{"id":243259,"date":"2026-04-10T07:23:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T07:23:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/243259\/"},"modified":"2026-04-10T07:23:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T07:23:20","slug":"way-too-early-college-basketball-rankings-for-2026-27-tcu-texas-take-a-tumble","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/243259\/","title":{"rendered":"Way-too-early college basketball rankings for 2026-27: TCU, Texas take a tumble"},"content":{"rendered":"

1
\n \"team
\n Michigan
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Wolverines returning four of the top six scorers — specifically Morez Johnson Jr., Elliot Cadeau, Trey McKenney and LJ Cason — from a team that finished 37-3 and won the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by five-star prospect Brandon McCoy Jr. and four-star prospects Lincoln Cosby, Quinn Costello and Joseph Hartman.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

37-3<\/p>\n

2
\n \"team
\n Florida
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Gators returning five of the top seven scorers — specifically Alex Condon, Boogie Fland, Reuben Chinyelu, Urban Klavsar and Isaiah Brown — from a team that finished 27-8 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by 7-foot center Jones Lay.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

27-8<\/p>\n

3
\n \"team
\n Illinois
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Illini returning seven of the top 10 scorers — specifically Andrej Stojakovic, David Mirkovich, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, Jake Davis, Brandon Lee and Mihailo Petrovic — from a team that finished 28-9 and advanced to the 2026 Final Four. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by four-star prospects Quintin Coleman and Lucas Morillo.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

28-9<\/p>\n

4
\n \"team
\n Michigan St.
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Spartans returning six of the top eight scorers — specifically Jeremy Fears Jr., Coen Carr, Kur Teng, Jordan Scott, Divine Ugochukwu and Cam Ward — from a team that finished 27-8 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by four-star prospects Ethan Taylor, Carlos Mdelock Jr., Julius Avent and Jasiah Jervis.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

27-8<\/p>\n

5
\n \"team
\n Duke
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Blue Devils returning three of the top six scorers — specifically Caleb Foster, Cayden Boozer and Dame Sarr — from a team that finished 35-3 and advanced to the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by five-star prospects Cameron Williams, Deron Rippey Jr. and Bryson Howard.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

35-3<\/p>\n

6
\n \"team
\n UConn
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Huskies returning five of the top eight scorers — specifically Solo Ball, Silas Demary, Eric Reibe, Jayden Ross and Jaylin Stewart — from a team that finished 34-6 and advanced to the championship game of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by four-star prospects Colben Landrew and Junior County.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

34-6<\/p>\n

7
\n \"team
\n Arkansas
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Razorbacks returning three of the top five scorers — specifically Meleek Thomas, Billy Richmond III and Malique Ewin — from a team that finished 28-9 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by five-star prospects Jordan Smith Jr. and JJ Andrews, and four-star prospect Abdou Toure.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

28-9<\/p>\n

8
\n \"team
\n Iowa St.
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Cyclones returning four of the top six scorers — specifically Milan Momcilovic, Killyan Toure, Blake Buchanan and Jamarion Bateman — from a team that finished 29-8 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by four-star prospects Dorian Rinaldo-Komian, Jackson Kiss and Christian Wiggins.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

29-8<\/p>\n

9
\n \"team
\n Gonzaga
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Zags returning three of the top five scorers — specifically Braden Huff, Davis Fogle and Mario Saint-Supery — from a team that finished 31-4 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by four-star prospects Luca Foster, Sam Funches and Jack Kayil.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

31-4<\/p>\n

10
\n \"team
\n Arizona
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Wildcats returning two of the top five scorers — specifically Motiejus Krivas and Ivan Kharchenkov from a team that finished 36-3 and advanced to the 2026 Final Four. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by five-star prospect Caleb Holt and four-star prospect Cameron Holmes.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

36-3<\/p>\n

11
\n \"team
\n Virginia
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Cavaliers returning five of the top 10 scorers — specifically Thijs De Ridder, Sam Lewis, Chance Mallory, Johann Gunloh and Elijah Gertrude — from a team that finished 30-6 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will eventually be joined by a recruiting class — but Virginia currently has zero prospects committed.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

30-6<\/p>\n

12
\n \"team
\n Purdue
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Boilermakers returning five of the top nine scorers — specifically C.J. Cox, Daniel Jacobsen, Omer Mayer, Gicarri Harris and Jack Benter — from a team that finished 30-9 and advanced to the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by 2024 Ivy League Player of the Year Caden Pierce, and four-star prospects Luke Ertel, Jacob Webber and Sinan Huan.<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

30-9<\/p>\n

13
\n \"team
\n Texas
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Longhorns returning four of the top seven scorers — specifically Dailyn Swain, Matas Vokietaitis, Camden Heide and Simeon Wilcher — from a team that finished 21-15 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by four-star prospects Austin Goosby, Bo Ogden and Joe Sterling.<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

21-15<\/p>\n

14
\n \"team
\n Houston
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Cougars returning three of the top seven scorers — specifically Joseph Tugler, Mercy Miller and Chase McCarty — from a team that finished 30-7 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by four-star prospects Arafan Diane and Ikenna Alozie.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

30-7<\/p>\n

15
\n \"team
\n St. John’s
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Red Storm returning five of the top nine scorers — specifically Ian Jackson, Joson Sanon, Dylan Darling, Ruben Prey and Lefteris Liotopoulos — from a team that finished 30-7 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will eventually be joined by a recruiting class — but St. John’s currently has zero prospects committed.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

30-7<\/p>\n

16
\n \"team
\n Texas Tech
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Red Raiders returning three of the top seven scorers — specifically JT Toppin, Josiah Moseley and Luke Bamgboye — from a team that finished 23-11 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by four-star prospect Dakari Spear.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

23-11<\/p>\n

17
\n \"team
\n USC
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Trojans returning three of the top five scorers — specifically Rodney Rice, Alijah Arenas and Jacob Cofie — from a team that finished 18-14 and missed the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by five-star prospect Christian Collins and four-star prospects Adonis Ratliff and Darius Ratliff.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

18-14<\/p>\n

18
\n \"team
\n N. Carolina
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Tar Heels returning three of the top five scorers — specifically Henri Veesaar, Luka Bogavac and Jarin Stevenson — from a team that finished 24-9 and advanced to the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by five-star prospect Dylan Mingo and four-star prospect Maximo Adams.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

24-9<\/p>\n

19
\n \"team
\n Vanderbilt
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Commodores returning three of the top 10 scorers — specifically Tyler Tanner, Chandler Bing and Mike James — from a team that finished 27-9 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by four-star prospects Ethan Mgbako, Anthony Brown and Jackson Sheffield.<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

27-9<\/p>\n

20
\n \"team
\n Iowa
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Hawkeyes returning six of the top eight scorers — specifically Alvaro Folgueiras, Cooper Koch, Cam Manyawu, Kael Combs, Tate Sage and Isaia Howard — from a team that finished 24-13 and advanced to the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by four-star prospect Ethan Harris and three-star prospect Jaidyn Coon.<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

24-13<\/p>\n

21
\n \"team
\n Nebraska
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Cornhuskers returning five of the top nine scorers — specifically Pryce Sandfort, Braden Frager, Ugnius Jarusevicius, Connor Essegian and Cale Jacobsen — from a team that finished 28-7 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by four-star prospects Colin Rice and Jacob Lanier.<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

28-7<\/p>\n

22
\n \"team
\n Kansas
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Jayhawks returning one of the top seven scorers — specifically Kohl Rosario — from a team that finished 24-11 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by five-star prospect Taylen Kinney and four-star prospects Davion Adkins, Trent Perry and Luke Barnett.<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

24-11<\/p>\n

23
\n \"team
\n Alabama
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Crimson Tide returning two of the top eight scorers — specifically Aden Holloway and Londen Jemison — from a team that finished 25-10 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by four-star prospects Qayden Samuels, Jaxon Richardson and Tarris Bouie.<\/p>\n

1<\/p>\n

25-10<\/p>\n

24
\n \"team
\n TCU
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Horned Frogs returning five of the top seven scorers — specifically Xavier Edmonds, Micah Robinson, Liutauras Lelevicius, Brock Harding and Tanner Toolson — from a team that finished 23-12 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by JUCO prospect Trent Lincoln.<\/p>\n

5<\/p>\n

23-12<\/p>\n

25
\n \"team
\n Saint Louis
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Billikens returning five of the top seven scorers — specifically Trey Green, Amari McCottry, Kellen Thames, Ishan Sharma and Quentin Jones — from a team that finished 29-6 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by four-star prospect Jermel Thomas.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

29-6<\/p>\n

26
\n \"team
\n Missouri
\n <\/a>
\n This ranking is based on the Tigers returning two of the top five scorers — specifically Trent Pierce and T.O. Barrett — from a team that finished 20-13 and advanced to the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by five-star prospect Jason Crowe Jr. and four-star prospects Toni Bryant and Aidan Chronister.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

20-13<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"1 Michigan This ranking is based on the Wolverines returning four of the top six scorers — specifically…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":243260,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[2692,26068,32492,32493,21825,4857,14856,2745,4861,763,82294,32494,795,28781,93003,783,27,29,537,28,28782],"class_list":{"0":"post-243259","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-texas","8":"tag-college-basketball","9":"tag-college-basketball-rankings","10":"tag-college-basketball-top-25","11":"tag-college-basketball-top-25-and-1","12":"tag-david-punch","13":"tag-duke-blue-devils","14":"tag-elliot-cadeau","15":"tag-florida-gators","16":"tag-gonzaga-bulldogs","17":"tag-illinois-fighting-illini","18":"tag-l-j-cason","19":"tag-mens-college-basketball-rankings","20":"tag-michigan-wolverines","21":"tag-morez-johnson-jr","22":"tag-nic-codie","23":"tag-tcu-horned-frogs","24":"tag-texas","25":"tag-texas-headlines","26":"tag-texas-longhorns","27":"tag-texas-news","28":"tag-trey-mckenney"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/243259","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=243259"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/243259\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/243260"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=243259"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=243259"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=243259"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}