The 2025-26 college basketball season is only a month away. The Spectator is willing to offer our way to early predictions for all the buzzer beaters, upsets, and unexpected storylines that will come about during the season.
The Big Ten should once again be one of the toughest conferences. Michigan, Purdue, and UCLA are the favorites. Purdue’s Braeden Smith is one of the best players in the country, Northwestern’s Nick Martinelli is going to be a star this year in the Big Ten, and Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg brings energy and athleticism to the conference. Michigan must reload, Purdue seeks March redemption, and UCLA’s style will be tested in the Big Ten. Prediction: Michigan edges Purdue for the title, with both as top seeds and a mid-tier team ready to upset.
The SEC last year showed pure dominance over all of Division 1 basketball with getting 14 out of its 16 teams into the NCAA tournament, with Florida taking home the national championship as well. Florida, Tennessee, and Kentucky are going to be at the top of the conference again. Otega Oweh, a Kentucky senior, will build on his breakout 2024-25 seasons, and will be a big force in the conference. Other notable players include Jacobi Gillespie of Tennessee and Josh Hubbard of Mississippi State. Florida lost 3 key starters to the NBA draft in Walter Clayton Jr, Alyjah Martin, and Will Richard it will be hard for them to continue their dominance. Prediction: Kentucky edges out Florida for the conference.
The Big 12 is once again going to be loaded with star players and talent depth. The top three contenders for the title are going to Houston, Texas Tech, and BYU. AJ Dybansta, the second ranked freshman coming into the season, is going to be a threat all season long. J.T. Toppin was a breakout player last year and this year is returning to help bring Texas Tech a championship and try to win the player of the year. Houston’s the most well rounded team bringing a strong defensive presence, BYU’s offensive pace, and Texas Tech’s toughness are going to be the storylines for the year.
After the ACC was the worst power 5 conference with the least amount of teams in the tournament in the 2024-25 season, every team will be looking to rebound. Duke, Louisville, and North Carolina will be the teams to beat. The top talent include talented freshman Cam Boozer of Duke, Sharpshooter Ryan Conwell of Louisville, and the high basketball IQ Darrion Williams of North Carolina State. Duke lost all five starters from last year which will probably lead to some inconsistencies this season. Louisville Prediction: Louisville finally gets back on top of the ACC.
The Big East should once again be one of the toughest leagues in the country. St. John’s, UConn, and Creighton look like the top contenders for the title. Alex Karaban will be UConn’s leader once again, Chase Ross brings maybe the best defensive strategy to Marquette, and Bryce Hopkins is the key for St. John’s. UConn aims to stay dominant, St. John’s is surging under Rick Pitino, and Creighton’s balance makes them dangerous. Prediction: UConn holds off St. John’s to win the league.
Braeden Smith is our front runner for the Naismith Player of the Year award. The veteran senior runs the Purdue offense with poise and consistency. Smith is scoring night in and night out. Smith is able to control the offense the right way and makes clutch plays in big time moments. His strong leadership not only elevates his game but his teammates around him. If the Purdue Boilermakers make a run at a title, Smith will most certainly be at the center of it.