Sat Jan 03 21:20:00 UTC 2026: College Basketball Braces for Conference Play: Four Key Questions Loom

As the calendar flips to 2026 and the non-conference schedule concludes, college basketball enters a crucial phase: conference play. Amidst the early-season data, several key questions are emerging that will shape the rest of the campaign.

SEC Scramble: Who Will Emerge from the Pack?

After a dominant 2025 season, the SEC landscape is wide open. While Vanderbilt is currently the top-ranked SEC team, a cluster of teams, including Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky and Florida, are all within striking distance. Alabama boasts a high-powered offense, while Tennessee struggles from beyond the arc. Kentucky is banking on the return of a key player, and Florida is seeing the emergence of a transfer guard. A dark-horse team like Georgia, Arkansas, or Auburn could also surprise.

Can Michigan Run the Table?

Despite being one of the few remaining undefeated teams, Michigan faces a rigorous Big Ten schedule. While favored in their remaining games, road contests against Michigan State and Purdue pose significant challenges. The Wolverines’ top-tier offensive and defensive field goal percentages are notable, but a potential cool-down in shooting could derail their perfect-season aspirations.

Duke’s Cameron Boozer: Better Than Cooper Flagg?

Freshman Cameron Boozer is making a strong case for National Player of the Year, putting up impressive numbers comparable to, and potentially surpassing, those of Cooper Flagg last season. In a weaker ACC, Boozer’s performance could elevate him to legendary status in Durham.

Mid-Major Mayhem: Who Will Bust Brackets?

The growing influence of NIL deals is further widening the gap between the power conferences and smaller schools. While a Final Four run is unlikely, teams like Utah State, Saint Louis, and McNeese possess the potential to pull off significant upsets in the NCAA Tournament.

The coming months promise thrilling basketball as these questions are answered on the court, and the contenders for March Madness begin to separate themselves from the pretenders.

Read More