Florida has ascended to the No. 1 spot in the CBS Sports Preseason Top 25 And 1 rankings following the return of star player Thomas Haugh. He joins UConn's Braylon Mullins in reconsidering heading to the NBA, revealing a trend among elite prospects opting to stay in college basketball due to lucrative NIL deals. Haugh's return is significant as he led Florida in scoring, contributing to their SEC championship and NCAA tournament success. The Gators are poised for a strong season with the majority of their key players returning.

By the Numbers
  • Thomas Haugh averaged 17.1 points and 6.1 rebounds last season.
  • Florida finished the 2025-26 season with a record of 27-8, advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
State of Play
  • Florida returns six of its top seven scorers from last season.
  • Top-ranking teams like Michigan and Illinois are also retaining significant talent from their rosters.
What's Next

With Haugh's return and strong recruiting classes filling out rosters, expect heightened competition in college basketball. Teams will focus on capitalizing on NIL opportunities to retain top talent while navigating future recruitment strategies. The landscape may see a shift as high-profile player choices affect how programs manage their rosters.

Bottom Line

Prospects are increasingly choosing to stay in college basketball, enhancing the quality of play at the top level and benefiting programs like Florida. The financial landscape of college sports is transforming, and programs that adapt to this will thrive as they attract and retain elite talent. This trend is reshaping the dynamics of college basketball for the foreseeable future.