1. BYU

The Cougars have high expectations going into next season.

AJ Dybantsa is one of the top freshmen in the country, and Baylor transfer Robert Wright III was a key portal addition.

But Richie Saunders has yet to make his official decision. If he comes back, it would not be surprising to see BYU ranked in the Top 10 of the Preseason AP Poll.

2. Arizona

Tommy Lloyd signed two McDonald’s All-American freshmen and secured the return of starting point guard Jaden Bradley.

The loss of Caleb Love won’t be easy to overcome, but five-star freshman Brayden Burries could fit perfectly into that role.

And with big man Tobe Awaka electing to return to Tucson for another season, the Cats should once again finish near the top of the Big 12.

3. UCLA

The addition of Donovan Dent was a significant portal coup that arguably makes UCLA a preseason Top 25 team.

It remains to be seen how Dent adjusts to Mick Cronin’s culture and how he fits within Cronin’s offensive scheme.

But Tyler Bilodeau is returning as well, and Cronin should have plenty of buy-in from his roster.

4. Oregon

Jackson Shelstad is coming back to Eugene for another season. There are very few players on his level, and getting him back for another year was a major offseason development.

Kwame Evans Jr. and Jadrian Tracey are both back as well, while starting center Nate Bittle has yet to officially announce his decision.

Dana Altman added Elon transfer TK Simpkins (16.4 ppg, 42.3% FG) from the portal, and rising sophomore Jamari Phillips could become a contributor.

5. Gonzaga

The Zags return two key players from their frontcourt, with both Graham Ike and Braden Huff announcing their return to Spokane.

The backcourt, however, is an open question. Mark Few is losing four starters and hasn’t made a splash addition from the portal.

That doesn’t exactly inspire confidence, but Few deserves the benefit of the doubt.

6. Washington

The Huskies might be legit. Getting Wesley Yates III out of the portal was a pivotal move that changes the expectations for 2025-26.

The former USC guard averaged 14.1 points per game on highly efficient 47.8 percent shooting, including 43.9 percent from three.

Combined with multiple other key additions in the portal, including Lipscomb’s Jacob Ognacevic (20.0 ppg, 57.5% FG) and East Tennessee State’s Quimari Peterson (19.5 ppg, 46.8% FG), it’s fair to expect the Dawgs to make the NCAA Tournament.

7. New Mexico

There’s something special brewing in Albuquerque.

The Lobos lost their coach to Xavier? No problem. UNM lost its best player to UCLA? Forget about it. New Mexico basketball will not roll over and die.

The hiring of UC San Diego’s Eric Olen was arguably the perfect choice to keep the program trending upwards.

The roster is still in flux, and who knows exactly how competitive it will be? But New Mexico is a growing power that can’t be ignored.

8. Saint Mary’s

Somehow, someway, Randy Bennett will coach his 2025-26 roster up, and the Gaels will make the NCAA Tournament.

The consistency he has shown over the years makes Saint Mary’s a regional power, regardless of the recruiting rankings.

Four-star freshman Dillan Shaw should have an immediate impact, and there might be some portal additions over the summer.

9. USC

Losing Wesley Yates III to Washington was not a good sign.

But USC currently has the No. 11 transfer class, per 247Sports, and the No. 26 overall class when factoring in freshmen recruits.

Five-star and McDonald’s All-American Alijah Arenas is recovering from a recent auto accident. An update on his condition is expected soon.

Maryland transfer Rodney Rice (13.8 ppg, 43.4% FG) figures to have a critical role.

10. Utah State

Head coach Jerrod Calhoun probably could have left to coach at another school. His decision to come back to Logan is a clear indication of Utah State’s strength.

The blowout loss to UCLA in the First Round was a problem, and USU is losing several key players from that roster.

But Utah State has made the NCAA Tournament three years in a row and five of the last seven seasons.

All of that despite having four different coaches during the span. The consistency is evidence of institutional strength that should be recognized.