Zach Braziler offers five predictions for the upcoming 2025-06 college basketball season that might catch your attention.
Changes in Chapel Hill
North Carolina State missed out on the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years, leading to Hubert Davis’s dismissal. The Tar Heels did manage to secure a spot in last March’s tournament, but they only bring back one starter: Seth Trimble.
Davis has assembled a talented roster, including promising additions like five-star recruit Caleb Wilson and Arizona transfer Henri Viesar, yet the team has struggled with defense and consistency in recent seasons. It seems, without a solid foundation, talent alone won’t cut it.
Kentucky’s High Hopes
Kentucky boasts a deep roster filled with skilled shooters, solid defenders, and a mix of size and guard play. Reports suggest that the team’s roster is valued at over $20 million, highlighting the wealth of talent second-year coach Mark Pope has brought together.
Pope retained several key players, such as SEC Preseason Player of the Year Otega Oweh, while also recruiting elite transfer defenders like Mohamed Diubate (Alabama) and Jayden Quaitance (Arizona State). He also added experienced point guard Jaland Lowe (Pittsburgh) and top-30 freshmen Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno. Given how they’ve shored up their defensive issues from last season, Kentucky seems like a strong contender for the championship.
Freshman Impact
As for the battle for National Player of the Year, Purdue’s Braden Smith and Texas Tech’s JT Toppin are both early favorites, but they’ll be challenged by standout freshmen like Duke’s Cameron Boozer and BYU’s AJ Divanza. Still, it’s hard to ignore Kansas freshman Darin Peterson.
Although expectations for the Jayhawks may appear lower this year, Peterson is set to change that narrative. The 6-foot-6 guard from Canton, Ohio, showcased his talents by leading his team to a victory at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas in November, advancing to the Final Four as the No. 4 seed. His performance during his freshman year earned him a spot among consensus All-American nominees alongside greats like Zion Williamson and Anthony Davis.
Florida’s Ambitious Defense
The Florida Gators, the reigning national champions, are ranked among the top five in the AP poll and are looking to repeat their success. Their frontcourt remains solid, but the backcourt faces challenges. New transfers Boogie Frand (Arkansas) and Xavien Lee (Princeton) have replaced previous stars, leaving behind tough competition for playing time.
Last season’s rocky path led to a first-round exit in the NCAA Tournament as a 5th seed—but will they manage to rise again?
Virginia’s Resurgence
This season sees several names in new coaching positions, including Stephen Pearl at Auburn, Kevin Willard at Villanova, Sean Miller at Texas, and Buzz Williams at Maryland. However, it’s Ryan Odom, at the University of Virginia, who truly stood out. He successfully guided the Cavaliers back to the NCAA Tournament after a solid third-place finish in the revamped ACC.
Odom’s history as a Division I coach suggests he knows what he’s doing, with six 20-win seasons and consecutive years of at least 24 wins.
All-American First Team
Cameron Boozer, Duke
Son of Carlos Boozer, he’s been impressive in the preseason, putting up an average of 28.5 points, 17.5 rebounds, and five assists in exhibition games. While he may not be Cooper Flagg, Boozer possesses a unique flair, resulting in successes that include leading his high school to four state championships.
Jaksel Lendeborg, Michigan (17.7 PPG, 11.4 RPG)
A transfer from UAB, Lendeborg developed both a perimeter game and solid inside play. His versatility on defense and size makes him tough to match up against, turning him into one of the sport’s top forwards.
Darin Peterson, Kansas
A contender for National Player of the Year with impressive stats for a 6-6 guard, Peterson averaged 30.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 2.2 steals while earning the Naismith High School Player of the Year award.
Braden Smith, Purdue (15.8 PPG, 8.7 APG)
Smith stands out as a rarity in today’s college game, having been a four-year starter. He’s on track to break the Division I career assist record and is the only player in Big Ten history with over 1,300 points, 700 assists, and 500 rebounds.
JT Toppin, Texas Tech (18.2 PPG, 9.4 RPG)
A double-double machine and rising playmaker, Toppin is expected to further elevate his game this season after being a top contributor in scoring and rebounding last year in the Big 12.
All-American Second Team
Donovan Dent, UCLA (20.4 PPG, 6.4 APG)
AJ Divanza, BYU (no stats)
PJ Haggerty, Kansas (21.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG)
Otega Oweh, Kentucky (16.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG)
Tahad Pettiford, Auburn (11.6 PPG, 3.0 APG)
