OKLAHOMA CITY — The Texas Tech softball team scored another victory in the 2025 Women’s College World Series today by downing UCLA 3-1 at Devon Park.

The Red Raiders got another stellar pitching performance from NiJaree Canady and timely offense from Hailey Toney (solo home run) and Raegan Jennings (pinch-hit RBI single).

Texas Tech now advances to the semifinals and will play either Oregon or Oklahoma on Monday.

Texas Tech softball vs. UCLA Women’s College World Series live updates

7:46 p.m.: NiJaree Canady has retired the last six batter since giving up the home run. Texas Tech softball leads 2-1 going to the 7th.

7:40 p.m.: Hailey Toney muscles a home run to right center and Texas Tech goes up 2-1 heading to the bottom of the 6th.

7:28 p.m.: Texas Tech softball takes a 1-0 lead after Makayla Garcia steals home plate. UCLA has tied it back up with a solo home run from Kaniya Bragg. Red Raiders and Bruins tied 1-1 through 5 innings.

7:04 p.m.: 1-2-3 innings for both pitchers as we head to the 5th looking for some offense.

6:52 p.m.: Texas Tech softball and UCLA remain scoreless through 3 innings. Red Raiders still looking for their first hit.

6:39 p.m.: Gerry Glasco disagreed with the ump’s strike zone and was issued a warning for arguing. NiJaree Canady issued two walks and UCLA loaded the bases before Canady got a strikeout and force out at home to end the inning. Still scoreless through 2 full.

6:26 p.m.: Lauren Allred gets hit by a pitch but then gets doubled off at first on a popout from Canady in the top of the 2nd.

6:20 p.m.: NiJaree Canady sends the Bruins down in order in response. No score after the 1st.

6:13 p.m.: Texas Tech softball goes down in order in the top of the first. UCLA coming up to bat.

5:22 p.m.: About 45 minutes out from first pitch. Texas Tech will be the visitors tonight wearing their white uniforms. UCLA wearing their blues as the home team.

What TV channel is Texas Tech vs. UCLA softball on today?

• TV channel: ESPN
• Streaming: Fubo

Texas Tech’s game against UCLA will air on ESPN and can be streamed on Fubo, which requires a subscription.

Watch Texas Tech softball vs UCLA in Women’s College World Series

Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss softball start time

• Date: Saturday, May 31
• Time: 6 p.m. CT

First pitch for Texas Tech and UCLA’s Women’s College World Series game is set for 6 p.m.

Texas Tech softball schedule 2025

Below is Texas Tech’s postseason schedule:

Big 12 Tournament

• May 8: Texas Tech 4, Baylor 0
• May 9: Texas Tech 18, Arizona State 0 (5)
• May 10: Texas Tech 4, Arizona 0

Lubbock Regional

• May 16: Texas Tech 6, Brown 0
• May 17: Texas Tech 10, Mississippi State 1 (6)
• May 18: Texas Tech 9, Mississippi State 6

Tallahassee Super Regional

• May 22: Texas Tech 3, Florida State 0
• May 23: Texas Tech 2, Florida State 1

Women’s College World Series schedule

Here’s the full schedule for the 2025 Women’s College World Series at Devon Park in Oklahoma City:

All times Central

Thursday, May 29

• Game 1: No. 6 Texas vs. No. 3 Florida 0
• Game 2: No. 2 Oklahoma 4, No. 7 Tennessee 3
• Game 3: No. 12 Texas Tech 1, Ole Miss 0
• Game 4: No. 9 UCLA 4, No. 16 Oregon 2

Friday, May 30

• Game 5: Florida vs. Tennessee 6 p.m., ESPN2 (Fubo)
• Game 6: Ole Miss vs. Oregon, 8:30 p.m., ESPN2 (Fubo)

Saturday, May 31

• Game 7: Texas vs. Oklahoma, 2 p.m., ABC (Fubo)
• Game 8: Texas Tech vs. UCLA, 6 p.m., ESPN (Fubo)

Sunday, June 1

• Game 9: Game 5 winner vs. Game 8 loser, 2 p.m., ABC (Fubo)
• Game 10: Game 6 winner vs. Game 7 loser, 6 p.m., ESPNU (Fubo)

Monday, June 2

• Game 11: Game 7 winner vs. Game 9 winner, 11 a.m., ESPN (Fubo)
• Game 12 (if necessary): Game 7 winner vs. Game 9 winner, 1:30 p.m., ESPN (Fubo)
• Game 13: Game 8 winner vs. Game 10 winner, 6 p.m., ESPN2 (Fubo)
• Game 14 (if necessary): Game 8 winner vs. Game 10 winner, 8:30 p.m., ESPN2 (Fubo)

Tuesday, June 3

Wednesday, June 4

• WCWS finals Game 1: TBD vs. TBD, 7 p.m., ESPN (Fubo)

Thursday, June 5

• WCWS finals Game 2: TBD vs. TBD, 7 p.m., ESPN (Fubo)

Friday, June 6 (if necessary)

WCWS finals Game 3: TBD vs. TBD, 7 p.m., ESPN (Fubo)

Link

Link

Link

With the transfer portal and the increasing number of international prospects going to college, the real college basketball offseason is shorter than ever. Even as you read this, rosters are still being tweaked and fine-tuned.

But the final major deadline of the offseason calendar came and went on May 28, the deadline for players to withdraw their names from the NBA draft and return to college. Now, the 2025-26 college basketball landscape is finally coming into focus.

The debate over preseason No. 1 intensified with Milos Uzan returning to Houston and Florida adding Boogie Fland while also getting back Alex Condon. Both programs are squarely in the conversation alongside Purdue, with UConn and St. John’s not far behind.

As things stand, we have the fewest questions about the Boilermakers, who likely have the highest floor given the return of Wooden Award favorite Braden Smith and All-American Trey Kaufman-Renn. So, for now, Matt Painter’s team retains its place atop the rankings.

As the offseason progresses and we have more time to dive into rosters and rotations, there will be constant shuffling. But let’s take a look at our latest projections for the top 25 teams for next season.

Previous ranking: 1

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.

The addition of South Dakota State transfer Oscar Cluff should help inside, while a healthy Daniel Jacobsen could be poised for a breakout season. Landing Israeli guard Omer Mayer and North Florida transfer Liam Murphy adds needed depth.

Projected starting 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)

Previous ranking: 18

No team in the country saw a bigger rise in the rankings as a result of NBA draft withdrawals than the reigning national champions.

First, former Arkansas guard Boogie Fland committed to the Gators after his decision to withdraw shortly after the combine. Then, the week of the deadline, Alex Condon also pulled his name out of the draft to return to Gainesville. Those two should join Princeton transfer Xaivian Lee as well as returnees Rueben Chinyelu and Thomas Haugh — an obvious breakout candidate — in one of the most talented starting fives in the country.

There could be growing pains as Todd Golden figures out how all his players fit, but the Gators are certainly in the discussion to go back-to-back — an impressive achievement after the departures of Walter Clayton Jr., Will Richard, Alijah Martin and Denzel Aberdeen.

Projected starting lineup

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

Alex Condon’s decision to return to Florida boosts the outlook for Todd Golden’s team in 2025-26. Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY SportsPrevious ranking: 4It was an eventful NBA draft withdrawal deadline for Houston with all eyes on Milos Uzan’s decision. Hours before Uzan announced his return — which puts the Cougars in the conversation for preseason No. 1 — Creighton transfer Pop Isaacs rescinded his commitment to sign with Texas A&M. That loss coupled with LJ Cryer’s graduation means Houston could lack some scoring pop on the perimeter, though Kelvin Sampson is bringing in three top-25 prospects to help fill the gaps.

Combined with what should be a typically elite Houston defense and the returns of Emanuel Sharp and Joseph Tugler, Sampson’s program isn’t leaving the national conversation anytime soon.

Projected starting 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)

Previous ranking: 2

UConn’s national championship streak ended at two, but Dan Hurley and the Huskies have reloaded to make another run.

Alex Karaban‘s decision to forego the NBA draft and return to Storrs vaulted them up the rankings — we expect him to again team up with potential preseason All-America Solo Ball to form a high-level offensive duo. Silas Demary Jr. is a similar player to former Huskies guard Tristen Newton, while Braylon Mullins should be one of the more impactful newcomers in the country

If Tarris Reed Jr. can stay on the floor consistently, UConn is as loaded as any team in America.

Projected starting lineup

Silas Demary Jr. (13.5 PPG at Georgia)
Solo Ball (14.4 PPG)
Braylon Mullins (No. 14 in ESPN 100)
Alex Karaban (14.3 PPG)
Tarris Reed Jr. (9.6 PPG)

Previous ranking: 3

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.

The losses of Kadary Richmond, RJ Luis Jr. and Aaron Scott will sting, but Zuby Ejiofor is back. And Pitino has one of the best portal classes in the country, led by five top-100 additions: Ian Jackson (North Carolina), Bryce Hopkins (Providence), Joson Sanon (Arizona State), Oziyah Sellers (Stanford) and Dillon Mitchell (Cincinnati).

Idaho State transfer Dylan Darling solves both point guard and depth issues.

Projected starting 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)

Editor’s Picks2 RelatedPrevious ranking: 7All 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.

In addition, two more high-level shooters with size — Kennard Davis (Southern Illinois) and Tyler Mrus (Idaho) — are entering the program via the portal.

BYU’s remaining focus will be improving defensively.

Projected starting lineup

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

Previous ranking: 7

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.

Kasean Pryor and J’Vonne Hadley were question marks entering the offseason, but both have since announced their returns. And despite the late portal departure of James Scott, there’s still depth up front behind Pryor and Hadley, with particular excitement surrounding the arrivals of Germany native Sananda Fru and Greek big man Vangelis Zougris.

Kelsey’s first NCAA tournament win isn’t far away.

Projected starting 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 games)

Previous ranking: 9

Michigan solidified its preseason standing at the withdrawal deadline, when potential first-round pick Yaxel Lendeborg pulled his name out of the draft and headed to Ann Arbor. The UAB transfer has been one of the most productive frontcourt players in the country the past two years.

Dusty May hit the portal early in the cycle, landing three potential starters for the next season in Lendeborg, Elliot Cadeau (North Carolina) and Morez Johnson Jr. (Illinois). Cadeau is an incredibly gifted passer while Johnson is primed for a big jump down low.

The Wolverines also added 7-foot-3 UCLA transfer Aday Mara. Returnees Roddy Gayle Jr. and Nimari Burnett and five-star signee Trey McKenney will play on the wings.

Projected starting 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)

Previous ranking: 11

Kentucky is absolutely loaded on the perimeter next season, with the arrivals of transfers Jaland Lowe (Pitt), Kam Williams (Tulane) and Denzel Aberdeen (Florida) and five-star prospect Jasper Johnson, to go along with the return of leading scorer Otega Oweh and reserve Collin Chandler.

Mark Pope also revamped the frontcourt with defense in mind, with the additions of Mouhamed Dioubate (Alabama) and Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State). Quaintance could miss time after suffering a torn ACL in late February, so a step forward from Brandon Garrison will be needed.

Projected starting 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)

Previous ranking: 8

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. And LeJuan Watts, a versatile and skilled wing forward, would be a seamless replacement for Darrion Williams should Williams opt to remain in the portal or declare for the NBA draft. Christian Anderson should also take a step forward in his sophomore season.

Don’t overlook the addition of VCU transfer Luke Bamgboye, who will provide an anchor defensively.

Projected starting lineup

Christian Anderson (10.6 PPG)
Donovan Atwell (13.3 PPG at UNC Greensboro)
Tyeree Bryan (10.4 PPG at Santa Clara)
LeJuan Watts (13.7 PPG at Washington State)
JT Toppin (18.2 PPG)

2025 NBA draft• We offer potential trades for Mavs, Flagg
• Updated top 100 big board rankings
• Mock draft! 76ers’ pick at No. 3?
• Flagg’s top NBA comps: Kawhi, others
• Stacking all 30 teams’ draft assets | More

Previous ranking: 10

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 will be back next season with Karter Knox withdrawing from the draft at the deadline. Top-10 recruits Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas add scoring pop to the backcourt, while Calipari also added proven depth down low in Nick Pringle (South Carolina) and Malique Ewin (Florida State).

Projected starting lineup

Darius Acuff (No. 5 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)

Previous ranking: 6

Duke jumped from No. 11 to No. 6 in May after Isaiah Evans opted to forgo the NBA draft and transfer portal to return to Durham, followed by Washington State transfer Cedric Coward‘s commitment. But when it became apparent that Coward — a borderline first-round pick — would remain in the draft, Jon Scheyer had to pivot. He quickly landed potential future first-rounder Dame Sarr, an Italian wing who played for FC Barcelona, and top-25 recruit Sebastian Wilkins, who reclassified up from 2026.

Scheyer once again brings in the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class, headlined by Cameron Boozer, who should be among the most productive frontcourt players in the country.

Projected starting 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)

Previous ranking: 12

Tommy Lloyd is a lock to start two freshmen next season, with top-15 prospects Koa Peat and Brayden Burries entering the fold. Peat is a consistent producer and winner, while Burries is an aggressive multidimensional scorer.

Jaden Bradley is back at the point guard spot, and the Wildcats also return big men Tobe Awaka and Motiejus Krivas. It’s difficult to see Awaka and Krivas lining up alongside each other often, though, so Lloyd will likely turn to Anthony Dell’Orso (28 starts last season).

The strength of this roster took a hit when Carter Bryant decided to stay in the draft, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Wildcats add one more player on the wing.

Projected starting lineup

Jaden Bradley (12.1 PPG)
Brayden Burries (No. 11 in ESPN 100)
Anthony Dell’Orso (7.2 PPG)
Koa Peat (No. 9 in ESPN 100)
Tobe Awaka (8.0 PPG)

Previous ranking: 15

After reaching the Final Four this past season, Bruce Pearl’s roster faces an overhaul.

Tahaad Pettiford‘s decision to withdraw from the draft and return to the Tigers was a significant development — he’s one of the most electric players in the country and has a chance to open 2025-26 as a preseason All-American. The sudden loss of Chad Baker-Mazara to the portal in late April was a surprise, but Pearl turned around and landed Texas Tech transfer Kevin Overton and Division II import Elyjah Freeman.

Auburn already had high-major transfers Keyshawn Hall (UCF) and KeShawn Murphy (Mississippi State) in the fold, and also landed a potential impact frontcourt player in Serbian big man Filip Jovic.

Projected starting 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)

Previous ranking: 14

UCLA made a massive early splash in the portal, landing Mountain West Player of the Year Donovan Dent from New Mexico. He gives the Bruins a dynamic, aggressive playmaker. Three starters from this season’s team should also be back, while Mick Cronin will hope for a step forward from Trent Perry in Year 2.

Eric Dailey and Tyler Bilodeau form one of the better frontcourt duos in the Big Ten, with both players posing matchup problems for opponents. Kansas City transfer Jamar Browns adds an experienced shot-maker and Michigan State transfer Xavier Booker is a former five-star prospect who has shown flashes.

Projected starting 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)

Previous ranking: 17

Brad Underwood’s roster will have a heavy international feel to it next season, with plenty of talent to compete for a second-weekend trip in the NCAA tournament. Kylan Boswell and Tomislav Ivisic were key pieces in this past season’s team, while Ben Humrichous started 26 games and Ty Rodgers started all 38 games in 2023-24 before redshirting last season.

Underwood hit the portal and overseas market to reinforce the rest of the roster, landing transfers Andrej Stojakovic (California) and Zvonimir Ivisic (Arkansas) as well as international pros Mihailo Petrovic and David Mirkovic.

Projected starting lineup

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

Previous ranking: 24

Alabama was one of the big winners of the withdrawal deadline, with Labaron Philon making a late decision to remove his name from the draft and return to Tuscaloosa. The talented guard told reporters at the combine that he had closed the door on going back to college. But Nate Oats was on the hunt for a playmaker on the perimeter and now has Philon back in the fold.

Philon is part of a talented perimeter group that includes returnees Aden Holloway and a healthy Latrell Wrightsell Jr., while former five-star recruit Jalil Bethea will look to bounce back after transferring from Miami.

The frontcourt will likely have to rely on portal additions, namely Bucknell transfer Noah Williamson, who was named 2024-25 Patriot League Player of the Year, and Florida State transfer Taylor Bol Bowen, a skilled forward and former highly touted recruit. Aiden Sherrell needs to take a step forward, too.

Projected starting 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)

Previous ranking: 13

Iowa State’s offensive improvement could take a hit with the losses of Keshon Gilbert and Curtis Jones, but the Cyclones were ranked in the top 15 nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency in each of TJ Otzelberger’s four seasons in Ames, so there is a relatively high floor given the returning starters.

Tamin Lipsey, Milan Momcilovic and Joshua Jefferson form a great core, while Nate Heise started in place of Gilbert late in the season. Virginia transfer Blake Buchanan should help down low while fellow portal additions Mason Williams (Eastern Washington) and Dominick Nelson (Utah Valley) add depth.

Projected starting 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)

Previous ranking: 22

It will be a new look for Gonzaga, with starters Ryan Nembhard, Nolan Hickman, Khalif Battle and Ben Gregg all out of eligibility. But Graham Ike returns as the team’s anchor down low, and Braden Huff is back to play alongside Ike in the frontcourt. And the Zags get a bump in the rankings after landing Grand Canyon transfer Tyon Grant-Foster, one of the most talented scorers in the country — he averaged just 14.8 points last season but put up 20.1 points in 2023-24.

The perimeter still has some questions. Braeden Smith and Jalen Warley both sat out this past season after transferring, while Steele Venters hasn’t played since 2023 because of injury. Mark Few did add Arizona State transfer Adam Miller, who will be playing at his fourth school after having his most efficient offensive season in 2024-25.

Projected starting 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)

Previous ranking: 16

Wisconsin found success this past season playing at a much faster tempo than previous teams under Greg Gard. The Badgers were also more reliant on the 3-point shot. Is that their new formula moving forward?

Gard hit the transfer portal in a big way, landing three potential starters in Nick Boyd (San Diego State), Andrew Rohde (Virginia) and Austin Rapp (Portland) early in the cycle. All-Big Ten guard John Blackwell is also back to lead the way, while Nolan Winter enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2024-25.

Projected starting 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)

Previous ranking: 21

Bill Self received a huge boost for next season during Final Four weekend, when Flory Bidunga withdrew from the transfer portal and announced he was returning to the Jayhawks. He should form one of the best inside-outside duos in the country alongside Darryn Peterson, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft.

But Kansas still needs much more. The Jayhawks have landed a trio of potential wing starters in Tre White (Illinois), Melvin Council Jr. (St. Bonaventure) and Jayden Dawson (Loyola Chicago). But they missed on Darrion Williams and Dame Sarr, and there aren’t many impact players still on the market.

Projected starting 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)

Previous ranking: 19

Greg McDermott loses two of the program’s stalwarts from the past few years in Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth, as well as starter Jamiya Neal. But Creighton has an aesthetically pleasing offensive system and plenty of minutes to sell, and it worked in the portal this offseason, landing Owen Freeman (Iowa), Josh Dix (Iowa), Blake Harper (Howard), Nik Graves (Charlotte) and Austin Swartz (Miami).

We’re also expecting a step forward from Jackson McAndrew, a 6-foot-10 sniper who showed considerable promise as a freshman for the Bluejays.

Projected starting 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)

Previous ranking: 20

Tennessee has been busy reloading the roster, with top-five recruit Nate Ament and Maryland transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie representing two of the most impactful newcomers for any team in the country. Ament has incredible long-term upside, while Gillespie was among the best point guards in college basketball this past season. Louisiana Tech transfer Amaree Abram also adds shooting.

Rick Barnes has strong frontcourt depth, with Jaylen Carey (Vanderbilt) joining starter Felix Okpara and reserves Cade Phillips and J.P. Estrella. The Vols need more, though, with starters Zakai Zeigler, Chaz Lanier, Jahmai Mashack and Igor Milicic Jr. and reserves Jordan Gainey and Darlinstone Dubar all gone.

Projected starting 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)

Previous ranking: Unranked

Expectations for Will Wade’s first season in Raleigh grew dramatically in late May, when the Wolfpack beat out Kansas for Texas Tech transfer Darrion Williams, one of the best players in the portal this spring. Now NC State has a legitimate offensive fulcrum and an All-American-caliber player.

While Wade brought along a couple of players with him from McNeese, he also focused on power-conference experience with portal additions Tre Holloman (Michigan State), Terrance Arceneaux (Houston), Jerry Deng (Florida State) and Ven-Allen Lubin (North Carolina) all having played high-major basketball.

Lubin should battle with international addition Paul Mbiya for a starting spot down low.

Projected starting 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)

Previous ranking: 25

Hubert Davis has been busy in the portal, replacing the departing Elliot Cadeau and Ian Jackson with transfers Kyan Evans (Colorado State) and Jonathan Powell (West Virginia). Davis also landed one of the best bigs in the portal with Arizona’s Henri Veesaar, as well as upside players in Alabama’s Jarin Stevenson and Virginia Tech’s Jaydon Young.

With Seth Trimble‘s return and top-10 recruit Caleb Wilson‘s arrival, there’s a talented core in Chapel Hill. But Carolina had also been swinging (and missing) on impact wings, especially after Drake Powell opted to remain in the NBA draft despite not appearing to be a lock first-round pick. That drought ended when Montenegrin wing Luka Bogavac picked North Carolina. The 22-year-old should make an immediate impact as a shooter.

Projected starting lineup

Kyan Evans (10.6 PPG at Colorado State)
Seth Trimble (11.6 PPG)
Luka Bogavac (14.9 PPG for SC Derby)
Caleb Wilson (No. 7 in ESPN 100)
Henri Veesaar (9.4 PPG at Arizona)

Next in line

San Diego State Aztecs
North Carolina Tar Heels
Ohio State Buckeyes
Texas Longhorns
USC Trojans

Syracuse, N.Y. – When Adrian Autry was considering his options in the transfer portal this spring, the primary characteristics he sought were athleticism and positional size.

Those factors, he said, drove the way he and his staff evaluated players and focused attention on which guys they would recruit to play at Syracuse in 2025-26.

When the Orange men played good teams last season, the SU head coach said, they encountered bigger, more athletic players. Those players were longer, quicker to the ball and generally speedier on the basketball court than the Orange.

Syracuse needed to upgrade those particular areas if it wanted to return to college basketball relevancy.

“Those were the first steps of, hey, when we go into this portal, this is what we’re trying to look for,” Autry said last week during a wide-ranging conversation with syracuse.com/The Post-Standard in his Melo Center office.

Syracuse coaches convinced six players who entered the portal to play for the Orange next season. The splashiest name belongs to Nait George, the former Georgia Tech point guard who gives SU a true lead guard to pair with JJ Starling in the backcourt.

Other portal acquisitions were Nate Kingz (Oregon State), William Kyle (UCLA), Tyler Betsey (Cincinnati), Ibrahim Souare (Georgia Tech) and Bryce Zephir (Montana State).

Autry termed the return of Starling and Donnie Freeman hugely impactful in the way he built the rest of his roster.

He wanted to fit pertinent pieces around those two SU stars to complement their games and address areas in which the Orange otherwise lacked.

He went so far, he said, as to use video of NBA players to show Starling and Freeman the prototypes of players SU hoped to surround them with. When a portal player with similar characteristics expressed a mutual interest in SU, the staff shared video of those guys with Starling and Freeman.

The staff’s access to money for players, particularly the windfall expected from the House settlement, Autry said, was sufficient this season.

Autry said the Orange landed all the players it sought in the transfer portal and reiterated his belief in SU’s incoming freshman class. He cited the organizational skills of general manager Alex Kline as a helpful tool to immediately identify the targets the staff wanted to reach. SU coaches navigated the portal without a GM last year.

Here’s a rundown on each of Syracuse’s portal pieces and Autry’s assessment of their games:

Nait George, 6-foot-3 point guard, Georgia Tech

SU had first-hand familiarity with George, who played for an ACC opponent.

Autry recalled wanting to see him play during an Under-16 AAU tournament, but George broke his wrist, was unavailable and eventually drifted from the Orange radar.

Syracuse, too, had a long and prosperous relationship with Nait’s uncle, Mike George, the NBA agent who had represented Tyler Ennis and Oshae Brissett. Autry called that relationship “big for us,” in securing a commitment from Nait George.

Autry cited George’s assist numbers – he led the ACC in that category at 6.5 per game – as his primary appeal. He considered George one of the best point guards in the nation and was “the engine for that team.”

Autry credited Georgia Tech coach Damon Stoudamire, a former NBA point guard, with advancing George’s skill level.

“Just watching him from Year One to Year Two, he made big strides and you know, he’s a point guard,” Autry said. “He knows how to play the position, has great feel, great vision and his shooting has improved from year to year.”

By the time George committed to SU, the Orange already had several pieces in place that appealed to him, Autry said.

Nate Kingz, 6-foot-5 wing, Oregon State

Autry was drawn to Kingz’s biography, his rise from an unknown NAIA entity and his personal tribulations in the foster care system.

But Autry, too, envisioned Kingz as an impactful two-way player. He spoke with former SU great Stephen Thompson, now an assistant coach at Oregon State, about Kingz and came away from that conversation believing Kingz could be a lockdown defender for the Orange.

Kingz believes he only scratched the surface of his athleticism last season. It was his first year back to basketball after an ACL tear.

He also shot 44.4% from the 3-point line (56-of-126) last season. SU ranked 13th in 3-point field goal percentage last season.

“When you go into the portal, some people just kind of pop, you know, their stories are a little different,” Autry said. “And the fact that he could shoot the ball – I mean, he’s one of the best catch-and-shoot players in the country.”

William Kyle, 6-foot-9 center, UCLA

Syracuse, said Autry, tried to get involved with Kyle the previous portal season, when he was coming off a stellar year at South Dakota State. But Kyle committed to UCLA.

When he was back on the board this spring, SU pounced.

Autry described him as “a freak athletically.” He loves his size (“He’s a force”) and his measurables and believes he can impact the game in a variety of ways.

“When you watch him at South Dakota, yeah, you seen the dunks,” Autry said, “but you can see he can pass, he can open up and sweep a little bit and use his athleticism. But his defense pops off the charts.”

Kyle played limited minutes at UCLA (9.8 per game), a team suffused with talented big guys.

But when the game was on the line, Autry noticed that Mick Cronin, known for his defensive mindset, more often than not summoned Kyle into the game.

“Obviously that was attractive to us,” Autry said. “You know, offensively, he has some work to do, but he’s further along than what people may know or what the stats say, so to speak.”

Tyler Betsey, 6-foot-8 forward, Cincinnati

Syracuse recruited Betsey heavily out of high school. Back then, Gerry McNamara was SU’s lead recruiter with Betsey, who was ranked 53rd overall in the Class of 2024 by On3.com.

Betsey chose Cincinnati and played 27% of the available minutes with the Bearcats, a not-unusual number for college freshmen.

He entered the transfer portal and SU was quick to reacquaint itself with the versatile forward who made his reputation as a high school shooter with size.

“He’s gotten better defensively,” Autry said. “He’s probably one of the more talented guys we have.”

Betsey shot 32.1% from the 3-point line on 81 attempts last season. He can play both forward positions, a versatility that appeals to Autry, who has long desired players who can guard multiple positions.

Betsey played in the rugged Big 12 last season and Autry believes that experience has hardened him to Power Five competition.

Ibrahim Souare, 6-foot-9 center, Georgia Tech

Autry was sold on Souare for one overwhelming reason.

“His motor, his motor, his motor,” Autry said. “He can guard one through five.”

When Souare was on the floor (he averaged 17 minutes per game), opposing teams felt his presence, Autry said, particularly on the defensive end.

On offense, he is a work in progress. And his free throw shooting, for a big man who had the best free throw rate on his team last season, needs serious work. Souare shot 31.3% from the line last year (10-of-32).

“His offensive numbers are not great, but when you look at his mechanics, I think he’s a better free throw shooter than what he’s shown,” Autry said. “If you watch him shoot free throws, I’m like, I don’t understand why. But I think we can work with him. I believe in our development in that.”

Souare and George, former Georgia Tech teammates, seemed like a potential package deal. They are close friends. And they both ended up at Syracuse.

“It was almost like if Nait was leaving, he probably was gonna follow behind,” Autry said, “and I thought he fit what I was looking for.”

Bryce Zephir, 6-foot-4 guard, Montana State

Zephir’s numbers don’t leap off the page. He played about 43% of the minutes available for a Montana State team that went 15-18 last season.

He turned it over too much but recorded a decent assist rate.

The one thing that won’t show in a statistical analysis of Zephir is what SU coaches believe are the intangibles.

“He’s just tough. High IQ. He’s got good size. And he’s gonna fight you,” Autry said. “He’s not gonna get hit. He’s gonna do the hitting. And he’s a great teammate.”

He’s also got a backstory that resonates with Autry. Zephir has risen through the junior college and low major Division I ranks.

He has persevered and now finds himself on a Power Five roster. He lends maturity and experience to the roster.

The USC Trojans lost to the Oregon State Beavers on Sunday night 14-1. USC had a chance to clinch a spot in the 2025 NCAA Tournament Super Regionals but were no match for the Beavers. The Trojans will have another chance on Monday. USC was one of the last teams to make the NCAA tournament field and now they are just one win away from advancing. 

The Oregon State Beavers on the other hand are the No. 8 overall seed in the entire NCAA tournament field and are the hosts of this Corvallis Regional. Oregon State lost their opening game against Saint Mary’s on Friday, but proceeded to win their next two against TCU on Saturday and then their rematch against St. Mary’s Sunday afternoon before dominating USC in the night cap.  

Bottom 9th: Oregon State 14, USC 1

Schwartzberg pops out to shortstop.

Riske hit into fielders choice.

Hedges struck out.

Higgins singled to center.

Top 9th: Oregon State 14, USC 1

Macias grounds out.

Reeder struck out swinging.

Singer reaches on infield single. Arquette scored.

Caraway walked. Arqeutte to third. Turey to second

Weber flies out to right.

Turley walked. Arqeutte to second.

Arquette singles to center.

Bottom 8th: Oregon State 13, USC 1

Elliot strikes out.

Martinez struck out looking.

Basseer struck out swinging.

Top 8th: Oregon State 13, USC 1

Tait struck out swinging.

Peterson doubles. Singer scored.

Macias flied out.

Reeder flied out.

Singer doubled. Caraway scored.

Caraway walked.

Bottom 7th: Oregon State 11, USC 1

Lopez strikes out.

Covarrubias beats out infield single. Hedges to second.

Lopez strikes out swinging.

Higgins struck out swinging.

Hedges singles to right.

Top 7th: Oregon State 11, USC 1

Weber hit into double play.

Turley singles to center. Peterson scored. Arquette to second.

Arquette reaches first on fielders choice. Talt out at second. Macias scores. Peterson to third.

Talt walked. Macias to third. Peterson to second.

Peterson reaches first on a bunt single. Macias to second.

Macias walks.

Bottom 6th: Oregon State 9, USC 1

Higgins strikes out.

Tejeda grounds out to first. Lopez to third. Basseer to second.

Martinez strikes out looking.

Basseer singles to left.

Lopez walks.

Top 6th: Oregon State 9, USC 1

Reeder flies out to right.

Singer lines out.

Caraway homered to left. Arquette and Turley scored.

Weber struck out swinging.

Turley walks.

Arquette advances to second.

Arquette singles to left field.

Bottom 5th: Oregon State 6, USC 1

Covarrubias strikes out swinging.

Lopez strikes out looking.

Martin-Grudzielanek strikes out.

Hedges walks. Tejeda to third. Higgins to second.

Higgins singles to right. Tejeda to second.

Tejeda singles to left.

Top 5th: Oregon State 6, USC 1

Talt grounds out to first.

Peterson reaches first on infield single.

Macias struck out swinging.

Reeder strikes out swinging.

Bottom 4th: Oregon State 6, USC 1

Basseer to second on wild pitch. Martinez strikes out looking.

Basseer singles to right.

Lopez flies out.

Covarrubias flies out.

Top 4th: Oregon State 6, USC 1

Singer strikes out looking.

Caraway strikes out looking.

Weber hits into force out. Arquette to third. Turley out at second.

Turley walks.

Arquette advances to second.

Arquette singles to left.

Bottom 3rd: Oregon State 6, USC 1

Lopez grounds out to first.

Hedges strikes out swinging

Martin-Grudzielanek grounds out.

Top 3rd: Oregon State 6, USC 1

Dalt grounds out to second.

Peterson walks.

Macias walks.

Reeder strikes out swinging.

Singer sacrifices to the pitcher, Caraway to third. One out.

Caraway doubles to right center. Weber scores.

Weber doubles to left center.

Turley homers to left.

Bottom 2nd: Oregon State 4, USC 1

Higgins in for Dowd, flies out to left.

Tejada reaches first on infield single. Martinez to thrid on error.

Martinez singles to left. Basseer scores.

Basseer triples to center.

Lopez strikes out swinging.

Covarrubias grounds out to short.

Top 2nd: Oregon State 4, USC 0

Arquette strikes out swinging.

Talt out on squeeze bunt. Macias scores. Peterson to third. Two outs.

Peterson singles to center. Reeders scores. Macias to third. Peterson advances to second.

Macias reaches on bunt after fielders choice comes home. Not in time, Caraway scores. Reeder to second.

Reeder beats out bunt single. Weber scores. Caraway to third with one out.

Singer sacrifice bunt to pitcher. Weber to third. Caraway to second.

Caraway hits infield single. Weber to second.

Weber singles to center.

Bottom 1st: Oregon State 0, USC 0

Lopez pops out to first.

Martin-Grudzienlanek strikes out.

Hedges doubles to right. Dowd out at home.

Dowd singles to right.

Top 1st: Oregon State 0, USC 0

Turley strikes out swinging.

Arquette flies out to right.

Talt grounds out to second.

MORE: USC Trojans Could Face More SEC Teams If Brian Kelly Gets His Way

MORE: What Big Ten Coaches Said About Lincoln Riley, USC Trojans

MORE: USC Trojans Elite 2026 Recruiting Class: Highest Rated Commits

The Trojans won each of their two games so far at the Corvallis Regional against the TCU Horned Frogs on Friday and the Saint Mary’s Gaels on Saturday, advancing to the championship Sunday night. 

With this regional being a double elimination and USC not having lost a game yet, the Trojans will have two opportunities to advance. Their first opportunity was Sunday night. Even with the loss, they will be back at it tomorrow in a winner take all against these same Oregon State Beavers.

The USC Trojans have had one of the most successful programs in the history of college baseball. USC has appeared in the College World Series 21 times and won it 12 times. The. However, it has been a long time since the Trojans had this type of success. Their last College World Series appearance came in 2001, with 1998 being their last championship.

The last decade of USC baseball has especially been difficult. By making the NCAA tournament this season, USC snapped a tournament drought that dated back to 2015. Furthermore, USC had a Super Regional appearance dogfight that goes back 20 years to the 2005 season. 

This 2025 season, USC has an overall record of 37-21 and a Big Ten conference record of 18-12. They finished fourth in the Big Ten in their first season as a member of the conference. 

Link