Full Breakdown
Mid-Major Teams and Players to Watch in the 2025-26 College Basketball Season
10/28/2025, 12:53:28 AM
Overview of Mid-Major Strengths
As the 2025-26 college basketball season approaches, attention is drawn to mid-major programs that are poised to make significant impacts. Despite the increasing talent gap between high-major and mid-major schools, notable players and teams from conferences such as the Atlantic 10, Missouri Valley, and the Ivy League are expected to emerge as key players in the NCAA landscape. This season promises to showcase the resilience and talent of these programs, which often deliver unexpected upsets.
Key Mid-Major Players
Several standout players from mid-major schools are anticipated to shine this season:
- Graham Ike, Gonzaga: A veteran forward with impressive career averages of 17.0 points and 7.8 rebounds, Ike is expected to lead Gonzaga as they aim for a top-25 ranking.
- Mason Falslev, Utah State: Falslev, a junior guard, averaged 15.0 points and 6.3 rebounds last season, positioning him as a potential Mountain West Player of the Year.
- Aidan Mahaney, UC Santa Barbara: After a challenging stint at UConn, Mahaney returns to California, where he aims to be a pivotal player for UCSB in the Big West.
- Khalil Brumbaugh, Tulane: The junior lead guard is coming off a strong season and is expected to guide Tulane to its first 21-win season since 1996.
Notable Teams and Coaches
The upcoming season will also spotlight several mid-major teams and their coaches who are on the rise:
- Gonzaga Bulldogs: Consistently a powerhouse, Gonzaga is expected to maintain its status with a strong roster led by Ike.
- Belmont Bruins: With a solid roster, Belmont is projected to be a contender in the Missouri Valley Conference.
- Charleston Cougars: Under coach Pat Kelsey, Charleston is anticipated to compete strongly in the CAA, potentially leading to NCAA Tournament appearances.
Official Statements & Responses
Experts emphasize the importance of mid-major programs in the college basketball ecosystem. They highlight that despite the challenges posed by the transfer portal and the dominance of power conferences, mid-majors continue to produce All-American candidates and NCAA tournament heroes. The narrative surrounding these teams is one of resilience and potential, as they strive to defy expectations.
Criticism & Opposition
Some analysts express concern over the widening talent gap between high-majors and mid-majors, suggesting that this disparity may hinder the competitiveness of smaller programs. Critics argue that the influx of talent to power conferences through the transfer portal could diminish the chances of mid-majors making deep tournament runs.
What's Next
As the season kicks off, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for standout performances from mid-major players and teams. The early months of the season will be crucial for establishing momentum and positioning for potential NCAA Tournament bids. The upcoming matchups, including the Champions Classic and various early-season tournaments, will serve as a litmus test for these programs.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If Mahaney can figure out how to get his focus a game a lot closer to 2022-23 than what it was in 2024-25, he can be the straw that stirs the drink for a team that's going to push UC Irvine for Big West supremacy.” — CBS Sports Analyst
- “The Bottom Line Purdue has one of the best coaches in the country (Painter), the best point guard in the country (Smith) and one of the best forwards in the country (Kaufman-Renn).” — Sports Illustrated Analyst
The 2025-26 college basketball season is set to be an exciting one, particularly for mid-major programs that continue to challenge the status quo and capture the attention of fans nationwide.
