Preseason Top 25 Power Rankings for the 2024-25 season

After a long offseason, the start of the 2024-25 NCAA basketball season is just a few weeks away. We had hundreds of players move to the professional ranks, over 1,000 DI players change teams and numerous coaching changes.

As a result, 99% of the different rosters were created in the final weeks of the offseason. But on paper, some programs have proven to be better than others. But which teams need to be beaten before the debut on November 4th? Here's a look at the top 25 teams, as well as some honorable mentions.

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 is enough shooting, the Red Raiders will be a factor in the Big 12.

There may be no program with more eyes on it than Rutgers, which has two 5-star prospects in Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper. The question is whether returning leading scorer Jeremiah Williams will be enough to pull off a big win. Preliminary questions need to be answered before being included in the top 25.

The backcourt duo of Meechie Johnson and Bruce Thornton will be among 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 these two can become breakout players, the Buckeyes will be a major threat in the Big Ten.

Who is the best mid-major squad in the country? A good argument can be made for Grand Canyon bringing back WAC Player of the Year star Tyon-Grant Foster. Starting player Rayshon Harrison is back, while transfers Dennis Evans and JaKobe Coles give them a star-studded frontcourt. They will be a big favorite in the WAC and can win more than 30 games this season.

All three double-digit scorers are back for another year, including wingers Daniel Skillings and Simas Lukošius. With the transfer of Dillon Mitchell from Texas, they have a quality defensive frontcourt. If someone can emerge as a star, the Bearcats can be an undisputed contender for a spot in the top tier.