Men’s NCAA Basketball Season Kicks Off: Predictions and Key Teams

UPDATE: The countdown is on! Just 200 days after the Florida Gators clinched the 2024-25 NCAA championship, the men’s college basketball season is set to tip off on November 3, 2025. ESPN analysts, including Jeff Borzello, Joe Lunardi, and Myron Medcalf, have released their insights and predictions that could define the upcoming campaign.

What should fans expect as the new season approaches? This year’s storylines highlight potential championship contenders, teams primed for early exits, and standout players that could take the spotlight. With anticipation building, here are the key takeaways from ESPN’s expert analysis.

Can Florida Repeat? The Gators, led by coach Todd Golden, are in a strong position to defend their title. They return their entire frontcourt, featuring potential first-round NBA draft picks Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh, alongside starting center Rueben Chinyelu. Golden has also reinforced the squad with transfers Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee. However, uncertainty about depth and team chemistry raises questions about their chances to replicate last season’s success.

“Florida absolutely can run it back this season,” Borzello stated, emphasizing their formidable starting lineup.

Meanwhile, Lunardi warns against betting on a repeat, citing the tough nature of winning consecutive NCAA tournaments. He notes that the probability of back-to-back titles is daunting, especially following the Gators’ impressive 12-game tournament win streak.

SEC Dominance Under Scrutiny As the Southeastern Conference gears up for the new season, questions linger about its dominance after last year’s record-breaking NCAA bids. With 15 teams potentially vying for tournament spots, Borzello believes the SEC’s depth remains strong, though its overall power at the top may not match last season’s performance.

“It’s difficult to foresee four teams in the top eight again,” Borzello commented.

Last season, the SEC produced multiple high seeds, but analysts suggest a return to normalcy might be on the horizon. Lunardi notes that scrutiny over teams winning only a third of their conference games may impact this year’s selections.

Teams to Watch Among the teams expected to make significant leaps are the NC State Wolfpack, predicted by Borzello to thrive under new leadership. Coach Will Wade has amassed a talented roster that includes potential All-American Darrion Williams. Similarly, the Iowa Hawkeyes, under new coach Ben McCollum, and the Washington Huskies, benefiting from a strong transfer class, are also highlighted as possible breakout teams.

First Top-25 Team to Exit? When predicting early tournament exits, analysts point to the Creighton Bluejays, who may struggle defensively despite a strong offensive lineup. Lunardi suggests the Gonzaga Bulldogs could also face early challenges, while Medcalf lists the North Carolina Tar Heels as a team needing to prove their mettle after a disappointing season.

Mid-Major Intrigue The UNC Wilmington Seahawks are under the spotlight as a mid-major team to watch. Following a successful previous season, they have upgraded their talent pool significantly, sparking excitement about their potential for another NCAA tournament run.

Player of the Year Contenders In the race for Player of the Year, Purdue’s Braden Smith and Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg are emerging as frontrunners. Borzello notes that Lendeborg’s all-around contributions could make him a household name this season.

Coaches Under Pressure Coaches like Hubert Davis of North Carolina and Rick Pitino of St. John’s are facing intense scrutiny. Davis must navigate high expectations after inconsistent seasons, while Pitino is aiming to solidify his legacy in his hometown with a strong performance this year.

The excitement is palpable as fans prepare for the return of college basketball. With predictions and insights shaping expectations, the upcoming season promises to deliver drama, surprises, and unforgettable moments. Be sure to stay tuned for all the latest updates as the season unfolds!