Story perspectives

Jackson State Basketball Eyes SWAC Title with Star Players

10/30/2025

Summary

Story summary

Jackson State University men's basketball aims for the 2025-26 season, returning Dorian McMillian and Daeshun Ruffin, the SWAC's preseason Player of the Year.
The Tigers are projected to finish third in the SWAC and face a non-conference schedule with five top-25 teams.
Their season opener is November 3, 2025, against Illinois.
Ohio State, under second-year coach Jake Diebler, is projected to return to the NCAA Tournament after a three-year absence.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA expanded its men's basketball tournament to 68 teams in 2011, allowing more schools, including Jackson State University, to compete for a spot. This change followed a history of tournament expansions, notably from 64 teams in 2009, and has since influenced recruitment and strategies across conferences, particularly the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), enhancing competition in college basketball.

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Story summary

Jackson State University men's basketball aims for the 2025-26 season, returning Dorian McMillian and Daeshun Ruffin, the SWAC's preseason Player of the Year.
The Tigers are projected to finish third in the SWAC and face a non-conference schedule with five top-25 teams.
Their season opener is November 3, 2025, against Illinois.
Ohio State, under second-year coach Jake Diebler, is projected to return to the NCAA Tournament after a three-year absence.

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