Preseason top 25: Best-case, worst-case rankings

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  Jeff BorzelloOct 7, 2026, 08:00 AM ET

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  • Basketball recruiting insider.
  • Joined ESPN in 2014.
  • Graduate of University of Delaware.

Six months ago, the Michigan Wolverines were crowned national champions -- and we published our initial Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings for the 2026-27 season.

What has changed since then? Everything.

There was the transfer portal window, the NBA draft deadline, reclassifications and international signings.

Michigan was No. 1 at the time, as it wasn't clear that Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara were definitively headed to the NBA draft. Florida was No. 3, as Thomas Haugh was widely expected to leave for the NBA. Tennessee, Kansas, Miami and Texas Tech were all just outside the top 25.

But what else has happened this summer? Well, the NCAA's five-for-five age-based eligibility legislation passed in June did not retroactively include outgoing seniors who used up their four years of eligibility in the 2025-26 season -- which has led to numerous lawsuits with hundreds of players still in limbo for the upcoming season.

The offseason chaos has made previewing the 2026-27 campaign increasingly difficult, especially when it comes to a preseason top 25, less than four weeks until opening tip (Nov. 2).

Do we include all the players fighting for eligibility? Do we leave out all the players fighting for eligibility? Do we just take into account which players are eligible on the date of publication?

We opted to go with the best-case scenario for every team, including every player with an active lawsuit. But we also included our ranking for each team if those fifth-year seniors ultimately don't get to play.

1. Florida Gators

Previous ranking: 1

Ranking without fifth-years: 1

It's unusual in today's era of college sports to have four key players from a national championship team two years ago looking to win another one, but those are the current circumstances for Todd Golden and the Gators. Thomas Haugh will battle Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr. to be the preseason player of the year favorite, while Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu -- who both started in the title game win over Houston in 2025 -- are also back to round out the nation's best frontcourt. Boogie Fland returns to run the point from last season. His backcourt mate, the final starting spot, will be determined by the courts. Denzel Aberdeen, the team's first guard off the bench in 2025, recently was temporarily granted a fifth year of eligibility. If Aberdeen isn't eligible, Golden will turn to Urban Klavzar, who averaged nearly 10 points off the bench last season. Either way, this is the team to beat entering the season.

Projected starting lineup

Boogie Fland (11.7 PPG)
Denzel Aberdeen (13.5 PPG at Kentucky)*
Thomas Haugh (17.1 PPG)
Alex Condon (14.9 PPG)
Rueben Chinyelu (11.2 PPG)

2. Duke Blue Devils

Previous ranking: 2

Ranking without fifth-years: 2

Jon Scheyer and Duke have won 70 games in the past two seasons -- the most in the country and a program record. Both seasons have also ended in heartbreaking fashion, with the Blue Devils falling victim to late-game comebacks from Houston and UConn, respectively. How will they bounce back this season? By putting together arguably the deepest team of Scheyer's career. There's no Cooper Flagg or Cam Boozer, but Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell is a star on the offensive end. Four key players are also back: Patrick Ngongba II, Dame Sarr, Caleb Foster and Cayden Boozer -- with the latter two fighting for the point guard spot. That's on top of the nation's No. 2 recruiting class, headlined by Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje, the potential No. 1 NBA draft pick in 2028. If Belmont transfer Drew Scharnowski is healthy, he could see early starts at the power forward position, too. Like we said, it's a deep team.

Projected starting lineup

Caleb Foster (8.5 PPG)
John Blackwell (19.1 PPG at Wisconsin)
Dame Sarr (6.4 PPG)
Drew Scharnowski (10.7 PPG at Belmont)
Patrick Ngongba II (10.5 PPG)

3. Illinois Fighting Illini

Previous ranking: 3

Ranking without fifth-years: 3

Illinois produced one of the best offenses in recent college basketball history last season en route to the program's first Final Four appearance in more than two decades. Now, five of that team's top eight scorers are back this season for Brad Underwood. David Mirkovic should be an All-American and even better than last season. Also returning to Champaign are Andrej Stojakovic, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic and Jake Davis. The backcourt will be interesting to track in the early weeks, with Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks and top-25 recruit Quentin Coleman tasked with replacing Keaton Wagler and Kylan Boswell.

Projected starting lineup

Stefan Vaaks (15.8 PPG at Providence)
Quentin Coleman (No. 23 in SC Next 100)
Andrej Stojakovic (13.5 PPG)
David Mirkovic (13.6 PPG)
Tomislav Ivisic (10.2 PPG)

4. Arizona Wildcats

Previous ranking: 6

Ranking without fifth-years: 7

Arizona is waiting for just one five-for-five eligibility decision, but its classification as a national championship favorite hinges on whether Clemson transfer RJ Godfrey can suit up this season. With Godfrey available, Tommy Lloyd has his ideal power forward to join the rest of the lineup -- which should be Lloyd's best defensive group of his career. Motiejus Krivas might be the best center in the country, Ivan Kharchenkov is an elite defender with blossoming offensive game, and Caleb Holt is a two-way future top-five draft pick. Derek Dixon (North Carolina) and JJ Mandaquit (Washington) will man the point guard position. If Godfrey isn't cleared, pressure will increase on top-50 freshman Cameron Holmes.

Projected starting lineup

Derek Dixon (8.5 PPG at North Carolina)
Caleb Holt (No. 3 in SC Next 100)
Ivan Kharchenkov (10.2 PPG)
RJ Godfrey (12.0 PPG at Clemson)*
Motiejus Krivas (10.4 PPG)

5. UConn Huskies

Previous ranking: 5

Ranking without fifth-years: 4

Coming off a third national championship game appearance in four years, Dan Hurley and UConn don't appear to be close to relinquishing their annual title contender status, even with the departures of program legend Alex Karaban and NCAA tournament star Tarris Reed Jr. Transfers Nik Khamenia (Duke) and Na'jai Hines (Seton Hall) will have to replace them, respectively, while returnees Silas Demary Jr. and Braylon Mullins should form one of the elite backcourts in college basketball -- both could also be preseason All-Americans. Meanwhile, Jayden Ross should start, with multiyear starter Solo Ball redshirting this season. Top-50 freshmen Colben Landrew and Junior County will also have roles on the perimeter.

Projected starting lineup

Silas Demary Jr. (10.6 PPG)
Braylon Mullins (12.0 PPG)
Jayden Ross (4.8 PPG)
Nik Khamenia (5.7 PPG at Duke)
Na'jai Hines (5.5 PPG at Seton Hall)

6. Michigan State Spartans

Previous ranking: 8

Ranking without fifth-years: 5

Michigan State has one of the best coaches in college basketball (Tom Izzo) and arguably the player of the year favorite (Jeremy Fears Jr.), giving the Spartans an incredibly high floor. This is a team that we've been warming to as the offseason has progressed, as well. Fears will be surrounded by five other returnees, most notably Coen Carr and former Florida Atlantic transfer Kaleb Glenn, who redshirted last season with an injury. Izzo needed a big man and landed Anton Bonke from the portal. He also has a top-10 recruiting class led by Jasiah Jervis and Carlos Medlock Jr.

Projected starting lineup

Jeremy Fears Jr. (15.3 PPG)
Jordan Scott (5.9 PPG)
Coen Carr (12.0 PPG)
Cam Ward (5.2 PPG)
Anton Bonke (10.6 PPG at Charlotte)

7. Texas Longhorns

Previous ranking: 4

Ranking without fifth-years: 6

Sean Miller has an incredible amount of talent on this season's roster after bringing in one of the nation's elite transfer classes. But let's start with returning center Matas Vokietaitis. He was one of the best bigs in the SEC over the second half of last season and could be the team's focal point offensively. Then there are the transfers: David Punch (TCU), Isaiah Johnson (Colorado), Mikey Lewis (Saint Mary's), Elyjah Freeman (Auburn) and Amari Evans (Tennessee). Don't forget five-star recruits Austin Goosby and Marcus Spears Jr., the latter of whom was the No. 1 prospect in 2027 before reclassifying. Lewis' foot injury will hurt the Longhorns in the nonconference part of the season, but there's clearly enough on the roster to overcome the loss.

Projected starting lineup

Isaiah Johnson (16.9 PPG at Colorado)
Austin Goosby (No. 20 in SC Next 100)
Elyjah Freeman (9.2 PPG at Auburn)
David Punch (14.1 PPG at TCU)
Matas Vokietaitis (15.7 PPG)

8. Tennessee Volunteers

Previous ranking: 7

Ranking without fifth-years: 8

Rick Barnes swung the roster construction pendulum from one end to the other this offseason, leaning far more into offense than we've seen in recent years. Tennessee has ranked in the top five nationally in defensive efficiency five times in the past six seasons, with the Vols' highest offensive efficiency rank in that stretch coming in at No. 17. But this particular group is loaded with offensive talent. Terrence Hill Jr. (VCU), Dai Dai Ames (Cal), Tyler Lundblade (Belmont), Juke Harris (Wake Forest) and Jalen Haralson (Notre Dame) can all fill it up. Miles Rubin (Loyola Chicago), returnee DeWayne Brown II and -- if eligible -- Jalen Washington (Vanderbilt) will shoulder most of the defensive responsibilities up front.

Projected starting lineup

Terrence Hill Jr. (15.0 PPG at VCU)
Tyler Lundblade (15.6 PPG at Belmont)
Juke Harris (21.4 PPG at Wake Forest)
Jalen Haralson (16.2 PPG at Notre Dame)
Miles Rubin (11.3 PPG at Loyola Chicago)

9. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Previous ranking: 9

Ranking without fifth-years: Unranked

That's right. If five-for-five eligibility lawsuits don't go Tech's way, the Red Raiders might not find themselves in the preseason top 25 at all. Of the trio in question, Donovan Atwell would have returned to start; Darrion Williams was an All-Big 12 player the last time he was in a Tech uniform; and Jamichael Stillwell started 30 games for an NCAA tournament team at UCF. If all three are eligible, Grant McCasland has a loaded group. JT Toppin should be healthy later in the season and is a surefire All-American. Cruz Davis (Hofstra) and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (UNLV) are high-scoring transfers, while top-30 recruit Dakari Spear should make an immediate impact.

Projected starting lineup

Cruz Davis (20.1 PPG at Hofstra)
Donovan Atwell (13.5 PPG)*
Darrion Williams (14.0 PPG at NC State)*
Jamichael Stillwell (11.6 PPG at UCF)*
JT Toppin (21.8 PPG)

10. St. John's Red Storm

Previous ranking: 21

Ranking without fifth-years: 20

The Johnnies have as much uncertainty as any team in college basketball entering the final few weeks of the offseason. They still have at least four players in eligibility limbo, with three of them -- Quinn Ellis, Babacar Sane and Keyshawn Hall -- likely key contributors on a nightly basis for Rick Pitino's team. With everyone in the fold, Pitino has a Big East title threat and Final Four hopeful. With none, or just Ellis eligible, there will be a tier break between UConn and the rest of the Big East. Ian Jackson and Tounde Yessoufou can fill it up, though, and Ruben Prey is expected to take a step forward.

Projected starting lineup

Quinn Ellis (8.4 PPG for Olimpia Milano)*
Ian Jackson (9.6 PPG)
Tounde Yessoufou (17.8 PPG at Baylor)
Keyshawn Hall (19.3 PPG at Auburn)*
Ruben Prey (4.1 PPG)

11. Miami Hurricanes

Previous ranking: 18

Ranking without fifth-years: 14

Jai Lucas was one of the surprise first-year head coaches last season, guiding Miami to a 19-win improvement with 24 regular-season wins, matching a program record. If all-league big man Malik Reneau is eligible, the Hurricanes should take the next step and push Duke in the ACC race. Even without Reneau, though, this is a top-20 team. Transfers Acaden Lewis and Somto Cyril will immediately upgrade the defense, while Shelton Henderson is due for a national breakout. Five-star recruit Caleb Gaskins and Robert Morris transfer DeSean Goode are viable options if Reneau isn't able to play.

Projected starting lineup

Acaden Lewis (12.2 PPG at Villanova)
Dante Allen (6.6 PPG)
Shelton Henderson (13.8 PPG)
Malik Reneau (18.9 PPG)*
Somto Cyril (9.3 PPG at Georgia)

12. Arkansas Razorbacks

Previous ranking: 10

Ranking without fifth-years: 9

As the rest of the sport aims to get older, John Calipari is comfortable leaning on the same roster construction that has brought him so much success over the years. The Razorbacks have the nation's No. 1 recruiting class, headlined by projected top-five NBA draft pick Jordan Smith, as well as five-stars JaShawn Andrews, Abdou Toure and Miikka Muurinen. They join returning starter Billy Richmond III. That said, Calipari didn't totally ignore the transfer portal, landing Jeremiah Wilkinson (Georgia) and Cooper Bowser (Furman).

Projected starting lineup

Jordan Smith (No. 2 in SC Next 100)
Jeremiah Wilkinson (17.4 PPG at Georgia)
Billy Richmond (11.1 PPG)
Miikka Muurinen (five-star)
Cooper Bowser (13.8 PPG at Furman)

13. Virginia Cavaliers

Previous ranking: 12

Ranking without fifth-years: 10

Virginia's ranking hasn't fluctuated much since the beginning of the offseason, given that the Cavaliers brought back four of their top six scorers who helped win 30 games and earn a 3-seed in the 2026 NCAA tournament. Thijs De Ridder, Sam Lewis and Johann Grunloh will once again start, while Chance Mallory is poised to be one of the elite point guards in the country. Ryan Odom then went out and added several options for the fifth starting spot: transfers Jurian Dixon (UC Irvine) and Christian Harmon (Arkansas State), as well as international recruit Nolan Adekunle.

Projected starting lineup

Chance Mallory (9.3 PPG)
Jurian Dixon (15.7 PPG at UC Irvine)
Sam Lewis (10.6 PPG)
Thijs De Ridder (15.6 PPG)
Johann Grunloh (7.1 PPG)

14. Gonzaga Bulldogs

Previous ranking: 13

Ranking without fifth-years: 22

Gonzaga has an enormous range of outcomes depending on how the five-for-five eligibility lawsuits play out over the next few weeks. Mark Few is waiting on Xaivian Lee (Florida), Chauncey Wiggins (Florida State) and Javon Bennett (Dayton); if none of them is eligible, the Zags are going to be undermanned in the backcourt, particularly at the point guard position. But this frontcourt is one of the best in the country. Braden Huff is an All-America candidate, while Arizona State transfer Massamba Diop has a high ceiling. Davis Fogle is ready for a breakout season, and former five-star recruit Isiah Harwell (Houston) was a smart add.

Projected starting lineup

Xaivian Lee (11.6 PPG at Florida)*
Chauncey Wiggins (13.3 PPG at Florida State)*
Davis Fogle (8.6 PPG)
Braden Huff (17.8 PPG)
Massamba Diop (13.6 PPG at Arizona State)

15. Louisville Cardinals

Previous ranking: 15

Ranking without fifth-years: 12

Pat Kelsey and the Cardinals made a big splash early in the portal cycle, landing Jackson Shelstad and Flory Bidunga the opening week of the window and setting the tone for what would be a high-priced signing spree. Alvaro Folgueiras (Iowa), Karter Knox (Arkansas), De'Shayne Montgomery (Dayton), Gabe Dynes (USC) and reclassified five-star big man Obinna Ekezie would follow. North Carolina transfer Seth Trimble is hoping for a fifth year of eligibility and would raise the floor for Louisville's backcourt. Adrian Wooley, a part-time starter last season, would likely push for a spot if Trimble can't play.

Projected starting lineup

Jackson Shelstad (15.6 PPG at Oregon)
Seth Trimble (14.0 PPG at North Carolina)*
Karter Knox (8.1 PPG at Arkansas)
Alvaro Folgueiras (8.4 PPG at Iowa)
Flory Bidunga (13.3 PPG at Kansas)

16. Missouri Tigers

Previous ranking: 14

Ranking without fifth-years: 19

We've been higher than most all offseason on Dennis Gates' roster -- and that was before the potential opportunity to bring back All-SEC forward Mark Mitchell for one more season presented itself. If Mitchell is eligible, this is one of the most talented on-paper rosters in the country, with returning starter Trent Pierce; transfers Jamier Jones (Providence), Bryson Tiller (Kansas), Jaylen Carey (Tennessee) and Kennard Davis Jr. (BYU); and five-star freshmen Jason Crowe Jr. and Toni Bryant in the potential rotation. Crowe is our pick for the most productive freshman in the country this season.

Projected starting lineup

Jason Crowe (No. 7 in SC Next 100)
Jamier Jones (11.9 PPG at Providence)
Mark Mitchell (18.3 PPG)*
Trent Pierce (10.4 PPG)
Bryson Tiller (7.9 PPG at Kansas)

17. USC Trojans

Previous ranking: 11

Ranking without fifth-years: 11

This is comfortably Eric Musselman's most talented team since arriving at USC, and perhaps of his entire college coaching career. Five McDonald's All-Americans are on the roster: returnee Alijah Arenas, UConn transfer Eric Reibe, and incoming freshmen Christian Collins, Adonis Ratliff and Darius Ratliff. Then there's Rodney Rice, who was averaging more than 20 points before getting hurt, All-Big East Georgetown transfer KJ Lewis, and Jacob Cofie, who opened eyes at the NBA draft combine. If this team is fully healthy -- Reibe and Lewis have been recovering from injury for much of the offseason -- it has the pieces to go deep in March.

Projected starting lineup

Rodney Rice (20.3 PPG)
KJ Lewis (14.9 PPG at Georgetown)
Alijah Arenas (14.1 PPG)
Jacob Cofie (9.9 PPG)
Eric Reibe (5.9 PPG at UConn)

18. Houston Cougars

Previous ranking: 17

Ranking without fifth-years: 13

It feels sacrilegious to rank a Kelvin Sampson team this low in the preseason, given the Cougars have won at least 30 games in five straight seasons and have received a 1- or 2-seed in four straight. But they lost their top four scorers, including lottery pick Kingston Flemings and program stalwart Emanuel Sharp. Joseph Tugler is back up front, where he'll line up with Kent State transfer and double-double machine Delrecco Gillespie. Returnees Mercy Miller and Chase McCarty and Purdue Fort Wayne transfer Corey Hadnot II will have to step up and provide wing scoring, while LSU transfer Dedan Thomas Jr. is being given the keys to the offense.

Projected starting lineup

Dedan Thomas Jr. (15.3 PPG at LSU)
Mercy Miller (5.2 PPG)
Chase McCarty (4.0 PPG)
Joseph Tugler (8.5 PPG)
Delrecco Gillespie (17.7 PPG at Kent State)

19. Kansas Jayhawks

Previous ranking: 25

Ranking without fifth-years: 21

Even before Kansas was one of the biggest beneficiaries of recent five-for-five decisions -- getting back a pair of starters in Melvin Council Jr. and Tre White -- the Jayhawks were going to open the season in the top 25. Bill Self is back for another year in Lawrence, and he's bringing in another player who will be in the No. 1 NBA draft pick discussion all season in Tyran Stokes, the No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2026. Self has an array of lineup options around Stokes, Council and White, with transfer Leroy Blyden Jr. (Toledo) and five-star freshman Taylen Kinney battling at the point, while Paul Mbiya, Keanu Dawes (Utah) and, when healthy, Christian Reeves (Charleston) fight up front.

Projected starting lineup

Leroy Blyden (16.5 PPG at Toledo)
Melvin Council Jr. (12.6 PPG)*
Tre White (13.8 PPG)*
Tyran Stokes (No. 1 in SC Next 100)
Keanu Dawes (12.5 PPG at Utah)

20. BYU Cougars

Previous ranking: 19

Ranking without fifth-years: 23

No. 1 NBA draft pick AJ Dybantsa is no longer in Provo, Utah, but Kevin Young and the Cougars are still going to be a factor in the Big 12. Robert Wright III's decision to withdraw from the portal was massive; he's one of the best point guards in the country. Flanking him on the perimeter will be Kentucky transfer Collin Chandler and top-10 prospect Bruce Branch III, potentially the Cougars' third consecutive lottery pick. The key will be the eligibility of Michigan State transfer Jaxon Kohler, who is pushing for a fifth year.

Projected starting lineup

Robert Wright III (18.1 PPG)
Collin Chandler (9.7 PPG at Kentucky)
Bruce Branch III (No. 6 in SC Next 100)
Jake Wahlin (5.3 PPG at Clemson)
Jaxon Kohler (12.5 PPG at Michigan State)*

21. Alabama Crimson Tide

Previous ranking: 16

Ranking without fifth-years: 15

Aden Holloway recently had his remaining drug charge dismissed, clearing the path for his return to the Crimson Tide. He will miss two regular-season games before his reinstatement on Nov. 9. That's great news for Nate Oats, who doesn't otherwise have a proven point guard on the roster. What Oats does have, however, is a projected first-round pick in Amari Allen, a potential breakout sophomore in London Jemison and a long list of newcomers, led by Boise State transfer Drew Fielder and five-star guard Jaxon Richardson. On paper, this doesn't appear to be the most explosive offense Oats has ever coached. But Alabama hasn't finished lower than fourth in adjusted offensive efficiency since 2023. He has earned some trust.

Projected starting lineup

Aden Holloway (16.8 PPG)
Jaxon Richardson (No. 19 in SC Next 100)
Amari Allen (11.4 PPG)
Drew Fielder (14.7 PPG at Boise State)
Brandon Garrison (4.7 PPG at Kentucky)

22. Michigan Wolverines

Previous ranking: 20

Ranking without fifth-years: 24

It has been a whirlwind offseason for the reigning champs. The Wolverines needed to rebuild their roster following the departure of three lottery picks, then had to watch as head coach Dusty May left to take over the Dallas Mavericks. Mike Boynton was promoted to the top spot and kept the team together, but then Michigan lost five-star guard and top incoming recruit Brandon McCoy in late August to a torn ACL. Final Four Most Outstanding Player Elliot Cadeau is back, though, as is breakout candidate Trey McKenney. Incoming transfers Moustapha Thiam (Cincinnati) and J.P. Estrella (Tennessee) will anchor the frontcourt, and Boynton will hope Roddy Gayle Jr.'s eligibility holds up.

Projected starting lineup

Elliot Cadeau (10.1 PPG)
Trey McKenney (9.5 PPG)
Roddy Gayle Jr. (7.3 PPG)*
JP Estrella (10.0 PPG at Tennessee)
Moustapha Thiam (12.8 PPG at Cincinnati)

23. Vanderbilt Commodores

Previous ranking: 24

Ranking without fifth-years: 16

Mark Byington guided the Commodores to a 16-0 start and a fourth-place finish in the SEC last season; he might have a more talented team on paper this time around. It starts with Wooden Award contender Tyler Tanner, one of the elite point guards in college basketball, while role player Chandler Bing is also back to push for a starting job. Vandy had a high-floor portal haul, with Ace Glass (Washington State), Bangot Dak (Colorado), Berke Buyuktuncel (Nebraska), T.O. Barrett (Missouri) and Sebastian Williams-Adams (Auburn) all capable of starting. Top-25 recruit Gabe Nesmith will provide some pop on the perimeter.

Projected starting lineup

Tyler Tanner (19.5 PPG)
Ace Glass (16.4 PPG at Washington State)
Chandler Bing (3.6 PPG)
Berke Buyuktuncel (6.5 PPG at Nebraska)
Bangot Dak (11.5 PPG at Colorado)

24. UCLA Bruins

Previous ranking: 23

Ranking without fifth-years: 17

Mick Cronin brings back three starters from last season's 24-win group: guard Trent Perry, forward Eric Dailey and big man Xavier Booker. That trio has been supplemented by the arrival of Texas Tech transfer Jaylen Petty, talented Serbian forward Nikola Kusturica and a pair of SEC big men in Filip Jovic (Auburn) and Sergej Macura (Mississippi State). Petty and Kusturica could be the keys for the Bruins in reaching their ceiling: Petty started the final 22 games of the season for Tech, though former teammate Christian Anderson handled the brunt of the playmaking, and Kusturica is incredibly talented but just turned 17 in April.

Projected starting lineup

Jaylen Petty (9.9 PPG at Texas Tech)
Trent Perry (12.6 PPG)
Nikola Kusturica (international)
Eric Dailey (11.6 PPG)
Xavier Booker (7.3 PPG)

25. Kentucky Wildcats

Previous ranking: 22

Ranking without fifth-years: 18

After a rocky start to the offseason, Mark Pope ultimately put together a roster that should be able to push for a second-weekend NCAA tournament appearance. Milan Momcilovic was arguably the best player in the portal, establishing himself as the best shooter in the country last season at Iowa State. Given the way fellow incoming transfers Zoom Diallo (Washington) and Alex Wilkins (Furman) are able to attack off the bounce, Momcilovic should have plenty of space for catch-and-shoot situations in Lexington. Malachi Moreno taking a step forward is imperative, and international arrival Ousmane N'Diaye, Kam Williams and Justin McBride should fight for the final starting spot.

Projected starting lineup

Zoom Diallo (15.7 PPG at Washington)
Alex Wilkins (17.8 PPG at Furman)
Milan Momcilovic (16.9 PPG at Iowa State)
Ousmane N'Diaye (9.8 PPG for Cremona)
Malachi Moreno (7.8 PPG)

Next five

Iowa State Cyclones
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Purdue Boilermakers
Villanova Wildcats
North Carolina Tar Heels