The Houston Cougars have secured the top spot in the early rankings for the 2025-26 NCAA basketball season, thanks to the return of key players Emanuel Sharp and Joseph Tugler, along with three top-25 recruits.

Purdue has overtaken Houston to become the leading team in ESPN's Way-Too-Early Top 25, bolstered by a strong roster and the impact of Houston's NBA draft decisions.

The Boilermakers are highlighted by the return of star point guard Braden Smith, alongside a formidable Big 3 that includes Trey Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer.

Kentucky, ranked third, aims to build on their Sweet Sixteen appearance with the return of leading scorer Otega Oweh and the addition of two four-star recruits.

Louisville has had a strong offseason, landing multiple impactful transfers and a top-10 recruit, Mikel Brown Jr., which has helped them secure the fourth position.

Arkansas, coming in fifth, will rely on returning talents D.J. Wagner and Karter Knox, alongside new five-star recruits to enhance their prospects after a successful Sweet Sixteen run.

The Duke Blue Devils, fresh off a Final Four appearance, are ranked sixth, bolstered by the addition of the highly-rated Boozer twins and the retention of guard Caleb Foster.

BYU Cougars have secured the seventh position, having signed five-star recruit A.J. Dybantsa while retaining key players following their successful Sweet Sixteen run.

UCLA Bruins, ranked eighth, have strengthened their roster with the addition of transfer Donovan Dent, aiming for a deeper tournament run after last season's near success.

Texas Tech Red Raiders are positioned ninth, benefiting from the return of Big 12 Player of the Year J.T. Toppin and several transfer additions to enhance their squad.

The Tennessee Volunteers, in tenth place, face challenges with the loss of top scorers but have brought in new talent to maintain their competitiveness.

As the men's NCAA basketball offseason begins, the transfer window has closed, prompting updates to team rankings and the release of a way-too-early list of the top 25 teams for the upcoming season.