As we look ahead to the 2025-26 college basketball season, it’s time for a way-too-early ranking of the top teams and players. I’ve reviewed all the projected returners, assuming the NCAA doesn’t approve the 5-year eligibility for current seniors. This list focuses on underclassmen currently outside the top 40 of the NBA Draft projections and is powered by my ADJeff rankings, along with projected freshmen. Its likely that the talent pool for next season will be slightly weaker, especially with such a large senior class expected to depart.
Transfers, as usual, will play a big role in reshaping the landscape over the next few months, with schools like Auburn and Gonzaga ranking lower currently due to the absence of highly ranked players on their rosters—though that will almost certainly change after the portal season. This ranking is based on the most current information we have as of mid-February and our projections, keeping in mind the ever-changing nature of college basketball and the shifting rosters. We will update them as warranted. This isn’t based only on returning ADJeff, we also have coaching and continuity scores in there as well. ADJeff serves as the guidepost however.
Our current projected top returners for the 2025-26 college basketball season, based on our top 600 projected returners as well as our projections for incoming freshmen like Cameron Boozer, A.J. Dybantsa, and Darryn Peterson. We’ve assigned projected scores to the top 50 incoming freshmen, who are expected to make an immediate impact next season. These players, along with returning talent, will help shape what promises to be another exciting year in college basketball. Here are the top 30 currently projected returners in our ADJeff rating.
Stay tuned, as we’ll be rolling out our ADJeff transfer rankings and updated team rankings ahead of almost anyone else. Last year, we debut these on June 1st, and we’re looking forward to providing even earlier insights. Be sure to check back for the latest updates as the offseason unfolds!
