College Basketball Teams Build Rosters, Chase 30 Wins, Tournament Success in 2025-26 Season

Several college basketball teams that failed to make the 2025 NCAA Tournament could be dangerous contenders this season, notably NC State under new coach Will Wade, who bolstered the roster with experienced transfers from successful programs. Teams like Indiana and Michigan, as well as programs such as BYU, Duke, Florida, Gonzaga, Houston, Kentucky, Louisville, Miami (Ohio), McNeese State, Michigan, and Purdue, are highlighted as potential 30-win teams, a benchmark closely aligned with national championship success. The Atlantic 10 Conference is expected to be highly competitive, with multiple teams vying for NCAA bids and aiming to establish a multi-bid league in women's basketball. Offense is increasingly critical in winning championships, with recent champions typically ranking higher offensively than defensively entering the tournament, reflecting the evolving strategies and rule changes favoring offensive play. This season's landscape suggests a blend of experienced transfers, high offensive efficiency, and competitive conference play will define the leading contenders for the NCAA Tournament and national title.