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

24. Villanova Wildcats

2023-24 season record: 18-16 (10-10 Big East)

Despite another year of having a top-25 caliber roster, Coach Kyle Neptune and Villanova failed to make the Big Dance once again. But assuming there aren’t any more departures, there’s still enough talent to have hope for the program. They won’t have seniors Justin Moore and Hakim Hart, while Brendan Hausen has transferred out.

Who could return is Eric Dixon, who led the team with 16.6 ppg and 6.5 rpg last season and was easily the team’s best player. A 6th year is available for him and if he returns, will be a frontrunner for Big East Player of the Year. To help with the frontcourt depth are two four-star freshmen prospects in Matthew Hodge and Josiah Moseley.

The backcourt has a chance to remain strong, assuming that Mark Armstrong returns from the NBA Draft process. Veterans TJ Bamba and Jordan Longino are returning, while 6’8 wing Jordann Dumont is coming off a redshirt year.

There’s going to be a need for more depth and a capable No. 2 option to pair with Dixon since it didn’t work out with Moore. But the current group is good enough to get a top-25 nod, even with the questions with Neptune leading the way.