke’s roster boasts additional talent, including the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class.
Center Khaman Maluach stands out, and freshman wing Kon Knueppel showcases remarkable maturity and skill. Knueppel’s potential as a top-five pick in the upcoming NBA Draft adds excitement to Duke’s prospects.
The consistency of the guards will be a significant factor. Tyrese Proctor’s ability to run the point efficiently and Caleb Foster’s performance at shooting guard are pivotal. Tulane transfer Sion James is expected to be a key contributor, while Flagg’s perimeter shooting could elevate him to national player of the year status.
8. Baylor Bears
The Big 12 is shaping up to be highly competitive once again, with Baylor’s Scott Drew welcoming the fourth-ranked recruiting class. Five-star freshman V.J. Edgecombe is expected to thrive in Drew’s system, along with a talented transfer class.
Returning scorers like Langston Love and Jayden Nunn will provide experience, but the defense must improve after last season’s struggles.
9. Arizona Wildcats
Caleb Love, a former North Carolina star, is in contention for first-team All-American honors as he returns for his fifth season. After leading the Wildcats to a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, he will play a crucial role in Arizona’s success in the challenging Big 12.
With the loss of Oumar Ballo, Motiejus Krivas will be key at center, while Oakland transfer Trey Townsend and Campbell transfer Anthony Dell’Orso bring valuable skills that could impact the team’s performance significantly.
10. North Carolina Tar Heels
The Tar Heels face the challenge of replacing Armando Bacot’s rebounding prowess. Vanderbilt transfer Ven Allen-Lubin is expected to step into the starting center role, while Belmont transfer Cade Tyson could be a game-changer for the team.
Freshman Ian Jackson, a highly touted 6-foot-4 guard, is an exciting prospect who excels in transition, adding depth to North Carolina’s lineup.
11. Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee has built a reputation for its defensive prowess, but last season’s success was also due to a top-30 offense led by Dalton Knecht. Veteran guard Zakai Zeigler returns to guide the team, complemented by transfer Chaz Lanier, who averaged 20.0 points per game last season.
12. Creighton Bluejays
Creighton has consistently reached the Sweet 16 in recent years, thanks in part to standout players like Ryan Kalkbrenner, a Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award candidate. With Steven Ashworth running the point and Texas Tech transfer Pop Isaacs fitting seamlessly into the system, Creighton looks to continue its success.
13. Arkansas Razorbacks
With John Calipari now at the helm, the Razorbacks enter a new chapter. High-impact transfers like guard Johnell Davis and Tennessee’s Jonas Aidoo will be essential for Arkansas. The development of players who followed Calipari from Kentucky will be crucial in determining the team’s success this season.
14. Purdue Boilermakers
15. Auburn Tigers
Auburn returns All-American Johni Broome from a team that is eager to make amends after last season’s early exit. The addition of Furman transfer JP Pegues, who averaged 18.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.0 rebounds, will be pivotal for the Tigers.
16. Indiana Hoosiers
In year four under Mike Woodson, the Hoosiers are generating excitement as they aim for the Big Ten title. With a strong transfer class, including Oumar Ballo from Arizona, and returning players like Malik Reneau, Indiana is well-positioned for a successful season.
17. UCLA Bruins
As UCLA joins the Big Ten, they are expected to compete at a high level. With Dylan Andrews leading the charge and Kobe Johnson providing support, the Bruins aim to make a significant impact.
19. Xavier Musketeers
Xavier is poised for a strong season under Sean Miller, who is looking to build off last year’s success. With returning players like Zach Freemantle and Jerome Hunter, and the addition of Indiana State transfer Ryan Conwell, Xavier aims for the Big East crown.
19. Cincinnati Bearcats
Cincinnati is looking to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019. With four of their five projected starters back, including Dan Skillings and Simas Lukosius, the Bearcats are optimistic about their chances.
20. Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M’s Wade Taylor returns for another season, promising to be one of the most impactful players in the country. The Aggies will need to avoid a slow start to achieve their goals.
21. Marquette Golden Eagles
Despite losing Tyler Kolek and Oso Ighodaro, Marquette’s Shaka Smart is focusing on player development. Kam Jones is a potential Big East Player of the Year, while Ben Gold is a key player to watch.
22. Kentucky Wildcats
The Mark Pope Era at Kentucky brings depth and talent. With Jaxson Robinson and Koby Brea leading the way, the Wildcats have the potential to surprise in March.
23. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Under Grant McCasland, Texas Tech is expected to emphasize strong defense and versatile talent. Minnesota transfer Elijah Hawkins could become one of the nation’s assist leaders, while New Mexico’s JT Toppin is a player to watch for NBA scouts.
24. Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss has a talented roster, featuring veterans like Matthew Murrell and transfers Sean Pedulla and Dre Davis. With the right chemistry, they could make their first Sweet 16 since 2001.
25. Illinois Fighting Illini
Despite losing key players, Illinois is looking to reload under Brad Underwood. Arizona transfer Kylan Boswell will be vital in the backcourt, while Evansville transfer Ben Humrichous has the potential to make a significant impact.
