Locked On College Basketball

Illinois basketball faces a major setback as key starter Jake Davis suffers a separated shoulder, casting doubt on Brad Underwood’s national title hopes. With Davis out indefinitely and David Mirkovic still recovering from injury, can Illinois’ touted freshmen rise to the occasion as the team navigates early tests against Texas Tech and Duke?

Host Isaac Schade and guest Sonny Verma spotlight Zavier Zenz and Lucas Murillo’s chances to step up, analyze Illinois’ rotation shake-up, and debate Underwood’s fast-paced strategy. The conversation highlights statistical standouts from Quentin Coleman and Ethan Brown, the search for a new starti...

SEC basketball powerhouses kick off the season with dominant wins, as Donovan Dent shines in LSU’s wild offseason turnaround. Are the Tigers and other SEC contenders poised for a breakout year, or will eligibility concerns and shaky debuts raise bigger questions?

Andy Patton breaks down top performances from LSU, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri, and more—spotlighting Milan Momcilovic’s stellar Kentucky debut, Jason Crowe Jr.’s big night for Missouri, and Tennessee’s lineup shakeup. The conversation focuses on defensive struggles, new-look frontcourts, and early season “whoopsie” upsets with Kansas State’s stumble. Plus, upcoming matchups for Auburn and S...

UCLA Bruins stun Arizona Wildcats with a statement 84-75 victory in Las Vegas—are Mick Cronin’s revamped Bruins now a bona fide top-10 contender? The conversation focused on standout performances by Trent Perry (21 points, 11-11 FT) and the poised debut of 17-year-old Nikola Kusturica, while Arizona’s Ivan Kharchenkov poured in a sensational 38-point double-double in a losing effort.

Key themes include UCLA’s defensive dominance, strategic rebounding edge, and the Bruins’ balanced offensive attack featuring seven players with 7+ points. The discussion explored Arizona’s struggles beyond Kharchenkov, concerns over depth with RJ Godfrey’s absence, and early seas...

Notre Dame stuns Villanova with a late-game comeback, fueled by Brady Koehler’s dominant inside presence and Braeden Smith’s clutch playmaking. Can Micah Shrewsbury’s squad defy ACC expectations after this statement win against a Big East contender?

The conversation focused on key matchups from college basketball’s thrilling opening day, including Villanova’s turnover woes, Notre Dame’s relentless offensive rebounding, and standout performances from Tyler Perkins and Elijah Crawford. A key theme that emerged was the growing intrigue around top-tier showdowns in Vegas—Gonzaga vs. Purdue and Arizona vs. UCLA—with questions swirling about returning starte...

We're making SIX BOLD predictions for the 2026–27 college basketball season!

On today's Locked On College Basketball, Isaac Schade and Andy Patton each put three predictions on the record. From breakout stars and unexpected conference contenders to potential March Madness surprises, we're calling our shots before the season begins!

PLUS, we look back at our bold predictions from the 2025–26 season. Which ones came true? Which ones completely missed the mark?

Let us know YOUR boldest prediction for the upcoming college basketball season in the comments!

🏀 Subscribe to Locked On College Basketball for daily c...

Iowa State Cyclones face a new era as top scorers Milán Momcilović and Joshua Jefferson move on. Can Tamin Lipsey, Ryan Prather, and Jamarion Batemon fill the offensive gap while maintaining TJ Otzelberger’s elite defense? The conversation focused on the Cyclones’ preseason No. 2 defensive efficiency and explored how lineup uncertainty, including Killyan Toure’s injury and potential eligibility changes, could shape the starting five.

Key themes include breakout candidates, transfer impact, and whether Iowa State’s deep roster can navigate a grueling Big 12 schedule featuring Arizona, Houston, and rival Iowa. The discussion explored season prediction challenges...

UCLA Bruins gear up for a high-stakes March run as Mick Cronin welcomes superstar freshman Nikola Kusturica to an already talented roster. Can this mix of elite young talent and proven veterans finally crack the Big Ten code and end the West Coast’s March struggles? The conversation focused on Kusturica’s immediate impact, the leadership of Trent Perry, and X factors like JoJo Philon and Stink Robinson that could redefine the Bruins’ ceiling.

Key discussion points include UCLA’s projected starting lineup, a non-conference schedule featuring Arizona and Gonzaga, and whether Cronin’s old-school coaching will translate...

Alabama Crimson Tide eye a new level under Nate Oats after four straight Sweet 16s. Can Amari Allen and Aden Holloway lead the charge to another Bama Final Four, or will defensive inconsistency hold them back? The hosts spotlight Allen as a breakout candidate and question if Alabama’s new-look frontcourt and promising freshmen like Tarris Bouie are built for elite stops on the national stage.

Tough non-conference matchups loom against Miami, Houston, and St. John’s, testing the Tide’s high-powered offense and evolving defense. Roster battles for starting spots—especially between London Jemison and Qayden Samuels—...

College basketball’s exhibition season explodes with Sweet 16-level matchups, dramatic upsets, and breakout stars! Kansas star Tyran Stokes dominates with 27 points against Duke, while Baylor shocks the preseason by toppling both Florida and Illinois behind Kayden Mingo’s stellar scoring. Are these early results a sign of true contenders rising, or just preseason noise waiting to fade?

The conversation focused on the electric atmosphere at marquee exhibitions like Kansas vs. Duke at a packed Allen Fieldhouse, the strategic value (and risks) of bitter rivals Auburn and Alabama facing off in a heated preseason clash, and the impl...

Louisville Cardinals assemble a transfer-powered starting five, but it’s freshman Obinna Ekezie’s electric debut that could truly define their season. Can coach Pat Kelsey orchestrate chemistry among standout additions like Jackson Shelstad, Flory Bidunga, Seth Trimble, and Alvaro Folgueiras while maximizing Ekezie’s rare combination of rim protection and perimeter shooting?

Andy Patton and Isaac Schade break down Louisville’s statement exhibition win over Kansas, debate the intense Karter Knox vs. Adrian Wooley starting spot battle, and examine the X-factor potential of Ekezie. The hosts dissect a daunting non-conference schedule loaded with Texas Tech, Texas, Michigan...

Texas Tech Red Raiders face season-defining uncertainty as Darrion Williams' eligibility and JT Toppin’s health hang in the balance. With potential Final Four ambitions on the line, can Grant McCasland’s squad overcome off-court legal hurdles and injury setbacks to realize their full potential?

Isaac Schade and Chris Level break down Texas Tech’s evolving starting five, spotlighting key transfers Cruz Davis and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn and assessing the impact of Donovan Atwell’s sharpshooting. The conversation explores the Big 12 powerhouse’s loaded non-conference schedule—including top-three battles against Illinois and Duke—while debating the team’s tournament ceili...

2027 NBA Draft class wide open as Tyran Stokes, Jordan Smith Jr., and Caleb Holt headline a field with no clear front-runner. Can Kansas’s Stokes silence off-court doubts and become the consensus No. 1 pick? Arkansas’s Smith brings two-way grit, drawing Jalen Suggs and Jrue Holiday comparisons, while Arizona’s Holt shapes up as a defensive specialist—if his shooting can keep up.

Andy Patton and Tyler Metcalf debate top prospects, breakout candidates, and which college returners like Thomas Haugh, Braylon Mullins, and Shelton Henderson could soar in a talent-thin year. Why are more underclassmen staying in school i...

Kansas Jayhawks overhaul their lineup as Trey Kaufman-Renn secures a controversial court injunction to join Bill Self’s squad, shaking up the Big 12 power rankings. With Tre White and Melvin Council Jr. also potentially eligible, could Kansas leapfrog Houston and Arizona, or will legal turbulence derail their season?

Hosts Isaac Schade and Andy Patton break down the AP Top 25 shakeup, debating whether the Michigan Wolverines and USC Trojans are overranked, while spotlighting sleeper picks like Indiana and Missouri as dark horse candidates to crack the top 10. Hot topics include new roster chemistry issues, eligibility drama across the SE...

BYU Cougars enter a new chapter after AJ Dybantsa’s departure, but with Rob Wright III leading a revamped lineup, could they actually become stronger playoff contenders? Isaac Schade and Andy Patton break down how Kevin Young’s roster changes—highlighted by the arrivals of Collin Chandler, Bruce Branch, and Jaxon Kohler—might redefine BYU’s position in a loaded Big 12.

Key storylines include the challenge of filling Dybantsa’s shoes, Rob Wright’s All-American potential, and high-stakes battles against heavyweights like Arizona and Houston. The hosts analyze projected starting fives, X-factors like Jake Wahlin and Khadim Mboup, and how...

San Francisco Dons test their rebuilt roster against Final Four powerhouse Arizona Wildcats—are Chris Gerlufsen’s international newcomers ready for prime time? Argentinian guard Dylan Bordon shines with 22 points, while Ismaila “Izzo” Diagne battled All-American candidate Motiejus Krivas in the paint. With 14 new faces, including standout freshmen Jaylon Hunter Coleman and Andrew Hillman, the Dons face tough questions about team chemistry and identity.

Andy Patton and Chris Gerlufsen break down the benefits of a challenging exhibition schedule, the impact of the transfer portal, and San Francisco’s uniquely global roster. They tackle the seismic changes in the West C...

Florida Gators stand alone as the SEC’s only true national title contender—can any team close the gap? Andy Patton and Isaac Schade break down why Florida, led by Naismith favorite Thomas Haugh, headline a league defined by depth rather than top-tier dominance. Insights include FanDuel championship odds, Joe Lunardi’s bracketology, and the historical rarity of Tennessee Vols’ Elite Eight streaks.

Key discussion points spotlight top performers like Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner, Arkansas’s Jordan Smith Jr., and transfer standouts such as Tennessee’s Juke Harris & Kentucky's Milan Momcilovic. The hosts debate which coaches are on the hot sea...

Duke Blue Devils seek redemption after back-to-back 35-win seasons and ACC double championships, but questions linger—can Jon Scheyer finally capture his first national title? Top recruits like JoJo Boumtje Boumtje and returning standouts Caleb Foster, Patrick Ngongba II, Dame Sarr, and Cayden Boozer headline a loaded roster, while transfer John Blackwell promises to unify Duke’s attack. Is this the year a third consecutive National Player of the Year emerges from Cameron Indoor?

Isaac Schade and JJ Jackson break down the Blue Devils’ depth, starting lineup debates, and key X-factors that could shape the season. Discussions center...

St. John’s Basketball surges in the Big East race as Rick Pitino scores double eligibility wins with Keyshawn Hall and Quinn Ellis. Can the Johnnies capitalize on their newfound depth and challenge UConn for the conference crown? Andy Patton breaks down how Hall’s scoring and Ellis’s All-American potential are reshaping expectations in New York, while assessing roster strengths and lingering eligibility questions.

The West Coast Conference faces a seismic power shift as Gonzaga and Randy Bennett exit, opening the door for Santa Clara, St. Mary's, and Seattle to battle for supremacy. Insights include projected All-WC...

Arkansas Razorbacks chase Final Four glory with John Calipari’s electrifying freshman class led by Jordan Smith Jr., JJ Andrews, and Miikka Muurinen. Can this revamped squad break the 30-year drought and deliver on their sky-high potential, or will SEC experience expose their youth in crunch time?

Andy Patton and Isaac Schade spotlight key roster moves—including the arrival of Jeremiah Wilkinson and Cooper Bowser—analyze lingering defensive concerns, and debate starting five projections. Discussion heats up over Arkansas’s brutal non-conference schedule, the impact of SEC road tests, and the X-factor potential of JJ Andrews as a Sixth...

Players Era revolutionizes college basketball, prioritizing NIL opportunities and putting athletes at the forefront of high-stakes events. CEO Seth Berger, And1 co-founder and long-time high school coach, reveals how the upcoming Villanova vs. Notre Dame matchup in Rome and star-studded MTEs—including field headliners like Florida, Kansas, and Houston—are reshaping the college basketball landscape. Are traditional MTEs a thing of the past as compensated athletes and blockbuster matchups set the tone for the season?

Isaac Schade discusses the surge in fan excitement, the transition to player-first business models, and how the rapid evolution of college sports is i...

USC Trojans face make-or-break season as Eric Musselman enters year three under mounting pressure. With no 20-win campaigns or NCAA Tournament berths so far, all eyes are on a revamped roster featuring Alijah Arenas, Rodney Rice, and the Ratliff twins. Can Musselman finally turn USC into a Big Ten contender, or is his seat about to get even hotter?

Isaac Schade and Andy Patton spotlight USC’s ongoing injury woes—including Eric Reibe's uncertain return—and debate the Trojans’ starting five, X-factor players like KJ Lewis and Jacob Cofie, and potential for a deep run. Key topics include...

Pac-12 basketball returns with a bold new look as Gonzaga, Utah State, San Diego State, and Texas State join Oregon State and Washington State in a revamped nine-team conference. With Braden Huff and Mason Falslev positioned as early frontrunners for Player of the Year, could this power shift signal a new West Coast dynasty or vulnerability for traditional juggernauts? The landscape is further shaken by key coaching moves, including Ben Jacobson taking over at Utah State and Justin Joyner stepping in at Oregon State.

Andy Patton and Isaac Schade break down tiered conference rankings, fresh award predictions...

Kentucky Wildcats overhaul their roster after last season’s point guard woes. Can Coach Mark Pope’s revamped lineup restore the program’s dominance in SEC basketball?

Isaac Schade and Lance Dawe preview Kentucky’s upcoming season, spotlighting the additions of top transfer Milan Momcilovic and rising star Malachi Moreno. Key topics include potential starting lineups, X-factors like Alex Wilkins’ fit in the backcourt, and the fierce battle for the power forward spot between Ousmane N'diaye and Justin McBride. The show breaks down Kentucky’s high-profile non-conference schedule—featuring Kansas, North Carolina, and Virginia—and debates whether the roster has e...

Longtime Oregon Ducks head basketball coach Dana Altman is retiring, one day before Big Ten media day and less than a month until the college basketball season gets underway. Associate head coach Tony Stubblefield, who was previously a head coach at DePaul, will serve as UO's interim head coach. Will this cost Oregon any players in the transfer portal?

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San Diego State Aztecs basketball enters a new era—can Brian Dutcher’s squad reclaim their NCAA Tournament spot in a revamped Pac-12 conference? After heavy roster turnover and last season’s disappointment, all eyes are on key returners Elzie Harrington and Tae Simmons to anchor a team suddenly filled with fresh faces and intriguing international talent.

Andy Patton and Christian Rauh spotlight the Aztecs’ transfer portal moves, the loss of Nick Anderson to injury, and the vital impact of transfer big man Bear Cherry. The conversation breaks down how a smaller, more competitive Pac-12 could boost San Dieg...

Villanova Wildcats aim to reclaim Big East dominance as Kevin Willard enters his second year at the helm. Can Villanova finally bridge the gap with UConn and St. John’s, or will roster turnover prove too much to overcome? Tyler Perkins returns as the scoring anchor, but with key departures like Acaden Lewis and Duke Brennan, the pressure is on newcomers Kwame Evans, Elijah Crawford, and 7’3 Luigi Suigo to form a cohesive starting five, especially with Matt Hodge recovering from an ACL injury.

Andy Patton and Isaac Schade break down Villanova’s recruiting strategy, bench depth—including sharpsho...

Gonzaga Bulldogs embark on a new era, joining the revamped Pac-12 while striving to maintain their elite status. Braden Huff and Davis Fogle headline a roster facing eligibility uncertainty, with Xaivian Lee, Chauncey Wiggins, and Javon Bennett’s statuses still in flux. Can Mark Few’s squad reload after key offseason departures and unexpected roster shakeups, or will the transition bring growing pains against stiffer competition?

Andy Patton and Isaac Schade break down Gonzaga’s projected starting five, X-factors to watch, and the impact of a grueling non-conference schedule featuring showdowns with Purdue, Duke, Michigan State, and UCLA...

Big Ten powers Illinois and Michigan State surge toward 2027 glory—can they follow-up Michigan's national championship with a second straight? Hosts Andy Patton and Isaac Schade spotlight Jeremy Fears, David Mirkovic, and Trey McKenney as potential game-changers, while debating Michigan’s post-Dusty May outlook and the impact of the Brandon McCoy injury.

Key topics include in-depth Big Ten conference tiers, FanDuel championship odds, and whether blue bloods like UCLA or upstarts like Nebraska and Purdue can contend in a rapidly shifting college basketball landscape. Plus, discover which coaches are on the hot seat, how roster stability could deci...

Houston Cougars eye a record-breaking 6th straight 30-win season—can Kelvin Sampson’s reloaded roster keep the streak alive? Isaac Schade and Parker Ainsworth break down the Cougars’ biggest storylines, including replacing backcourt staples like Emanuel Sharp and Kingston Flemings and the impact of new faces like Dedan Thomas and Delrecco Gillespie. The discussion covers JoJo Tuggler’s development, frontcourt chemistry, and which X-factors could shape Houston’s season in the competitive Big 12.

Key topics include possible starting lineups, high-stakes non-conference clashes (Alabama, LSU, potentially Florida & Kansas), and predictions for conference play amid major roster turnover. Which matchups c...

Arizona Wildcats eye back-to-back Big 12 titles—can anyone dethrone them? With Ivan Kharchenkov, Mo Krivas, and potential breakout freshman Caleb Holt leading the way, Arizona is stacked with All-American talent. But questions linger around RJ Godfrey’s eligibility and the point guard rotation, with Derek Dixon and JJ Mandaquit set to step up. Will Arizona’s retooled roster be as dominant, or are they more vulnerable this season?

Leif Thulin and Andy Patton break down the projected Big 12 standings, debate the impact of Big 12 transfer rules on Texas Tech, Kansas, and BYU, and highlight Houston’s gritty style un...

Kansas Jayhawks reload with star freshman Tyran Stokes eyeing Big 12 dominance—can Bill Self’s squad return to the top after recent tournament disappointments?

Isaac Schade and Andy Patton break down Kansas’ biggest storylines, from Stokes replacing NBA-bound Darryn Peterson to the crucial eligibility saga of Tre White. The podcast explores projected starting lineups, key X-factors like Leroy Blyden and Dennis Parker Jr., and major concerns in the Jayhawks’ frontcourt rotation. Insightful analysis covers Kansas’ challenging non-conference schedule, marquee matchups against Kentucky, Villanova, and UConn, and the potential impact of Bill Self’s health and future with the program...

Vanderbilt Commodores reload with Tyler Tanner’s return and a new-look roster—can Mark Byington’s squad cement themselves as perennial SEC contenders after last year’s 27-win breakout? Tanner’s All-American potential and Vanderbilt’s offseason moves take center stage as Isaac Schade and Andy Patton explore whether the Commodores can match last year’s offensive power while shoring up their frontcourt defense.

Key storylines include Tanner’s NBA-level stat lines, the integration of transfers like Ace Glass, and the emergence of players like Berke Buyuktuncel and Gabe Nesmith as potential X-factors. The hosts break down Vanderbilt’s non...

UConn and St. John’s remain the teams to beat as the Big East braces for another power struggle—but can rising squads like Villanova, Providence, or Marquette finally break their stranglehold? Silas Demary, Tounde Yessoufou, and Nigel James headline the preseason All-Big East conversation, setting the stage for standout individual performances and heated conference MVP debates. Player movement, injuries, and fresh coaching faces stir intrigue—will Brian Hodgson transform Providence and is Marquette primed for NCAA Tournament redemption?

Andy Patton and Isaac Schade break down tiered rankings, transfer impact, and key storylines, including UConn’s quest for anot...

Michigan State Spartans basketball faces a season of transformation as Jeremy Fears returns poised for a breakout year, but who will emerge as his go-to weapon in the new-look front court? Can true freshmen Ethan Taylor and transfer Anton Bonke rise to the occasion after the departures of Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler, or will rebounding become a concern for Tom Izzo’s squad?

Isaac Schade and Matt Sheehan dissect key storylines including Coen Carr’s quest to reach his offensive ceiling, the impact of top recruits like Jasiah Jervis, and critical X-factors that could determine the Spar...

Utah State Aggies eye a breakthrough year as Mountain West Player of the Year Mason Falslev returns for a fourth head coach and the Aggies tackle the Pac-12. Can Ben Jacobson finally bring long-term stability to a program with six coaches since 2017, especially with Falslev leading the charge and a strong NIL-fueled roster?

Andy Patton and Braden Clark break down Utah State’s new-look lineup, projected starting five, and their marquee non-conference schedule featuring BYU, Memphis, and Gonzaga. Key topics include the impact of increased resources, the strategic importance of Falslev’s loyalty, and how the Aggies can...

North Carolina Tar Heels shake up college basketball after firing Hubert Davis and landing NBA champion Michael Malone as head coach. Can Malone, who lacks Tar Heel ties but boasts elite NBA credentials, restore UNC’s blue blood dominance and thrive in the transfer portal era?

Isaac Schade and Andy Patton break down the Tar Heels’ roster overhaul, spotlighting Jarin Stevenson’s leadership, a dynamic new backcourt with Matt Able, Neo Avdalas, and Terrence Brown, and questions surrounding international big men like Aleksandro Samodurov and Sayon Keita. Key talking points include roster continuity concerns, schedule analysis featuring high-m...

Texas Longhorns reload with college basketball’s top transfer portal class—can Sean Miller turn talent into a Final Four run? Isaiah Johnson, David Punch, and five-star freshman Austin Goosby headline a revitalized roster, as the Longhorns seek to surpass last year’s Elite Eight near-miss and chase SEC dominance.

Isaac Schade and Andy Patton break down Texas’ projected starting lineup, roster fit, and why Matas Vokietaitis could anchor a dynamic frontcourt if he stays out of foul trouble. Key topics include Marcus Spears Jr.’s X-factor upside, a non-conference schedule loaded with bye games, and whether lack of ex...

Newcomers Arizona Wildcats and Houston Cougars shake up the Big 12, leaving Kansas Jayhawks searching for answers. Can Bill Self return Kansas to dominance, or have the tides permanently shifted toward the conference’s new blood? With Tyran Stokes, Caleb Holt, and Ivan Kharchenkov emerging as All-Big 12 contenders, the player landscape is as competitive as ever.

Andy Patton and Isaac Schade break down tier rankings, preseason All-Big 12 picks, and the evolving power dynamic within the conference. Key discussions include the coaching carousel featuring Randy Bennett’s high-profile move to Arizona State, the impact of major injuries and eligibility batt...

Indiana Hoosiers reload with transfer portal stars as Markus Burton’s homecoming headlines year two of the Darren DeVries era. Will this retooled roster push Indiana back into NCAA tournament contention after last season’s disappointment? Isaac Schade and Jacob Goins break down the Hoosiers’ aggressive offseason, spotlighting key additions like Aiden Sherrell and Samet Yigitoglu to solve last year’s frontcourt issues.

Expectations soar as Indiana features size, depth, and proven scorers from top programs like Notre Dame, Alabama, and Georgia Tech. The conversation covers starting lineup projections, Trent Sisley’s X-factor status, and the impact of early c...

Iowa State Cyclones eye blockbuster reunion with Tamin Lipsey as legal battles shake up NCAA basketball eligibility. Can Lipsey’s return counter the blow of Killyan Toure’s injury and propel the Cyclones back into Big 12 contention? Andy Patton unpacks how an Indiana lawsuit involving 89 student-athletes—including standout names like Tre White and Malik Reneau—could reshape rosters nationwide and spark a wave of unexpected player comebacks.

Key segments spotlight Iowa State’s revamped guard rotation, the depth concerns in their frontcourt, and the ripple effect of Toure’s setback. The episode also explores the controversial Team USA Act’s po...