NCAA Basketball: Way-too-early top-25 power rankings for 2024-25 season

4. Iowa State Cyclones

2023-24 season record: 29-8 (13-5 Big 12)

T.J. Otzelberger has become one of the best head coaches in NCAA Basketball, making Iowa State a top-tier Big 12 school. It may be harder going forward with four new programs but the Cyclones should be well-equipped to remain a contender next season.

Right now, the team is set to return its top four scorers from this year. Tamin Lipsey was one of the best point guards in the country, while Keshon Gilbert (13.7 ppg) led the team in scoring. Curtis Jones has a covid year left if he wants it, while forward Milan Momcilovic will be a projected breakout sophomore to watch.

The frontcourt around Momcilovic will look different, as both Robert Jones and Hason Ward have moved on, while former five-star prospect Omaha Biliew transferred out. The team has already landed some pieces to replace them in Dishon Jackson and Brandton Chatfield, two mid-major transfer bigs, along with former Northern Iowa wing, Nate Heise.

Iowa State should remain one of the best defensive teams next year and should have plenty of depth. The question as to whether they can compete for a national title will depend on if Lipsey and Momcilovic can take another step to become a national stars.