The Florida Gators are the 2025 college basketball national champions, finishing the season ranked No. 1 in the final Associated Press Poll. Head coach Todd Golden became the youngest coach to win a national title since 1983, leading Florida to its third championship in program history.
With the transfer portal open, coaching changes underway and rosters shifting by the day, the focus now turns to what comes next for college basketball.
Road to Indianapolis
ESPN’s Jeff Borzello recently released his Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings for the 2025–26 men’s college basketball season, placing Houston at No. 1. Despite the possibility of losing standout guard Milos Uzan, the Cougars remain in a strong position thanks to an elite recruiting class headlined by top-20 prospect Chris Cenac Jr.. Additionally, with key returners such as Emanuel Sharp and Joseph Tugler, head coach Kelvin Sampson is expected to lead a well-balanced, competitive squad.
Meanwhile, Purdue lands at No. 2, projected to be led by standout guard Braden Smith and versatile forward Trey Kaufman-Renn, both viewed as potential All-Americans. Following closely, Louisville claims the No. 3 spot under second-year head coach Pat Kelsey. Furthermore, UConn and Michigan round out the top five, with each program returning core players and welcoming impact newcomers.
On the other hand, Florida, fresh off a national title, comes in at No. 19. The Gators bring back several key contributors and are expected to remain a formidable presence under coach Todd Golden. In contrast, Kentucky, ranked sixth, boasts a strong backcourt with the addition of transfers Jaland Lowe and Kam Williams, along with top freshmen Jasper Johnson and Acaden Lewis. Notably, the possible return of star guard Otega Oweh adds depth, while the frontcourt receives a boost from Alabama transfer Mouhamed Dioubate, known for his physicality and energy.
Overall, the SEC is well-represented in the rankings, with Kentucky at No. 6, Arkansas at No. 7, Alabama at No. 11, Auburn at No. 12, Florida at No. 19, Tennessee at No. 21, and Texas at No. 24. This strong showing underscores the depth and competitiveness of the conference. Although more than 200 days remain until tipoff, these rankings provide an early look at the programs expected to shape what promises to be another exciting college basketball season.
Here is ESPN’s full Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings for the 2025–26 men’s college basketball season:
- Houston Cougars
- Purdue Boilermakers
- Louisville Cardinals
- UConn Huskies
- Michigan Wolverines
- Kentucky Wildcats
- Arkansas Razorbacks
- Duke Blue Devils
- St. John’s Red Storm
- UCLA Bruins
- Alabama Crimson Tide
- Auburn Tigers
- Iowa State Cyclones
- Wisconsin Badgers
- Kansas Jayhawks
- BYU Cougars
- Arizona Wildcats
- Michigan State Spartans
- Florida Gators
- Gonzaga Bulldogs
- Tennessee Volunteers
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Ohio State Buckeyes
- Texas Longhorns
- North Carolina Tar Heels
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