Early College Basketball Rankings: As the deadline for men’s college basketball players to decide whether or not they will stay in the 2023 NBA Draft has passed, the rosters for the top teams in the sport are starting to take shape for the upcoming 2023-24 season. While some decisions are still to be made by players in the transfer portal, we now have enough information to provide a semi-educated attempt at ranking the top 25 college basketball teams. Let’s take a closer look at the early rankings:
1. Early College Basketball Rankings – Kansas Jayhawks
The Kansas Jayhawks had an exceptional offseason, combining returning key contributors from last season’s No. 1 seed team with impactful additions from the transfer portal. With talented players like Dajuan Harris Jr., Kevin McCullar, K.J. Adams Jr., and the addition of Michigan big man Hunter Dickinson, the Jayhawks are poised to compete for their fifth national title.
2. Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue returns all five starters from a team that won the Big Ten regular season and conference tournament titles last year. The Boilermakers will rely on the leadership of the national Player of the Year and aim to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
3. Duke Blue Devils
Duke brings back a strong core of players who hit their stride at the end of last season, including Kyle Filipowski, Jeremy Roach, Tyrese Proctor, and Mark Mitchell. With an impressive recruiting class, the Blue Devils have the pieces to contend for a championship under head coach Jon Scheyer.
4. Michigan State Spartans
Tom Izzo’s Spartans bring back four of their top five contributors from a team that reached the Sweet 16 last season. Adding talented first-year students, including 5-star big man Xavier Booker, strengthens Michigan State’s chances of making a deep tournament run.
5. Connecticut Huskies
Defending national champions, UConn return several key players from their title-winning team, including Tristen Newton and Alex Karaban. With the addition of transfer Cam Spencer and a top-10 recruiting class, the Huskies aim to continue their success.
6. Tennessee Volunteers
The Vols return the nucleus of a Sweet 16 team, complemented by impactful additions from the transfer portal. Coach Rick Barnes has assembled a strong roster capable of contending for a high seed in the NCAA tournament.
7. Marquette Golden Eagles
Marquette captured the Big East regular season and tournament titles last season and returned every key contributor except one player. Led by Big East Player of the Year Tyler Kolek, the Golden Eagles have high hopes for a deep tournament run.
8. Houston Cougars
After an impressive run as a No. 1 seed last season, Houston moves to the competitive Big 12 conference. Despite losing some key players, the Cougars return a solid core and have added talented transfers to their roster.
9. Florida Atlantic Owls
FAU made history as a 9-seed by reaching the Final Four last season. With most of their major contributors returning, the Owls look to build on their success and continue their impressive run.
10. Miami Hurricanes
Miami has made consecutive deep tournament runs, reaching the regional final and Final Four. The Hurricanes aim to surpass their previous achievements with key returnees and talented transfers.
11. Creighton Bluejays
Creighton Bluejays returns most of its team from last season’s Elite Eight run and adds Utah State transfer Steven Ashworth, strengthening their chances of making a breakthrough to the Final Four.
12. Arkansas Razorbacks
Eric Musselman has created an intriguing roster, combining key returnees with a talented first-year class and notable transfers. The Razorbacks are poised to make noise in the NCAA tournament.
13. San Diego State Aztecs
San Diego State came close to winning the national title last season and returned several key contributors. With the addition of USC transfer Reese Dixon-Waters, the Aztecs aim to make another deep tournament run.
14. Gonzaga Bulldogs
Although they face the challenge of replacing key players, Gonzaga Bulldogs has a highly-touted transfer class that should help maintain their status as a strong team in the NCAA tournament.
15. Texas A&M Aggies
Returning four of their five starters from last season, Texas A&M looks to continue their upward trajectory under coach Buzz Williams. With experienced players, the Aggies are eyeing another trip to the second weekend of the NCAA tournament.
16. North Carolina Tar Heels
Hubert Davis’ Tar Heels experienced a turbulent season but showed promise in the NCAA tournament. With key returnees and notable additions, North Carolina aims to bounce back and contend in the ACC.
17. Saint Mary’s Gaels
Saint Mary’s had a strong season, earning a high ranking and a share of the West Coast Conference title. They return most of their top scorers and are primed for another successful campaign.
18. Arizona Wildcats
Despite losing some key pieces, Arizona has a talented roster under coach Tommy Lloyd. With intriguing transfers and promising returnees, the Wildcats are well-positioned to compete for a conference title.
19. Baylor Bears
Baylor faces the challenge of replacing significant contributors but has a strong recruiting class and the guidance of coach Scott Drew. The Bears aim to remain competitive in the tough Big 12.
20. USC Trojans
USC boasts a roster with exciting additions, including potential Pac-12 Player of the Year Boogie Ellis and highly-touted freshman Isaiah Collier. The Trojans are expected to put on an entertaining show this season.
21. Texas Longhorns
Rodney Terry’s Texas team looks promising with the return of key players and the addition of talented transfers. The Longhorns aim to compete high in their first full season under Terry.
22. Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama had a strong season last year, earning a No. 1 overall seed. While they lost some key contributors, the Crimson Tide have notable returnees and impactful transfers to maintain their success.
23. Villanova Wildcats
Villanova endured an underwhelming season but showed steady improvements throughout. Led by key returnees and a deep transfer class, the Wildcats hope to get back into winning form this year.
24. Colorado Buffaloes
Colorado returns four of their top five scorers and adds two impactful transfers, making them a compelling threat in the Pac-12. Colorado may experience another successful campaign this season, led by an outstanding first-year student.
25. Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky boasts an impressive recruiting class, yet its success will depend on how quickly its first-year students adapt to college basketball.
These early college basketball rankings provide a snapshot of what this season may bring. Now that the NBA deadline has come and gone, teams have solidified their rosters, enabling us to assess individual squads’ strength and competitiveness accurately. The rankings highlight those teams that have managed to retain key contributors, secure meaningful transfers, and recruit top talent. Over time; this list will likely adapt and change by team performances and the appearance of new rivals. College basketball fans eagerly anticipate the beginning of each new college basketball season, where battles for conference titles and NCAA tournament berths will define true rankings and powerhouses within the sport. Prepare for an action-packed season as rankings become a reality on the court.
