NCAA Basketball: Alabama, Kentucky rises in latest way-too-early top-25 power rankings for 2024-25

24. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The Knights have a historic top-3 recruiting class, led by 5-star guards and top-3 prospects, Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper. Plus, they brought back leading scorer Jeremiah Williams and added key guard transfers, Tyson Acuff and former NEC Player of the Year, Jordan Derkack.

The concern for Rutgers is the frontcourt depth since Cliff Omoruyi is now at Alabama. Unless Princeton transfer Zach Martini can play the 5-spot or incoming freshmen Dylan Grant and Lathan Sommerville can play big minutes, that remains a position of weakness.

23. Marquette Golden Eagles

It’s another offseason where Coach Shaka Smart elected not to add a transfer but it could be a risky move, considering that they’re without two of their top three players. Big man Oso Oghodaro and former Big East Player of the Year guard Tyler Kolek are gone but leading scorer Kam Jones is back and a potential All-American candidate for next season. 

The key will be which of the supporting cast steps up in larger roles. Stretch forward David Joplin could be a focal point of the offense, while Ben Gold, Chase Ross, and Stevie Mitchell could all be breakout candidates. This team will be a good test in terms of whether ignoring the portal is still viable.