Florida tops CBS Sports’ preseason rankings for 2026-27, with Duke, Illinois, Arizona and UConn rounding out the top five. The Gators’ championship-ready frontcourt and returning production give them a strong title case, while the wider field is difficult to forecast because eligibility lawsuits could reshape rosters after the season begins.

By the Numbers
  • 101 teams are ranked.
  • More than 100 players are suing for an additional year of eligibility.
  • More than 40% of the ranked teams have players involved in eligibility lawsuits.
  • The expanded NCAA Tournament field is 76 teams.
Yes, But

Florida’s No. 1 ranking is no guarantee of a championship: the Gators’ biggest concern is 3-point shooting, after ranking 321st nationally last season. Across the rankings, legal rulings, injuries and roster turnover make preseason projections unusually fragile; a player’s availability could change a team’s outlook well into the season.

State of Play
  • Florida leads a deep title-contender group that includes Duke, Illinois, Arizona and UConn.
  • The expanded 76-team tournament lowers the regular-season stakes and gives more teams a path to March Madness.
  • Eligibility cases are a major uncertainty, with some decisions potentially arriving after games begin.
What's Next

As the season tips off, court decisions and player health could trigger major shifts in the rankings. Florida’s 3-point shooting—and the unresolved eligibility cases across the field—will be key factors in whether preseason expectations hold.

Bottom Line

Florida has the roster to chase a title, but this season’s defining advantage may be adaptability: teams that stay healthy and keep their lineups intact could separate themselves in a volatile race.