The 2025-26 college basketball season is just around the corner, and the excitement is palpable. With the transfer portal buzzing with activity, several teams have positioned themselves as serious contenders. Here’s a look at Dickie V's Dazzling Dozen, the top 12 teams to watch this season:

1. Purdue Boilermakers

Coach Matt Painter has the Boilermakers firing on all cylinders. Returning five of their top six scorers, including Trey Kaufman-Renn and Braden Smith, and adding major transfers Oscar Cluff and Liam Murphy, Purdue is poised for another deep run.

2. Houston Cougars

Kelvin Sampson’s Cougars are back with a vengeance. Led by Emanuel Sharp and Joseph Tugler, and bolstered by five-star recruit Chris Cenac Jr., Houston is ready to make another championship push.

3. Florida Gators

The defending champs are reloaded. Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh return, joined by transfer stars Xaivian Lee and Boogie Fland. Florida has the talent to go back-to-back.

4. UConn Huskies

The Huskies are howling with potential. Solo Ball and Alex Karaban lead the charge, with transfers Silas Demary Jr. and Malachi Smith adding depth. UConn has Final Four written all over it.

5. St. John's Red Storm

Rick Pitino’s Johnnies are stacked. With transfers like Ian Jackson and Bryce Hopkins, and anchor Zuby Ejiofor, St. John’s is ready to storm the Big East.

6. Texas Tech Red Raiders

The Red Raiders are back in the hunt. JT Toppin and Christian Anderson return, with transfers LeJuan Watts and Josiah Moseley adding firepower. A Final Four run is within reach.

7. BYU Cougars

BYU is hotter than ever. Richie Saunders leads a squad reinforced by transfers Robert Wright III and five-star A.J. Dybantsa. The Cougars are a legitimate threat.

8. Arkansas Razorbacks

John Calipari’s Razorbacks are loaded. D.J. Wagner and Trevon Brazile return, with freshmen Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas adding star power. Arkansas is stacked.

9. Duke Blue Devils

Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils are reloaded. Isaiah Evans and Caleb Foster return, joined by five-star phenom Cameron Boozer. Duke is a Final Four contender.

10. UCLA Bruins

Mick Cronin’s Bruins are grinding. Tyler Bilodeau and Eric Dailey Jr. headline a team loaded with talent, including transfers Donovan Dent, Steven Jamerson II, and Xavier Booker. UCLA is coming strong.

11. Kentucky Wildcats

Mark Pope’s Wildcats are roaring. Otega Oweh and Brandon Garrison lead an incredible group of transfers, including Jayden Quaintance, Jaland Lowe, and Mouhamed Dioubate. Kentucky is a force to be reckoned with.

12. Michigan Wolverines

Michigan is hungry for more. Roddy Gayle Jr. and Nimari Burnett return, with transfers Elliot Cadeau and Morez Johnson Jr. adding depth. The Wolverines are Sweet 16 veterans with bigger aspirations.

Basketball fans, fasten your seatbelts. The 2025-26 season promises to be filled with excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments. It’s going to be awesome, baby!