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College Basketball Rankings: ESPN shakes up Top 25 in a big way

With a month behind us since the end of the college basketball season, ESPN is looking ahead to the 2025-26 campaign. Jeff Borzello has updated his early Top 25 rankings in a big way. The sport is in a fascinating place, with the transfer portal having a gigantic impact on the Top 25 after March […]

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4 weeks ago

May 10, 2025

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With a month behind us since the end of the college basketball season, ESPN is looking ahead to the 2025-26 campaign. Jeff Borzello has updated his early Top 25 rankings in a big way.

The sport is in a fascinating place, with the transfer portal having a gigantic impact on the Top 25 after March Madness came to a close. While it’s certainly subject to change, Borzello has a pretty good idea regarding which teams will be contending for it all next season.

With that in mind, let’s dive into ESPN’s latest Top 25 rankings. Expect them to fluctuate over the next couple of months, but Borzello has provided a nice baseline for where we stand in May.

Purdue made a bit of a run during the 2025 Men’s NCAA Tournament. While they fell short of their ultimate goal, they have the team to make some major noise this coming season, and it’s evident ESPN is a believer in the Boilermakers at the moment.

Borzello: “There’s a chance Purdue has the preseason Wooden Award favorite and two All-Americans on its roster next season. Braden Smith will start the season as the best guard in the country after taking the next step in his development this past campaign, while Trey Kaufman-Renn is a dominant paint force.”

Connecticut took Florida to the brink during the 2025 Men’s NCAA Tournament. The Huskies fell short of a three-peat, but they have nothing to hang their heads about. They’re slated to return with a vengeance this coming season.

Borzello: “UConn’s national championship streak ended at two, but Dan Hurley and the Huskies have reloaded to make another run. … If Tarris Reed Jr. can stay on the floor consistently, UConn is as loaded as any team in America.”

St. John’s were the darlings of college basketball for much of the 2024-25 season. However, an unceremonious exit during the Round of 32 shocked the world. Rick Pitino has reloaded his team once again though, and the Red Storm don’t seem to be going away ahead of a new campaign.

Borzello: “The Red Storm’s NCAA tournament run ended earlier than expected, but Rick Pitino guided them to the Big East regular-season and tournament titles and has them back in the national discussion. … Pitino has one of the best portal classes in the country, led by five top-100 additions.”

Houston was heartbreakingly close to winning the national title this past season. Now, the Cougars have to get back on the horse and try, try again. Don’t bet against them getting over the hump, as they’ve made some major moves since their demoralizing defeat to Florida.

Borzello: “Milos Uzan declared for the NBA draft last month, but we might not know his final decision until the withdrawal deadline on May 28. If Uzan returns, there’s a strong case to put the Cougars at No. 1. If he doesn’t, Kelvin Sampson has already recruited an experienced guard to help replace Uzan, landing Creighton transfer Pop Isaacs, a scorer who can create opportunities for others.”

5. BYU (+2)

Richie Saunders, BYU — Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

BYU couldn’t stop a nose bleed during their defeat at the hands of Alabama in the Sweet 16. What’s changed? Well, the top recruit in the nation in A.J. Dybantsa chose the Cougars. 2026 could be special, and ESPN is confident Provo’s team will be a contender.

Borzello: “All eyes will be on Provo, Utah, next season, as No. 1 recruit A.J. Dybantsa arrives in college to suit up for the Cougars. How has Kevin Young built around Dybantsa? Teaming him up with high-level scorer Richie Saunders on the wing was a great start, and landing Robert Wright III at point guard was a boost. That trio should be one of the country’s most explosive on the offensive end.”

Jon Scheyer and company couldn’t get the job done with generational talent Cooper Flagg in 2025. The faith many have in Duke winning another title might’ve been shaken, but they’ve made some key moves that are flying a bit under the radar. We’ll see if it all pays off for the Blue Devils after a tough Final Four loss last month.

Borzello: “Isaiah Evans‘ decision to forgo the NBA draft and transfer portal to return to Durham gives the Blue Devils a significant perimeter boost, as did beating out Alabama for Washington State transfer Cedric Coward, a legitimate NBA prospect with size and shooting ability on the wings. Jon Scheyer also brings in the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class, which he might need to start multiple freshmen again next season if Coward opts to stay in the draft.”

Louisville received a face-lift this offseason. They had a tremendous regular season, but a forgettable performance in the NCAA Tournament after many picked them to make a run as an under-seeded team. There will be a chip on the shoulder of the Cardinals this time around.

Borzello: “Pat Kelsey had as strong an offseason as any coach in the country so far, landing impact transfers Ryan Conwell (Xavier), Isaac McKneely (Virginia) and Adrian Wooley (Kennesaw State) to go with top-10 recruit Mikel Brown Jr. in the backcourt. … (His) first NCAA tournament win isn’t far away.”

JT Toppin — Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Texas Tech gave Florida all they could handle in the Elite Eight, after a legendary comeback in the Sweet 16 against Arkansas. While it ended up not being enough, they have the talent to make some noise once again in 2026. ESPN certainly believes in them.

Borzello: “Grant McCasland’s team had the biggest rise from the first iteration of our rankings on championship Monday to the mid-April update. The biggest move was the return of JT Toppin, a preseason All-American who dominated the second half of the season.”

Dusty May has made a habit of replenishing his teams via the transfer portal, and Michigan made some major additions once again this time around. The Wolverines had Auburn on the ropes in the Sweet 16, but they couldn’t finish the job. That’ll be the bare minimum in 2026 for the reigning Big Ten Tournament victors.

Borzello: “Dusty May hit the portal early in the cycle, landing three potential starters for the next season in Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB), Elliot Cadeau (North Carolina) and Morez Johnson Jr. (Illinois). Lendeborg is a borderline first-round pick, so there is a chance he’ll remain in the NBA draft instead. But Cadeau is an incredibly gifted passer and Johnson is primed for a big jump down low.”

What a rollercoaster ride of a season John Calipari took Arkansas on in Year 1. What’s in store for Year 2? He’s hoping the Razorbacks will go even further than the Sweet 16, after falling just short of the Elite Eight due to a furious comeback by Texas Tech.

Borzello: “Arkansas surged down the stretch of the season, earning an NCAA tournament bid then making a run to the Sweet 16 before losing to Texas Tech in overtime. Can John Calipari carry that momentum over to next season? Four of the Razorbacks’ top six minute-getters from the postseason run should be back next season.”

ESPN’s early Top 25 ranking — Nos. 11-25:

11. Kentucky (-1)
12. Arizona
13. Iowa State
14. UCLA (+2)
15. Auburn
16. Wisconsin (+1)
17. Illinois (NR)
18. Florida (+1)
19. Creighton (NR)
20. Tennessee (-4)
21. Kansas (-3)
22. Gonzaga (+1)
23. Michigan State (-3)
24. Alabama (-3)
25. North Carolina (-3)

Next in line: Ohio State, Texas, San Diego State, USC, Oregon

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LSU Softball Signs a Pair of Coveted Additions Through NCAA Transfer Portal

BATON ROUGE, La. – Cece Cellura, a pitcher from San Diego State, and Kylee Edwards, an infielder from Mississippi State, will join the LSU softball team for the 2026 season. Both Cellura and Edwards come to LSU with two years of eligibility remaining. Cellura was named to the 2025 All-Mountain West First Team and helped bring […]

Published

1 hour ago

June 6, 2025

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LSU Softball Signs a Pair of Coveted Additions Through NCAA Transfer Portal

BATON ROUGE, La. – Cece Cellura, a pitcher from San Diego State, and Kylee Edwards, an infielder from Mississippi State, will join the LSU softball team for the 2026 season.

Both Cellura and Edwards come to LSU with two years of eligibility remaining.

Cellura was named to the 2025 All-Mountain West First Team and helped bring the Aztecs two consecutive Mountain West Conference Tournament Championship titles.

In 2025, Cellura was 19-9 in the circle with a 2.28 ERA behind 94 strikeouts in 153.2 innings pitched. In 39 appearances and 20 starts, Cellura tossed four shutouts and recorded three saves.

The right-handed hurler led the Mountain West with a 4.70 strikeout-to-walk ratio, a 1.10 WHIP and allowed 0.91 walks per seven innings, ranking No. 3 in the country.

Overall, in her career, Cellura has a 27-14 record with a 2.48 ERA and 139 strikeouts in 262.0 innings pitched.

Edwards, who earned a spot on the NFCA South All-Region Second Team, started all 58 games at shortstop in 2025, where she batted .290 with 47 hits, 34 runs and 37 RBI. Edwards had 18 extra-base hits with nine doubles and nine home runs.

She also drew 24 walks and was 7-for-7 in stolen bases. In the field, she had a .945 fielding percentage with 87 assists, 69 putouts and nine errors.

In her two seasons at State, Edwards logged a .280 batting average with 83 hits, including 14 home runs, has scored 59 runs and drove in 60 runs.

More LSU News:

LSU Target, Top-Five Quarterback in America Earns Coveted Elite 11 Invite

LSU Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier Turning Heads This Offseason, Expectations Rising

LSU’s Joe Sloan Comments on One Wide Receiver to Keep Tabs on in 2025

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NIL era news

As we head into a new athletics year under the NIL era, a new bill has been signed into law in the state of Texas that could benefit Texas A&M and other universities in the state moving forward. As announced on Thursday afternoon, Governor Greg Abbott signed a new NIL law that will allow athletes […]

Published

3 hours ago

June 6, 2025

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As we head into a new athletics year under the NIL era, a new bill has been signed into law in the state of Texas that could benefit Texas A&M and other universities in the state moving forward.

As announced on Thursday afternoon, Governor Greg Abbott signed a new NIL law that will allow athletes over 17 in the state to receive NIL contracts directly from a university. This bill also aligns with the House settlement that is yet to be approved. For Texas A&M and other in-state universities, it will allow them to avoid any potential lawsuits or compliance issues and compete for recruits in some ways others may not be able to just yet.

The implementation of the bill was first reported by KBTX senior sports writer Travis L. Brown via X:

Let’s cut straight to the facts: there is no denying the influence of NIL on all collegiate athletics and it continues to grow by the minute. The transfer portal has reached historic numbers since the decision was made to introduce financial gain for players for their name, image and likeness (NIL).

That was just the beginning of something way bigger than anyone ever thought could happen in the sport. Some college athletes, like UCLA quarterback Nico Lamaleava, are making millions of dollars before they even reach the National Football League, which has always been the goal of most athletes, historically speaking.

Now, what is stopping players from just managing their finances in college and then retiring? Is that going to cause a shortage of athletes in the NFL? Or, will the professional football league continue to blossom? That is still to be determined.

For now, the House vs. NCAA antitrust lawsuit remains in full swing, with seemingly no end in sight just yet. The proposed, and now imposed, bill in the state of Texas protects universities in the state in more ways than one, while also providing a slight edge in recruiting as well.

The world of NIL and the transfer portal is something that will change rapidly and often. As new bills are signed or rejected, there seems to be some major miscommunications between the House and the NCAA that could be detrimental for all parties if not solved.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: NIL era news: Texas governor implements integral new bill heading into new athletic year

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Franklin addresses CFP in media session | News, Sports, Jobs

UNIVERSITY PARK — The College Football Playoffs are evolving even faster than NIL and the transfer portal. It seems inevitable that the field will expand to 16 teams, possibly as soon as the 2026 season. The management committee for the CFP recently modified the seeding where the top four conference champions will not necessarily receive […]

Published

3 hours ago

June 6, 2025

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The management committee for the CFP recently modified the seeding where the top four conference champions will not necessarily receive a bye, but will go to the top four teams.

Now, the discussion has changed to how are the teams picked and should the committee start using a formula such as what was used in the BCS era from 1998-2013.

Count Penn State coach James Franklin as part of the crowd that is undecided.

“There were all these complaints about the BCS,” Franklin said. “Then we go to (the CFP), and the problem is everyone voting is biased, whether you want to be or not. In a lot of ways, you could make the argument that a formula could be better, but we didn’t love the formula, so we went to this.”

Ohio State coach Ryan Day made the argument earlier this week that the Big Ten should have four automatic qualifiers to the playoffs. Part of the reasoning is because the conference expanded to 18 teams last season, with the four West Coast teams being some of the predominant teams that the PAC-12 featured for many years.

“It’s an interesting discussion,” Franklin said of the four automatic qualifiers. “Somebody said, ‘Let’s just choose the best 16.’ Well, how do you choose the best 16?

“It’s why I think we need a commissioner. The majority of people that have strong opinions have an agenda and are biased based on what’s good for them.

“We do have more teams now and a greater level of competition. Why should (the field makeup) be balanced? I think that’s the conversation everyone is having.”

It’s an ongoing conversation that likely won’t have an end game until at least next year, if not longer. Franklin pointed out that the Big Ten only plays nine conference games, while the SEC only plays eight in league play. That only scratches the surface of the whole dilemma.

“At the end of the day there’s not going to be a perfect system,” Franklin said. But let’s make it as perfect as we can so we can compare an apple to an apple.”

A brand new room

The leading wide receiver from last year’s Nittany Lions returning is Liam Clifford, who managed to get just 286 yards on 18 catches. First Team All-American tight end Tyler Warren was a first-round NFL Draft pick, while Harrison Wallace III and Omari Evans transferred to Ole Miss and Washington, respectively.

But the wideouts were revamped over the winter with USC’s Kyron Hudson and Troy’s Devonte Ross committing to Penn State via the transfer portal. On the day of the Blue-White Game, it was also reported that Syracuse’s Trebor Pena was also coming to State College.

Pena had 84 receptions for 941 yards and nine touchdowns last season for the Orange.

“It worked out pretty well,” Franklin said. “Since he’s been here, I know our veteran players like him. Hudson has come here and been a good fit and the guys really like him. Hudson and Pena were both captains at their schools. That’s very telling.”

What has the rest of the coaching staff noticed about Pena since he’s been on campus?

“He’s got tremendous ball skills,” offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki said. “He’s really quick. He can make things happen with the ball in his hands.”

Wide receivers coach Marques Hagans pointed out his production, his competitiveness, and his toughness stands out on film.

“No matter what system you’re in, football is football,” Hagans said. “Can he run? Can he catch? What can he do with the ball in his hands? It’s a different system, but the result we need is the same. Guys that can get open and catch the ball and make something happen with it. He proved he can do that on film.”

Edge rusher out

Franklin confirmed on Thursday that redshirt freshman defensive end Max Granville is out with a long-term injury that he suffered at home while working out.

Granville saw limited action in seven games last year with one tackle and one pass break-up, but was likely going to receive a bigger role this season.

“Obviously not an ideal situation,” Franklin said. “My heart breaks for the kid and the family. Obviously not what we wanted or needed either. He played last year and we were depending on him taking that next step this year.”

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Michigan Running Back’s Groundbreaking NIL Deal Redefines College Football

Michigan Running Back’s Groundbreaking NIL Deal Redefines College Football originally appeared on Athlon Sports. When Justice Haynes traded crimson for maize and blue, Michigan fans expected game-changing runs. What they didn’t expect? A business move just as explosive. Advertisement Haynes, the former Alabama running back and one of the top transfers of 2025, has inked […]

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June 6, 2025

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Michigan Running Back’s Groundbreaking NIL Deal Redefines College Football originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

When Justice Haynes traded crimson for maize and blue, Michigan fans expected game-changing runs. What they didn’t expect? A business move just as explosive.

Haynes, the former Alabama running back and one of the top transfers of 2025, has inked a unique NIL deal with Loom Juices, not just as a brand ambassador, but as an equity stakeholder. That’s right: the Wolverines’ rising star now owns part of the brand.

“This partnership exemplifies how athletes can leverage their platforms for meaningful, long-term brand engagements,” said Haynes’ agent, Dan Everett.

In a landscape flooded with apparel deals and one-off endorsements, Haynes’ agreement stands out. According to On3’s Pete Nakos, the deal positions the 5-foot-11, 205-pound back not only as a face of Loom’s health-focused mission, but as a strategic partner. For Loom, which targets a younger, wellness-conscious demographic, Haynes is the ideal match.

Michigan Wolverines running back Justice Haynes.Maize & Blue Review

The move reflects a growing NIL trend: equity over appearance. Instead of cashing short-term checks, Haynes is playing the long game, something fans and athletes alike should take note of.

It’s a bold step for the sophomore, who tallied 715 total yards and nine touchdowns over two seasons at Alabama. After entering the portal this winter, Haynes chose Michigan over South Carolina and Ole Miss, eager for a bigger stage and a larger role. He now enters a wide-open RB competition for a team hungry to rebound from a disappointing 10-3 finish in 2024.

With Haynes bringing both his downhill running style and entrepreneurial mindset to Ann Arbor, it’s clear: this isn’t just about football anymore.

This NIL deal isn’t just a contract. It’s a statement about athlete empowerment, brand strategy, and the evolving landscape of college sports.

If Haynes breaks out in the Big Ten like many expect, Loom Juices won’t just have a new face. They’ll have a stake in a star.

Related: Former Kentucky Great Has Words About NIL: “I’m Glad I Didn’t Play in That Era”

Related: Bill Belichick Breaks Silence on NIL Chaos

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.

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What Georgia pays softball coach Tony Baldwin after 2024 extension

Georgia softball reached the NCAA Super Regional round this past season for the third straight year under coach Tony Baldwin. It came after a tough SEC season when a Bulldogs team with an overhauled roster did not win an SEC series in a conference that saw three teams reach the final four of the Women’s […]

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4 hours ago

June 6, 2025

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Georgia softball reached the NCAA Super Regional round this past season for the third straight year under coach Tony Baldwin.

It came after a tough SEC season when a Bulldogs team with an overhauled roster did not win an SEC series in a conference that saw three teams reach the final four of the Women’s College World Series.

Georgia awarded Baldwin with a boost in pay and a three-year contract extension in a deal signed last September, according to a contract obtained by the Athens Banner-Herald in an open records request.

It keeps Baldwin under contract through the end of the 2029 season and raised his total pay to $325,000 annually. That’s an increase of approximately $87,000 for Baldwin, who just completed his fourth season as Georgia’s head coach.

Baldwin’s pay is still below at least nine other SEC coaches according to a salary survey from The Oklahoman.

As part of the deal, Baldwin’s total pay increases $25,000 each year of the deal to $350,000 starting July 1, 2025, $375,000 on July 1, 2026, $400,000 on July 1, 2027 and $425,000 on July 1, 2028.

Baldwin also received a $30,000 longevity bonus on Sept. 30, 2024 and receives a $25,000 longevity bonus one month after each season.

He was due to receive a $50,000 longevity bonus on July 31, 2026 under his original contract after he was promoted from associate coach under Lu Harris-Champer following the 2021 season when the Bulldogs last made the Women’s College World Series.

Georgia finished the 2025 season with a 35-23 record. It went 7-16 in the SEC but won an NCAA regional as a lower-seeded team at Duke.

“This was a very young team, we graduated a ton of seniors last year,” athletic director Josh Brooks said. “Really excited with the progress they made. With all due respect to Duke and every other conference, we went through a gauntlet in the SEC. I knew once we got to regionals…I felt good about our opportunity.”

Georgia lost a deciding game three against Florida in a Super Regional series in Gainesville, 5-2.

“We’ve taken our share of punches and shots and all of the setbacks and we’ve shown up every week to start the new week with a fresh mindset that this week’s going to be our week and you don’t get that without great senior people in your room,” Baldwin, who is 163-75 as head coach, said after the final game. “We had some shortcomings this year, but the reason that we played for a chance to go to the World Series today was because of the people we have in a room, and I’ll go to bat with that any time.”

Brooks said he feels good about where the program is with a young team and the additions it’s making in the transfer portal and through the high school ranks.

“We’re giving them support now, a brand new facility,” Brooks said of softball upgrades. “We got to showcase it at the SEC softball tournament. I think facilities still do matter. I know NIL has become a big thing, but for a sport like softball, not just for recruiting but for how a kid will be able to train and develop and where they’ll call home, I think matters. I think it will keep elevating that program.”

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NCAA super regional game today

Louisville baseball coach Dan McDonnell on Super Regional game vs. Miami Louisville’s Dan McDonnell talks the day before the NCAA Tournament Super Regional game against Miami at Jim Patterson Stadium. Miami baseball has a 12-11 series lead over Louisville. The Louisville Cardinals are 37-10 all-time in postseason home game, advancing to five straight super regional […]

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4 hours ago

June 6, 2025

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Miami baseball has a 12-11 series lead over Louisville.
The Louisville Cardinals are 37-10 all-time in postseason home game, advancing to five straight super regional series between 2013 and 2017 and again in 2019. They won in 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2019.
The Miami Hurricanes have made the College World Series 25 times with four national championships. Most recently, they made back-to-back trips in 2015 and 2016.

Louisville baseball and Miami are set for Game 1 of their NCAA Tournament super regional series today at Jim Patterson Stadium.

The ACC foes didn’t play this year but are two of the conference’s five teams to make the super regionals. Louisville will look for a series victory over the Hurricanes to make it back to the College World Series in Omaha for the first time since 2019. That was also the last time the Cardinals hosted a super regional. The Cardinals swept East Carolina that season to advance to the CWS.

Here is what to know heading into Game 1 of the best-of-three series.

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Miami has a 12-11 series lead over Louisville. The two programs are 2-2 over their last four meetings with the Hurricanes winning the last two games of last year’s ACC series.

Louisville is in postseason form and playing with a ton of momentum right now. Going 3-0 in the regional with almost a week off to prepare will give the squad the time it needs to take Game 1 of the series. Louisville 8, Miami 4.

The Cardinals are 37-10 all-time in postseason home game, advancing to five straight super regional series between 2013 and 2017 and again in 2019. They won in 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2019.

The Hurricanes have made the College World Series 25 times with four national championships. Most recently, they made back-to-back trips in 2015 and 2016.

Looking to buy Louisville baseball tickets? We’ve got you covered.

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