ESPN reveals way-too-early Top 25 college basketball rankings for 2024-25 season

ESPN revealed its way-too-early Top 25 college basketball rankings for the 2024-25 season following UConn’s national title win.

The 2024 campaign is in the books so it’s time to look ahead to next season already. Yes, spring just started but we can’t wait either!

Let’s dive into ESPN’s way-too-early rankings for the 2024-25 college basketball season.

1. Duke

After getting to the Elite Eight this season, Duke reloads for 2025. Jon Scheyer brought in top recruit Cooper Flagg to headline the team.

Let’s not forget about Khaman Maluach, a projected top-five pick. If there’s no Jeremy Roach, the Blue Devils will rely on Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster.

2. Gonzaga

The Bulldogs bring everyone back except Anton Watson so they’ll be highly regarded. Mark Few could have a national title team in 2025.

While we’ve heard that before, transfers Michael Ajayi and Steele Venters should be good pieces next year. Let’s forget the duo of Ryan Nembhard and Graham Ike.

3. Kansas

Kansas entered this past season as the No. 1 team and safe to say, the Jayhawks didn’t live up to expectations. Hunter Dickinson could come back next season, but has yet to make a decision.

Bill Self does bring back a loaded lineup though. Dajuan Harris Jr. and KJ Adams Jr. are back as well as the additions of Zeke Mayo and Riley Kugel.

4. UConn

Can the two-time champs go for three in a row in 2025? Hard to say no to Dan Hurley’s squad at this point. But they’ll have to retool.

All five starters could be gone next season so good luck with that. Hassan Diarra could come back for a sixth year if he wants to. But Hurley will have to really go to work this offseason.

5. Iowa State

The Big 12 champions will certainly bring back some talent for 2025. Tamin Lipsey and Keshon Gilbert return in the backcourt.

Iowa State also landed some good transfers this cycle, getting Nate Heise from Northern Iowa and Dishon Jackosn from Charlotte. Curtis Jones could come back for an extra year too.

6. Purdue

There’s no more Zach Edey so it’ll look a little different for Purdue next season. But, the Boilermakers bring back Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer.

Trey Kauffman-Renn is expected to have a big role in the front court next season. Matt Painter’s next challenge is to develop a breakout reserve.

7. Houston

Kelvin Sampson can make a lot happen with little so we’ll see how this Cougars team finishes in 2025. J’Wan Roberts already announced his return for next season.

LJ Cryer announced he would return so this could very well boost Houston quickly. Without Jamal Shead, Sampson will have to replace an All-American. Emmanuel Sharp, who averaged 12.6 points per game last year, should have a big year.

8. Arizona

There are questions about who’s actually coming back next season. Caleb Love, Pelle Larsson have a year left. Oumar Ballo already entered the transfer portal.

Tommy Lloyd has a great perimeter though. Kylan Boswell, Jaden Bradley, KJ Lewis, Joson Sanon and Jamari Phillips are the crew.

9. Tennessee

Rick Barnes had quite the offense this past season but Dalton Knecht is gone for next year. Zakai Zeigler is back and keeps the high octane attack going.

Jonas Aidoo made significant strides so he’ll be one to watch out for next season. But, the Volunteers need someone else to step up in Knecht’s absence and add a new dimension.

10. Baylor

Scott Drew’s crew, well as of now Baylor is his crew with the Kentucky opening right now. Drew brings back an interesting team that should be a contender. 

Jayden Nunn and Langston Love scored in double figures this past season. Robert Wright III and VJ Edgecombe are enticing freshmen coming into the program.

Rest of Way-too-Early Top 25

11. Marquette
12. Alabama
13. Florida
14. BYU
15. North Carolina
16. St. Mary’s
17. Miami
18. Auburn
19. UCLA
20. Maryland
21. Rutgers
22. Dayton
23. Kentucky
24. Wisconsin
25. Cincinnati

Next in line: Texas, Ohio State, San Diego State, Michigan State, New Mexico

So there it is. The way-too-early top 25 rankings to get ready for the new college basketball season. It’ll be here before we know it.