4. UCLA Bruins
Mick Cronin and the UCLA Bruins landed one of the more highly sought-after prospects in the transfer portal in New Mexico Star Donovan Dent, who averaged 20.4 PPG and 6.4 APG for the Lobos last season.
The addition of Dent -- who adds much-needed perimeter playmaking - is the key reason why the Bruins are not only a top four team in the Big Ten, but a clear preseason Top 25 team entering the 2025-26 NCAA basketball season.
While Dent (rightfully) steals the shine, the Bruins do return quite a bit with last year’s squad, including last year’s leading scorer Tyler Biodeau and double-digit scorer Eric Dailey Jr. on the wings. Returnee Skyy Clark will complement Dent in the backcourt alongside UMKC transfer Jamar Brown.
And there’s Michigan State Xavier Booker, a former five-star prospect who has yet to blossom. With Booker reportedly set to play the five this season, that could be the change (or not) that he needs. Regardless, the Bruins have a second-weekend caliber roster that will surely compete for a double-bye in the 2026 Big Ten Tournament.