College Basketball 2026 Season Predictions

College basketball never sleeps. Once one season ends, fans start looking ahead to the next. The college basketball 2026 season already has people talking. Teams are reloading. Coaches are rethinking strategies. Fans are watching closely.

You’re probably wondering who might dominate this season. Which schools are rising? Who’s likely to disappoint? We’re here to break it all down.

In this article, we’ll look at early college basketball predictions, key matchups to watch, and the shifting college basketball standings. Whether you're a casual viewer or a stat geek, there’s something here for you.

What’s New in the 2026 Season

Let’s start with what’s changed. Several big-name players went pro after 2025. That opened spots for freshmen and transfers. Some schools made surprising coaching hires. Others kept their core intact.

This reshuffling is already impacting college basketball rankings. Preseason polls look different this time around. A few mid-majors are even cracking the top 25. That doesn’t happen every year.

We’ve also seen a shift in play styles. More teams now rely on fast tempo and high three-point volume. Defense still matters, but offense drives success. Expect high-scoring college basketball games this season.

Top Teams to Watch in 2026

Not all top schools from 2025 will repeat their success. But a few look solid on paper. Let’s highlight some of them.

1. Duke Blue Devils
They’ve got depth, size, and a top-five recruiting class. If the guards stay healthy, they’ll be dangerous.

2. Kansas Jayhawks
Their senior-heavy lineup brings experience. They didn’t lose many pieces and have continuity that others lack.

3. Houston Cougars
Defense wins games, and Houston still plays lockdown basketball. Their backcourt is one of the best in the country.

4. Purdue Boilermakers
Their big man returns for another season. Few teams can handle their inside-out attack when it's rolling.

Here’s a quick look at projected rankings:

Team	Projected Rank	Key Player
Duke	#1	Trevor Riley (Guard)
Kansas	#2	Malik Johnson (Forward)
Houston	#3	Chris James (Guard)
Purdue	#4	Evan Cross (Center)
Arizona	#5	Marco Silva (Guard)

These predictions are early, but they’re based on real roster data and returning production.

Key Players Who Could Shape the Season

Every year, a few players carry their teams farther than expected. Who are those names for 2026?

1. Trevor Riley – Duke
He’s a pure scorer with elite court vision. Scouts already label him a future lottery pick.

2. Chris James – Houston
Tough on defense and fearless in crunch time. Houston goes as far as he takes them.

3. Marco Silva – Arizona
Fast, shifty, and deadly from deep. He could lead the Pac-12 in scoring.

These players may shift college basketball odds as the season unfolds. Bettors and fans alike should keep their eyes on them.

Underrated Teams to Track

- St. Mary’s – Great ball movement and high basketball IQ.
 

- Iowa State – Physical defense, great home-court edge.
 

- UAB – Sneaky good transfers and a solid inside game.
 

- VCU – Always a tough outcome in March.
Teams like these don’t always start in the college basketball rankings, but they often rise fast. They can mess up brackets in March.

Predictions That Might Surprise You

1. A mid-major will reach the Final Four
It hasn’t happened since 2021. This year feels ripe for a Cinderella story.

2. The Pac-12 will outperform the Big Ten

It’s usually the other way around. But talent shifts say otherwise.

3. A freshman will win Player of the Year
Early scouting reports say one of these rookies is the real deal.

4. An unranked team will crack the top 10 by January
It happens almost every year. Keep your eye on the early-season shockers.

5. The NCAA tournament will see record upsets
The gap between seeds is shrinking. Lower seeds are hungrier than ever.

What About the Odds and Betting Action?

College hoops isn’t just about rankings and standings. It’s also about betting lines. Many people check college basketball odds before placing bets or building brackets.

Early odds favor Duke, Kansas, and Purdue. But betting futures on long shots can bring better returns. Teams like Iowa State or St. Mary’s offer decent upside.

Props are popular too. Player stats, conference champs, and first basket bets keep things interesting. Still, always check injury reports before betting. One scratch can flip a line fast.

Some bettors use tools like Richard Casino bonus offers for placing their sports wagers. Always read the terms before you commit. Not every promo applies to basketball lines.

How Are the Standings Looking So Far?

It’s early, but we can still check in on some college basketball standings projections. Preseason tournaments gave us a glimpse. Conference matchups will tell us more.

Power conferences like the Big 12 and SEC look stacked again. The Big East also has some depth. The ACC seems top-heavy, relying on a few programs to carry the load.

Below is a projected look at standings in three major conferences:

Conference	Top 3 Teams	Record Prediction
Big 12	Kansas, Baylor, Texas	15-3, 13-5, 12-6
SEC	Kentucky, Alabama, LSU	14-4, 13-5, 12-6
ACC	Duke, UNC, Miami	16-2, 13-5, 11-7

Of course, injuries and slumps can shuffle things fast. But these teams have the tools to finish strong.

Top Storylines Heading into March Madness

- Will a mid-major crash the Elite Eight again?

- Can Duke live up to the hype with a young squad?

- Is this the year Purdue makes the title game?

- How far can an unranked team go in March?These are the questions every fan will be asking when brackets drop.

Final Thoughts

The college basketball 2026 season looks like it’ll bring drama, surprises, and plenty of buzzer-beaters. The early shifts in college basketball rankings are just the beginning. With new talent rising and powerhouses trying to hold their ground, every game will matter.

From bold college basketball predictions to close college basketball games, the season has a lot in store. Fans should brace for upsets, breakout stars, and one wild March. If you’re new to the scene, there’s never been a better time to follow college hoops.