Males’s NCAA basketball early high 25 groups: Greatest nonconference video games

Whereas July was a busy month when it got here to off-the-court developments within the faculty sports activities world, there was minimal motion within the short-term males’s faculty basketball panorama. Coaches have been lastly capable of flip towards the longer term, hitting the highway to observe the following wave of recruits to enter the game. However by way of expectation shifts for the 2025-26 season, we’re basically in a holding sample.

The highest 25 from the July edition stays the identical, although USC drops from “Subsequent in line” after Alijah Arenas‘ unfortunate injury that can see him out for not less than the nonconference portion of the season.

So, like final month’s influence newcomer decide for every staff, we’ll as soon as once more decide a theme. This time we’re going with one nonconference sport to observe for every way-too-early high 25 program. It isn’t essentially the most effective sport or the hardest opponent on the schedule, however maybe an early assertion alternative or an attention-grabbing matchup. Extra necessary, it is a sport that can inform us about that staff’s potential this season. (And we tried to keep away from repeating video games.)

Earlier rating: 1

Dec. 20 vs. Auburn in Indianapolis

This matchup will characteristic two of the elite level guards — perhaps the 2 greatest — in males’s faculty basketball in Purdue’s Braden Smith and Auburn’s Tahaad Pettiford. It can even be an attention-grabbing check for the Boilermakers’ potential two-big lineup towards an Auburn frontcourt that skews smaller than it did final season when it beat Purdue by 18 factors behind 23 factors and 11 rebounds from Johni Broome.

Projected beginning lineup

Braden Smith (15.8 PPG)
C.J. Cox (6.0 PPG)
Fletcher Loyer (13.8 PPG)
Trey Kaufman-Renn (20.1 PPG)
Oscar Cluff (17.6 PPG at South Dakota State)

Earlier rating: 2

Nov. 3 vs. Arizona in Las Vegas

It is laborious to go up the season opener for the reigning nationwide champs. There can be some rising pains for the Gators, who’re bringing in a brand new backcourt in transfers Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee. However the Wildcats ought to pose check, as they’ll be much more of a work-in-progress: seemingly beginning two freshmen in five-star recruits Brayden Burries and Koa Peat.

Projected beginning lineup

Boogie Fland (13.5 PPG at Arkansas)
Xaivian Lee (16.9 PPG at Princeton Tigers)
Thomas Haugh (9.8 PPG)
Alex Condon (10.6 PPG)
Rueben Chinyelu (6.1 PPG)

Earlier rating: 3

Dec. 20 vs. Arkansas in Brooklyn

Houston hasn’t launched most of its nonconference schedule but, however we’re circling the Cougars’ journey to New York to face John Calipari’s Razorbacks simply earlier than Christmas. It’s going to happen in sufficient time for each groups’ highly-ranked freshmen to get acclimated to the faculty sport and is a statement-making alternative earlier than convention play actually begins.

Projected beginning lineup

Milos Uzan (11.4 PPG)
Emanuel Sharp (12.7 PPG)
Isiah Harwell (No. 14 in ESPN 100)
Joseph Tugler (5.5 PPG)
Chris Cenac Jr. (No. 6 in ESPN 100)

Earlier rating: 4

Dec. 9 vs. Florida at Madison Sq. Backyard

The winners of the previous three males’s nationwide championships will face off on the famed area. Are the Gators adequate to go back-to-back? Are the Huskies adequate to compete for his or her third title in 4 years? UConn has one of many hardest nonconference schedules within the sport, however the marquee sport of the Jimmy V Traditional is essentially the most anticipated on the docket.

Projected beginning lineup

Silas Demary Jr. (13.5 PPG at Georgia)
Solo Ball (14.4 PPG)
Braylon Mullins (No. 17 in ESPN 100)
Alex Karaban (14.3 PPG)
Tarris Reed Jr. (9.6 PPG)

Earlier rating: 5

Dec. 20 vs. Kentucky in Atlanta

Rick Pitino goes towards the staff — and coach (Mark Pope) — that he guided to the 1996 nationwide championship. However that is additionally a matchup between arguably the two best transfer classes in the country, with each probably beginning 4 incoming transfers. St. John’s has respectable nationwide title hopes this season, and a visit to “Catlanta” is an efficient measuring stick.

Projected beginning lineup

Ian Jackson (11.9 PPG at North Carolina)
Joson Sanon (11.9 PPG at Arizona State)
Oziyah Sellers (13.7 PPG at Stanford)
Bryce Hopkins (15.5 PPG at Providence in 2023-24)
Zuby Ejiofor (14.7 PPG)

Earlier rating: 6

Nov. 15 vs. UConn in Boston

It isn’t A.J. Dybantsa‘s first sport in a BYU uniform, but it surely’s a large one just some weeks into his faculty profession. Dybantsa is returning residence to Boston to face one of many largest packages within the sport — which can also be a possibility for BYU, led by one of the proficient offensive trios within the nation, to make an early assertion towards what ought to be a top-five Huskies staff.

Projected beginning lineup

Robert Wright III (11.5 PPG at Baylor)
Kennard Davis Jr. (16.3 PPG at Southern Illinois)
Richie Saunders (16.5 PPG)
A.J. Dybantsa (No. 1 in ESPN 100)
Keba Keita (7.4 PPG)

Earlier rating: 7

Nov. 11 vs. Kentucky

This top-10 sport is happening a lot sooner than the standard assembly between the regional rivals. It is going to be loaded with proficient perimeter gamers, so it is a possibility for star Louisville freshman Mikel Brown Jr. to actually present whether or not the hype is actual. The Cardinals have a string of intriguing checks in December, however this one is an early harbinger.

Projected beginning lineup

Mikel Brown Jr. (No. 8 in ESPN 100)
Isaac McKneely (14.4 PPG at Virginia)
Ryan Conwell (16.5 PPG at Xavier)
J’Vonne Hadley (12.2 PPG)
Kasean Pryor (12.0 PPG in seven video games)

Earlier rating: 8

Feb. 21 vs. Duke in Washington D.C.

Late-season nonconference video games are more and more frequent, however the most effective on the 2025-26 schedule is that this one, that includes the most effective particular person matchups of the season: Yaxel Lendeborg, one of many premier transfers within the nation, vs. Cameron Boozer, who may find yourself as the most efficient frosh within the 2025 class.

Projected beginning lineup

Elliot Cadeau (9.4 PPG at North Carolina)
Roddy Gayle Jr. (9.8 PPG)
Nimari Burnett (9.4 PPG)
Yaxel Lendeborg (17.7 PPG at UAB)
Morez Johnson Jr. (7.0 PPG at Illinois)

Earlier rating: 9

Dec. 2 vs. North Carolina

This is not the hardest sport on the Wildcats’ schedule, but it surely supplies some additional time for Jayden Quaintance to get better from tearing his proper ACL in February. Till the Arizona State switch and projected lottery decide is absolutely wholesome, we can’t see Kentucky hit its true ceiling. So, a blue-blood battle with North Carolina a month into the season is the proper probability to gauge the Wildcats.

Projected beginning lineup

Jaland Lowe (16.8 PPG at Pitt)
Denzel Aberdeen (7.7 PPG at Florida)
Otega Oweh (16.2 PPG)
Mouhamed Dioubate (7.2 PPG at Alabama)
Jayden Quaintance (9.4 PPG at Arizona State)

Earlier rating: 10

Dec. 20 vs. Duke at Madison Sq. Backyard

One other elite head-to-head particular person battle, this time that includes preseason All-American JT Toppin and Duke freshman Cameron Boozer. Toppin put up some otherworldly single-game performances final season, and it would not be a shock to see Boozer do the identical this season. Large image, although, this can be a fascinating neutral-site sport proper earlier than league play begins.

Projected beginning lineup

Christian Anderson (10.6 PPG)
Donovan Atwell (13.3 PPG at UNC Greensboro)
LeJuan Watts (13.7 PPG at Washington State)
JT Toppin (18.2 PPG)
Luke Bamgboye (3.8 PPG at VCU)

Earlier rating: 11

Dec. 3 vs. Louisville

Arkansas is internet hosting the Cardinals for the ACC/SEC Problem, and on-campus video games all the time add a bit little bit of spice to the proceedings. Arguably the 2 greatest level guards coming into faculty this season, Darius Acuff and Mikel Brown Jr., will face off — although John Calipari can even need to hope his returnees take a step ahead after not fairly hitting their stride till March final season.

Projected beginning lineup

Darius Acuff (No. 7 in ESPN 100)
D.J. Wagner (11.2 PPG)
Karter Knox (8.3 PPG)
Trevon Brazile (6.8 PPG)
Malique Ewin (14.2 PPG at Florida State)

Earlier rating: 12

Nov. 4 vs. Texas in Charlotte

As evidenced by the slew of Duke mentions to date, the Blue Devils have a loaded nonconference slate, and Texas is not precisely the hardest opponent on their schedule. Nevertheless it’s the primary sport of their season, and the primary sport of the post-Cooper Flagg period. It is a massive check for Caleb Foster on the level and an opportunity for the No. 1-ranked recruiting class to point out out.

Projected beginning lineup

Caleb Foster (5.1 PPG)
Isaiah Evans (6.8 PPG)
Nikolas Khamenia (No. 15 in ESPN 100)
Cameron Boozer (No. 3 in ESPN 100)
Patrick Ngongba II (3.9 PPG)

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Earlier rating: 13

Nov. 19 at UConn

We’ll point out the UCLA-Arizona rivalry sport later, don’t be concerned. The Wildcats are additionally going throughout the nation to face the Huskies in a real highway sport a pair weeks into the season, and we’re trying ahead to lots of particular person matchups: How will Koa Peat fare towards Alex Karaban? Can Brayden Burries defend Solo Ball? Are Motiejus Krivas and Tobe Awaka going to win the battle inside towards Tarris Reed Jr.?

Projected beginning lineup

Jaden Bradley (12.1 PPG)
Brayden Burries (No. 12 in ESPN 100)
Anthony Dell’Orso (7.2 PPG)
Koa Peat (No. 10 in ESPN 100)
Tobe Awaka (8.0 PPG)

play

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Earlier rating: 14

Nov. 25 vs. Michigan in Las Vegas

Possibly the most effective scheduled matchup of the Gamers Period Competition this 12 months, this can be a large check for an Auburn group that misplaced all 5 starters from its Remaining 4 staff. The Tigers have been capable of dominate across the rim final season, however they are going to be smaller up entrance in 2025-26. Will they be capable to deal with Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara?

Projected beginning lineup

Tahaad Pettiford (11.7 PPG)
Kevin Overton (7.8 PPG at Texas Tech)
Elyjah Freeman (19.3 PPG at D-II Lincoln Memorial)
Keyshawn Hall (18.8 PPG at UCF)
KeShawn Murphy (11.7 PPG at Mississippi State)

Earlier rating: 15

Nov. 14 vs. Arizona in Inglewood, Calif.

An previous Pac-10/12 rivalry sport will double as a captivating early-season measuring stick for these high-ceiling groups. For the Bruins, it is an opportunity to see Donovan Dent towards a proficient backcourt. Dent goes to be the needle-mover for Mick Cronin, however the likes of Trent Perry and Skyy Clark taking a big leap may make extra of a distinction for this group’s potential.

Projected beginning lineup

Donovan Dent (20.4 PPG at New Mexico)
Skyy Clark (8.5 PPG)
Trent Perry (3.7 PPG)
Eric Dailey (11.4 PPG)
Tyler Bilodeau (13.5 PPG)

Earlier rating: 16

Nov. 11 vs. Texas Tech

Illinois is among the largest thriller groups coming into the season, so welcoming Texas Tech per week in makes for watch. Will Mihailo Petrovic make a significant influence from day one? Can the Ivisic brothers coexist productively on the ground? Is Andrej Stojakovic able to be the go-to man on a successful staff? There are additionally defensive questions, and Tech’s JT Toppin will look to take benefit.

Projected beginning lineup

Mihailo Petrovic (14.3 PPG for Mega Superbet in Serbia)
Kylan Boswell (12.3 PPG)
Andrej Stojakovic (17.9 PPG at California)
Zvonimir Ivisic (8.5 PPG at Arkansas)
Tomislav Ivisic (13.0 PPG)

Earlier rating: 17

Nov. 8 at St. John’s

There is not a lot of a grace interval for Nate Oats to determine what life seems to be like with out Mark Sears. But when there is a time to face a transfer-heavy backcourt like St. John’s, it is likely to be early within the season. Plus, Labaron Philon, Aden Holloway, Latrell Wrightsell Jr. and Jalil Bethea are lots succesful.

Projected beginning lineup

Labaron Philon (10.6 PPG)
Aden Holloway (11.4 PPG)
Jalil Bethea (7.1 PPG at Miami)
Taylor Bol Bowen (8.0 PPG at Florida State)
Noah Williamson (17.6 PPG at Bucknell)

play

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Earlier rating: 18

Dec. 6 at Purdue

The departures of Curtis Jones and Keshon Gilbert may trigger the Cyclones to see a drop-off on the offensive finish this season — extra in step with what we noticed at that finish of the ground in earlier years. However the protection, with Tamin Lipsey on the level of assault, ought to be as stingy as ever. How will it fare towards what ought to be the most effective offenses within the nation?

Projected beginning lineup

Tamin Lipsey (10.6 PPG)
Nate Heise (5.1 PPG)
Milan Momcilovic (11.5 PPG)
Joshua Jefferson (13.0 PPG)
Blake Buchanan (5.7 PPG at Virginia)

Earlier rating: 19

Dec. 5 vs. Kentucky in Nashville

Assuming Tyon Grant-Foster will get one other 12 months of eligibility, Gonzaga’s largest query can be on the level guard spot, and the Zags’ sport towards Kentucky in December provides Mark Few a month to attempt to determine the reply out. He has choices: Jalen Warley and Braeden Smith each redshirted this previous season, whereas Adam Miller can play each guard positions. Mario Saint-Supery is likely to be the most effective guess, although.

Projected beginning lineup

Braeden Smith (12.5 PPG at Colgate in 2023-24)
Adam Miller (9.8 PPG at Arizona State)
Tyon Grant-Foster (14.8 PPG at Grand Canyon)
Braden Huff (11.0 PPG)
Graham Ike (17.3 PPG)

Earlier rating: 20

Nov. 21 vs. BYU in Salt Lake Metropolis

Wisconsin’s enchancment, and alter in fashion, on the offensive finish was one of many extra optimistic Large Ten storylines of final season. With out John Tonje, although, what’s going to the Badgers appear like at that finish? There is no higher check of firepower than going away from residence to face what ought to be one of the explosive offenses within the nation.

Projected beginning lineup

Nick Boyd (13.4 PPG at San Diego State)
Andrew Rohde (9.3 PPG at Virginia)
John Blackwell (15.8 PPG)
Austin Rapp (13.8 PPG at Portland)
Nolan Winter (9.4 PPG)

Earlier rating: 21

Nov. 7 at North Carolina

The next week’s sport towards Duke at Madison Sq. Backyard is a stiffer check, however the earlier we see Darryn Peterson, the higher. Peterson is ESPN’s projected No. 1 pick within the 2026 NBA draft, and a real highway sport in Chapel Hill the primary week of the season is a superb check. That is additionally as unproven a Invoice Self roster as we have seen in a while.

Projected beginning lineup

Darryn Peterson (No. 2 in ESPN 100)
Melvin Council Jr. (14.6 PPG at St. Bonaventure)
Jayden Dawson (13.9 PPG at Loyola Chicago)
Tre White (10.5 PPG at Illinois)
Flory Bidunga (5.9 PPG)

Earlier rating: 22

Nov. 11 at Gonzaga

Creighton’s Gamers Period video games towards Baylor and Iowa State would slot in this spot too, however when you’re a fan of offense, this one should not be missed. Each groups are loaded with proficient offensive gamers and each groups will face some query marks on the defensive finish of the ground. Jackson McAndrew making a soar can be value monitoring early on.

Projected beginning lineup

Blake Harper (19.5 PPG at Howard)
Josh Dix (14.4 PPG at Iowa)
Jackson McAndrew (7.8 PPG)
Jasen Green (4.9 PPG)
Owen Freeman (16.7 PPG at Iowa)

Earlier rating: 23

Nov. 25 vs. Houston in Las Vegas

Rick Barnes’ post-Zakai Zeigler teaching profession will get underway this season, with this sport one of many scheduled highlights of the Gamers Period. How will Nate Ament deal with Houston’s physicality and protection? Will Ja’Kobi Gillespie get the most effective of Milos Uzan on the level guard spot? Is Tennessee’s protection going to be within the high 5 nationally for the sixth 12 months in a row?

Projected beginning lineup

Ja’Kobi Gillespie (14.7 PPG at Maryland)
Amaree Abram (12.3 PPG at Louisiana Tech)
Nate Ament (No. 4 in ESPN 100)
Jaylen Carey (8.0 PPG)
Felix Okpara (7.1 PPG)

Earlier rating: 24

Dec. 3 at Auburn

Will Wade did not waste an excessive amount of time placing collectively a aggressive and proficient roster in Raleigh. The headliner is Darrion Williams, and he will not be afraid of the highlight occurring the highway to face Auburn. One attention-grabbing observe: Tre Holloman confronted Auburn in final 12 months’s Elite Eight and went 0-for-10 from the sphere; he’ll need to do higher towards Tahaad Pettiford this time round.

Projected beginning lineup

Tre Holloman (9.1 PPG at Michigan State)
Terrance Arceneaux (6.5 PPG at Houston)
Quadir Copeland (9.2 PPG at McNeese)
Darrion Williams (15.1 PPG at Texas Tech)
Ven-Allen Lubin (8.7 PPG at North Carolina)

play

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Earlier rating: 25

Dec. 20 vs. Ohio State in Atlanta

North Carolina goes to be a piece in progress to start out the season. Eight of the Tar Heels’ high 9 scorers are gone, they’re bringing in 5 transfers and so they may begin a freshman and a global newcomer. Early-season video games may not be a terrific gauge for a way good Carolina might be, although. A pre-Christmas tilt towards a staff simply exterior our high 25 can be a greater check.

Projected beginning lineup

Kyan Evans (10.6 PPG at Colorado State)
Seth Trimble (11.6 PPG)
Luka Bogavac (14.9 PPG for SC Derby in Montenegro)
Caleb Wilson (No. 5 in ESPN 100)
Henri Veesaar (9.4 PPG at Arizona)

Subsequent in line

San Diego State Aztecs
Ohio State Buckeyes
Texas Longhorns
Oregon Ducks
Michigan State Spartans