Duke, Arkansas, and Houston are at the top of the far too early 2025–2026 college basketball rankings.
The NBA Draft process is underway, and the transfer site is open.
As the dust settles on the 2024-2025 college basketball season, attention has already shifted toward next year. The NBA Draft process is underway, and with it comes a flurry of speculation, excitement, and uncertainty about what the 2025-2026 season will look like. Meanwhile, the transfer portal is open, and teams are already positioning themselves for a run at the top rankings. With rosters still in flux, projecting the best teams in the nation is an exercise in educated guessing, but three teams stand out at the top of the “far too early” 2025-2026 college basketball rankings: Duke, Arkansas, and Houston.
Duke: A New Era of Blue Blood Success
Duke’s basketball program is one of the most storied in the history of college basketball, and after a season of transition under head coach Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils appear poised to take a leap in 2025-2026. Scheyer’s first year as head coach was marked by significant growth from a talented but young roster, with Duke making it to the NCAA Tournament before falling short in the later rounds. However, with the emergence of some key young stars and an impressive recruiting class, the Blue Devils are set to return to championship contention.
The Foundation: Fresh Talent and Returning Stars
Duke’s success moving forward will heavily rely on a group of young players that showed promise last season. The most notable among them is *Jaden Ivey*, who quickly became one of the most dynamic players in the ACC in his first season with the Blue Devils. With an electric blend of speed, agility, and scoring ability, Ivey figures to be one of the focal points for Duke’s offense next year.
Another returning player to watch is *Kyle Filipowski*. The sophomore forward showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman and, with another year of development under his belt, he has the potential to become one of the best big men in the country. Filipowski’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and protect the rim defensively makes him a critical component for Duke’s success.
But it’s the incoming recruits that could push the Blue Devils into the national title conversation. *Tyrese Proctor*, a five-star point guard, and *Mackenzie Mgbako*, a versatile forward, are both expected to make immediate impacts. Proctor, in particular, will be key to facilitating the offense and providing leadership to the young roster.
Scheyer’s Strategy
Head coach Jon Scheyer has made it clear that he’s committed to bringing back the “Duke standard” of basketball—high-flying offense, intense defense, and a relentless competitive drive. While his first year was a challenge, it provided Scheyer with valuable experience in adjusting to the role of head coach after taking over for Mike Krzyzewski, who retired after the 2021-2022 season.
Scheyer’s ability to adapt to the demands of the job and his expertise in recruiting has the Blue Devils in an excellent position to make a deep tournament run in 2025-2026. The combination of Scheyer’s coaching and Duke’s raw talent is enough to put them in the top tier of the rankings for the next season.
Arkansas: Building on an Elite Foundation
The University of Arkansas has been one of the most intriguing programs in recent years under head coach Eric Musselman. Known for his high-intensity defense, fast-paced offense, and ability to recruit top-tier talent, Musselman has transformed Arkansas into a perennial contender in the SEC and nationally. After making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament in 2024, the Razorbacks are primed to build on that momentum and potentially challenge for a national title in 2025-2026.
Returning Talent and Transfer Portal Mastery
While the Razorbacks will face the challenge of replacing some key players, they return a solid core of talent that can carry the team. *Nick Smith Jr.*, who is expected to return for his sophomore season after a strong showing in his freshman year, is the player that everyone is watching. Smith, with his scoring ability and defensive prowess, will be one of the premier players in college basketball next season.
Alongside Smith, *Anthony Black*, another promising player from last season, should provide the Razorbacks with a reliable playmaker and defender. The 6’7″ guard/forward combo gives Arkansas the kind of versatility on the court that can be a difference-maker, especially in the SEC.
However, what really makes Arkansas dangerous is their continued success in the transfer portal. Musselman has turned the portal into a strength, routinely bringing in key players who can contribute immediately. For the 2025-2026 season, expect to see *Mauvin Lee*—a skilled forward from the MAC—join the Razorbacks, adding depth to the frontcourt and giving Musselman more options on both ends of the floor.
Defensive Intensity
Musselman has built his program on elite defense, and that will be the backbone of the Razorbacks’ title aspirations. Arkansas finished the 2024-2025 season with one of the best defenses in the nation, and that trend is expected to continue into the next season. With players like *Kamani Johnson* and *Makhel Mitchell* in the fold, the Razorbacks’ defensive presence will be tough to beat.
On top of their defense, Arkansas plays a high-energy offensive game, and with their blend of returning stars and portal acquisitions, they’ll have the firepower to contend with anyone in the nation. Arkansas is on the rise, and the 2025-2026 season could be their breakthrough year.
Houston: The Quiet Juggernaut
Houston’s basketball program, under the leadership of head coach *Kelvin Sampson*, has quietly become one of the most consistent and dominant forces in college basketball. After a strong season in 2024, the Cougars are primed to take the next step in their journey toward a national championship. Houston’s blend of elite defense, tough-minded play, and efficient offense makes them a formidable opponent for any team.
The Core of Houston’s Success
One of the key factors behind Houston’s sustained success has been their ability to develop players in a system built around hard work and defense. *Marcus Sasser*, who could be one of the most experienced players in the country by the time 2025-2026 rolls around, will lead the Cougars once again. Sasser’s blend of scoring ability, leadership, and defensive tenacity has made him one of the most respected players in college basketball.
In addition to Sasser, *J’Wan Roberts* is another critical returnee for the Cougars. The 6’7” forward is a standout on both ends of the floor, known for his rebounding, shot-blocking, and offensive efficiency. With these two players leading the charge, Houston will be able to compete with the best of the best.
Recruiting and Transfers
While Houston’s roster is mostly built on player development, they’ve also made some key moves in the transfer portal to help bolster their chances for a national title. The Cougars are expected to bring in several impactful transfers who will add depth to both the backcourt and frontcourt.
Head coach Sampson is known for his ability to get the most out of his players, and the combination of Houston’s established program culture and their talented roster makes them a team to watch heading into the 2025-2026 season.
Defense and Discipline
Like Arkansas, Houston’s defense will be a key part of their success. The Cougars finished the 2024-2025 season as one of the top defensive teams in the nation, and Sampson’s commitment to defensive intensity is unmatched. Houston’s ability to shut down opposing offenses while executing on the offensive end will make them a tough matchup for any team.
The Transfer Portal and NBA Draft Impact
While Duke, Arkansas, and Houston stand out as early favorites for the 2025-2026 season, it’s important to acknowledge the volatility that the NBA Draft and transfer portal can introduce to these rankings.
The NBA Draft process will undoubtedly have a significant impact on college basketball’s landscape. Top players from all three teams may declare for the draft, leaving gaps to be filled by new recruits or transfers. For example, if Duke loses *Jaden Ivey* or if Arkansas loses *Nick Smith Jr.*, those programs will need to adjust and find replacements.
Additionally, the transfer portal remains a wild card. Programs across the country will be looking to bolster their rosters, and teams like Duke, Arkansas, and Houston could see key additions that push them higher in the rankings or, conversely, losses that set them back.
As we look ahead to the 2025-2026 college basketball season, Duke, Arkansas, and Houston stand out as the early favorites to be at the top of the rankings. Each program has a unique blend of returning talent, recruiting prowess, and team culture that positions them for success. While the NBA Draft and transfer portal will undoubtedly shake up the landscape, these three programs appear ready to continue their dominance and compete for a national championship.
With the season still months away, it’s clear that the next iteration of college basketball will be full of exciting matchups, top-tier players, and, of course, high expectations. As the transfer portal buzzes and the NBA Draft unfolds, the road to the 2025-2026 national championship is sure to be a thrilling journey for these elite programs.
