Sports Illustrated Ranks All 365 Men’s College Basketball Teams for 2025-26
The college basketball landscape is evolving, as Sports Illustrated undertakes its annual task of ranking all 365 men’s college basketball teams for the 2025-26 season. This endeavor has become increasingly complex due to continuous roster changes and an influx of international talent. Relying solely on knowledge of Division I players is no longer sufficient. Analysts must also consider emerging players from lower divisions and international leagues to create a comprehensive ranking.
Insights from Team Rankings
Ranking teams helps gauge player movements and understand the overall strength of various leagues. Insights gleaned can indicate which teams may be potential surprises or “Cinderellas” come tournament time. The previous year’s rankings noted both hits and misses, highlighting the challenge of accurately predicting team performance.
Significant Players to Watch
This season, some noteworthy players to keep an eye on include:
- JT Toppin (Texas Tech)
- Zuby Ejiofor (St. John’s)
- Otega Oweh (Kentucky)
- AJ Dybantsa (BYU)
- Cameron Boozer (Duke)
- Braden Smith (Purdue)
- Milos Uzan (Houston)
- Labaron Philon (Alabama)
Team Performance Overview
The rankings reflect various challenges faced by teams across different conferences. For instance, Mississippi Valley State is ranked at the bottom due to historical performance challenges. Similarly, teams like Louisiana Monroe and Saint Francis are noted for their difficult circumstances, such as resource limitations or significant program changes.
Here are some notable teams from the rankings:
- 365. Mississippi Valley State
- 364. New Haven
- 350. Delaware State
- 240. Denver
- 125. Tulane
Coaching Changes Impacting Rankings
This season’s coaching changes may significantly influence team trajectories. Florida A&M has hired former Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward, while Tennessee State has brought on notable former Duke guard Nolan Smith. Both hires aim to leverage existing talent and enhance team performances.
Amidst these developments, many programs are embracing the transfer portal to strengthen their rosters. This trend is prevalent among teams looking to rebuild or enhance their competitive edge.
Looking Ahead
The journey to Selection Sunday is long and challenging. Teams and players must navigate injuries, roster changes, and the competitive environment. The rankings serve as a vital tool for fans and analysts alike to track progress throughout the season.
As the college basketball season unfolds, the landscape will continue to shift. Rankings are not solely about the numbers; they aim to provide context to the unfolding stories behind each team. Keep an eye on these developments as we approach the thrilling NCAA tournament in April.
