How these rankings work
LangIndex power ratings estimate team strength using adjusted offensive efficiency, adjusted defensive efficiency, strength of schedule, and home-court adjustments, all fit together with a ridge-regression model. The number shown is projected scoring margin per 100 possessions against an average D-I team. Ratings are updated every morning throughout the season; the preseason numbers below blend returning production, recruiting, and transfer portal activity.
Projected Top 25 for 2026-27
| # | Team | Conference | Proj. Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona | Big 12 Conference | +26.6 |
| 2 | Houston | Big 12 Conference | +25.1 |
| 3 | Duke | Atlantic Coast Conference | +24.8 |
| 4 | Florida | Southeastern Conference | +21.7 |
| 5 | Louisville | Atlantic Coast Conference | +20.4 |
| 6 | Arkansas | Southeastern Conference | +19.4 |
| 7 | Michigan State | Big Ten Conference | +19.1 |
| 8 | UConn | Big East Conference | +18.5 |
| 9 | Kansas | Big 12 Conference | +18.2 |
| 10 | Illinois | Big Ten Conference | +17.8 |
| 11 | Michigan | Big Ten Conference | +17.5 |
| 12 | Iowa State | Big 12 Conference | +17.5 |
| 13 | Alabama | Southeastern Conference | +17.3 |
| 14 | Virginia | Atlantic Coast Conference | +16.2 |
| 15 | Texas Tech | Big 12 Conference | +15.9 |
| 16 | Gonzaga | PAC-12 | +15.5 |
| 17 | Purdue | Big Ten Conference | +15.3 |
| 18 | Nebraska | Big Ten Conference | +15.2 |
| 19 | Kentucky | Southeastern Conference | +13.7 |
| 20 | Vanderbilt | Southeastern Conference | +13.6 |
| 21 | BYU | Big 12 Conference | +13.6 |
| 22 | Tennessee | Southeastern Conference | +13.4 |
| 23 | Wisconsin | Big Ten Conference | +13.2 |
| 24 | Miami | Atlantic Coast Conference | +12.7 |
| 25 | Texas | Southeastern Conference | +12.7 |
Biggest preseason risers
- Central Michigan rose 123 spots to #177
- IU Indianapolis rose 118 spots to #216
- Arkansas-Pine Bluff rose 112 spots to #209
- UNC Greensboro rose 110 spots to #187
- Cleveland State rose 108 spots to #233
Live in-season rankings for all 365 teams, updated daily, are in the LangIndex app. It is free with an account during beta.