College Basketball Top 25: St. John's Surges, Kentucky Enters After NBA Draft Deadline

The dust has settled on a pivotal offseason in college basketball. With the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline now in the rearview mirror, the transfer portal activity slowing, and rosters taking their final shape, a clearer picture of the 2026-27 season has emerged. FOX Sports college basketball analyst Casey Jacobsen has released his updated Top 25 rankings, reflecting the seismic shifts caused by key retentions and strategic additions. The new hierarchy reveals a compelling blend of returning star power, innovative roster construction through the transfer portal, and the emergence of powerhouse programs ready to contend for a national championship.

The Florida Gators sit atop the rankings, a position solidified after their entire frontcourt chose to return for another season. Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, and Rueben Chinyelu—all key contributors to Florida's 2025 national title—are back, providing a formidable interior presence. Guards Boogie Fland and Urban Klavzar also return to Gainesville, giving head coach Todd Golden a veteran-laden roster that experienced a Round of 32 exit last season but possesses the tools for a deeper run. The top five is rounded out by Illinois, Michigan, Duke, and Louisville, each with unique storylines of returnees and impactful newcomers.

The Top 10: Depth and Dynamism

The top 10 is characterized by a mix of established programs and surging contenders, each with distinct paths to success. Illinois holds the No. 2 spot, buoyed by the return of Andrej Stojakovic after he withdrew from the NBA Draft. Paired with David Mirkovic and Tomislav Ivisic, the Illini boast one of the nation's most formidable frontcourts. Michigan, the reigning national champions, checks in at No. 3, transitioning from a frontcourt-centric identity to a backcourt-led attack with Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney. Duke sits at No. 4, blending the returning core of Caleb Foster, Cayden Boozer, Dame Sarr, and Patrick Ngongba II with Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell and a new crop of five-star freshmen. Louisville rounds out the top five, having invested heavily in a roster headlined by Flory Bidunga, arguably the best defensive center in the country, and a dynamic backcourt featuring Jackson Shelstad and Karter Knox.

St. John's makes the biggest leap, crashing into the top 10 at No. 8 after the surprising addition of Baylor transfer Tounde Yessoufou. The big-bodied guard averaged 18 points and 6 rebounds last season, providing a perfect complement to Rick Pitino's system. Michigan State holds steady at No. 7, with point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. returning after leading the nation in assists per game. UConn, a national runner-up, sits at No. 6, relying on the return of Braylon Mullins and a strong transfer class. Arizona, Gonzaga, Texas, and Arkansas fill the rest of the top 15, each with compelling cases built on returning talent and portal acquisitions.

Key Stories: Kentucky's Return and St. John's Surge

Kentucky Wildcats (No. 25)

Kentucky's re-entry into the rankings is a testament to late-cycle roster maneuvering. The addition of Iowa State transfer Milan Momcilovic, the top-ranked transfer available in May, completely reshaped the Wildcats' outlook. Combined with the retention of Malachi Moreno, who averaged 8 points and 6 rebounds last season and is primed for a breakout, Kentucky now projects a solid starting five featuring Zoom Diallo, Alex Wilkins, Momcilovic, Ousmane N'Diaye, and Moreno.

St. John's Red Storm (No. 8)

St. John's ascension is a result of both retention and a key addition. The return of several core players created a strong foundation, but the acquisition of Baylor transfer Tounde Yessoufou proved to be the catalyst. His two-way impact and consistent scoring average provide the Red Storm with a versatile weapon, pushing them into the top 10 conversation they were already close to entering.

Mid-Major and Power Conference Standouts

The middle tier of the Top 25 is packed with programs that have engineered impressive offseasons. Vanderbilt (No. 20) retained star point guard Tyler Tanner, a likely preseason first-team All-American, but must adjust to the loss of starter AK Okereke. Indiana (No. 19) completely retooled its roster through a top-six transfer class, headlined by a dominant frontcourt duo of Aiden Sherrell and Samet Yigitoglu. BYU (No. 22) secured the return of Robert Wright III, one of the best floor generals in college basketball, and added five-star freshman Bruce Branch III and Collin Chandler from Kentucky.

Teams like Nebraska (No. 23) and Ohio State (No. 24) also made strong cases for inclusion. Nebraska boasts a dynamic backcourt with Trevan Leonhardt, Braden Frager, and Pryce Sandfort, though defensive questions remain. Ohio State welcomes a strong transfer class, including former Cal guard Justin Pippen, alongside returnee John Mobley Jr. and five-star freshman Anthony Thompson, the program's highest-rated recruit since Jared Sullinger.

Outlook and Predictions

The 2026-27 season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. The stabilization of rosters post-deadline has provided a clear view of the national landscape. Florida's continuity gives them an edge, while Illinois, Michigan, and Duke possess the star power and depth to challenge. The emergence of St. John's as a top-10 force and Kentucky's late entry into the rankings add intrigue. The season will hinge on how quickly new-look rosters gel, the health of key players, and the ability of coaches to maximize their talent. With national title aspirations at stake, every game will matter in what shapes up to be a thrilling race to the Final Four.