Kansas Basketball Projected as Top Program for Next 25 Years
CBS Sports has released comprehensive rankings projecting the most successful NCAA Division I basketball programs for the next 25 seasons:
From the 2025-26 season through the 2040's, the University of Kansas Jayhawks have secured the top ranking, surpassing the renowned Duke program. These rankings, created by CBS Sports analyst Kyle Boone, take into account various factors such as historical success, program legacy, institutional commitment to resources, and the coaching expertise and leadership of those managing the respective teams.
Why Kansas Takes the Lead
Kansas has been blessed with exceptional leadership for over four decades, transitioning seamlessly from Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown to Roy Williams and currently Bill Self. This continuity of excellence positions the program for sustained success well into the future.
Kansas Basketball Excellence (2000-2025)
Overall Record: 717 - 175
National Championships: 2008, 2022
Big 12 Titles: 19 (shared and outright)
National Ranking: No. 2 program (past 25 years)
Top 10 Projected Programs for Next 25 Years
1. Kansas Jayhawks
2. Duke Blue Devils
3. Louisville Cardinals
4. Alabama Crimson Tide
5. Indiana Hoosiers
6. North Carolina Tar Heels
7. Michigan Wolverines
8. UConn Huskies
9. Kentucky Wildcats
10. Houston Cougars
-Source: CBS Sports, Kansas.com - September 14, 2025
Recruiting Roundup:
Iowa Lands 4-Star Recruit Ethan Harris
The Iowa Hawkeyes have made a major addition to their 2026 recruiting class by securing a commitment from Ethan Harris, a highly-rated 4-star power forward hailing from Camas High School in Washington state.
Ethan Harris Profile
Height/Weight: 6-foot-9, 200 pounds
Position: Stretch Four/Power Forward
Rankings: No. 65 nationally (Rivals), No. 94 (24/7 Sports)
High School Stats: 18.8 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 3.0 APG
Harris Selects Iowa Amidst Fierce Rivalry
Harris decided to join Iowa, turning down tough competition from the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Washington Huskies, and Boise State Broncos. This choice followed an official visit to Iowa City in late July, where new head coach Ben McCollum and his staff left a significant impression.
What Harris Contributes:
Harris is a versatile stretch-four known for his three-point shooting, ball handling, and court vision. His reputation has risen due to his performances with Select Basketball in the AAU circuit. His commitment boosts Iowa's 2026 recruiting class to **No. 23 nationally**, an early success for Coach McCollum.
Top Illinois Player Commits to BYU
Stella Sakalas, the current Southwest Regional Girls Basketball Player of the Year from Nazareth High School has committed to BYU, choosing the Cougars after a detailed recruitment process.
Stella Sakalas Profile
Height/Position: 6-foot-2, Guard/Forward
Rankings: No. 3 senior in Illinois (Prep Girls Hoops)
2024-25 Stats: 18 PPG, 12 RPG, 2 BPG, 4 SPG, 3 APG
Team Success: Led Nazareth to a 31 - 3 record
Sakalas made her commitment on September 9, 2025, after making two official visits to BYU's campus in Provo, Utah. She was impressed by the coaching staff relationships and the opportunity to compete in the prestigious Big 12 Conference. The talented forward brings championship pedigree and experience to BYU, having won a state title as a freshman and finishing as state runner-up as a sophomore. Her leadership and competitive drive make her an ideal fit for the Cougars' program culture.
- Source: Southwest Regional Publishing - September 14, 2025