HOUSTON, TEXAS: The 2025-26 college basketball season remains over a year away, but program-defining transfer portal moves, NBA Draft decisions, and recruiting wins are already reshaping the national hierarchy. According to the latest On3 way-too-early Top 25 rankings, Houston, Purdue, and Duke lead the charge in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Top Contenders
Houston retains its No. 1 spot behind veterans Emanuel Sharp, JoJo Tugler, and Milos Uzan, while transfers Pop Isaacs (Texas Tech) and Kalifa Sakho (Arizona State) add backcourt depth. Five-star recruits Chris Cenac and Isiah Harwell solidify the Cougars’ long-term ceiling.
Purdue jumps to No. 2 after landing transfers Oscar Cluff (Washington State) and Liam Murphy (Vanderbilt), pairing them with returning stars Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn. International standout Omer Meyer adds frontcourt versatility.
Duke stays elite despite losing Cooper Flagg to the NBA Draft. Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster return, while five-star twins Cameron and Cayden Boozer headline a loaded recruiting class.
Rising Threats
Louisville (No. 4) and Kentucky (No. 5) surge into contention via the portal. The Cardinals secured Ryan Conwell (Indiana State), Isaac McKneely (Virginia), and Adrian Wooley (Memphis), while five-star guard Mikel Brown strengthens their backcourt. Kentucky counters with transfers Jaland Lowe (Pittsburgh) and Kam Williams (Illinois), alongside freshmen Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno.
Key Movers & Shakers
- Auburn (No. 6) replaces Johni Broome with transfers Keyshawn Hall (George Mason) and Kevin Overton (Drake).
- North Carolina (No. 8) adds portal standouts Caleb Wilson (Georgia) and Jonathan Powell (Xavier), but NBA decisions for Ven-Allen Lubin and Seth Trimble remain pivotal.
- Michigan (No. 9) builds a dominant frontcourt with Elliot Cadeau (North Carolina) and Morez Johnson (Illinois), joining Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB).
Transfer Portal Wins
- St. John’s (No. 15) lands Arizona State transfer Joson Sanon, a dynamic scoring guard.
- Alabama (No. 11) reloads with Jalil Bethea (Miami) and Taylor Bol Bowen (Syracuse).
- UConn (No. 16) retains Alex Karaban and adds sharpshooter Braylon Mullins (Indiana).
Freshmen to Watch
- BYU (No. 17) shocks the recruiting world by signing No. 1 overall prospect AJ Dybantsa.
- Tennessee (No. 14) pairs five-star forward Nate Ament with portal standout Ja’Kobi Gillespie (Belmont).
As NBA Draft deadlines approach and portal activity continues, these rankings remain fluid. Houston’s mix of experience and youth sets the standard, but contenders like Duke, Purdue, and revamped SEC squads loom close behind.
