1
Houston
This ranking is based on the Cougars returning four of the top seven scorers – specifically Emanuel Sharp, Milos Uzan, Terrance Arceneaux and Joseph Tugler – from a team that finished 35-5 and advanced to the championship game of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by five-star freshman Chris Cenac Jr., four-star freshmen Isiah Harwell and Kingston Flemings and Sam Houston transfer Kalifa Sakho.
2
35-5
2
Duke
This ranking is based on the Blue Devils returning three of the top seven scorers — specifically Tyrese Proctor, Isaiah Evans and Caleb Foster – from a team that finished 35-4 and advanced to the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by five-star freshmen Cameron Boozer and Shelton Henderson and four-star freshmen Nikolas Khamenia and Cayden Boozer.
—
35-4
3
Purdue
This ranking is based on the Boilermakers returning five of the top six scorers – specifically Trey Kaufman-Renn, Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, Daniel Jacobsen and C.J. Cox – from a team that finished 24-12 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by South Dakota State transfer Oscar…..
