UPDATE: Just announced, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark boldly claims his conference is the “second best league behind the NBA,” igniting debate just one week before the 2025-26 NCAA basketball season kicks off. As the anticipation builds, the Hotline releases its preseason Top 25 rankings, featuring powerhouse teams including UConn, Houston, and Texas Tech.
This declaration, made during a TNT football broadcast, comes at a crucial time for college basketball, which faces challenges overlapping with the ongoing college football season. The regular season begins on November 3, spanning 132 days until the NCAA tournament, which will retain its 68-team format for this year, before a potential expansion in 2027.
With the basketball landscape rapidly evolving, here are the standout teams poised to dominate the upcoming season:
Top Teams to Watch in 2025-26
1. Connecticut: The reigning national champions look to maintain their dominance with key players like Alex Karaban and Solo Ball returning. Coach Danny Hurley enhances the roster with Silas Demary (Georgia) and blue-chip recruit Braylon Mullins.
2. Houston: Coming off a narrow loss in the national championship, Coach Kelvin Sampson leads a strong core with Milos Uzan and Emanuel Sharp, supported by a top recruiting class.
3. Texas Tech: With All-American JT Toppin opting to return, the Red Raiders are strong contenders, bolstered by key transfers LeJuan Watts and Tyeree Bryan.
4. St. John’s: Coach Rick Pitino faces pressure in his third year, relying on a lineup filled with transfers like Joson Sanon (Arizona State). Pitino’s proven track record inspires confidence in his team’s potential.
5. Purdue: Coach Matt Painter cultivates an elite squad featuring Braden Smith and transfers like Oscar Cluff, aiming for a Final Four appearance with improved defense.
As the season approaches, fans are eager to see how the Big 12 and other conferences will unfold. The stakes are high as teams jockey for position, and every game becomes essential in shaping the NCAA tournament landscape.
What’s Next?
With the regular season approaching, all eyes are on November 3, when teams will finally take the court. The anticipated clash between established powerhouses and emerging contenders will set the stage for a thrilling season of college basketball.
Stay tuned for updates as we track these developments and more throughout the season. Will the Big 12 secure its place as the second-best league in college basketball? The countdown to tip-off has begun!
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