School basketball rankings: Houston, North Carolina lead way-too-early High 25 And 1 for 2024-25 season

It is by no means been tougher to assemble the CBS Sports activities High 25 And 1 seven months earlier than the beginning of the subsequent season than it’s lately. The switch portal is full. Large NIL offers are being supplied from coast to coast. John Calipari is altering jobs. There’s loads happening.

However the uncertainty will not cease me!

So right here is Model 1.0 of the 2024-25 CBS Sports activities preseason High 25 And 1, the place Houston will begin at No. 1 primarily based on the concept Kelvin Sampson ought to return his prime 4 scorers — and each rotation participant moreover Damian Dunn — from a workforce that received the Massive 12 by a number of video games and secured a No. 1 seed within the 2024 NCAA Event. Fact is, as nice as Jamal Shead is at this degree, he isn’t assured to be picked within the 2024 NBA Draft. So, with no nice skilled choices accessible, probably the most financially smart factor the All-American guard may possible do is return to Kelvin Sampson’s program with good NIL packages.

If he does not, I will alter — similar to at all times.

However, for now a minimum of, Houston is No. 1 within the High 25 And 1.

As you may see beneath, I’ve omitted each Kentucky and Arkansas — i.e., Calipari’s former college and present college — from Model 1.0 of the High 25 And 1 as a result of there’s simply a lot uncertainty in each locations. Arkansas has a coach however no workforce. Kentucky has neither. So, whereas it is potential, if not going, that the Razorbacks and Wildcats will each ultimately find yourself within the High 25 And 1, proper now there’s simply nothing strong to base that on, which is why Kentucky and Arkansas are beginning on the surface trying in.

What about UConn?

I’ve positioned the Huskies at No. 6 in Model 1.0 despite the fact that they’re projected to lose 4 of their prime 5 scorers — everyone besides Alex Karaban. Merely put, that is simply me giving Dan Hurley’s program the good thing about the doubt that it is earned over the previous two seasons as back-to-back nationwide champions. As soon as UConn begins including items through the switch portal, my assumption is that they’re going to slowly transfer up the High 25 And 1 all through this offseason and discover themselves in November positioned to probably three-peat.

High 25 And 1 rankings

Greatest Movers

Rk Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.	Groups		Chg	Rcrd
1	Houston	This rating relies on Kelvin Sampson’s Cougars returning each rotation piece moreover Damian Dunn from a workforce that received the Massive 12 by two video games and earned a No. 1 seed within the 2024 NCAA Event. A backcourt of Jamal Shead, LJ Cryer and Emanuel Sharp would give Houston an opportunity to make a second Remaining 4 in a five-year span.	2	32-5
2	N. Carolina	This rating relies on Hubert Davis’ Tar Heels returning three of the highest 5 scorers – particularly RJ Davis, Harrison Ingram and Elliot Cadeau – from a workforce that received the ACC and secured a No. 1 seed within the 2024 NCAA Event. UNC can also be including a top-10 recruiting class highlighted by five-star prospects Ian Jackson and Drake Powell that ought to give this system an opportunity to make a twenty second look within the Remaining 4.	3	29-8
3	Iowa St.	This rating relies on TJ Otzelberger’s Cyclones returning the highest 4 scorers from a workforce that received 29 video games and earned a No. 2 seed within the 2024 NCAA Event. Each Tamin Lipsey and Keshon Gilbert may compete for Massive 12 Participant of the 12 months honors and place Iowa State to perhaps make what can be this system’s first journey to the Remaining 4 since 1944.	1	29-8
4	Kansas	This rating relies on Invoice Self’s Jayhawks returning three of the highest six scorers – particularly Hunter Dickinson, KJ Adams and Dajuan Harris – from a workforce that secured a No. 4 seed within the 2024 NCAA Event. Kansas has already added Riley Kugel (Florida) and Zeke Mayo (South Dakota State) from the switch portal and must be again close to the highest of the Massive 12 subsequent season.	9	23-11
5	Duke	This rating relies on Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils returning two of the highest six scorers – particularly Jeremy Roach and Caleb Foster – from a workforce that secured a No. 4 seed within the 2024 NCAA Event. Duke additionally has the game’s top-ranked recruiting class headlined by Cooper Flagg, the consensus No. 1 prospect within the Class of 2024 who may shortly become school basketball’s largest attraction.	10	27-9
6	UConn	This rating relies on Dan Hurley’s Huskies returning 5 of the highest 9 scorers – specifically Alex Karaban, Hassan Diarra, Samson Johnson, Solomon Ball and Jaylin Stewart – from a workforce that received the 2024 NCAA Event. Clearly, UConn has loads to interchange, however some packages deserve the good thing about the doubt, and Hurley’s program is unquestionably considered one of them.	5	37-3
7	Gonzaga	This rating relies on Mark Few’s Zags returning each rotation piece moreover Anton Watson from a workforce that superior to the Candy 16 of the 2024 NCAA Event. Gonzaga must be again within the NCAA Event for an unbelievable twenty sixth straight time subsequent March.	18	27-8
8	Auburn	This rating relies on Bruce Pearl’s Tigers returning three of the highest 5 scorers – particularly Johni Broome, Chad Baker-Mazara and Denver Jones – from a workforce that secured a No. 4 seed within the 2024 NCAA Event. The addition of five-star freshman Tahaad Pettiford will present depth for an Auburn program that is participated in 5 of the previous six NCAA Tournaments.	3	27-8
9	Purdue	This rating relies on Matt Painter’s Boilermakers returning six of the highest eight scorers – everyone moreover Zach Edey and Lance Jones – from a workforce that superior to the title recreation of the 2024 NCAA Event. The Boilermakers have completed within the prime 25 at KenPom.com 9 straight years, and there is no purpose to suppose that streak will not proceed subsequent season even with out the two-time Nationwide Participant of the 12 months.	7	34-5
10	Alabama	This rating relies on Nate Oats’ Crimson Tide returning each rotation piece moreover Mark Sears and Aaron Estrada from a workforce that superior to the 2024 Remaining 4. Sears may moderately return, which might push Alabama a lot greater, however for now he is listed as gone right here primarily based on the place most draft analysts have him projected to be picked if he enters the 2024 NBA Draft.	11	25-12
11	Creighton	This rating relies on Greg McDermott’s Bluejays returning each rotation participant moreover Baylor Scheierman and Francisco Farabello from a workforce that superior to the Candy 16 of the 2024 NCAA Event. A trio of Trey Alexander, Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth would make Creighton among the many Massive East favorites.	1	25-10
12	Arizona	This rating relies on Tommy Lloyd’s Wildcats returning 5 of the highest eight scorers – everyone moreover Oumar Ballo, Keshad Johnson and Kylan Boswell – from a workforce that received the Pac-12 and secured a No. 2 seed within the 2024 NCAA Event. Arizona’s top-five recruiting class headlined by Carter Bryant and Joson Sanon ought to assist make this system’s transition to the Massive 12 comparatively easy.	4	27-9
13	BYU	This rating relies on Mark Pope’s Cougars returning each related participant – most notably Jaxson Robinson and Fousseyni Traore – from a workforce that secured a No. 6 seed within the 2024 NCAA Event. The one apparent factor that might push BYU out of the preseason High 25 And 1 is that if the Kentucky job have been to fall to Pope, who’s a UK graduate and member of the 1996 nationwide championship workforce that was coached by Rick Pitino.	4	23-11
14	Saint Mary’s	This rating relies on Randy Bennett’s Gaels returning each rotation piece moreover Alex Ducas from a workforce that received the West Coast Convention and secured a No. 5 seed within the 2024 NCAA Event. The Aidan Mahaney/Augustas Marciulionis backcourt must be among the finest out west.	10	26-8
15	Texas A&M	This rating relies on Buzz Williams’ Aggies returning 4 of the highest 5 scorers – everyone besides Tyrece Radford – from a workforce that superior to the second spherical of the 2024 NCAA Event. Wade Taylor may enter the season as the favourite to win SEC Participant of the 12 months for the second straight season.	NR	21-15
16	Tennessee	This rating relies on Rick Barnes’ Volunteers returning three of the highest 5 scorers — particularly Zakai Zeigler, Jonas Aidoo and Jordan Gainey — from a workforce that secured a No. 2 seed within the 2024 NCAA Event. The lack of Dalton Knecht is big, however Tennessee ought to nonetheless simply make the NCAA Event for the fifth straight 12 months.	10	27-9
17	Marquette	This rating relies on Shaka Good’s Golden Eagles returning each rotation participant moreover Tyler Kolek and Oso Ighodaro from a workforce that secured a No. 2 seed within the 2024 NCAA Event. Kam Jones’ announcement that he’ll return means Marquette can have a fourth-year guard who simply averaged 17.2 factors per recreation to construct round.	10	27-10
18	Clemson	This rating relies on Brad Brownell’s Tigers returning 5 of the highest six scorers – everyone moreover Joe Girard – from a workforce that secured a No. 6 seed within the 2024 NCAA Event. So long as PJ Corridor and Chase Hunter each use their additional years of eligibility to return to Clemson, the Tigers must be an element within the ACC once more.	NR	24-12
19	Baylor	This rating relies on Scott Drew’s Bears returning 4 of the highest seven scorers – everyone besides Ja’Kobe Walter, RayJ Dennis and Yves Missi – from a workforce that secured a No. 3 seed within the 2024 NCAA Event. The addition of a top-10 recruiting class headlined by five-star wing VJ Edgecombe ought to assist offset the departures and have Baylor in its sixth straight NCAA Event.	10	24-11
20	Miami	This rating relies on Jim Larranaga’s Hurricanes returning three of the highest 4 scorers – everyone besides Norchad Omier – from a workforce that struggled final season and missed the NCAA Event however is anticipated to bounce again robust. Miami’s top-10 recruiting class headlined by five-star guard Jalil Bethea is among the many causes one other tough 12 months will not be anticipated.	NR	15-17
21	Wisconsin	This rating relies on Greg Gard’s Badgers returning 4 of the highest six scorers – everyone besides AJ Storr and Tyler Wahl – from a workforce that secured a No. 5 seed within the 2024 NCAA Event. 12 months 10 for Gard ought to lead to a seventh NCAA Event look, which highlights how he is efficiently adopted Naismith Memorial Corridor of Famer Bo Ryan at Wisconsin.	3	22-14
22	Rutgers	This rating relies on Steve Pikiell’s Scarlet Knights solely returning one double-digit scorer (Jeremiah Williams) from a workforce that completed beneath .500. However the enrollment of five-star prospects Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper will give Rutgers two possible top-10 picks within the 2025 NBA Draft and sufficient expertise to begin the season with a quantity beside its title.	NR	15-17
23	Texas	This rating relies on Rodney Terry’s Longhorns returning 4 of the highest six scorers – everyone besides Max Abmas and Dyland Disu – from a workforce that secured a No. 7 seed within the 2024 NCAA Event. Texas can also be enrolling a top-15 recruiting class headlined by five-star guard Tre Johnson, who ought to begin within the backcourt alongside Tyrese Hunter.	NR	21-13
24	Florida	This rating relies on Todd Golden’s Gators returning six of the highest 9 scorers – everyone moreover Zyon Pullin, Tyrese Samuel and Riley Kugel – from a workforce that secured a No. 7 seed within the 2024 NCAA Event. The star ought to as soon as once more be Walter Clayton, who averaged 17.6 factors in his first season within the SEC.	NR	24-12
25	Seton Hall	This rating relies on Shaheen Holloway’s Pirates returning 5 of the highest eight scorers – everyone besides Al-Amir Dawes, Dre Davis and Jaden Bediako – from a workforce that received the 2024 NIT. Kadary Richmond ought to return for a fifth season and emerge as a potential possibility for Massive East Participant of the 12 months.	NR	25-12
26	Ohio St.	This rating relies on Jake Diebler’s Buckeyes returning 4 of the highest 9 scorers – specifically Bruce Thornton, Felix Okpara, Devin Royal and Evan Mahaffey – from a workforce that missed the NCAA Event however closed with an 8-3 file after Diebler changed Chris Holtmann in February. The additions of heralded switch Meechie Johnson and his youthful brother, five-star guard Marcus Johnson, ought to assist Ohio State be related once more in Diebler’s first full season.	NR	22-14