NCAA Men’s Basketball 2025-26 Season: Key Storylines Emerging NOW

UPDATE: Just days before the highly anticipated start of the 2025-26 NCAA men’s college basketball season, critical storylines are emerging across all 31 college basketball conferences. As teams prepare for their seasons, many are facing pivotal challenges and opportunities that could define their futures.

The America East Conference sees a dramatic shift as the Vermont Catamounts aim to reclaim their dominance after failing to secure the title last season for the first time in nearly a decade. With star player TJ Hurley returning, fans are eager to see if Vermont can rebound from last year’s disappointing performance.

Meanwhile, the American Conference is buzzing with uncertainty surrounding the Memphis Tigers. Under coach Penny Hardaway, the team is undergoing a significant roster transformation. With rising star Dug McDaniel trying to lead the way, the Tigers face a turbulent season ahead.

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is also at a crossroads. Following a lackluster showing last season, where only three teams made it to the NCAA tournament, the conference is looking to bounce back. The North Carolina Tar Heels, now led by projected lottery pick Caleb Wilson, are hoping to restore pride and save coach Hubert Davis‘ job.

In the ASUN Conference, the Bellarmine Knights are ready to write a fairytale story after their first year of NCAA tournament eligibility. With a standout player in Jack Karasinski, they aim for a significant turnaround, potentially capturing their first tournament berth.

The Big East Conference has ignited excitement around the battle of legendary coaches Rick Pitino of St. John’s and Dan Hurley of UConn. After a fierce rivalry last season, both teams are set to vie for national championship glory, making their matchups a must-watch this year.

As the Big 12 Conference prepares for the season, the spotlight is on freshman talents Darryn Peterson of Kansas and AJ Dybantsa of BYU, both projected to become top NBA draft picks. Their competition for Big 12 Player of the Year could redefine the conference landscape.

In the Big Ten Conference, the pressure mounts on coach Matt Painter and the Purdue Boilermakers to capitalize on a star-studded roster, including Braden Smith, who is a frontrunner for the Wooden Award. The stakes are high as the team aims for its first national championship.

The SEC is poised for another record-breaking season after last year’s historic performance, where 14 of 16 teams made the NCAA tournament. With powerhouse teams like Florida and Kentucky back in the mix, the conference seeks to maintain its dominance.

As these developments unfold, fans are encouraged to keep a close watch on how each storyline evolves throughout the season. The next few weeks will be pivotal as teams finalize their rosters and prepare for the intense competition ahead.

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the 2025-26 college basketball season, where every game could alter the trajectory of these storied programs. This season promises to deliver thrilling moments and unforgettable performances that will resonate throughout the sport.