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

14. Ole Miss Rebels

One of the more underrated draft decisions to return was Matthew Murrell, who led the Rebels with 16.2 ppg last season. His being back gives Coach Chris Beard one of the more potent offensive lineups in all of NCAA Basketball. Also back is 13.8 ppg scoring guard Jaylen Murray, along with the guard pickup of Sean Pedulla, the star of Virginia Tech Basketball.

Forward Jaemyn Brakefield is joined by Malik Dia and Mikeal Brown-Jones, two of the top-scoring frontcourt players from the portal. Plus, Dre Davis is a versatile weapon from Seton Hall who can play and defend multiple positions. Ole Miss won’t be able to fly under the radar in the SEC and could be a darkhorse threat to win the league in 2025.

13. Indiana Hoosiers

The Hoosiers were an early offseason winner, landing three of the top transfers from the portal. Guards Myles Rice and Kanaan Carlyle will be one of the top Big Ten backcourts, while former Arizona center Oumar Ballo is one of the best overall pickups this offseason. And despite losing 5-star commit Liam McNeeley this offseason, the team was able to replace him with top-30 wing commit, Bryson Tucker.

The intriguing newcomers overshadow the trio of good returning players, including All-Big Ten forward, Malik Reneau. Trey Galloway and MacKenzie Mgbako are key rotation pieces as well and if the three-point shooting on this roster improves, look for them to be a contender in the conference.