The 2025-26 men’s college basketball season has begun with a powerful impact, as top freshmen and deep rosters shape early results.

Arizona, Michigan, and Iowa State have emerged as stronger-than-expected contenders, with Arizona earning a No. 1 ranking after early wins and Michigan flashing a dominant defense.

The college game is undergoing a 3-point revolution, with a record share of field goal attempts coming from beyond the arc as many programs adopt high-volume 3-point strategies.

Looking ahead, expectations are building for a potential Final Four showdown in Indianapolis, echoing the dramatic openings and suggesting the season could hinge on early trends.

The freshman class, led by Duke’s Cameron Boozer and including AJ Dybantsa and Caleb Wilson, is exceptionally strong, with ESPN projecting multiple freshmen as top NBA draft picks.

Early-season trends point to five major lessons shaping the 2025-26 season, offering a concise framework for what’s driving the year so far.

Preseason contenders Florida, Kentucky, and St. John’s have underperformed, with specific struggles like Kentucky’s early offensive drought and Florida’s backcourt challenges.

The ACC is showing signs of a rebound, with several teams improving offensively and five ranked in the top 25 by adjusted offensive efficiency, signaling a stronger conference outlook.