8 storylines entering 2025-26 college hoops season

It's been six months since Florida cut down the nets in San Antonio.

A new college basketball campaign is finally upon us after another hectic offseason full of notable transfers and coaching changes.

Here are eight storylines to watch when the 2025-26 season tips off Monday.

Florida's title defense

Florida followed its first national championship with another crown. Can the Gators go back-to-back again nearly 20 years later? Todd Golden's group is primed to go deep in March with Alex Condon, Thomas Haugh, and Rueben Chinyelu forming arguably the nation's strongest frontcourt. The additions of Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee from the transfer portal solidify the backcourt and mitigate the departures of leading scorers Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin, and Will Richard. Fland and Lee give Golden some lineup flexibility with their ability to play on and off the ball.

UConn reloads

UConn's quest for a three-peat ended at the hands of Florida in the Round of 32 last season. But the Huskies are poised to re-enter the national championship conversation after reloading this summer. Five-star freshman Braylon Mullins will give UConn another long-range threat once he returns from an ankle injury. Georgia transfer Silas Demary Jr. fills a glaring need at the point and may offer a similar level of shot-making and defense as Tristen Newton provided during UConn's title runs. They enhance an already potent Huskies offense that features Alex Karaban, Tarris Reed, and Solo Ball.

Houston seeks redemption

Houston came agonizingly short of its first-ever national championship, committing four turnovers in the final 1:21 - including a miscue on the last possession - to fall 65-63 against Florida. It's hard not to look at the result as a missed opportunity, yet the Cougars have a chance to redeem themselves with starters Milos Uzan, Emanuel Sharp, and Joseph Tugler all back for another go-round. There's some talented new blood as well: No. 1 center Chris Cenac Jr. headlines a recruiting class comprised of three top-25 freshmen.

Steven Pearl era begins

Steven Pearl suddenly got the reins to Auburn after his father, Bruce, retired in September following a successful 11-year run. The Tigers are a complete wild card given Steven's lack of head coaching experience. However, he did spend the previous eight seasons on Bruce's staff, including the last two coordinating a top-10 defensive unit. Guard Tahaad Pettiford is expected to lead Auburn during Steven's first year in charge. But between the unanticipated coaching change and losing all five starters from last season's Final Four squad, the Tigers face an uphill battle.

BYU ready to make splash

It's been a minute since BYU had this much to be excited about heading into a campaign. The Cougars haven't advanced to the Elite Eight since the Danny Ainge-led team in 1981. They made their second Sweet 16 appearance in the last 44 years this past March. Head coach Kevin Young found immediate success during his first season in Provo with his modernized offensive approach. BYU leading scorer Richie Saunders is back for his senior year. But it's the addition of potential No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa that has the program dreaming of its first-ever Final Four.

Wade's return to power conference

Will Wade is back with a power conference school after a three-year hiatus. LSU fired him as head coach six days before the 2022 NCAA Tournament over allegations of recruiting violations. Wade subsequently rebuilt his stock at McNeese, guiding the Cowboys to back-to-back appearances in the Big Dance before taking the NC State job in March. The 42-year-old brought over Alyn Breed and Quadir Copeland from McNeese. He also made a splash in the transfer portal with the addition of All-Big 12 first-team selection Darrion Williams.

Smith's chase for assists crown

Braden Smith's got a chance to lead Purdue to its first national championship and make some more history along the way. The All-American floor general is 318 dimes short of Bobby Hurley's all-time NCAA assists record. The Duke legend's 32-year-old mark is well within Smith's reach; the Boilermakers star finished second in the country with 313 assists last season. Smith has a number of weapons around him, including All-Big Ten first-team selection Trey Kaufman-Renn and sharpshooter Fletcher Loyer.

Davis on hot seat

Hubert Davis' two-year contract extension through 2030 doesn't necessarily mean his job is safe. North Carolina missed March Madness in 2023 - one year after reaching the national championship game - and was fortunate to squeak into last season's tourney considering the Tar Heels only had one Quad 1 win on their resume. The pressure is on Davis to deliver with an infusion of talent. Caleb Wilson, the No. 5 overall recruit in this year's class, is projected to be a lottery pick in next year's NBA draft. Meanwhile, Arizona transfer Henri Veesaar finished his sophomore year strong and could flourish in a starting role.