NCAA Basketball 2025-26: Key Storylines Unfolding NOW

UPDATE: The excitement for the 2025-26 NCAA men’s basketball season is reaching a fever pitch as teams prepare to tip off in just days. With preseason picks rolling in, key storylines are emerging across all 31 college basketball conferences, and fans are eager to see how their favorite teams will perform this year.

This season promises intense competition as teams chase national titles, recover from injuries, and navigate coaching changes. The stakes have never been higher, and every game matters. Here’s a breakdown of the most compelling storylines to watch as the action begins.

America East Conference: The Vermont Catamounts face a pivotal season after losing their grip on the conference title for the first time in nearly a decade. With star players TJ Hurley and TJ Long returning, can they reclaim their dominance, or is a new era dawning?

American Conference: The Memphis Tigers, led by coach Penny Hardaway, are undergoing a major transition. After a stellar season featuring AP All-American P.J. Haggerty, the team is now rebuilding with a new roster. What does this mean for their chances to remain competitive?

Atlantic Coast Conference: Following a disappointing 2024-25 season where only three ACC teams made the NCAA tournament, the conference is looking for a rebound. The return of Caleb Wilson and promising additions at NC State and Louisville offer hope. Will they erase last season’s shortcomings?

ASUN Conference: Can Bellarmine turn its fortunes around? After a dismal first season of NCAA eligibility, they aim for a miraculous turnaround, led by standout Jack Karasinski. Will they make their mark on Selection Sunday?

Big 12 Conference: The race for Big 12 Player of the Year is heating up with top recruits Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa poised to make history. Their performances could determine not just individual accolades but also their draft prospects.

Big Ten Conference: Will this finally be Matt Painter’s year at Purdue? With a preseason No. 1 ranking and a lineup featuring Braden Smith, the Boilermakers have their eyes set on a national championship.

Jackson State is making headlines in the SWAC with coach Mo Williams at the helm, aiming to end an 18-year NCAA tournament drought. Can the former NBA star lead his squad to success on the national stage?

Gonzaga Bulldogs are in the spotlight as they begin their final season in the WCC before moving to the Pac-12. The eligibility of Tyon Grant-Foster could be a game-changer for their championship aspirations.

The urgency of the upcoming season is palpable. As teams finalize rosters and strategies, fans are left wondering who will rise to the occasion and who will falter. With the tournament looming, every game will be critical.

As these thrilling storylines unfold, sports enthusiasts are urged to stay tuned for updates. The 2025-26 NCAA basketball season promises to deliver unforgettable moments and potentially reshape the landscape of college basketball for years to come. Get ready for the action, starting soon!