The college basketball offseason has once again been a whirlwind of changes, with coaching alterations, player transfers, and recruitment shaping the landscape for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Teams have embraced a strategic approach to revamping their rosters, leading to a mix of winners and losers emerging from this period of transition. Here is a breakdown of the most significant moves made by programs across the nation.
Best Overall Offseason: Florida Gators
After securing the national title, the Florida Gators faced significant challenges with the departure of key players, including NCAA tournament’s Most Outstanding Player Walter Clayton Jr. and two NBA draft selections, Alijah Martin and Will Richard. Despite this, head coach Todd Golden managed to retain vital members of the frontcourt, leading to a strong outlook for the upcoming season.
Florida enters the new campaign with a compelling roster featuring returns from key players Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, and Rueben Chinyelu. The Gators also welcomed former five-star recruit Boogie Fland and all-Ivy League guard Xaivian Lee. Although the team will differ from last season’s championship squad, they are well-equipped to pursue another title, relying on the development of chemistry among the new and returning players.
Strongest Overall Transfer Class: St. John’s Red Storm
Under the leadership of coach Rick Pitino, the St. John’s Red Storm has reinvigorated interest in New York City basketball following a successful run in the Big East. This offseason, Pitino has once again leveraged the transfer portal to secure a talented class, which includes Ian Jackson from North Carolina, Bryce Hopkins from Providence, Oziyah Sellers from Stanford, and Joson Sanon from Arizona State. Each of these players averaged double figures at their previous institutions, showcasing their potential impact.
Despite the promise that this group holds, questions remain regarding their consistency and health. Nonetheless, the combination of talent and Pitino’s coaching expertise could lead to a successful season for the Red Storm.
The addition of Dylan Darling, a standout at Idaho State, adds further depth to the roster. With a strong track record, Pitino’s ability to maximize the potential of his players could yield significant results during the 2025-26 season.
Most Impactful Transfer Commitment: Darrion Williams to NC State
The arrival of Darrion Williams at NC State marks a pivotal moment for coach Will Wade, who previously guided McNeese State to a successful season before joining the Wolfpack. Williams, a former Texas Tech star, averaged 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 steals last season. His versatility is expected to enhance NC State’s competitiveness after a challenging previous campaign, where the team won only 12 games.
Wade’s recruitment of Williams illustrates a commitment to reinvigorating the program and positioning it for a return to NCAA tournament contention.
Biggest Transfer Portal Loss: P.J. Haggerty
The Memphis Tigers suffered a significant blow with the departure of P.J. Haggerty to Kansas State. Haggerty, an Associated Press second-team All-American and AAC Player of the Year, played a crucial role in Memphis’ success during a season that saw them win 29 games. His absence represents a considerable challenge for the Tigers, who must now rebuild without one of the nation’s leading returning players.
This loss could prevent Memphis from reaching its previously anticipated heights in the upcoming season, particularly after a foot injury to teammate Tyrese Hunter altered their tournament prospects last year.
Strongest Recruiting Class: Duke Blue Devils
The Duke Blue Devils have once again established a formidable recruiting class, headlined by Cameron Boozer, a two-time Gatorade National Player of the Year. At 6-foot-9, Boozer is regarded as one of the most polished freshmen in the nation, and he is joined by his twin brother, Cayden Boozer, as well as other top prospects like Nikolas Khamenia and Dame Sarr.
This influx of talent positions Duke as a serious contender for the Final Four, as their size and versatility will provide them with an edge in matchups against other elite programs.
Best Freshman: Nate Ament
Among the incoming freshmen, Nate Ament from the Tennessee Volunteers stands out. Coach Rick Barnes has a proven track record of developing talent, having coached 11 players who were drafted into the NBA. He has praised Ament, a 6-foot-11 small forward, as the top player in his class.
Ament’s ability to play and guard multiple positions, coupled with Barnes’ adaptable coaching style, could see him emerge as a significant contributor for Tennessee this season.
Most Surprising Recruiting Miss: Darius Acuff Jr.
The decision of Darius Acuff Jr. to commit to Arkansas over Michigan has raised eyebrows, especially considering Acuff’s status as the No. 7 recruit in ESPN’s 2025 rankings. As a high school standout in Michigan, Acuff’s choice reflects the competitive nature of recruiting, particularly as Michigan’s coach Dusty May missed an opportunity to secure a locally renowned talent.
Acuff’s decision will have implications for both programs, as Michigan continues to pursue its aspirations for a successful season without the addition of the elite point guard.
Highest-Upside Coaching Hire: Sean Miller at Texas
The hiring of Sean Miller as head coach of the Texas Longhorns represents a strategic move for the program. With a coaching career that spans two decades, Miller has consistently achieved success, including leading three different programs to the Sweet 16 or beyond. At Texas, he will aim to elevate the team’s performance within the competitive SEC landscape.
Miller’s experience and track record of winning provide a promising outlook for the Longhorns as they seek to build upon their recent successes.
The college basketball landscape is evolving rapidly, with teams adapting to new strategies and challenges. As the season approaches, the impact of these offseason moves will soon be tested on the court, shaping the narrative of the 2025-26 campaign.