Does ESPN Hate The Vols As Their Way Too Early Top 25 Would Suggest?
Image: A to Z Sports
By Cody McClure
The college basketball season has come to an end. The Florida Gators won a national championship last night — gross — by taking down the Houston Cougars.
As a result, it is time to look ahead to next season. It’s never too early, you know.
ESPN has released its way too early Top 25 rankings for next year’s college basketball season.
And as you might have guessed, Tennessee isn’t getting much love from “the worldwide leader.”
The Vols come in at No. 21 on the list. Ranked, but barely.
Understandably, UT is losing a lot and will have to fill out nearly an entirely new roster.
But meanwhile ESPN is trying to convince us that Kentucky and Arkansas are going to be Top 7 teams?
I’m not sure I buy it. Rick Barnes has shown to be very good in the transfer portal, and I’m fairly confident he’ll have a Top 15 program next year.
We may not get to our third-straight Elite 8, but No. 21 is too low for the Vols.
ESPN has Tennessee’s projected starting lineup as Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Bishop Boswell, Amari Evans, Jaylen Carey, and Felix Okpara.
As for the SEC, UK is No. 6 with Arkansas at No. 7. Alabama and Auburn come in at 11th and 12th, respectively. The defending champion Gators — gross — are No. 19 with Texas at No. 24.