NCAA Basketball Top Ten Predictions: Who’s Number One?
As the 2025–26 college basketball season nears, there's no clear-cut number-one team. Unlike past years, the field is wide open with no dominant favorite. Purdue, Houston, and defending champion Florida are among the early contenders, but there could be some sleeper teams that crack the rankings. The door is wide open for anyone to claim the top spot for next season.
The number one team going into next season and fresh off a national title game appearance is Houston, who is now reloaded with talent. The return of point guard Milos Uzan, who withdrew from the NBA Draft, alongside Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Joseph Tugler and shooter Emanuel Sharp, gives Kelvin Sampson a strong veteran core. The Cougars also boast a top-five recruiting class led by three five-stars. Look for the Cougars to make yet another deep March run.
Second and still chasing March glory, Purdue brings back Braden Smith, Trey Kaufman-Renn, and Fletcher Loyer, all seniors with big-game experience. Coach Matt Painter added key transfers Oscar Cluff and Omer Mayer to boost depth. With a battle-tested core, Purdue could finally break through. Led by their upperclassman, Purdue has a chance to return to the National Championship.
Coming in at third are the Duke Blue Devils. Jon Scheyer restocked quickly after losing his starting five. He landed the Boozer twins, Nikolas Khamenia, and recent commit Sebastian Wilkins. Returners Pat Ngongba and Isiah Evans provide continuity, while Duke’s top-ranked freshman class gives them an elite upside. Don’t be surprised if the Blue Devils return to the Final Four.
Fourth on the list is the UConn Huskies. Dan Hurley keeps the Huskies competitive, and the return of forward Alex Karaban and guard Solo Ball adds stability. Newcomers Braylon Mullins, Jacob Furphy, and Eric Reibe all bring skill and size. UConn will be veteran led, and the Huskies are poised to make a return to the top.
Number five is Louisville, led by their second-year head coach Pat Kelsey. Kelsey has quietly built a top-tier squad. Louisville landed standout guards Ryan Conwell, Isaac McKneely, and Adrian Wooley in the portal. Add five-star Mikel Brown Jr. and German sensation Sananda Fru, and the Cardinals could make a major jump in the ACC.
Sixth brings us to Kentucky and their second-year head coach Mark Pope. Pope hit reset, bringing in six transfers and four freshmen, including Jayden Quaintance and Mouhamed Dioubate. The Wildcats’ top-ranked recruiting class and a complete roster overhaul position them for a bounce-back season. Pope and the Wildcats will be faced with a gauntlet of a schedule, but they might just have the pieces to be at the top of the SEC.
The defending champs come in at number seven, led by Princeton’s Xaivian Lee and Arkansas guard Boogie Fland to bolster the backcourt. Todd Golden has built a balanced roster ready to defend its title in a loaded SEC. The Gators have returned key pieces and added significant talent to their roster. Golden and the Gators have the roster construction it takes to be crowned back to back champions.
Number eight on the list is an unfamiliar team to be included in the top ten rankings. BYU and Coach Kevin Young added number two overall recruit A.J. Dybansta and Baylor transfer Robert Wright. With other four-star recruits also joining, BYU could be a Big 12 force once again.
Coming in at number nine is Dusty May’s Michigan Wolverines. Led by Yaxel Lendeborg’s return, plus the additions of Elliot Cadeau and Morez Johnson, gives Dusty May a competitive team despite offseason losses. The Wolverines will be in a competitive Big 10, but with the recent announcement from Lendeborg, Michigan could challenge for the Big Ten title. Dusty May and company will look to go back to the Sweet 16.
Last but certainly not least, Rick Pitino and his reloaded roster. The Red Storm added North Carolina transfer Ian Jackson and Bryce Hopkins from Providence, as well as Big East Newcomer of the Year Zuby Ejiofor. The Johnnies have the pieces to be the Big East champs again. Don’t be shocked if St. John’s is a real threat in the conference.
With no overwhelming favorite, the 2025–26 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. From seasoned contenders to rising programs, college basketball fans are in for an unpredictable and thrilling ride. Look for some of the recent programs to rise to the top, and maybe we’ll see another repeat champion. Any of these ten teams could be the number one team, and that’s how open the door is.
