The 2025-26 College Basketball Season: Key Highlights & Surprises

As the 2025-26 NCAA college basketball season unfolds, we find ourselves just 50 days from Selection Sunday, where the tournament bracket will be set. The action has been electric, with seasoned teams and emerging stars making headlines. Here’s a look at the biggest storylines shaping the season so far.

Freshmen Making Waves

One of the most exciting trends this season is the dominance of freshmen. A historically strong freshman class has arrived, propelling their teams to unexpected heights. Players like Darryn Peterson from Kansas and AJ Dybantsa from BYU have not just lived up to their hype but have enchanted fans with standout performances. Peterson, despite battling injuries, has the potential to be a top NBA draft pick, averaging a remarkable 22.2 points per game when healthy.

Undefeated Teams and Remarkable Turnarounds

Nebraska and Miami (Ohio) are two of the five remaining undefeated teams, showcasing startling turnarounds this season. Nebraska, in particular, has orchestrated a remarkable comeback, while Miami (Ohio) manages to maintain its perfect record. Clemson’s unexpected 6-0 start in ACC play further highlights the unpredictable nature of this season.

Villanova, under new head coach Kevin Willard, has emerged as a powerhouse with a balanced offense and defense, while Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner has caught attention as a projected first-round NBA draft pick.

Disappointments Abound

While surprises have dazzled, the disappointment factor cannot be overlooked. High-profile programs like Kentucky, which many anticipated would be contending for the national title, have not performed up to expectations. After significant investment in their roster, the Wildcats currently find themselves just trying to stay relevant.

UCLA’s Donovan Dent, a transfer heralded for his skills, is struggling with shooting woes, weighing down the aspirations of his new team. Other stalwarts, like Baylor and Tennessee, have opened league play with disappointing records, bucking their reputations as perennial contenders.

Scoring on the Rise

This season has seen a dramatic increase in scoring. With teams averaging an impressive 77.2 points per game— the highest for a single season since 1971-72— it’s clear that the offensive pace is not just a trend but a hallmark of this year’s play. Efforts from NBA prospects returning to school have bolstered team dynamics, while a collective field goal percentage of 45.4% speaks to the high level of offensive execution.

Even more intriguing, no team finished last season averaging over 90 points per game, yet 15 teams are hitting that mark this season.

Star Players and Injury Challenges

Injuries have played a pivotal role this season, affecting many star players. Kansas’ Darryn Peterson has missed significant time due to a hamstring injury, casting a shadow over his potential as a top draft pick. Meanwhile, Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. has been sidelined due to a back injury, leaving fans wondering if he will return this season. Kentucky’s Jayden Quaintance has faced restrictions after recovering from a torn ACL, showcasing the ongoing struggle for maintaining player health amid a grueling schedule.

Changes in Eligibility and Player Movement

This season has also witnessed shifts in player eligibility rules, allowing former G League players like Thierry Darlan and London Johnson to take the court in NCAA games. This groundbreaking aspect of college basketball continues to evolve, potentially reshaping the recruiting landscape as new players find their way back to college.

Strong Freshman Class

The 2025 recruiting class has brought undeniable talent to the NCAA. With names like Cameron Boozer of Duke and Darius Acuff Jr. of Arkansas making an immediate impact, discussions around the National Player of the Year already hot up. Nine freshmen made it to the Wooden Award midseason top 25 list, proving that this class has not only met but exceeded expectations.

High-Major Conferences Show Strength

This season’s competitive landscape is marked by a wealth of talent from high-major conferences. The Big Ten boasts a staggering ten teams within the top 40 on KenPom, asserting its dominance across college basketball. The Big 12 and SEC are not far behind, with teams like Kansas and Alabama demonstrating impressive potential as they vie for NCAA tournament spots.

Towering Lineups Taking Over

As the game continues to adapt, so do the styles of play. This season, the trend of big lineups is back in vogue. Many of the top-ranked teams feature tall, finely-tuned rosters, echoing the NBA’s increasing valuing of size. No longer reliant solely on perimeter shooting, teams are strategically utilizing their height, creating mismatches that can dominate games.

As we edge closer to March Madness, these storylines will undoubtedly evolve, leading to a thrilling conclusion to the season. The ongoing interplay of surprise, disappointment, and rising talent ensures that college basketball remains as unpredictable as ever.