The 2025 NCAA basketball season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with several teams showcasing strong rosters and promising recruits. This article provides a detailed analysis of the top 25 teams, based on their returning talent and incoming recruits, ensuring fans stay informed on which programs are primed for success this season.
The Houston Cougars, coming off a remarkable 35-5 season, are our top-ranked team. They return three of their seven leading scorers: Emanuel Sharp, Milos Uzan, and Joseph Tugler. This core will be bolstered by a stellar recruiting class that includes Creighton transfer Pop Isaacs and five-star freshman Chris Cenac Jr., alongside four-star talents Isiah Harwell and Kingston Flemings.
Ranking second, the St. John's Red Storm finished their previous season with a 31-5 record, advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. They retain their key scorer, Zuby Ejiofor, and welcome a rich recruiting class featuring North Carolina transfer Ian Jackson and Arizona State transfer Joson Sanon, among others.
At number three, the BYU Cougars finished with a 26-10 record, reaching the Sweet 16. They return four of their top ten scorers, including Richie Saunders and Dawson Baker. The incoming class is impressive, highlighted by Baylor transfer Robert Wright and five-star freshman AJ Dybantsa.
Purdue ranks fourth after finishing 24-12 and advancing to the Sweet 16. They bring back five of their top six scorers, including Trey Kaufman-Renn and Braden Smith. Their recruiting class adds depth with South Dakota State transfer Oscar Cluff and North Florida transfer Liam Murphy.
The UConn Huskies, at the fifth spot, ended their season with a 24-11 record and a second-round appearance in the NCAA Tournament. They return four key scorers, including Solo Ball and Alex Karaban, and enhance their lineup with Georgia transfer Silas Demary Jr. and five-star freshman Braylon Mullins.
Ranked sixth, the Florida Gators had a phenomenal season, finishing 36-4 and clinching the NCAA Championship. Five top scorers return, including Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh. The recruiting class is promising, featuring Princeton transfer Xaivian Lee and Arkansas transfer Boogie Fland.
Texas Tech comes in at seventh after a 28-9 season and an Elite Eight appearance. The team retains two of its top four scorers, JT Toppin and Christian Anderson, and welcomes several transfers, including Washington State's LeJuan Watts.
The Michigan Wolverines are ranked eighth after finishing 27-10 and advancing to the Sweet 16. They return three top scorers, including Roddy Gayle Jr., and add notable transfers like UAB's Yaxel Lendeborg to their roster.
In ninth place, the Duke Blue Devils had a stellar record of 35-4, reaching the Final Four. They return key players like Isaiah Evans and Caleb Foster, while their recruiting class includes five-star freshman Cameron Boozer.
The UCLA Bruins rank tenth after a 23-11 season. They return three of their top scorers, including Tyler Bilodeau, and enhance their roster with transfers such as New Mexico's Donovan Dent.
Ranked 11th, the Arizona Wildcats concluded their season with a 24-13 record and a Sweet 16 run. They return four key scorers, including Jaden Bradley, and welcome five-star freshmen Koa Peat and Brayden Burries.
The Kentucky Wildcats, sitting at number twelve, finished 24-12 and reached the Sweet 16. They return two top scorers, Otega Oweh and Brandon Garrison, while bolstering their roster with notable transfers.
At 13, the Iowa State Cyclones closed out their season with a 25-10 record. They return three of their top five scorers, including Joshua Jefferson, and add transfers to strengthen their lineup.
The Louisville Cardinals rank 14th after finishing 27-8 and advancing to the first round of the NCAA Tournament. They return key players J'Vonne Hadley and James Scott, while their recruiting class promises to bring in fresh talent.
Michigan State is ranked 15th, finishing with a 30-7 record and advancing to the Elite Eight. They return four top scorers and have a strong recruiting class featuring several promising transfers.
Ranked 16th, the Oregon Ducks concluded their season at 25-10. They return four of their top ten scorers and enhance their roster with a solid recruiting class.
The Kansas Jayhawks hold the 17th position after a 21-13 season. They return one of their top scorers, Flory Bidunga, and welcome a strong recruiting class that includes several transfers.
The Auburn Tigers are ranked 18th with a 32-6 record, making it to the Final Four. They return their top scorer, Tahaad Pettiford, and bring in a talented recruiting class.
At 19, the Arkansas Razorbacks ended their season with a 22-14 record. They return four of their top nine scorers and add promising recruits to their roster.
The Tennessee Volunteers are ranked 20th after a strong 30-8 season. They return three key scorers and enhance their lineup with several quality recruits.
Gonzaga comes in at 21, finishing with a 26-9 record. They return four of their top ten scorers and add notable transfers to their roster.
The Texas Longhorns are ranked 22nd, finishing their last season at 19-16. They return three of their top six scorers and enhance their roster with several transfers.
At 23, the Illinois Fighting Illini concluded their season with a 22-13 record. They return two of their top four scorers and are joined by a strong recruiting class.
The Alabama Crimson Tide rank 24th after finishing 28-9 and advancing to the Elite Eight. They return key players and bring in a strong class of recruits to enhance their chances this season.
Finally, the Wisconsin Badgers round out our top 25 with a 27-10 record. They return three top scorers and welcome several new talents to their program.
As the 2025 NCAA basketball season approaches, these teams will be ones to watch. Each program has the potential to make a significant impact, thanks to their returning talent and impressive recruiting classes. Stay tuned for an exhilarating season ahead!
