Men’s College Basketball Season Highlights

This season has really been something else for men’s college basketball. There’s an extraordinary influx of talent, primarily thanks to what many are calling the best freshman class ever, alongside increased NIL funding that’s helping players stick around longer. With Selection Sunday just around the corner—less than a month away, to be exact—the championship contenders are starting to take clearer shape.

Last year, all four teams in the Final Four were No. 1 seeds, which was a first since 2008. A couple of those squads might find their way back to the Final Four this time, but, well, there’s also a fresh wave of teams ready to make things interesting.

With the 2026 NCAA Tournament looming just four weeks away, the contenders for the national title are emerging. Apologies to the University Huskies, Michigan State Spartans, Kansas Jayhawks, and Gonzaga Bulldogs—they won’t be on this list. If you’re into college basketball, you might want to take a look at Mike Rutherford’s recap of the season, particularly if you’re a football fan.

Illinois’ Rising Potential

I mentioned Illinois as a potential sleeper for the Final Four back in early January, but I think I might have downplayed their chances. The Illini have really thrived in this NIL era, and this could very well be Brad Underwood’s most skilled team yet. They’ve got impressive size and a standout freshman guard who’s making waves—Keaton Wagler, a 6-foot-6 sharpshooter, might just be one of the most compelling stories in college basketball right now. His ability to shoot from long range gives Illinois a fighting chance against any opponent. Alongside him are Croatian twins Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivicic, towering at 7 feet, who excel in protecting the rim and can shoot from deep. David Milkovich, weighing in at 250 pounds, also plays a clever game on both ends. Kylan Boswell, the junior guard, is essential if he returns from injury in time. If Wagler stays hot, this team can go far.

It’s kind of shocking, really, that Iowa State has had such a strong track record for the past four decades and still hasn’t made it to the Final Four. Head coach TJ Otzelberger has kept the team’s core intact, presenting a significant opportunity for a breakthrough this year. The lineup is impressive, featuring senior forward Joshua Jefferson, who does a bit of everything: scoring, defending, rebounding, and even setting up teammates. His 3-point shooting has improved too. Junior forward Milan Momsilovic is turning heads with an impressive 54 percent 3-point shooting this season. Add in the speed and strength of senior point guard Tamin Lipsey plus freshman Kilian Toure, a standout wing defender, and you’ve got a solid team. They’ve got a strong defense, and if Jefferson shines while the shooters capitalize, who knows what could happen?

Florida seems different from last year’s national championship team—probably because star guard Walter Clayton Jr. is now in the NBA. The Gators started slow as their new backcourt adjusted, but lately, they’ve shown they’re a force to be reckoned with. Their defensive intensity starts with players like Thomas Ho, Alex Condon, and Ruben Chiniel, who are all over 6 feet tall. They limit opponents to just 44.5 percent shooting from 2-point range, which is impressive. Offensively, they’re gaining extra possessions, though their new backcourt has been struggling with their long-range shots, sitting at just 29.5 percent from beyond the arc. They really need to improve that aspect to go deeper. Their size and defense are solid, and head coach Todd Golden knows how to make things click when it counts.

Purdue has long been touted as a top contender, especially after Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Len decided to stay for their senior years. Even with some unexpected losses against Iowa State, UCLA, Illinois, and Indiana, the Boilermakers possess an elite offense, a commendable defense, and a fantastic head coach. Smith is leading a highly-ranked offense while being a top playmaker. Kaufman-Len and Fletcher Royer have been key pieces ever since Smith played alongside Zach Eady. Newcomers Oscar Clough and Daniel Jacobsen are also elevating this team. However, there’s a concern about their perimeter defense, as they’re allowing quite a few three-pointers, and they lack size on the outside to effectively contest shooters. Nonetheless, their shot-blocking and rebounding skills should help them capitalize on any misses from rival teams. Head coach Matt Painter is well-respected in the sport and could finally land that elusive national championship.

Arizona has been impressive all season with a well-rounded roster of returning players and ready-to-contribute freshmen. Point guard Jaden Bradley and center Motillas Krivas are entering their third year and are performing at their peak. The newcomers bring additional talent to the mix, like five-star forward Koa Pete, who might not be the best 3-point shooter, but he certainly excels in finishing plays and rebounding. Shooting guard Brayden Burries started slow but has picked up momentum, becoming a valuable off-ball shooter. While they might not have deep shooting or a ton of depth, their physicality on defense is noteworthy. Head coach Tommy Lloyd is in a prime position to lead Arizona further in the tournament this year.

Kelvin Sampson is arguably one of college basketball’s premier coaches, back-to-back national championship contender. After coming just short of the title game last year, this year’s team seems to have even greater talent. He’s brought in an impressive recruiting class including Kingston Flemings, McDonald All-American Chris Cenac Jr., and Isaiah Harwell, all likely to be pivotal in the upcoming tournament. Flemings is a gifted point guard, potentially a top-five NBA draft pick, combining playmaking and shooting skills. The returning members from the previous Final Four squad are still impactful, including Josef Tugler, who excels defensively, and Emmanuel Sharp, a 3-and-D guard who steps up in crucial moments. Houston currently ranks highly in both offense and defense, and with Flemings performing at a high level, they might be the most well-rounded team of Sampson’s tenure.

Cameron Boozer has been exceptional at every level he’s played and now looks poised to carry that success into college. As a true freshman this season, he’s shown that he can compete with even the best players; he might be as good as Cooper Flagg was last year. While Flagg helped Duke reach the Final Four, Boozer could take them even further this time around. He’s incredibly versatile—able to drive, shoot, rebound, and play inside as needed. While he isn’t the most explosive athlete, he possesses an intelligence and skill level that sets him apart. His teammates also play solid roles; sophomore center Pat Gomba adds defensive muscle, while Isaiah Evans can score quickly. If a guard steps up as the tournament approaches, Duke’s title chances will look even better. Otherwise, Boozer might have to carry the burden alone, which could be tough if he encounters any foul trouble or injuries. He certainly has the talent to lead this team, but some extra support wouldn’t hurt.

Michigan has been on a roll from the start, boasting the highest adjusted net rating in college basketball history. Head coach Dusty May has built the roster mainly through the transfer portal, which came together quickly despite a demanding schedule. Michigan’s frontcourt has an elite mix of size and strength thanks to three transfers: Jaxel Lendeborg, Mores Johnson, and Aday Mara—all bringing distinct skills that make them tough to beat. Lendeborg has transitioned superbly from a mid-major center to a two-way wing, while Johnson and Mara contribute significantly both defensively and offensively. On the guard side, Elliott Caddo is having an exceptional shooting season, and freshman Trey McKechnie is an up-and-coming shooter. With depth and star power, Michigan has what it takes to contend for a national championship. They’ve been the standout team all year, and it’ll be tough to pick anyone else unless they falter in their guard play.