As the countdown to the start of the college basketball season begins, fans are eager to see which teams will dominate the court. The 2026-27 season promises thrilling matchups and noteworthy storylines, beginning with the tipoff on November 2.
Preseason Rankings
The latest AP Top 25 has been released, setting the stage for intense competition. Florida has secured the top spot for the men's preseason rankings, followed closely by Duke and Illinois, with UConn and Arizona rounding out the top five.
In women's basketball, South Carolina takes the lead in the preseason AP Top 25, with UConn, Southern California, Duke, and Michigan close behind.
Star Players to Watch
The preseason All-America teams have also been announced, showcasing the exceptional talent of some of college basketball's brightest stars. For the men's team, Thomas Haugh from Florida and Jeremy Fears Jr. of Michigan State are key highlights, along with Tyler Tanner from Vanderbilt, David Mirkovic from Illinois, and Motiejus Krivas from Arizona.
On the women's side, UConn's Sarah Strong and JuJu Watkins from USC are leading the charge, accompanied by standouts Mikayla Blakes from Vanderbilt, Madison Booker from Texas, and Hannah Hidalgo from Notre Dame.
Season Previews and Notable Changes
This season will see exciting unfolds as Michigan returns as the defending champion. However, they won't have an easy path, with Duke, Florida, UConn, and Michigan State also vying for the title. The expansion of the NCAA Tournament to 76 teams is expected to bring further intrigue to the competition.
Both the men's and women's tournaments will be heavily influenced by the changes in eligibility rules and the incoming transfer classes, with each Power Five conference preparing separately for the challenges ahead.
Emerging Stories and Key Events
One of the hottest topics this season is the NCAA Tournament expansion. The increase from 68 to 76 teams opens new possibilities for mid-major schools. Meanwhile, the eligibility crisis, highlighted by lawsuits regarding player rights, has become a major concern. Coaches now face the critical task of managing their rosters amidst these uncertainties.
In addition, schools like Villanova are eager to break out of their previous stagnation as they look forward to the talents of freshmen like Luigi Suigo, dubbed the “Italian Wemby.” As campuses buzz with excitement, players like JuJu Watkins return from injuries, promising to add firepower to their respective teams.
Top Teams and Championship Contenders
This season, South Carolina, UConn, and Southern California are all expected to contend for the national championship in women's basketball. Key matchups and storylines are already shaping the viewing landscape, with fans eagerly anticipating the high-stakes clashes ahead.
In the Big Ten, Michigan hopes to stand out as they build off their recent success, while schools like Louisville actively seek to rebuild through significant transfers, focusing on regaining their competitive edge.
As the season unfolds, keep an eye on emerging stars, captivating rivalries, and the evolving landscape of college basketball, making this year one to remember.