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More than 2,500 players flooded the men’s college basketball transfer portal this offseason, triggering a seismic shakeup across the sport. But amid all the movement, programs like Florida, Duke and Illinois worked to retain key pieces. Now, with the portal closed and the NBA early-entry deadline in the rearview mirror, the picture for next season is finally coming into focus. Who’s poised to rise, and who took a step back? Let’s get into it. Here’s my updated way-too-early men’s college basketball rankings for next season: Previous Ranking: 21 Gone are Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer and Trey Kauffman-Renn, who contributed more than 52% of the team’s scoring this past season. C.J. Cox and Omer Mayer will be looked at to take a big step forward, while Princeton transfer Caden Pierce — the 2023-24 Ivy League Player of the Year — is expected to take over one of the starting spots in the frontcourt. Previous Ranking: NR Despite losing the program’s all-time leading scorer, Bruce Thornton, to graduation, Jake Diebler should still field one of the most talented teams in the Big Ten next season. He’s bringing in a strong transfer class, highlighted by former Cal guard Justin Pippen, who is expected to join returner John Mobley Jr. in the starting backcourt. Diebler also landed five-star freshman Anthony Thompson, the highest-rated recruit to arrive in Columbus since Jared Sullinger in 2010. Losing forward Devin Royal will hurt, but rising sophomore Amare Bynum looks ready to take the next step. Previous Ranking: 17 Fresh off the most successful year in program history, Fred Hoiberg will look to build on the success his team had this past season. Pryce Sandfort, who earned All-Big Ten honors this past season, should be one of the top players in the conference next year. Hoiberg is set to bring in multiple new faces via the transfer portal. That group includes Boden Kapke (Boston College), Trevan Leonhardt (Utah Valley) and Sam Orme (Belmont), all of whom could end up in the starting five. Previous Ranking: 20 After entering the transfer portal, point guard Robert Wright III announced that he will be back at BYU for his junior season in 2026-27. He will be joined by five-star freshman standout Bruce Branch III, who is widely regarded as one of the top 2026 prospects in the nation. The Cougars will also get a boost with the addition of transfer guard Collin Chandler, who is set to return home after spending his first two seasons playing at Kentucky. Previous Ranking: NR After leading the Hurricanes to a 26-9 mark and a Round of 32 appearance in the NCAA Tournament in his first season, Jai Lucas will have an even better roster in Year 2. Lucas landed the No. 7-ranked portal class in the nation, highlighted by a pair of standout additions in Villanova transfer Acaden Lewis and former Georgia big man Somto Cyril. They will join forward Shelton Henderson, who was one of the top freshmen in the ACC last season. Previous Ranking: 18 Whether standout guard Tyler Tanner remains in the NBA Draft or not will determine how high the ceiling is for this Vanderbilt team next season. If Tanner does return to Nashville, he should be a preseason All-American and an early front-runner for SEC Player of the Year. He would be joined by an impressive five-man transfer class that includes T.O. Barrett (Missouri), Berke Buyuktuncel (Nebraska), Bangot Dak (Colorado), Ace Glass (Washington State) and Sebastian Williams-Adams (Auburn). Previous Ranking: NR Indiana head coach Darian DeVries completely retooled his roster this offseason, bringing in a six-man transfer portal class that currently ranks third in the nation, according to 247Sports.com. The class is highlighted by a dominant frontcourt duo of Aiden Sherrell (Indiana) and Samet Yigitoglu (SMU). They will be joined by former Notre Dame standout Markus Burton, who should be one of the top newcomers in the Big Ten next season if he can remain healthy. Previous Ranking: 16 Houston coach Kelvin Sampson will have to replace four starters from a team that finished 30-7 last season. That means a bigger role for forward Joseph Tugler, who averaged 8.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in his junior year. The Cougars do bring in the top-ranked center prospect in the nation in 7-foot-1 big man Arafan Diane. Previous Ranking: 12 Rick Barnes’ team enjoyed a memorable run to the Elite Eight last season, but the Volunteers will be tasked with replacing standout guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie and freshman Nate Ament, who is projected to be a first-round pick. Barnes brought in a loaded transfer portal class, highlighted by Terrence Hill Jr. (VCU) and Jalen Haralson (Notre Dame). Previous Ranking: 6 Alabama coach Nate Oats got a contract extension earlier this month. That is perhaps the only certain thing pertaining to this roster next season. Standout guard Aden Holloway, who was arrested on felony drug charges on March 16, announced he plans to enroll at the university, with hopes to rejoin the team. Freshman forward Amari Allen is testing the NBA Draft waters, but will he stay in the draft or return to Tuscaloosa? Jaxon Richardson and Qayden Samuels are both elite recruits who will join them next season. Previous Ranking: 11 St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino made it clear that it would be near impossible to replace a player like Zuby Ejiofor, who defined everything this program is about. However, Pitino always seems to find success in the portal, and that should be no different this offseason. He has already landed an elite-level scorer in Donnie Freeman (Syracuse) and will pair European point guard Quinn Ellis with returning guard Ian Jackson. Look for Pitino to add at least one or two more players via the portal. Previous Ranking: 13 The Cavaliers are set to return their leading scorer and rebounder next season. Thijs De Ridder, a 6-foot-9 forward from Belgium, enjoyed a breakout freshman campaign and should be one of the top interior players in the sport next year. Look for Chance Mallory to take over the starting point guard role for Ryan Odom’s team. Previous Ranking: 9 After guiding Iowa State to its third Sweet 16 appearance in five years, head coach T.J. Otzelberger agreed to a new contract that will keep him leading the Cyclones through 2036. He will have to replace Tamin Lipsey, Joshua Jefferson and Milan Momcilovic, which will not be easy, but bringing back Killyan Toure and welcoming in a five-man portal class is a great place to start. Previous Ranking: NR The Trojans might be the most interesting team in college basketball this offseason. Guard Rodney Rice is returning from injury, while standout freshman Alijah Arenas is back for his sophomore season and should benefit from a full summer in the weight room. Forward Jacob Cofie returns in the frontcourt, and the additions of Georgetown transfer KJ Lewis and UConn transfer Eric Reibe have me excited to see how Eric Musselman pieces this roster together. Previous Ranking: 23 Texas head coach Sean Miller needs center Matas Vokietatis to make the jump from good to great next season, but he won’t be alone. TCU transfer David Punch should provide valuable support up front, while Colorado transfer Isaiah Johnson is one of the best unknown players in the nation. Previous Ranking: 8 Gonzaga head coach Mark Few is returning three of his top-five scorers from a year ago, led by Braden Huff. Houston transfer Isiah Harwell is looking for a breakout sophomore campaign and the Zags always have a few diaper dandies waiting in the wings. Previous Ranking: 10 Arkansas is losing standout guard Darius Acuff, but if Meleek Thomas decides to return to college, he will join forward Billy Richmond III to make up a solid core from last year’s Sweet 16 team. Five-star freshman Jordan Smith Jr looks like the real deal. I think the Hogs are loaded. Previous Ranking: 4 Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo has the best point guard in the nation in Jeremy Fears Jr. But if this team wants to reach its full potential, Izzo will need forwards Coen Carr and Cam Ward, along with shooting guard Kur Teng, to take another step forward. Charlotte transfer Anton Bonke could provide valuable help down low as well. Previous Ranking: 5 Arizona is losing a lot of talent, but head coach Tommy Lloyd has managed to retain two starters in Motiejus Krivas and Ivan Kharchenkov, which means this group will have a very high floor. North Carolina transfer Derek Dixon will be given some freedom to create, while five-star freshman Caleb Holt could be special. Previous Ranking: 7 Freshman standout Braylon Mullins turned down the NBA for another chance at a national title with UConn. He will be joined by point guard Silas Demary and forward Jayden Ross as key veterans. Add in Duke transfer Nikolas Khamenia and Dan Hurley has real weapons at every position. Previous Ranking: NR The Cardinals went out and spent a lot of money to put together a team that I think is title worthy. Let’s start with the best defensive center in the country: Flory Bidunga. He’s flanked by Iowa transfer Alvaro Folguieras, fresh off his clutch NCAA Tournament performances. In the backcourt, Oregon transfer Jackson Shelstad runs the point and Arkansas wing transfer Karter Knox rounds out a roster that has a little bit of everything. Previous Ranking: 2 The Blue Devils are set to return three starters next year, but I just feel like this group relied on Cameron Boozer so much that it’s hard for me to put them higher. Snagging Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell will help replace the scoring of Isaiah Evans, and head coach Jon Scheyer is bringing in a new crop of five-star freshman. It’s another “Final Four or Bust” year in Durham. Previous Ranking: 3 With a returning backcourt of Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney, Dusty May has the foundation for another strong team. Tennessee transfer JP Estrella and Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam were brought in to replace Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara in the frontcourt. It’s hard to see them matching last year’s defensive dominance, but it will be interesting to see how it all comes together. Previous Ranking: 1 I had Illinois as the No. 1-ranked team in my way-too-early top 25 last month, but I think head coach Brad Underwood should still feel good about this group at No. 2 after returning six of his top nine scorers, led by Andrej Stojakovic and David Mirkovic. The addition of Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks should help fill the void left by Keaton Wagler’s departure. Previous Ranking: 22 The Gators jumped up to No. 1 after forwards Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon announced they would return to Gainesville next season. Center Rueben Chinyelu is testing the NBA waters, but is expected to return as well. Adding Kentucky transfer Denzel Aberdeen to their backcourt makes them the top team in the land on paper.Latest Sports News from FOX Sports
The country superstar has disappeared from the public eye. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
The country superstar has disappeared from the public eye. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
If you’re shopping at Walmart and looking to stock up on fiber-rich food and drink options, fill your cart with these products and thank us later.
Food Republic – Restaurants, Reviews, Recipes, Cooking Tips
Ella Langley is undoubtedly having a major moment in country music right now and that momentum was recognized in a big way last night when she was honored with the Powerhouse Award at Billboard’s Women in Music event.
The event took place at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California, bringing together a powerful lineup of female artists and industry leaders for a night dedicated to celebrating some of the most influential voices in music today.
When it was time for Langley to be recognized, Lainey Wilson, a recipient of the Billboard Rulebreaker Award in 2023, stepped up to the stage and presented her fellow country superstar with this year’s Powerhouse award.
“She comes from the kind of place where you learn early how to work hard, tell the truth, and stand ten toes down in who you are and the stories you were born to tell. That’s what makes this Powerhouse Award feel so right,” Wilson stated.
“That right there is a powerhouse if I have ever seen one, Ella, come on over here, girl,” she added before inviting Langley to join her on stage. The Alabama native began her speech by joking that she had “procrastinated” writing down what she would say in the moment, so instead she spoke from the heart.
“Lainey, I love you so much. I’m so grateful you’re here. Thank you for sitting at dinner with me. I love you so much. Thank you, Billboard, for recognizing country music in this way. And I mean, Lord, it’s just crazy to see what’s happening and thank you for having me here. I’m so grateful for the women on my team. My team is predominantly women, so I’m very grateful for women tonight because I would not be standing here without them at all,” Langley gushed.
She went on to name several members of her team, including her manager, her photographer and her stylist for all the do to help in her life each day. Closing out her speech, Langley reflected on what the Powerhouse Award means to her, sharing that it represents “strength,” “resilience,” and the determination to keep pushing forward for a dream she’s had her entire life.
“It’s coming back when you don’t necessarily want to, but you feel like I’m going to. I’m going to fight for this. I’m going to fight for this thing that I love to do. And this is something I’ve wanted to do my whole entire life. There hasn’t been another dream for me. There wasn’t a day that I wanted to be anything else. So to get this award, I think all those years of kicking down doors to me, powerhouse didn’t go to waste, I guess. And here it is with me winging it. Thank you so much, Billboard,” she added.
Later on in the evening, Langley treated guests to a performance of her chart-topping “Choosin Texas.”
The praise from her friend Wilson started on the red carpet, prior to presenting the award. In a conversation with Good Morning America, she emphasized how “important” it is as women to hold hands, show support and always lift each other up. Wilson also expressed her admiration for the “Choosin’ Texas” singer/songwriter and the impact she’s making on this generation of country music.
“When I found out that Ella wanted me to be here to present her the Powerhouse Award, I was like, ‘I’ll be there. I’ll be there in a heartbeat.’ I’m so proud of her. I feel like what she is doing and has done is just, it’s unreal and she is kicking down barn doors and I’m just proud of my friend.”
When asked what, in her eyes, makes Langley a powerhouse and deserving of the award, Wilson responded, “Her grit, her grind. She has this fire about her that you kind of have to have in this business, but she’s got a little bit of that extra, that thing, you know what I’m saying? When she walks into a room, she’s not just walking into it. She is kicking the door open.”
In addition to Ella Langley, the night also honored female acts across various other genres including KPop Demon Hunters (EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, and REI AMI), The Beaches, BINI, Kehlani, Laufey, Mariah the Scientist, Tate McRae, Teyana Taylor, Thalía, and Zara Larsson, and Executive of the Year Beth Matthews.
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Old-school restaurants are often known for being a little stuck in their ways, and this diner falls into that category. Here’s why ketchup is off limits there.
Mashed – Fast Food, Celebrity Chefs, Grocery, Reviews
The Double Down 2026 Tour will include baseball and football stadiums nationwide. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
The Double Down 2026 Tour will include baseball and football stadiums nationwide. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Louisiana suspended its House primaries Thursday after the Supreme Court struck down its current map.
Republican Gov. Jeff Landry issued an executive order delaying the House races until July 15 — “or until such time as determined by the legislature.” The elections had been scheduled for May 16, with a June 27 run-off date.
Early voting is expected to begin Saturday, and officials clarified that all other contests, including the state’s contentious GOP Senate primary, will proceed as normal.
In a statement, the governor said using the current maps would “undermine the integrity of our system and violate the rights of our voters.”
“This executive order ensures we uphold the rule of law while giving the Legislature the time it needs to pass a fair and lawful congressional map,” he added.
Landry on Wednesday had told House Republican candidates he was planning to suspend the elections, according to a person familiar with the conversations, granted anonymity to share private details. Landry’s decision was first reported by the Washington Post.
The governor told candidates in phone calls that he would make the delay official on Friday and mentioned potentially using emergency executive power to pause the elections, according to the person.
It’s a legally risky gambit on a very tight timeline. The state legislature is in recess until next week.
President Donald Trump on Thursday celebrated state officials’ decision to swiftly reconfigure Louisiana’s map — the latest success in his longtime push to redistrict Republican-led states in his party’s favor, which began in Texas last year.
“Thank you to the Great Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, for his leadership on the very important Callais case, and for moving so quickly to fix the Unconstitutionality of Louisiana’s Congressional Maps,” Trump said in a post on his social media platform. “He has shown tremendous Vision, Strength, and Leadership. Thank you Jeff, keep up the GREAT work!”
Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters Thursday that he supported delaying his home state’s primary elections following the Supreme Court’s order.
“The governor has no choice but to suspend it,” Johnson said. “The court has ruled our map unconstitutional.” In lieu of another round of primaries, Johnson suggested the state should instead hold an all-party “jungle” election in November, with a run-off in December.
“All states that have unconstitutional maps should look at that very carefully, and I think they should do it before the midterms,” he added.
The Supreme Court’s decision to weaken Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act has set off a scramble across various southern Republican-led states, with top candidates and party chairs from Georgia to Tennessee calling for special sessions to dismantle majority-minority districts. Still, it will be difficult for the party to push through more maps ahead of the midterms.
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