The transfer portal is shaking up rosters. Over 1,000 players entered on opening day alone in a record-breaking surge.
Draft choices will play a big part in shaping the future of the top teams this season. Players ranked in ESPN’s Top 50, like BYU’s Egor Demin, are expected to go pro.
Recruiting battles are heating up. Houston’s incoming class features three top-20 prospects, including Chris Cenac Jr. Kansas secured Darryn Peterson, a projected 2026 NBA draft top pick. BYU landed A.J. Dybantsa, the No. 1 recruit, with a massive NIL deal. Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd is stacking talent for their Big 12 debut.
Iowa’s Fran McCaffery stepped down, and Ben McCollum took over, bringing Drake’s Bennett Stirtz with him. Xavier’s Sean Miller left for Texas, leaving the Musketeers scrambling.
There has been a lot of debate on the internet surrounding the preseason ranking. ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25 tabs Houston as the favorite, with Purdue and Alabama close behind. Wisconsin’s Greg Gard is earning a lot of credit after adding transfers like Nick Boyd.
