Michigan State wins 2026 National Championship in Indianapolis
Michigan State capped off a strong season by defeating Connecticut State to win the 2026 Men’s National Championship in Indianapolis.
The nets were cut in Indianapolis, and the men’s college basketball season ended as the University of Michigan defeated the University of Connecticut to win the national title. After taking a breather, it’s already time to look ahead to the 2026-27 season and decide which teams will be contenders for the Final Four next April in Detroit.
Many things are in flux before the season starts in November, making it difficult to predict next season. The biggest factor to consider is the impact of the transfer portal, which officially opens on Tuesday, April 7th. However, we already know that many of the key players will be moving places. There is also the issue of the uncertain future of several NBA Draft candidates. In such cases, we have assumed that upper management would leave, but left the door open for others to stay.
We did our best to compile all the information and present a premature Top 25 ranking dominated by powerhouse schools.
1. Michigan
Despite losing twin big men Jackson Kohler and Carson Cooper, this could be a special season for the Spartans if point guard Jeremy Fiers Jr. and forward Cohen Carr return as expected. These give you two great points to build on. Michigan State will also have a lot of depth with most of this year’s rotation returning to the fold. Tom Izzo adds a very impressive recruiting class that ranks No. 2 nationally.
2. Duke
While player of the year Cameron Boozer is leaving, the Blue Devils will once again have a large infusion of freshmen talent expected to be immediate players in guard Deron Rippy Jr. and forward Cameron Williams. If veterans Caleb Foster, Caden Boozer and Dame Sarr opt out of the draft, they could become one of the best teams in the country.
3.Michigan
The Wolverines will lose Jaxel Lendeborg, and forward Mores Johnson Jr. and center Adei Mara should also enter the NBA Draft. The focus of the team’s production will shift to the backcourt, built around Elliott Caddo and Trey McKennie. University of Michigan coach Dusty May will once again aggressively enter the transfer portal, signing an elite recruiting class headlined by forwards Quinn Costello and Lincoln Cosby.
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4. Florida
The big question for the Gators is whether Alex Condon will be back for another season. He is one of the top players in the SEC and will line up alongside Ruben Chiniel up front. Boogie Frand and Urban Kravsaal are confirmed returners, bringing scoring and experience to the backcourt. With the addition of some transfers, Florida is back in title contention.
5. Arizona
With most of the key players leaving the team that dominated the Big 12, it will be difficult to replace them. That’s the minus. The good thing is they have enough role players back and some key players already slated to join the program. With Ivan Kharchenkov and Tobe Awaka eligible, the frontcourt could be formidable. Dwayne Aristodo is expected to lead the backcourt in his second season, and he will be joined by five-star freshman Caleb Holt.
6. Illinois
If things go well, there is a chance they will be a final four team next season as well. The frontcourt looks to be in great shape, with David Mirkovic ready to return along with the Ibisic brothers. Andrej Stojakovic will lead the backcourt along with Quentin Coleman, a late addition to the recruiting class who could be ready to hit the ground running after Keaton Wagler’s departure. Look for Brad Underwood to bring in more pieces from the transfer portal or overseas to make Illinois a contender again.
7. Alabama
Aiden Holloway’s legal situation has cast a shadow over his status next season. If Holloway returns, the Crimson Tide will have plenty of potential firepower to play an up-tempo style. Amari Allen is averaging double digits, and London Jamison and Taylor Bol-Bowen will likely have bigger roles in the show’s second season. Keitenn Bristow and Jalil Bethea both failed to make an impact after arriving through the portal, but their development will be a big boost.
8. Houston
The Cougars have been a No. 1 or No. 2 seed in each of the past four tournaments, demonstrating the high standards of the program under coach Kelvin Sampson. The tooling will be rebuilt through the portal and most of the key components from past seasons will be removed. Veteran forward Joseph Tugler should lead the group, potentially joined by Chris Cenac, who is considering a draft decision. Marci Miller and Chase McCarty are expected to have bigger roles. Incoming Preparatory Center Arafan Diane will be asked to contribute immediately.
9. Arkansas
The Razorbacks will aim for even greater heights after appearing in the Sweet 16 twice. While the departure of Darius Acuff Jr. leaves a big hole, coach John Calipari welcomes back freshman guards Jordan Smith Jr. and JJ Andrews. More will be asked of veterans Billy Richmond III and DJ Wagner. A healthy return from Carter Knox would be a plus.
10. Virginia
The Cavaliers were one of the biggest surprises in the country in Ryan Odom’s first season and stand to get some key pieces back. Theis de Ridder was first-team All-ACC in his first season with the program, and Sam Lewis and Chance Mallory will take on bigger roles. They should be at the top of the conference this season as well.
11. Gonzaga
The team’s move to the Pac-12 will be a new look for the Bulldogs, with some of the best teams from the Mountain West also arriving and providing greater conference competition. Gonzaga University is benefiting from the return of several key players, including big man Braden Huff, who is expected to return to normal after missing the final game of the season due to a knee injury, and sophomores Mario Sansupéry and Davis Fogle, who are showing signs of growth and are looking to make big strides in the game. A strong recruiting class led by German natives Jack Cale and Luca Foster will also keep Mark Few’s team in line for the tournament’s top seed.
12. Connecticut
Guards Braylon Mullins and Solo Ball could enter the NBA Draft. But even if it doesn’t, UConn will have one of the best backcourts in the country. Cyrus Demery and Jaden Ross returned after contributing to a team that was one game away from a national title. The graduation of Taris Reed Jr. will require a new interior presence, and the departure of Alex Karaban will leave a big hole. But the Huskies will get more scoring from the wing in freshman Kolben Landrieu and junior County.
13. Iowa
This year will be a year of transition for the Cyclones, with mainstays Tammin Lipsey and Jordan Jefferson moving on. Milan Momcilovic, the team’s leading scorer, is expected to explore his options in the NBA draft, so his return would be a big boost. TJ Otzelberger will be aggressive in the portal, but he has holdovers in Kylian Toure, Blake Buchanan and Jamarrion Batemon to build the core.
14. St. John’s
With standouts Zubie Ejiofor and Bryce Hopkins ineligible, few teams will be as active in the portal. The backcourt should return experience and depth with Dylan Darling, Ojia Sellers, Ian Jackson and Joeson Sanon, but this group will need to get better at shooting 3-pointers. The biggest source of optimism is coach Rick Pitino and his track record of tournament success.
15.BYU
Freshman Bruce Branch III hasn’t gotten as much attention as AJ Divanza, but he’s a big piece for the Cougars as they look to avoid the injury that delayed their much-anticipated NCAA Tournament appearance. Robert Wright will be Branch’s elite scorer. The big question for coach Kevin Young is bringing in some players to address the frontcourt departures.
16. Purdue
The Boilermakers will be without the trio of Braden Smith, Fletcher Royer and Trey Kaufman-Len. No returning player scored more than guard CJ Cox’s 8.5 points per game. Keep an eye on Purdue, which relies on a recruiting class ranked No. 7 in the nation, while incorporating moves like former Princeton forward Caden Pierce. Coach Matt Painter has won at least 24 games in each of the past five years and will look to do so again despite a roster shakeup.
17. Miami (Florida)
Like his ACC counterpart Ryan Odom, Jay Lucas also had one of his best jobs as a first-year coach, leading the program to a 19-win record. The Hurricanes have Shelton Henderson and Dante Allen expected to be their leading scorers, and they have goals beyond just making it to the NCAA Tournament. Lucas would hit the portal again, but he secured an elite recruit by convincing freshman Caleb Gaskins to stay home in South Florida.
18. Nebraska
To capitalize on this year’s success, Nebraska will need to keep Price Sundfort and Braden Frazier while dipping into the portal to find a new starting point guard. The Cornhuskers will regain some strength up front, but will need a healthy season from former All-MAC pick Ugnius Jarusevicius. Freshmen Colin Rice and Jacob Lanier could make an immediate impact.
19. Iowa
After a magical run to the Elite Eight, Iowa is looking to maintain its momentum under second-year coach Ben McCollum while losing leading scorer Bennett Staats. The Hawkeyes will be active in this portal to find a guard to join holdovers Cale Combs, Isaiah Howard and Tate Sage, and to find a center who can play alongside returning players Alvaro Folgueiras, Cam Manyaw and Cooper Koch.
20. Kansas
Bill Self’s decision to remain on the bench amid health issues confirms one of the key returning players. Without Darrin Peterson, there would be less drama, and the standout freshman role should go to freshman Taylen Kinney. Bryson Tiller was expected to take on a larger role in the frontcourt following the sudden departure of Florrie Vidunga. However, it appears that Tiller may also leave. There is one positive point. Elmarco Jackson is ready to lead the backcourt.
21. Tennessee
That elusive first Final Four remains the goal, but Rick Barnes will need to bring significant reinforcements through the portal if they are to return to the Elite Eight for a fourth consecutive year. One name already mentioned is Belmont’s Tyler Lundblade, who will bring the necessary shooting range. Ralph Scott and Manny Green are two freshmen who should make a big impact.
22. North Carolina
With the hiring of Michael Malone, one big question was answered. It’s unclear what impact bringing in an NBA title-winning coach with no experience as a college head coach will have. But for now, let’s assume that most of the parts that come back stay in place. Luka Bogavac and Jarrin Stephenson are good pieces returning for their senior seasons, and key players Dylan Ming and Maximo Adams should be able to contribute right away. Chapel Hill remains a desirable destination, and we expect to see significant movement in Portal.
23. Louisville
Louisville went 51-19 in Pat Kelce’s two seasons and should remain the ACC favorite despite losing key players like Mikel Brown Jr. and Ryan Conwell. While there is work to be done in Portal, the Cardinals bring back guard Adrian Woolley, small forward Kahni Ruth and former G League guard London Johnson.
24. Wisconsin
With guard John Blackwell entering the portal, expect the Badgers to be active with added depth and shooting on wing rotations. Wisconsin has an experienced front line led by Nolan Winter and Austin Rupp, which should lead to changes on offense. But the ingredients are in place to finish in the top six in the Big Ten again.
25.VCU
The Rams were poised to have five of their six leading scorers return until Terrence Hill Jr.’s departure was announced. Despite the bad news, Phil Martelli Jr. is building on a stronger foundation after a 28-win season. Look for guard Nik Lewis to emerge in his second season and forward Lazar Djokovic to provide some scoring inside. Sammy Jackson, a top-50 recruit, should be a great addition to the lineup.
