NEW Men’s College Basketball Rankings: Opening Day Top 25 for the 2026-27 Season

After months of waiting, recruiting, and transfer portal speculation, the anticipation is over because the 2026-27 men’s college basketball season is finally here. Maybe even more than in football, name, image, and likeness payouts have had a major effect on the college basketball landscape. Michigan showed last season that smart moves in the portal can turn a program from a pretender into a serious contender.

So who are the best teams heading into the new season? We look to answer that question with our all-new men’s college basketball rankings before the new campaign tips off on Monday.

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25. UCLA

Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Eric Dailey Jr. (3) shoots the ball against the UConn Huskies in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Last season, UCLA posted a rock-solid 24-12 record and won a game in the NCAA Tournament. In year eight, more will be expected from coach Mick Cronin and his team.

While they lost top scorer Tyler Bilodeau to the NBA, guard Trent Perry and forward Eric Dailey Jr. return to bring proven veteran talent to the Bruins in the new season.

24. BYU

Oct 21, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; BYU player Robert Wright III is interviewed during the big 12 Media Days at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

BYU did not dominate in 2025-26 like some expected, since they had arguably the best player in the country, 2026 NBA Draft No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa. Now, they will have to somehow be better in the new season and fill the massive stats void left by the star forward.

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However, coach Kevin Young still has talented guard Robert Wright III — who has Player of the Year potential — and brings in stud freshman Bruce Branch III. The chance of a third straight 20-plus win season is very possible for the Cougars in 2026-27.

23. Kentucky

Oct 23, 2026; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Milan Momcilovic…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/men-college-basketball-rankings-opening-123000970.html

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Publish date : 2026-10-30 12:30:00

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