How NBA draft withdrawal moved our early NCAA top 25 rankings

ByJeff Borzello ESPN logo
Monday, June 2, 2025
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With the transfer portal and the increasing number of international prospects going to college, the real college basketball offseason is shorter than ever. Even as you read this, rosters are still being tweaked and fine-tuned.

But the final major deadline of the offseason calendar came and went on May 28, the deadline for players to withdraw their names from the NBA draft and return to college. Now, the 2025-26 college basketball landscape is finally coming into focus.

The debate over preseason No. 1 intensified withMilos Uzanreturning to Houston and Florida addingBoogie Flandwhile also getting back Alex Condon. Both programs are squarely in the conversation alongside Purdue, with UConn and St. John's not far behind.

As things stand, we have the fewest questions about the Boilermakers, who likely have the highest floor given the return of Wooden Award favoriteBraden Smith and All-American Trey Kaufman-Renn. So, for now, Matt Painter's team retains its place atop the rankings.

As the offseason progresses and we have more time to dive into rosters and rotations, there will be constant shuffling. But let's take a look at our latest projections for the top 25 teams for next season.

1. Purdue Boilermakers


Previous ranking:1

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