NCAA Basketball: Preseason top 25 power rankings for 2024-25 season
After a long offseason, we're just a few weeks away from the start of the 2024-25 NCAA Basketball season. We've had hundreds of departing players to the pro ranks, over 1,000 D-I players switched teams, and numerous coaching changes.
That created 99% of different rosters in the final weeks of the offseason. But on paper, some programs have emerged as better than others. But who are the teams to beat ahead of the November 4th debut? Here's a look at the top 25 teams, as well as a few honorable mentions.
Honorable Mention: Texas Tech Red Raiders
After a strong first season, Coach Grant McCasland should have one of the better defensive units in the country, led by New Mexico transfer forward, JT Toppin. Minnesota transfer Elijah Hawkins was one of the top passers last season and if there's enough shooting, the Red Raiders will be a factor in the Big 12.
HM: Rutgers Scarlet Knights
There might not be a program with more eyes on it than Rutgers, who has two 5-star prospects joining in Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper. The question is outside of returning leading scorer Jeremiah Williams, is the supporting case enough for them to win big? Frontcourt questions will need to be answered before they're a top-25 lock.
HM: Ohio State Buckeyes
The backcourt duo of Meechie Johnson and Bruce Thornton will be one of the best in NCAA Basketball this season. The key will be the frontcourt, where they landed former 5-star prospects, Aaron Bradshaw and Sean Stewart. If those two can be breakout players, then the Buckeyes will be a big threat in the Big Ten.
HM: Grand Canyon Antelopes
Who is the best mid-major roster in the country? A good case can be made for Grand Canyon, who returns WAC Player of the Year star Tyon-Grant Foster. Starting guard Rayshon Harrison is back, while transfers Dennis Evans and JaKobe Coles give them a high-major frontcourt. They'll be a heavy favorite in the WAC and can win 30+ games this season.
HM: Cincinnati Bearcats
All three double-digit scorers are back for another year, including wings Daniel Skillings and Simas Lukošius. Adding transfer Dillon Mitchell over from Texas gives them a quality defensive frontcourt. If someone can break out as a star go-to guy, the Bearcats can be a dark horse contender to be a top program.