2026 Men’s College Basketball Early Top 25: Duke, Michigan, UNC Rankings
The NCAA transfer portal opens this week, and the April movement will reshape preseason rankings. Filmogaz.com published an early Top 25 projection that anticipates many roster shifts.
Approach and assumptions
The projection uses projected lineups and 247Sports Composite rankings. Some starting spots are labeled “Portal TBD” to reflect likely additions.
Overseas signees and late returns from NBA testing are factored in. Schools with strong NIL resources get assumed portal advantages.
Top-five snapshot
Illinois sits atop the list. The Illini boast a skilled frontcourt led by David Mirkovic and Andrej Stojakovic. Their primary need is a lead guard if Keaton Wagler leaves for the NBA.
Michigan holds a high spot after a championship season. Elliot Cadeau anchors the backcourt. The Wolverines’ ceiling depends on Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr. decisions.
Arizona ranks third. The Wildcats project strong defense if Ivan Kharchenkov and Motiejus Krivas return. Coach Tommy Lloyd will chase a point guard or an international import.
Florida appears in the top five. Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu could form a dominant frontcourt if they remain in school. Todd Golden can still add portal guard help.
Duke is ranked among the elites. The Blue Devils have seasoned wings and a deep rotation. This program typically reloads through recruiting and the portal.
Teams 6–15 at a glance
UConn projects to have a high-performing backcourt with Silas Demary and Solo Ball. The Huskies may still seek an interior difference maker.
Michigan State’s floor is high with Jeremy Fears Jr. returning. The team needs scoring in the low post after graduate departures.
Iowa State retains most starters and benefits from coach T.J. Otzelberger’s new resources. Milan Momcilovic is a key NBA-watch prospect.
Arkansas has perimeter depth but lacks size. John Calipari must add rim protection and frontcourt scoring.
Nebraska will again rank among the nation’s best shooting teams. Fred Hoiberg will search for a starting point guard and a true big.
Teams 16–25 summary
Iowa, Gonzaga, Purdue and Houston fill the middle of the Top 25. Each team has clear strengths and defined roster questions.
Kansas, Saint Louis and TCU appear in the range as well. Kansas faces frontcourt turnover but retains elite recruiting pull.
Texas, Kentucky, Virginia, Miami, St. John’s, Vanderbilt, North Carolina and Tennessee round out the list. Several of these schools will be active in the portal.
Notable incoming talent
- Quentin Coleman — four-star shooting guard (No. 34) to Illinois.
- Quinn Costello — top-40 big (No. 31) to Michigan.
- Cameron Holmes — top-40 wing (No. 34) to Arizona.
- Colben Landrew and Junior County — high-rated additions to UConn.
- Arafan Diane — a 7-foot rebounder targeted by Houston.
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois |
| 2 | Michigan |
| 3 | Arizona |
| 4 | Florida |
| 5 | Duke |
| 6 | UConn |
| 7 | Michigan State |
| 8 | Iowa State |
| 9 | Arkansas |
| 10 | Nebraska |
| 11 | Iowa |
| 12 | Gonzaga |
| 13 | Purdue |
| 14 | Houston |
| 15 | Kansas |
| 16 | Saint Louis |
| 17 | TCU |
| 18 | Texas |
| 19 | Kentucky |
| 20 | Virginia |
| 21 | Miami |
| 22 | St. John’s |
| 23 | Vanderbilt |
| 24 | North Carolina |
| 25 | Tennessee |
What to watch next
April portal activity will alter many projected starters. Filmogaz.com will track movement and update these early rankings.
Expect fluctuation at point guard and center positions. Schools with major NIL budgets will be especially active.
This is an early snapshot of the 2026 men’s college basketball picture. The debate over Duke, Michigan and UNC rankings will evolve quickly.
