College Basketball Expert Reveals His Latest LSU Ranking And Projected Starting Five

LSU basketball continues to generate national attention as Will Wade prepares for his first full season back in Baton Rouge.

College basketball insider Jon Rothstein released his latest "Rothstein 45" rankings for the 2026-27 season, with LSU ranked No. 25.

The ranking comes as the Tigers received several significant eligibility updates this week, including the clearance of Skyy Clark (pictured), Saliou Niang, and Brice Dessert.

Rothstein projects Clark and Donovan Dent, who both transferred from UCLA, to lead LSU's backcourt. Dent finished third nationally in assists last season, while Clark shot 43% from three-point range.

In the frontcourt, Rothstein projects Niang and Kentucky transfer Mouhamed Dioubate as starters alongside Dessert, a 6-foot-11 center who recently received clearance to play this season.

Niang was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the No. 58 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft but never signed an NBA contract. He played for Cleveland's Summer League team before returning overseas to play for Virtus Bologna in Italy during the 2025-26 season, averaging 8.9 PPG and 5.1 RPG.

Dessert played in Turkey this past season for Anadolu Efes and averaged 8.7 PPG on 80.6% shooting.

The Tigers also have additional depth with Kansas State transfer Abdi Bashir, Michigan State transfer Divine Ugochukwu, and 7-foot forward Michael Ruzic.

Notably, Rothstein lists former Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis as ineligible after LSU reportedly ended its pursuit of getting him cleared to play in the SEC.

quote:

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25. LSU

Projected Starting 5:
G Donovan Dent
G Skyy Clark
F Saliou Niang
F Mouhamed Dioubate
C Brice Dessert

Projected Bench: Divine Ugochukwu, Michael Ruzic, Abdi Bashir, RJ Luis (ineligible), Jordan Bender, Austin Nunez

Key Newcomers: Donovan Dent (UCLA), Divine Ugochukwu (Michigan State), Abdi Bashir (Kansas State), Mouhamed Dioubate (Kentucky), Michael Ruzic, Skyy Clark (UCLA), Saliou Niang, Brice Dessert, RJ Luis, Jordan Bender, Austin Nunez

Key Losses: Dedan Thomas, Michael Nwoko

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Rothstein's Top 10:
1. Florida
2. Duke
3. Illinois
4. UConn
5. Michigan State
6. Arizona
7. Virginia
8. Texas
9. Kansas
10. Michigan