The 2025–26 NCAA basketball season has officially begun, bringing back the energy, rivalries, and storylines that make college hoops one of America’s favorite sports. Fans across the United States are tuning in to watch powerhouse programs and underdogs alike as the journey toward March Madness begins.
Florida, Arizona, Kansas, Duke, and Kentucky headline the early season action, while new coaching faces and talented freshmen are ready to make their mark. The opening week of NCAA basketball has already delivered thrilling matchups and rising stars that hint at what could be an unforgettable season.
Florida Gators Begin Title Defense With a Statement Game
The defending national champions, Florida Gators, opened their 2025–26 campaign against the Arizona Wildcats in Las Vegas, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated games of the early season. Florida, ranked No. 3 in preseason polls, entered the matchup as slight favorites, with star forward Malik Reynolds returning after last year’s Most Outstanding Player run.
Arizona, ranked No. 13, is equally hungry, led by head coach Tommy Lloyd and standout guard Jaden Bradley. The Wildcats have added key transfers to strengthen their offense, aiming to challenge the Gators’ dominance right from the start. The clash between these two elite programs is expected to shape early national rankings and tournament projections.
Top Contenders Poised to Make a Deep Run
While Florida remains the team to beat, several programs have emerged as early contenders in the NCAA basketball landscape:
- Kansas Jayhawks – With veteran coach Bill Self and sophomore sensation Darnell Mitchell, Kansas enters the season ranked No. 1 in several polls. Their mix of experience and depth makes them a legitimate national title threat.
- Duke Blue Devils – Duke’s recruiting class is once again among the best in the nation. Freshman phenom Elijah Crawford has already drawn comparisons to NBA stars with his combination of athleticism and leadership.
- Kentucky Wildcats – John Calipari’s squad, now built around transfer talent, is focused on returning to championship contention after a disappointing exit last season.
- UConn Huskies – The Huskies look to bounce back from a Sweet 16 loss and are favored to dominate the Big East behind sharpshooter Donovan Clary.
These teams, alongside UCLA and Baylor, make the 2025–26 season one of the most competitive in recent memory.
New Coaching Eras and Team Rebuilds
The season also marks the beginning of new coaching chapters across major programs. NC State fans welcomed head coach Will Wade, who made his debut Monday night against North Carolina Central. His arrival has re-energized the Wolfpack program and created buzz about a potential ACC resurgence.
Meanwhile, the Stanford Cardinal women’s team enters a rebuild phase after missing the NCAA Tournament last year for the first time since 1987. Their top-five recruiting class and renewed focus under long-time coach Tara VanDerveer could return them to national prominence.
Across the board, programs like Michigan State, Texas A&M, and Marquette have made adjustments in staff and rosters to adapt to the new pace-and-space style dominating college basketball.
Opening Week Highlights and Key Performances
The first 48 hours of NCAA basketball 2025–26 have already provided plenty of excitement:
- Kentucky dominated their season opener with a 94-68 win, showing off a new offensive rhythm.
- Duke cruised past Temple behind 24 points from Elijah Crawford, living up to his freshman-of-the-year expectations.
- Kansas displayed veteran composure in a gritty 78-74 victory over Michigan, emphasizing defensive toughness.
- Florida vs. Arizona lived up to its billing as a nail-biter that went down to the final minute, showcasing both teams’ championship potential.
Fans are thrilled to see the high-tempo playstyle return, with an emphasis on perimeter shooting and transition offense.
The Women’s NCAA Basketball Scene Heats Up
Women’s NCAA basketball is also in full swing. Powerhouse programs like South Carolina, Iowa, and Stanford headline a season filled with talent and parity. Caitlin Clark’s return for Iowa has energized fans nationwide, while LSU’s Angel Reese continues to dominate headlines both on and off the court.
South Carolina remains a defensive powerhouse under coach Dawn Staley, with expectations of another Final Four run. Early-season tournaments in November and December will test each team’s depth and readiness for conference play.
How to Watch NCAA Basketball This Season
Fans have more ways than ever to enjoy NCAA basketball in 2025:
- Television Coverage: ESPN, CBS Sports, and Fox Sports continue to lead national broadcasts, covering both men’s and women’s top games.
- Streaming Options: Fans can stream games live via ESPN+, Paramount+, and the NCAA’s official app. Some conferences like the Big Ten and SEC also offer exclusive content through their digital networks.
- Social Media Highlights: Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube Shorts are major platforms for real-time highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and player interviews.
Accessibility has become a cornerstone of college basketball’s growth, with streaming platforms allowing fans to follow their favorite teams from anywhere.
Early Season Rankings and Power Polls
The first AP Top 25 poll of the 2025–26 season saw several familiar names and a few surprises:
| Rank | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kansas Jayhawks | 1–0 |
| 2 | Duke Blue Devils | 1–0 |
| 3 | Florida Gators | 1–0 |
| 4 | Kentucky Wildcats | 1–0 |
| 5 | UConn Huskies | 1–0 |
| 6 | Baylor Bears | 1–0 |
| 7 | Purdue Boilermakers | 1–0 |
| 8 | North Carolina Tar Heels | 1–0 |
| 9 | Arizona Wildcats | 0–1 |
| 10 | Houston Cougars | 1–0 |
The parity is striking, as multiple teams outside the Top 10 are expected to break into the rankings soon, including Gonzaga, Tennessee, and Michigan State.
What to Expect in the Coming Weeks
As the early non-conference games unfold, fans should watch for:
- Feast Week tournaments in late November featuring top-10 clashes.
- Emerging freshmen making immediate impacts.
- Upsets from mid-major programs such as Dayton and St. Mary’s.
- Statistical standouts — expect multiple players averaging 25 points per game early on.
The road to March Madness begins now, and every game counts toward the selection committee’s evaluation.
Final Thoughts
The 2025–26 NCAA basketball season has already proven that college hoops remain as unpredictable and exhilarating as ever. With powerhouse programs battling early, underdogs rising, and new stars shining, fans are in for months of thrilling basketball action.
Which team do you think will cut down the nets this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation!
