The landscape of men’s college basketball is shifting rapidly, driven by the influence of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. This environment prompts teams to maintain core players while also seeking new talent to enhance their rosters. Several teams are anticipated to show significant improvement for the upcoming 2026-27 season, while others may face setbacks.

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Among the teams expected to improve is the Miami Hurricanes. Under head coach Jai Lucas, the Hurricanes made a remarkable jump from 7 wins to 26 last season. Shelton Henderson, a sophomore guard known for his two-way play, returns alongside key transfers like Acaden Lewis from Villanova and Somto Cyril from Georgia, who adds size and strength. Incoming McDonald’s All-American Caleb Gaskins and returning players like Dante Allen will further bolster the squad, establishing Miami as a competitive presence in the ACC.

The Texas Longhorns also look formidable, with head coach Sean Miller assembling a highly talented roster. Matas Vokietaitis returns after a strong NCAA tournament. The addition of transfers including David Punch from TCU and Isaiah Johnson from Colorado enhances their versatility and scoring capabilities. Freshman Austin Goosby, seen as a future lottery pick, complements an already loaded lineup that previously reached the Sweet 16.

In USC, head coach Eric Musselman is determined to break into the NCAA tournament spotlight. The Trojans will benefit from the return of Rodney Rice and Jacob Cofie, along with promising transfers like Eric Reibe from UConn, who adds defensive depth. The talented freshman class, featuring five-star recruits Christian Collins and the Ratliff twins, is expected to play crucial roles.

The Missouri Tigers, coached by Dennis Gates, aim for their first NCAA tournament win. Five-star recruit Jason Crowe Jr. is poised to make an impact, aided by Providence transfer Jamier Jones and defensive contributor Jaylen Carey. Their success hinges on Crowe’s ability to fulfill his potential as a dynamic scoring guard.

Over in Marquette, after a tough 12-20 season, the Golden Eagles are set for a renaissance led by sophomore guard Nigel James Jr. A strong recruitment cycle added significant talent such as Sananda Fru, a key defender and offensive contributor. This revamped squad is expected to perform much better in the upcoming season.

On the other hand, not all teams will benefit from offseason changes. The Michigan Wolverines are facing challenges following the departure of head coach Dusty May and the anticipated departure of top prospects. While they have solid players like Trey McKenney and Elliot Cadeau, their previous season's success may not be matched.

Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Ben McCollum successfully navigated last season but now faces a roster shakeup after losing key players like Bennett Stirtz to the NBA and Alvaro Folgueiras to Louisville. Despite bringing in promising transfers such as Ty’Reek Coleman and Andrew McKeever to maintain depth, this may not be enough to sustain last year's performance.

As teams gear up for the next season, the effects of their offseason decisions will ultimately shape their fortunes in the unpredictable world of college basketball.