2025-26 Men's College Basketball Preview and Predictions
University of North Florida forward Trey Cady ahead of their game against Florida (Photo: ospreysmbb)
The weather outside is getting colder, and the days shorter which means college basketball season is nearly upon us. The 2025 high school recruiting class was full of generational talent meaning you can expect some big changes in the college basketball landscape. I will dive into a handful of teams featured on the Preseason AP Top 25 poll, and provide a look into our local Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball team.
Coach Scheyer’s Blue Devils enter the season ranked 6th in the country with big expectations, and even bigger shoes to fill. My prediction for the Blue Devils this season is a 24-8 regular season record, and a Round of 32 exit in the NCAA Tournament.
It has been nearly 15 years since Jimmer Fredette ran wild on the country's top teams, but his BYU Cougars have found limited success in the NCAA tournament in years since. In their program's history, BYU has struggled to see much tournament success. Brigham Young University, unfortunately, holds the record for most NCAA tournament appearances without making the Final Four. In those 15 years since “Jimmer Time”, BYU has had twelve 20+ win seasons, and with head coach Kevin Young entering his second season leading the charge the Cougars have a real chance to make a run in this year's NCAA Tournament.
Since the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in college sports, arguably no team has benefitted more than BYU. Thanks to billionaire owner of the NBA’s Utah Jazz, Ryan Smith, the men’s basketball program has managed to gain a huge edge in recruiting. #1 overall recruit in the class of 2025, AJ Dybansta, signed with BYU last spring and is going to receive an estimated $7 million in NIL this season. Along with Dybansta, Coach Young’s squad returns All-American caliber guard Richie Saunders, 4 star freshman Xavion Staton, and highly touted Baylor transfer, Robert Wright III.
BYU lost in the Sweet 16 in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, but with the new additions I believe they will make an even further run this year. My prediction for the Cougars this season is a 27-5 regular season record, and their first Final Four appearance.
When I think of college basketball I think of Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks. Very few programs have earned the distinction of “blue blood”, and Kansas University is one of them. It is only given to programs who have withstood the everchanging landscape of college basketball, and remained successful year after year. Head coach Bill Self has been with the Jayhawks since 2003, and won two National Championships, appeared in three Final Fours, and is the winningest coach in school history.
In 2024-25, Kansas had a down year finishing 21-13 overall, and only 11-9 in Big 12 play. They lose key players in Hunter Dickinson, AJ Storr, and Dajuan Harris Jr. The Jayhawks will return sophomore big, Flory Bidunga, and bring in 5 star freshman, Darryn Peterson. Peterson was named Preseason Freshman of the Year in the Big-12 and unanimous Preseason All Big-12. He is also on the watchlist for this year's Bob Cousy Award: an award given to the nation’s top point guard. Peterson is expected by many to go first overall in the 2026 NBA Draft. Kansas sits at #19 in the Preseason AP Poll, but I expect this to change as Peterson is a phenomenal talent surrounded by a more than capable roster, and experienced coaching staff. My prediction for the Jayhawks this season is a 23-9 regular season record, and an Elite 8 exit in the NCAA tournament.
When most people hear the words “Ohio State” they think of football. While the OSU football program is a perennial powerhouse, and ranked #1 in the nation currently, there was once a time when the Buckeyes were just as good on the basketball court. In their 127 year history they have been to the Final Four 11x, and won one National Championship. The Buckeyes thrived under Thad Matta during the mid 2000’s- mid 2010’s, but have been very disappointing since missing the NCAA tournament the past three seasons. Things are looking up, though, as they bring in redshirt sophomore Gabe Cupps, and 5th year big man, Brandon Noel, both are Ohio natives. John Mobley and Bruce Thornton will lead the Buckeyes backcourt: both are experienced and very talented. I expect junior forward Devin Royal to lead the team in scoring. He has a big frame at 6’6’’ 230lbs, and can score from anywhere on the floor.
Looking ahead, OSU has the #1 ranked recruiting class for 2026 even with the decommitment of Top-30 senior Marcus Johnson. Last season the Buckeyes went 17-15 and missed out on the NCAA tournament. My prediction for this season is a 17-14 regular season record, and a first round NCAA tournament exit. Although I feel Coach Diebler is taking the team in the right direction, the Big 10 is one of the top conferences in the country. I just don’t see Ohio State being much better than they were last season.
I am very excited for this upcoming college hoops season, and I wish I could have covered more teams. What makes college basketball so special is how many great players, coaches, and programs there are. Anybody can beat anybody on any given night. I hope you tune in to a few games this season to cheer on your favorite team. Go Bucks!