2025-26 Men’s College Basketball Predictions: Final Four and National Champion

Bassyonni

ago 8 hours

2025-26 Men’s College Basketball Predictions: Final Four and National Champion

The men’s college basketball season is set to kick off with exciting matchups, prompting predictions for the 2025-26 season. As teams gear up for competition, analysts have speculated about potential Final Four contenders and national champions.

Opening Night Matchups

The season begins with a thrilling doubleheader. The spotlight falls on:

No. 3 Florida (reigning national champions) vs. No. 13 Arizona (coached by Tommy Lloyd)
No. 8 BYU (debuting top freshman AJ Dybantsa) vs. Villanova

The action continues with a matchup featuring No. 6 Duke against Texas on Tuesday, marking Sean Miller’s debut with the Longhorns. Additional notable games include:

No. 19 Kansas at No. 25 North Carolina
No. 15 Alabama at No. 5 St. John’s
No. 14 Arkansas at No. 22 Michigan State
Oklahoma at No. 21 Gonzaga
Virginia Tech at Providence

Preseason Predictions

Analysts have made bold predictions based on preseason performances and team potential. Only five teams received votes for winning the national championship, while 14 different teams were considered for the Final Four. Notably, three teams have made an appearance in the last two national title games.

Teams to Watch in 2026

Ohio State aims to regain its tournament status with key players like Bruce Thornton and a formidable transfer lineup.
NC State is rejuvenating its roster under Will Wade, with Darrion Williams as a standout.
Iowa is banking on new head coach Ben McCollum to revitalize a stale program.

Potential No-Shows in the Tournament

Some teams may struggle to make it to the tournament this year:

Georgia: After losing key players, the Bulldogs face an uphill battle in a competitive SEC.
Texas A&M: With a new coach and a largely new roster, early-season chemistry will be crucial.
Xavier: Under Richard Pitino, roster transitions may lead to inconsistency.

Top Mid-Major Teams to Follow

Mid-major programs often surprise during the tournament. Notable teams include:

Liberty: With returning starters and a solid coach, they are primed for a tournament push.
Saint Louis: Expected to be a breakout team with a strong roster and new strategic depth.
George Washington: A strong transfer class positions them well in a competitive Atlantic 10.

Players to Watch

Several players are generating buzz this season:

AJ Dybantsa (BYU): Anticipated as a top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Darryn Peterson (Kansas): Expected to make a significant impact as a freshman.
Darrion Williams (NC State): Could be a leading contender in the ACC.

Final Four and National Champion Predictions for 2025-26

As experts weigh in, predictions stack up. Some favored teams include:

Houston: Regarded as a consensus pick for both the Final Four and national championship.
Purdue: Expected to break through with a potential title win in Indianapolis.
Michigan and Florida: Both teams are anticipated to have strong seasons and could make deep runs.

The upcoming college basketball season promises to be action-packed, filled with potential surprises and standout performances. Keep an eye on these teams and players as the race for the national title begins.