Urgent Preview: Key Storylines for 2025-26 College Basketball Season

UPDATE: The 2025-26 men’s college basketball season is set to ignite in just days, with teams and fans eagerly anticipating the latest developments across all 31 NCAA Division I conferences. As leagues finalize their preseason picks and player of the year candidates, urgent storylines are emerging, shaping the landscape of college basketball like never before.

From teams striving for national titles to programs battling injuries and coaching shake-ups, the stakes are high as the season approaches. Here’s a comprehensive look at the most compelling narratives unfolding in each conference that could impact your favorite teams this season.

America East Conference: Is This the End of Vermont’s Dominance?

After a stunning 2-16 conference record last season, Vermont’s reign as the America East powerhouse is under serious threat. The Catamounts, who failed to clinch the title for the first time in nearly a decade, welcome back star TJ Hurley and a healthy TJ Long. Coach John Becker faces a daunting challenge to reclaim their top position.

American Conference: Memphis Faces a Rebuild

What’s next for Memphis? After a strong season led by AP All-American P.J. Haggerty, coach Penny Hardaway now navigates a roster with significant turnover. Newcomer Dug McDaniel seeks to fill gaps left by former stars, but the Tigers face a turbulent transition.

Atlantic Coast Conference: Can the ACC Rebound?

The ACC is desperate to bounce back from its worst NCAA tournament performance in decades, sending only three teams to the big dance last year. The emergence of projected lottery pick Caleb Wilson could reignite North Carolina, while Darrion Williams strengthens NC State’s ambitions. Will the conference reclaim its former glory?

ASUN Conference: Bellarmine’s Redemption Journey

Could Bellarmine write a fairytale this season? Following a dismal 2-16 conference record last year, the Knights are poised for a turnaround, led by Jack Karasinski, aiming for an NCAA tournament berth after their first year of eligibility.

Big 12 Conference: Battle for Player of the Year Heats Up

Two standout freshmen, Darryn Peterson from Kansas and AJ Dybantsa from BYU, are in contention for the coveted Big 12 Player of the Year title. Their performances this season could determine whether they secure top spots in the upcoming NBA draft.

Big Ten Conference: Matt Painter’s Title Shot?

As Purdue gears up for the season, all eyes are on coach Matt Painter. With a roster featuring top talent like Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn, this could finally be the year the Boilermakers claim the national title.

SEC: Historic Bid Potential

The SEC could make history again; last season, it set a record with 14 of 16 teams earning NCAA bids. With programs like Florida and Auburn ranked in the top-15, the conference aims for double-digit berths this year.

Western Athletic Conference: A New Era Ahead

Significant changes loom for the WAC as it merges with the Atlantic Sun to form the United Athletic Conference. This strategic move aims to stabilize mid-major basketball amidst a rapidly evolving landscape.

As the college basketball season approaches, these storylines will define the paths of teams and players alike, making it essential for fans and analysts to stay tuned for every twist and turn. With the clock ticking down, the excitement is palpable. Don’t miss out on the action!