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Sport: BasketballCategory: Coaching

Florida, Duke, Tennessee lead early rankings for best college hoops team

CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 21, 2026, 1:55 PM

Last updated Aug 21, 2026

Florida, Duke, Tennessee lead early rankings for best college hoops team
Summary

A survey of nearly 100 college basketball coaches predicts Florida as the leading candidate for the best team in the 2026-27 season, receiving 55% of the votes. Duke follows with 16%, while Tennessee garners 7%. Coaches cited Florida's strong returning frontcourt and coaching stability as key factors, while Duke's talent acquisition and Tennessee's depth and physical play were noted as well. The rankings come as part of CBS Sports' annual Candid Coaches feature, offering insights into preseason expectations. Other schools receiving votes include Connecticut and Illinois, alongside Arizona, Louisville, Michigan State, and Texas.

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CBS Sports
Key Details
  • •Florida receives 55% of votes for best team in 2026-27.
  • •Duke and Tennessee follow with 16% and 7%, respectively.
  • •Coaches cite Florida's strong frontcourt and consistency.
  • •Duke's talent and acquisition approach praised.
  • •Illinois and others also mentioned as competitive teams.
Latest Updates
  • 1:55 PMCBS Sports — Candid Coaches: Who will be the best college hoops team in 2026-27? Florida, Duke, Tennessee lead the way
What they're saying
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Matt Norlander and Gary Parrish surveyed nearly 100 coaches to provide the first big preseason college hoops poll

Related Teams & Leagues
Basketball

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