College Basketball Rankings for the 2024-25 Season

College Basketball Rankings for the 2024-25 Season: Top Teams and Key Storylines

As the 2024-25 college basketball season approaches, excitement is building around the nation’s top programs as they prepare to battle for supremacy on the hardwood. With a mix of returning stars, highly touted recruits, and major program shifts, the landscape of college basketball is set for another thrilling year. Here’s a look at the preseason rankings, key storylines, and teams to watch as the season tips off.

Preseason Top 10 College Basketball Rankings

1. Kansas Jayhawks
   Kansas enters the 2024-25 season as the unanimous favorite, earning the No. 1 spot in the preseason rankings. Under head coach Bill Self, the Jayhawks are poised to continue their dominance after winning the national title in 2022 and making deep tournament runs in recent years. Kansas brings back a mix of experienced upperclassmen and dynamic newcomers, including top recruit and McDonald’s All-American, Jalen Wilson. With a balanced roster and one of the best coaches in the game, Kansas is a clear frontrunner for another Final Four appearance.
2. Duke Blue Devils
   Duke is back in the conversation for a national championship with a stacked roster led by the No. 1 overall recruiting class. Jon Scheyer, now firmly in his second year as head coach, has put together a team that blends explosive freshman talent with solid returning players. The Blue Devils will rely heavily on five-star recruits like forward Mackenzie Mgbako and guard Caleb Foster, who are expected to make an immediate impact. Duke’s athleticism and depth will make them a formidable opponent all season long.
3. Michigan State Spartans
   Tom Izzo’s Spartans remain one of the most consistently competitive teams in college basketball. Michigan State returns a solid core of veterans, including point guard Tyson Walker and forward Malik Hall, who are poised to lead the team through a tough Big Ten schedule. The Spartans also added key transfers and highly ranked freshman, making them a serious contender in both the Big Ten and on the national stage.
4. Purdue Boilermakers
   After a strong 2023-24 season, Purdue enters the new year with even higher expectations. Led by one of the best big men in college basketball, Zach Edey, Purdue remains a dominant force in the paint. Edey’s presence, coupled with a solid backcourt featuring Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer, gives the Boilermakers one of the most balanced rosters in the country. Purdue is primed for another deep tournament run and will be a major challenger in the Big Ten.
5. Kentucky Wildcats
   Kentucky’s reputation for producing top NBA talent continues as head coach John Calipari reloads with another top-ranked recruiting class. This season, the Wildcats have a mix of dynamic freshmen, including guards DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw, who will help solidify their backcourt. Kentucky also returns several key pieces from last season’s roster, making them a balanced, dangerous team. Look for the Wildcats to make noise in the SEC and beyond.
6. Arizona Wildcats
   Arizona is one of the rising programs in college basketball, and they come into the 2024-25 season with high expectations. The Wildcats return a strong core, including All-American forward Azuolas Tubelis, and have added depth in the form of talented newcomers. Arizona’s high-powered offense and ability to control the pace of the game will make them a tough team to beat in the Pac-12 and on the national stage.
7. Houston Cougars
   Kelvin Sampson’s Houston Cougars are once again a team to watch, as they enter the season with one of the best defenses in the country. Houston is deep, experienced, and hungry after a strong run in the 2024 NCAA tournament. With standout guard Marcus Sasser returning and a roster filled with seasoned players, the Cougars are primed to continue their ascent as a national powerhouse.
8. UConn Huskies
   The defending national champions, UConn, had an impressive 2023-24 campaign, and despite the loss of key players, they are expected to be strong again. Dan Hurley has built a program that can compete with the best of the best, and the Huskies return some solid pieces, including forward Andre Jackson. UConn’s style of play and unselfish offense make them one of the toughest teams to prepare for, and they should remain contenders for another deep March Madness run.
9. Baylor Bears
   Baylor remains one of the top programs in the Big 12 and the nation heading into the 2024-25 season. With a balanced roster that includes returning stars and new talent, the Bears are set to challenge for the Big 12 title. Baylor’s fast-paced, high-scoring offense and aggressive defense will continue to make them a tough out for any opponent. Head coach Scott Drew’s track record of success makes the Bears a team to watch.
10. Tennessee Volunteers
    The Tennessee Volunteers are ranked in the top 10 thanks to their stout defense and proven depth. Under head coach Rick Barnes, Tennessee has developed a reputation for being one of the most physical teams in college basketball. With a veteran-heavy roster and a talented incoming class, Tennessee will be a force in the SEC and will look to make a serious push in the NCAA tournament.

Key Storylines for the 2024-25 Season

The Transfer Portal Impact
The rise of the transfer portal has fundamentally changed the landscape of college basketball, and several teams have made key additions through this system. Programs like Michigan State and Purdue have bolstered their rosters with veteran transfers, which could make all the difference in a highly competitive season. The portal will continue to be a critical factor in team success, with schools looking to fill gaps in their rosters with experienced players.

The Race for Player of the Year
As always, the Player of the Year race will be one of the most intriguing storylines of the season. Players like Kansas’ Jalen Wilson, Purdue’s Zach Edey, and Duke’s Mackenzie Mgbako are expected to make major impacts, but there’s always the possibility of a breakout star emerging as the frontrunner. The individual performances of these players will heavily influence the rankings and success of their teams.

Changes in Conference Power
The shifting dynamics of college basketball conferences are becoming increasingly important. The Big Ten, SEC, and Big 12 all have strong contenders this year, but the Pac-12, with teams like Arizona, could surprise. The ever-growing competition among conferences will make for thrilling matchups throughout the regular season.

Conclusion

The 2024-25 college basketball season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, with several teams jockeying for position at the top of the rankings. Kansas, Duke, Michigan State, and Purdue are among the favorites to compete for the national title, but with so much talent spread across the country, anything can happen once the tournament begins. As the season kicks off, fans are sure to be treated to an unforgettable year of college hoops.