Just in the past week, college basketball has exploded with news, major moves, and plenty of anticipation for the 2025-26 season. Let’s start with the national picture: the AP and Coaches Polls have Florida perched right at the top, coming off a dominant 36-4 season. Houston, Duke, and Auburn aren’t far behind—the Cougars, Blue Devils, and Tigers each racking up over 30 wins last year and returning plenty of talent, making the battle at the top as fierce as ever. Tennessee, Alabama, and Michigan State round out the core of teams expected to challenge for major titles this year, and Texas Tech and Maryland aren’t to be overlooked either, coming in strong within the top ten according to ESPN and CBS Sports.

But while these perennial powerhouses command the headlines, what’s really fueling conversation is the potential resurgence of programs that stumbled last season. Andy Katz from NCAA.com has put NC State at the very front of his bounce-back list, noting how new coach Will Wade has assembled a trio of hotshot transfers—Darrion Williams, Tre Holloman, and Terrance Arceneaux—that could turn last year’s .500 team into genuine tournament contenders. Southern Cal, with Rodney Rice and Chad Baker-Mazara bringing in NCAA tournament experience, and Ohio State, who are sticking with their core after a frustrating late-season collapse, are also spotlighted as teams likely to surge.

Don’t count out Indiana either, now led by a new coach and energized by transfer Tucker DeVries, stirring hope of a tournament return. Special mention goes to St. John’s for the nation’s top big man, Zuby Ejiofor, who’s drawing chatter as one of the best centers in the country, according to Sports Illustrated.

Meanwhile, roster moves and preseason hype aren’t the only stories. Missouri State is opening its practices to fans, cranking up excitement about what their revamped roster might bring. In Green Bay, the Phoenix are kicking off exhibition play against Bradley, and anticipation is mounting for the inaugural Preview College Basketball Exhibition scheduled for late October, which promises early marquee matchups.

From powerhouse bluebloods chasing banners to historic programs plotting comebacks and rising stars eager to make a name, this college basketball season is setting up to be a thriller from coast to coast. Thanks for tuning in, and make sure to subscribe for all the latest updates. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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