2025-26 College Basketball Season Preview

The 2025-26 college basketball season looks wide open, with Florida entering to defend its national title and conferences such as the SEC and programs like Purdue and UConn among teams with high ceilings. The Athletic’s preseason All‑America voting was split across 26 players, with Purdue guard Braden Smith and Texas Tech forward JT Toppin earning unanimous selections, reflecting a tilt toward experienced upperclassmen and high‑impact transfers. Early signs include North Carolina’s 19‑turnover exhibition loss to BYU and a marquee Nov. 4 Duke vs. Texas tip‑off already shaping the nonconference slate. Elite freshmen and prospects — including Cameron Boozer and AJ Dybantsa — are focal points for several programs, while mid‑major and regional leagues are producing drama: the Philippines’ NCAA Season 101 featured San Beda’s dominance, standouts Janti Miller and Zed Etulle, upset wins by JRU, and the recovery of Justin Lozano from injury. At the mid‑major level in the U.S., UL Lafayette’s new coach Quannas White is emphasizing culture and hard work to overcome low preseason expectations and rekindle local enthusiasm.