7. Oregon Ducks
Nate Bittle didn’t receive an invite to the NBA Draft Combine, meaning a return is more likely than perceived a month ago. Jackson Shelstad returns. Kwame Evans Jr. returns. This immediately bolsters the much-needed and ever-so-under-appreciated experience for the Ducks.
Dana Altman also made a splash in the transfer portal, landing Incoming junior TK Simpkins, who averaged 16.4 PPG at Elon. Simpkins brings high-volume scoring to Oregon’s backcourt.
The bottom line: betting against Dana Altman is ill-advised. Dana Altman can find diamonds in the rough. If Bittle somehow doesn't return, the name in the frontcourt to watch is Penn State Miles Goodman, who entered State College with high expectations but fell in the rotation after dealing with an early-season shoulder injury. If Bittle returns, the Ducks are clearly a preseason top-25 team and will be among the top teams in the Big Ten in 2025-26.