With the 2025-2026 men’s college basketball season being in full swing for two weeks now, there has already been lots of chaos, showing early shades of March Madness. There have been many upsets, disappointing teams, and emerging front runners, including Arizona, Purdue, and Houston. These three programs are definitely teams to watch this year. 

Arizona

Coming off a 24-14 season and a Sweet 16 trip under head coach Tommy Lloyd, Arizona came into the season with a lot to prove. In the Big 12 Pearson coaches poll, the Wildcats were picked to finish fourth, along with no Arizona players making the pre season all conference team, which has appeared to light a fire under them. They have started the season 5-0, including wins over the #3 ranked defending champions Florida Gators, #15 UCLA, and #3 UCONN. One player in particular who has helped lead the team to success is freshman forward Koa Peat. He is averaging 16 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, including a 30 point game in the Wildcats win over Florida, and his prominence gives Arizona a versatile frontcourt piece and cornerstone for the future. Furthermore, the Wildcats have lots of depth on the roster. They are a very strong rebounding team, with senior Tobe Awaka returning, already averaging 10 rebounds a game. Bottom line, Arizona looks like a serious Big 12 contender and they have a real shot to make a run at the National Title in March.

Purdue

Unlike Arizona, Purdue entered the season as a national title contender, along with being preseason Big 10 favorites. Part of the reason for this is senior guard Braden Smith, who was named Big 10 preseason player of the year and is one of the best players in the country. He is already averaging 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists through four games and junior Matt Stratton believes that “Braden Smith will be the #1 pick in the NBA draft, he is truly special.” Also, senior forward Trey Kaufman-Renn is off to a hot start, averaging 18 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 assists. The Boilermakers already have a win over #11 Alabama, and look to gain momentum before playing an extremely difficult Big 10 schedule, as well as several tough non conference teams. All in all, Purdue is in great shape to compete for the National Championship.

Houston

Houston nearly reached the top last year, as they fell just short losing in the National Championship game. Once again, expectations are extremely high as they were the preseason Big 12 favorite and were ranked preseason #2 in the country. The Cougars are returning senior guard Emanuel Sharp, who has started off the season averaging 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, giving the Cougars a reliable option. Also, freshman guard Kingston Flemings has led the Cougars in scoring, averaging 17.8 points, along with 3.5 rebounds and 5 assists. They have started the season 4-0 with a win over #22 Auburn and expect to reach the National Championship game once again this season. Junior Forrest Houle described that “Houston has the talent to make the National Championship once again, and I think if they do that there is no doubt they will win.”