The 2025-26 college basketball season is only a couple days 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 to win the conference. 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. The spectator predicts that Michigan will edge Purdue for the title with both as top seeds and a mid-tier team ready to upset.
Last year, the SEC showed pure dominance over all of Division 1 basketball by 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 three key starters to the NBA draft: Walter Clayton Jr, Alyjah Martin and Will Richard. It will be hard for Florida to continue their power over the conference. The Spectator predicts that Kentucky will edge 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 be Houston, Texas Tech and BYU. AJ Dybansta, the second ranked freshman coming into the season, will be a threat all season long in every aspect. Dybansta brings a very well rounded game to the Big 12 this season. J.T. Toppin was a breakout player last year and is returning this year to help bring Texas Tech a championship and try to win the player of the year. Houston is 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 five 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 top 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. The Spectator predicts 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 possibly he best defensive strategy to Marquette and Bryce Hopkins is the key for St. John’s. UConn aims to stay on top of the conference, St. John’s is surging under Rick Pitino and Creighton’s balance makes them dangerous. The Spectator predicts that 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 confident 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. The college basketball season is a long and tiring, but there will certainly be madness all season long.