Never-Too-Early Preseason Top 25 Update: St. John’s Tumbles and New No. 1

Here, then, is the (correct) order of the Top 25 teams in my Never-Too-Early Preseason Top-25 rankings for the 2026-27 college basketball season.

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1. Duke

Last time: 2

Losing: Cameron Boozer, Isaiah Evans, Maliq Brown, Nikolas Khamenia, Darren Harris

Retaining: Cayden Boozer, Caleb Foster, Dame Sarr, Patrick Ngongba, Sebastian Wilkins

Incoming (2): Cameron Williams (4), Bryson Howard (23), Maxime Meyer (117), Deron Rippey Jr. (12), John Blackwell (Wisconsin), Drew Scharnowski (Belmont), Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje (Spain), Jacob Theodosiou (Loyola Md.)

When Boumtje Boumtje committed to Duke in April, he was characterized as a development project who was so young that he wouldn’t be eligible for the NBA Draft until 2028. After being named MVP at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup in Turkey, however, it is clear that Boumtje Boumtje is way more than that. He is already being pegged as the No. 1 pick in the 2028 draft, and yet it is possible he won’t even crack the starting lineup next season. That’s how talented Duke will be thanks to the decisions of Boozer and Ngonga to bypass the NBA Draft, Blackwell’s transfer from Wisconsin and yet another elite freshman class.

2. Florida

Last time: 1

Losing: Xaivian Lee, Micah Handlogten, Olivier Rioux

Retaining: Boogie Fland, Urban Klavzar, Isaiah Brown, C.J. Ingram, Alex Lloyd, Alex Condon, Thomas Haugh, Rueben Chinyelu

Incoming (144): Jones Lay (NA), Denzel Aberdeen (Kentucky), Arturas Butajevas (Lithuania), Domen Petrovic (Slovenia)

Thanks to the decisions of Haugh, Condon and Chinyelu to return (thank you NIL!), Florida will have six of the top seven scorers back from a team that won the SEC by three games and earned a No. 1 seed to the NCAA Tournament. Now the question is whether Aberdeen will be eligible. He is currently appealing to the NCAA for an extra year on the basis of the fact that he played just 41 minutes as a freshman at Florida. He spent three years in Gainesville and played for Kentucky last year before transferring back. Gators coach Todd Golden has said the school will support Aberdeen if he needs to take the NCAA to court. If he can’t play, the Gators’ ranking will be adjusted accordingly, because it would leave them perilously thin in the backcourt.

3. Arizona

Last time: 4

Losing: Brayden Burries, Koa Peat, Jaden Bradley, Tobe Awaka, Anthony Dell’Orso, Dwayne Aristode

Retaining: Ivan Kharchenkov, Sid Gueye, Bryce James, Montiejus Krivas

Incoming: (31): Caleb Holt (3), Cameron Holmes (34), Derek Dixon (North Carolina), J.J. Mandaquit (Washington), Endurance Aiyamenkhue (The Netherlands), Ugnius Jarusevicius (Nebraska), Evan Otten (Idaho State)

Peat took his decision down to the wire but decided to stay in the NBA Draft. Krivas, on the other hand, opted to return to Tucson. That vaulted the Wildcats back into the preseason top-five. Tommy Lloyd has another big-time freshman class on the way. Dixon was also a terrific pickup after showing much promise as a freshman in Chapel Hill.

4. Michigan State

Last time: 5

Losing: Jaxon Kohler, Trey Fort, Carson Cooper, Denham Wojcik, Divine Ugochukwu

Retaining: Jeremy Fears, Kur Teng, Coen Carr, Cam Ward, Jordan Scott, Jesse McCulloch, Kaleb Glenn

Incoming (7): Ethan Taylor (39), Jasiah Jervis (32), Carlos Medlock Jr. (54), Julius Avent (90), Anton Bonke (Charlotte)

Fears’ return puts the Spartans in position for another run at a Big Ten title. He could be the preseason National Player of the Year. Tom Izzo’s only incoming transfer is Bonke, a 7-foot-2 junior center from the South Pacific island of Vanuatu who averaged 10.6 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks last season for the 49ers. Otherwise, continuity will once again be the major feature for this program.

5. Illinois

Last time: 6

Losing: Keaton Wagler, Kylan Boswell, Ben Humrichous, Mihailo Petrovic, Toni Bilic, Ty Rodgers, Brandon Lee

Retaining: Andrej Stojakovic, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, Jake Davis, David Mirkovic

Incoming (10): Quentin Coleman (18), Lucas Morillo (50), Ethan Brown (212), Landon Davis (243), Zavier Zens (147), Lincoln Williams (203), Stefan Vaaks (Providence)

It was a close call, but Stojakovic decided at the last minute to return to Illinois. That means Brad Underwood will bring back five of the top eight scorers from his Final Four squad. Vaaks could be an All-Big Ten guard after a terrific freshman season at Providence. The Illini added even more depth in Williams, a three-star guard from Kankakee, Ill., who committed in early June.

6. Michigan

Last time: 3

Losing: Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara, Morez Johnson, Roddy Gayle, Nimari Burnett, Will Tschetter, L.J. Cason

Retaining: Elliot Cadeau, L.J. Cason, Trey McKenney

Incoming (4): Brandon McCoy (14), Quinn Costello (44), Joseph Hartman (95), Malachi Brown (169), Marcus Moller (Spain), Lincoln Cosby (45), J.P. Estrella (Tennessee), Jalen Reed (LSU), Moustapha Thiam (Cincinnati)

The Wolverines moved down a few spots due to Dusty May’s decision to leave for the Dallas Mavericks. The good news for his replacement, Mike Boynton, is that almost all the players have said they are staying despite being allowed to enter the portal on July 24 per NCAA rules. The exception is Cason, who was due to miss most of next season with an ACL injury. The school named Boynton as May’s permanent replacement, but he only has a two-year second contract, and the second year is not guaranteed. That’s not much of an endorsement, but this roster will give Boynton a great chance to secure the job long-term.

7. Louisville

Last time: 7

Losing: Mikel Brown Jr., Ryan Conwell, Kasean Pryor, J’Vonne Hadley, Ally Khalifa, Isaac McKneely, Kobe Rodgers, Sananda Fru, Khani Rooths, Vangelis Zougris

Retaining: Adrian Wooley

Incoming: Obinna Ekezie Jr. (4), Boyuan Zhang (49), Isaac Ellis (NA), London Johnson (NBA G League), Flory Bidunga (Kansas), Jackson Shelstead (Oregon), Karter Knox (Arkansas), Alvaro Folgueiras (Iowa), De’Shayne Montgomery (Dayton), Gabe Dynes (USC)

Once again, Pat Kelsey dipped into a very deep NIL bag and put together a promising roster. The biggest (and most expensive) piece is Bidunga. Ekezie is a 7-foot center who was ranked No. 4 in the 247Sports Composite for the Class of 2027. He reclassified into the Class of 2026. Knox was a two-year starter at Arkansas and Folgueris is a 6-foot-9 senior forward who was one of the stars of Iowa’s run to the Elite Eight. If Shelstad can stay healthy he could be a first team All-ACC point guard.

8. Texas

Last time: 14

Losing: Dailyn Swain, Jordan Pope, Tramon Mark, Chendall Weaver, Lassina Traore, Nic Codie, Declan Duru, Cam Heide, Simeon Wilcher

Retaining: Matas Vokietaitis

Incoming (6): Marcus Spears Jr. (6), Austin Goosby (24), Bo Ogden (68), Joe Sterling (123), Coleman Elkins (NA). Isaiah Johnson (Colorado), David Punch (TCU), Amari Evans (Tennessee), Elyjah Freeman (Auburn), Mikey Lewis (Saint Mary’s), Mantas Laurencikas (Lithuania)

The Longhorns were already loading up on talent and expectations, but that got ratcheted even further with Spears’ decision to reclassify into the Class of 2026. He was widely considered to be the top player of the Class of 2027, and he still may not crack this team’s starting lineup (at least not right away). Punch has the potential to be an All-SEC forward after he averaged 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Horned Frogs. He and Vokietaitis will comprise one of the top frontcourt tandems in the country. Lewis and Johnson are dynamic scorers who have proven themselves against top competition. Laurencikas, who played for AS Monaco Basket, a EuroLeague team in France, will provide backup at the point.

9. Houston

Last time: 8

Losing: Kingston Flemings, Milos Uzan, Chris Cenac Jr., Emanuel Sharp, Isiah Harwell, Ramon Walker, Kalifa Sakho

Retaining: Joseph Tugler, Mercy Miller, Chase McCarty, Cedric Lath, Bryce Jackson, Kordel Jefferson

Incoming: Arafan Diane (28), Ikenna Alozie (48), Tyus Thomas (256), Dedan Thomas (LSU), Delrecco Gillespie (Kent State), Corey Hadnot II (Fort Wayne), Braden East (Lamar)

Tugler’s decision to return instead of going into the NBA Draft was huge for the Cougars. He and Diane will make for an imposing tandem in the paint. Dedan Thomas is going to need to carry a heavy load to offset the losses of Uzan, Flemings and Sharp. Given Kelvin Sampson’s track record on player development, it’s safe to expect the other returnees will take significant steps forward.

10. Tennessee

Last time: 9

Losing: Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Nate Ament, Felix Okpara, Cade Phillips, Jaylen Carey, J.P. Estrella, Bishop Boswell, Amari Evans

Retaining: DeWayne Brown, Ethan Burg, Troy Henderson

Incoming (17): Chris Washington (55), Ralph Scott (74), Manny Green (170), Marquis Clark (262), Tyler Lundblade (Belmont), Dai Dai Ames (Cal), Miles Rubin (Loyola Chicago), Jalen Haralson (Notre Dame), Terrence Hill Jr. (VCU), Braedan Lue (Kennesaw State), Juke Harris (Wake Forest), Christian Fermin (VCU)

Rick Barnes’ impressive portal haul is headlined by Harris, who averaged 21.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists for the Demon Deacons. Lue is a 6-foot-8 junior forward who averaged 10.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists, and Lundblade is one of the nation’s best three-point shooters. This is shaping up to be one of the best offensive teams Barnes has coached.

11. UConn

Last time: 10

Losing: Tarris Reed, Alex Karaban, Malachi Smith, Eric Reibe, Jacob Furphy, Jaylin Stewart, Solo Ball

Retaining: Silas Demary, Jayden Ross, Jacob Ross, Braylon Mullins

Incoming: Colben Landrew (27), Junior County (40), Najai Hines (Seton Hall), Nik Khamenia (Duke), Oskar Giltay (Stanford), Nils Machowski (Wofford), Jaye Nash (Jacksonville State), Isaiah Shaw (Northern Arizona), Elmir Dzafic (Arkansas), Egor Amosov (Russia)

The best thing that happened for UConn this spring was Mullins’ decision to forego the NBA Draft. He and Demary will form one of the nation’s top backcourt tandems. Khamenia was also a huge addition from Duke. Nash and Machowski will give UConn some perimeter depth in the wake of Ball’s announcement that he is taking a medical redshirt next season following wrist surgery. Dan Hurley’s frontcourt got even deeper in recent weeks with the additions of Dzafic, a 7-foot sophomore from Bosnia who played just seven games as a freshman at Arkansas, and Amosov, a 6-foot-7 wing who competed for Real Madrid’s U22 team in the Spanish Liga U.

12. Virginia

Last time: 15

Losing: Malik Thomas, Jacari White, Dallin Hall, Ugonna Onyenso, Devin Tillis

Retaining: Thijs De Ridder, Chance Mallory, Sam Lewis, Johann Grunloh, Elijah Gertrude, Martin Carrere, Silas Barksdale

Incoming: Fabour Ibe (139), Jurian Dixon (UC Irvine), Christian Harmon (Arkansas State), Kalu Anya (Saint Louis)

The Cavs moved up largely because they are now No. 2 in BartTorvik’s preseason rankings. Ryan Odom will return four of the top six scorers from the team that finished second in the ACC. Ibe is a 7-foot-1 center from Maryland who also considered Tennessee, Alabama and Villanova. Dixon is a 6-foot-5 junior guard who averaged 15.7 points and 2.4 assists per game for the Anteaters.

13. Iowa State

Last time: 13

Losing: Joshua Jefferson, Dominick Nelson, Tamin Lipsey, Nate Heise, Eric Mulder, Cade Kelderman, Milan Momcilovic, Mason Williams

Retaining: Killyan Toure, Blake Buchanan, Jamarion Batemon, Dominykas Pleta, Xzavion Mitchell

Incoming (30): Donovan Davis (38), Dorian Rinaldo-Komian (103), Jackson Kiss (106), Christian Wiggins (120), Yusef Gray Jr. (188), Taj Manning (Kansas State), Leon Bond (Northern Iowa), Jaquan Johnson (Bradley), Tre Singleton (Northwestern)

T.J. Otzelberger bagged five guys from the portal over the first weekend. He also landed a big-time high school recruit in Davis. The 6-foot-7 forward from Wisconsin chose the Cyclones over local schools Wisconsin and Marquette, among others.

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14. Alabama

Last time: 16

Losing: Labaron Philon, Amari Allen, Latrell Wrightsell, Houston Mallette, Noah Williamson, Taylor Bol Bowen, Jalil Bethea, Aiden Sherrell, Davion Hannah

Retaining: Aden Holloway, London Jemison, Keitenn Bristow, Collins Onyejiaka, Amari Allen

Incoming (6): Qayden Samuels (29), Jaxon Richardson (25), Anderson Diaz (49), Tarris Bouie (52), Cole Cloer (NC State), Jamarion Davis-Fleming (Mississippi State), Brandon Garrison (Kentucky), Drew Fielder (Boise State)

Allen was originally projected as leaving for the draft, so his decision to return for his sophomore season was a huge boost for the Crimson Tide. He was projected to be a late first-round pick. Nate Oats shored up his frontcourt with the addition of Fielder, a 6-foot-10 senior forward who averaged 14.7 points and 5.7 rebounds for the Broncos last season. Garrison is a talented big man who should help offset the loss of Sherrell. Diaz is a four-star point guard from Georgia who committed to Alabama as a member of the Class of 2027 but reclassified in early July into the Class of ’26. The big question is Holloway, whose season ended early after he was arrested on drug charges but has made clear his intentions to return.

15. Arkansas

Last time: 17

Losing: Darius Acuff, Meleek Thomas, Trevon Brazile, Nick Pringle, Karter Knox, D.J. Wagner, Malique Ewin

Retaining: Billy Richmond, Isaiah Sealy

Incoming (1): Jordan Smith (2), J.J. Andrews (13), Abdou Toure (16), Davion Thompson (39), Miika Muurinen (NA), Maper Maker (NA), Jeremiah Wilkinson (Georgia), Cooper Bowser (Furman)

Thompson’s decision to reclassify into the Class of 2026 bolstered what was already the top recruiting class in the nation. The decisions of Thomas to stay in the draft and Richmond to return were projected from the beginning. The addition of Muurinen, a native of Finland who played at two different American high schools before heading overseas to play in Serbia, gave Arkansas the No. 1 recruiting class in the 247 Sports composite. Wilkinson, who averaged 17.4 points for the Bulldogs as a sophomore, was another huge pickup, but Arkansas’ fortunes next season will depend heavily on whether Smith can live up to his considerable hype. Maker is a 7-foot four-star center from Australia who committed on May 24.

16. USC

Last week: 18

Losing: Chad Baker-Mazara, Ezra Ausar, Jaden Brownell, Kam Woods, Ryan Cornish, Terrance Williams, Jordan Marsh, Jerry Easter, Gabe Dynes

Retaining: Rodney Rice, Jacob Cofie, Alijah Arenas

Incoming (11): Christian Collins (8), Adonis Ratliff (20), Darius Ratliff (31), KJ Lewis (Georgetown), Eric Reibe (UConn), Jalen Cox (Colgate), Joshua Hughes (Evansville), Aaron Hunkin-Claytor (Hawaii), Jadis Jones (Lindenwood), Isaac Bruns (South Dakota)

Eric Musselman’s third team at USC should be his best. The big news was Arenas’ decision to withdraw from the NBA Draft. The 6-foot-8 wing only played 14 games due to a knee injury, but he showed great promise while averaging 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists. The best incoming transfer is Reibe, a 7-foot-1 sophomore forward who is a former McDonald’s All-American who is poised for a breakout season after averaging 5.9 points and 3.3 rebounds in 13.8 minutes as a freshman at UConn. If Rice returns to form after missing most of last season due to a knee injury and the Trojans stay healthy otherwise, they can contend for a Big Ten title. Collins and the Ratliff twins are high-impact freshmen.

17. UCLA

Last time: 21

Losing: Donovan Dent, Tyler Bilodeau, Skyy Clark, Jamar Brown, Steven Jamerson

Retaining: Trent Perry, Eric Dailey, Xavier Booker, Brandon Williams, Eric Freeny

Incoming (23): Joe Philon (62), Javonte Floyd (167), Javonte Floyd (167), Sergej Macura (Mississippi State), Filip Jovic (Auburn), Jaylen Petty (Texas Tech), Azavier “Stink” Robinson (Butler), Nikola Kusturica (Spain)

The Bruins got a big-time addition on July 9 when Kusturica chose to play for UCLA over Kentucky and Michigan. The 6-foot-9 wing is considered one of the top prospects in Europe, and he will need to wait two years before entering the 2028 NBA Draft, where he will be in the mix for the No. 1 overall pick. Kusturica recently excelled at the FIBA Under 17 World Cup in Turkey, where he averaged 24.6 points and 6.9 rebounds while being named Best Defensive Player for his native Turkey. He also had 37 points and 9 rebounds in Serbia’s loss to the U.S. in the gold medal game. Robinson will slide into the starting point guard role as a replacement for Dent. Petty averaged 9.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists as a freshman at Texas Tech. UCLA’s success will hinge largely on whether the returning veterans can continue to develop.

18. Kansas

Last time: 19

Losing: Darryn Peterson, Melvin Council, Tre White, Flory Bidunga, Bryson Tiller, Elmarko Jackson, Jamari McDowell

Retaining: Kohl Rosario, Paul Mbiya, Samis Calderon

Incoming (3): Tyran Stokes (1), Taylor Kinney (20), Davion Adkins (92), Trent Perry (96), Luke Barnett (122), Grant Mordini (NA), Atticus Richmond (NA). Keanu Dawes (Utah), Leroy Blyden (Toledo), Christian Reeves (Charleston), Dennis Parker Jr. (Radford), Mihailo Musikic (Serbia)

The biggest news for Kansas came when Stokes announced his commitment on April 28. He is a potential No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft and will have an immediate impact in Lawrence. Kinney will also likely be a day-one starter as a freshman. Reeves, a 7-foot-2 center who averaged 11.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, should help make up for the loss of Bidunga. Blyden was the MAC Freshman of the Year after averaging 16.4 points, 4.5 assists and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 40 percent from three-point range. Kansas was in dire need of more frontcourt depth, so Bill Self added Musikic in early July. The 7-foot center is 24 years old and has been playing professionally in his native Serbia. It remains to be seen whether the NCAA will declare him eligible after the five-in-five rule is passed as expected.

19. Kentucky

Last time: NR

Losing: Otega Oweh, Denzel Aberdeen, Brandon Garrison, Jasper Johnson, Jaland Lowe, Jayden Quaintance, Mouhamed Dioubate

Retaining: Malachi Moreno, Andrija Jelavic, Collin Chandler, Kam Williams, Trent Noah, Braydon Hawthorne

Incoming (102): Mason Williams (138), Ousmane N’Diaye (NA), Alex Wilkins (Furman), Zoom Diallo (Washington), Ousmane N’Diaye (Senegal), Justin McBride (James Madison), Jerone Morton (Washington State), Franck Kepnang (Washington), Milan Momcilovic (Iowa State)

It was a nerve-wracking spring for Mark Pope and Big Blue Nation, but they finally got their stud on June 5 when Momcilovic committed. The 6-foot-8 senior forward shot a nation’s best 48.7 percent from three last season while averaging 16.9 points per game for the Cyclones. He entered the NBA Draft but withdrew right before the deadline and subsequently committed to the Wildcats over Louisville and Arizona. Moreno’s decision to return for his sophomore season gave the Cats an elite center heading into next season. Wilkins and Diallo are likely to be starters. N’Diaye was another late addition. The 6-foot-11 forward from Senegal committed on May 7. He is 22 years old.

20. St. John’s

Last time: 11

Losing: Zuby Ejiofor, Bryce Hopkins, Oziyah Sellers, Dillon Mitchell, Sadiku Ibine Ayo, Joson Sanon, Dylan Darling, Kelvin Odih, Lefteris Liotopoulos

Retaining: Ian Jackson, Ruben Prey, Casper Pohto, Imran Wojijanovic, Handje Tamba

Incoming (21): Quinn Ellis (England), Dordije Jovanovic (Montenegro), Donnie Freeman (Syracuse), Lazar Stojkovic (Serbia), Avery Brown (Columbia), Babacar Sane (Senegal), Kyle Cuff (Mercer), Tounde Yessoufou (Baylor)

The Red Storm’s ranking dropped because Freeman tore his right Achilles tendon in late June, which will cost him the season. The 6-foot-9 junior forward averaged 15.3 points and 7.5 rebounds during his two seasons as a starter at Syracuse. That was a tough blow, but the Johnnies still have the talent to contend for a Big East title. Yessoufou was a huge get out of the portal after he withdrew from the draft. He had an outstanding freshman season at Baylor, where he averaged 17.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists. Sane is a 6-foot-7 forward who has spent time in the NBA G League and most recently played professionally in Germany. He will be 23 years old when the season begins. Ellis is a point guard who played professionally in England and Jovanovic is a 6-foot-7 forward who is 22 years old.

21. Ohio State

Last time: 20

Losing: Bruce Thonrton, Devin Royal, Christoph Tilly, Brandon Noel, Puff Johnson, Colin White, Gabe Cupps, Taison Chatman

Retaining: John Mobley, Amare Bynum, Ivan Njegovan, Josh Ojianwuna

Incoming (18): Anthony Thompson (7), Alex Smith (122), LJ Smith (51), Andrija Jelavic (Kentucky), Justin Pippen (Cal), Jimmie Williams (Duquesne), Curtis Givens (Memphis), Vuk Lazarevic (Serbia)

Smith’s decision to reclassify into the Class of 2026 was big for the Buckeyes. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard from North Carolina was a consensus top-10 recruit in the Class of 2027. Replacing Thornton won’t be easy, but Jake Diebler has an impressive roster that can play its way into the top tier of the Big Ten. Mobley will have to carry the load as the team’s new alpha. Bynum should be headed for a breakout sophomore season, and Ojianwuna could be a major defensive presence as he comes off a knee injury that sidelined him last season following his transfer from Baylor. Williams averaged 15.1 points per game as a sophomore for the Dukes. Expectations are sky high for Thompson’s freshman season in Columbus.

22. Indiana

Last time: 21

Losing: Lamar Wilkerson, Tayton Conerway, Tucker DeVries, Reed Bailey, Sam Alexis, Conor Enright, Nick Dorn, Aleksa Ristic, Jasai Miles

Retaining: Trent Sisley

Incoming (16): Vaughn Karvala (51), Trevor Menhertz (65), Prince-Alexander Moody (80), Bryce Lindsay (Villanova), Aiden Sherrell (Alabama), Samet Yigitoglu (SMU), Markus Burton (Notre Dame), Darren Harris (Duke), Jaeden Mustaf (Georgia Tech), Clemens Sokolov (Germany), Justin Monden (Maryland Eastern Shore)

Darien DeVries’ roster has been heavily replenished through the transfer portal. Lindsay and Burton are high-scoring guards, and Harris would have had more impact at Duke if he weren’t playing alongside so much talent. Yigitoglu is an experienced big who can finish at the rim and protect it on defense. Sokolov is a 7-foot center who averaged 6.4 points and 5.0 rebounds in a German pro league. He is 18 years old and considered a developmental prospect.

23.  Vanderbilt

Last time: 24

Losing: Duke Miles, Frankie Collins, Tyler Nickel, A.K. Okereke, Devin McGlockton, Jalen Washington, Mike James, Tyler Harris, George Kimble III

Retaining: Chandler Bing, Jayden Leverett, Tyler Tanner

Incoming (24): Ethan Mgbako (75), Anthony Brown (81), Jackson Sheffield (122), Gabe Nesmith, Berke Buyuntuncel (Nebraska), Ace Glass (Washington State), Bangot Dak (Colorado), Sebastian Williams-Adams (Auburn), T.O. Barrett (Missouri)

Mark Byington got some more good news on Sunday when four-star recruit Gabe Nesmith decided to reclassify into the Class of 2026. That means he can suit up for the Commodores this season. He’ll excel alongside Tanner, who turned down the NBA Draft. The Commodores had much to replace, but all five transfers that Mark Byington signed will have a chance to play major minutes. Williams-Adams is a 6-foot-8 sophomore forward who started 21 games for the Tigers and averaged 7.0 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Dak is a 6-foot-9 senior who was a three-year starter at Colorado and has pro potential. Buyuntuncel is a versatile wing who is on his third team after being a two-year starter at Nebraska following his freshman season at UCLA.

24. Gonzaga

Last time: 12

Losing: Graham Ike, Tyon Grant-Foster, Jalen Warley, Adam Miller, Steele Venters, Emmanuel Innocenti, Braeden Smith, Mario Saint-Supery

Retaining: Braden Huff, Davis Fogle, Mario Saint-Supery, Parker Jefferson

Incoming (26): Luca Foster (53), Sam Funches (98), Isiah Harwell (Houston), Massamba Diop (Arizona State), Izan Almansa (Spain), Skylar Wicks (Saint Francis), Nathan De Sousa (France), Juwan Ekanga-Ehawa (France)

Saint Supery’s shocking decision to return to play professionally in his native Spain was a devastating blow for Gonzaga, not least because it happened too late for Mark Few to find an adequate replacement. It was the second piece of surprising bad news following the decision of French guard Jack Kayil to remain in the NBA Draft. Few did get a quality transfer in Diop, a 7-foot-1 sophomore center from Senegal who averaged 13.6 points and 2.1 blocks in his freshman season. He will make a perfect complement to Huff, who needs to get back to health after missing the last three months of the season with a knee injury. Fogle is poised for a breakout sophomore season. Few recently added two international prospects in Wicks, a well-traveled 6-foot-6 senior guard who averaged 17.8 points for Saint Francis, and De Sousa, who is 23 years old and will have one season of college eligibility.

25. Miami

Last time: 23

Losing: Malik Reneau, Tre Donaldson, Ernest Udeh, Tru Washington, Noam Dovrat, Timo Malovec, Salih Altuntas, John Laboy

Retaining: Shelton Henderson, Dante Allen, Marcus Allen

Incoming (41): Caleb Gaskins (16), Chris Birden (NA), Acaden Lewis (Villanova), Somto Cyril (Georgia), DeSean Goode (Robert Morris), Quin Berger (Bucknell), Nick Dorn (Indiana), Brent Bland (Saint Peter’s), Egor Ryzhov (Russia)

Jai Lucas has done a great job rebuilding a roster that lost seven players to the portal. Lewis was one of the top freshmen in the country last season and should be a top-three ACC point guard. Henderson has the potential to play his way into the lottery as a sophomore. The 6-foot-11 Cyril was a starter last season for Georgia, where he averaged 9.3 points and 5.4 rebounds in 21.2 minutes. Bland is a three-point specialist who averaged 13.9 points per game for the Peacocks, while Dorn is a 6-foot-7 senior forward who averaged 8.1 points on 38-percent three-point shooting for the Hoosiers. Ryzhov will make a nice addition to the frontcourt. The 6-foot-11 center averaged 11.7 points and 5.9 rebounds for BC Enisey in the VTB United League.