The wait is finally over.
After months of transfer portal movement, recruiting battles and NBA Draft decisions, last week’s withdrawal deadline brought some clarity. Fans learned which standout players would be returning to campus, who would be moving on to the pros and what rosters will actually look like entering the 2026-27 season.
There are still a few dominoes left to fall, but the picture is much more clear than it was last month.
With that in mind, here’s a look at my updated men’s college basketball Top 25 for the 2026-27 season.
Previous Ranking: NR
Big Blue Nation was starting to worry that Kentucky wouldn’t have a top-25 roster. The late addition of Iowa State transfer Milan Momcilovic changes that. He was the top-ranked transfer available in May, and Kentucky landed him.
The retention of Malachi Moreno, who averaged 8 points and 6 rebounds per game last season, is also huge. He’s due for a breakout year. A projected starting five of Zoom Diallo, Alex Wilkins, Momcilovic, Ousmane N’Diaye, and Moreno looks very solid and should have Kentucky firmly in the top-25 conversation.
Previous Ranking: 24
Losing the program’s all-time leading scorer, Bruce Thornton, to graduation certainly hurts, but the talent is there for Jake Diebler’s team to make some noise in the Big Ten next season. Diebler is set to welcome a strong transfer class, highlighted by former Cal guard Justin Pippen, who will join returnee John Mobley Jr. in the starting backcourt. He’ll also welcome five-star freshman Anthony Thompson, the highest-rated recruit to arrive in Columbus since Jared Sullinger in 2010.
Previous Ranking: 23
After taking a second look at rosters, its become clear that the Cornhuskers are worthy of a spot in the Top 25. Utah Valley transfer Trevan Leonhardt is a passing wizard and a strong offensive fit in a backcourt that also features Braden Frager and Pryce Sandfort. Belmont transfer Sam Orme adds valuable shooting at the four spot. This team will score, but the question remains: can they defend?
Previous Ranking: 22
Robert Wright III’s decision to return for his junior season dramatically changes the Cougars’ 2026-27 outlook, giving them one of the best floor generals in the sport. He will be joined by five-star freshman standout Bruce Branch III, who is widely regarded as one of the top 2026 prospects in the nation. The Cougars will also welcome in Collin Chandler, who is set to return home after two years playing for Mark Pope and Kentucky.
Previous Ranking: 21
Miami head coach Jai Lucas should have one of the best rosters in the ACC heading into next season, but how quickly it all comes together remains to be seen. Shelton Henderson is a rising star, with the look of a future pro. Hell be joined by a loaded transfer class, highlighted by a pair of standout additions in Villanova transfer Acaden Lewis and former Georgia big man Somto Cyril.
Previous Ranking: 20
Vanderbilt’s offseason revolved around the decision of star point guard Tyler Tanner. The good news for Mark Byington’s team is that Tanner withdrew from the NBA Draft and will return next season as a likely preseason first-team All-American. The not so good news is that starting forward AK Okereke, who was seeking an additional year of eligibility, will not return next year. Still, Byington had an exceptional year in the transfer portal, bringing in an impressive five-man class that includes T.O. Barrett (Missouri), Berke Buyuktuncel (Nebraska), Bangot Dak (Colorado), Ace Glass (Washington State) and Sebastian Williams-Adams (Auburn).
Previous Ranking: 19
Indiana head coach Darian DeVries completely retooled his roster this offseason, assembling a six-man transfer class that ranks sixth in the nation, per 247Sports. The group is headlined by a dominant frontcourt
