NCAA Basketball Season Kicks Off: Key Storylines to Watch Now

UPDATE: The 2025-26 NCAA men’s college basketball season is set to begin, and fans are buzzing with excitement as key storylines unfold across all 31 college basketball conferences. With the season just days away, teams are gearing up for a battle that promises to be filled with drama, competition, and unexpected twists.

What just happened? Most leagues have made their preseason predictions, but this season’s landscape is marked by significant changes. From coaching shifts to star players returning from injuries, the stage is set for a thrilling season. As programs chase national titles and some aim to break long NCAA tournament droughts, every game matters.

Why this matters RIGHT NOW: The opening games will reveal the potential of teams like Duke, which looks to bounce back after a disappointing previous season, and Memphis, navigating a challenging roster transition under coach Penny Hardaway. These early matchups will be crucial in shaping the narrative of the season ahead.

Here’s a closer look at the compelling storylines to watch across major conferences:

America East Conference

Is this the end of Vermont’s dominance? After losing the America East title for the first time in nearly a decade, head coach John Becker aims to reclaim the crown with star players TJ Hurley and TJ Long.

American Conference

What’s next for Memphis? Following a high-profile season led by AP All-American P.J. Haggerty, the Tigers now face a roster overhaul with new faces like Dug McDaniel. Can Hardaway guide this team back to prominence?

Atlantic Coast Conference

The ACC is under scrutiny after sending only three teams to the NCAA tournament last year. Caleb Wilson, a projected lottery pick, leads a revitalized North Carolina team that aims to restore the conference’s prestige.

ASUN Conference

Can Bellarmine turn around its fortunes? After a rough inaugural season in Division I, the Knights look for a historic NCAA tournament berth under the leadership of scoring standout Jack Karasinski.

Big 12 Conference

The race for Big 12 Player of the Year heats up as freshmen Darryn Peterson of Kansas and AJ Dybantsa of BYU vie for top honors. Both players are projected top picks in the upcoming NBA draft.

Big Ten Conference

Will this finally be Matt Painter’s year at Purdue? With a stacked roster including Braden Smith, the Boilermakers aim for national championship glory.

SEC Conference

Can the SEC repeat its historic success? After setting a record with 14 NCAA tournament bids last season, the conference is poised for another strong showing, with teams like Florida and Auburn leading the charge.

West Coast Conference

What does the eligibility of Tyon Grant-Foster mean for Gonzaga? As the Bulldogs gear up for their final season in the WCC before transitioning to the Pac-12, Grant-Foster’s return adds potential for a deep tournament run.

What happens next? As the season kicks off, all eyes will be on the opening matchups. Teams will be eager to set the tone and establish their standings early. Fans can expect surprises, fierce competition, and the emergence of new contenders as the landscape of college basketball shifts.

Stay tuned for live updates and in-depth coverage of the season’s unfolding drama. With excitement building, this season promises to deliver unforgettable moments that could change the trajectory of college basketball history.