11. BYU
The addition of former G-League player Abdullah Ahmed could be huge for BYU as the season goes on. It gives them another frontcourt body that can play a similar role as Keba Keita if he gets in foul trouble or gets injured again, and Ahmed’s minutes have increased in every game that he has been active for as he gets his sea legs.
12. Nebraska
How good has Rienk Mast been this season? His return to the lineup in 2025 is evidence that if he had been healthy last season, the Nebraska Cornhuskers could have made back-to-back trips to the NCAA Tournament instead of winning the College Basketball Crown. However, that victory in the Crown does give Nebraska the distinction of holding the nation’s longest win streak.
13. Michigan State
I don’t know what to make of this Michigan State team quite yet. They’re literally playing to expectations. Not overwhelming or underwhelming, so… just whelming? They’re an elite defensive team that has a ton of size and an elite floor general in Jeremy Fears. Not yet a National Championship contender, but a tough out on any given night.
14. Florida
I know they have 5 losses already, but I don’t care – this team is good, and they’re coming off of wins over Georgia and Tennessee. Boogie Fland finally put it all together with a 23-3-5 stat line in the Tennessee game, giving this team a much-needed lift at the guard spot.
15. Virginia
The turnaround that has happened this season from new head coach Ryan Odom has been impressive. The Cavaliers have strategically acquired pieces via the portal and recruiting that just fit well together, and this week, they are expected to get Jacari White back from injury.
