CBS Sports Projects Iowa NCAA Tournament Return with New Coach, Transfers

The 2025-26 college basketball season is shaping up to be a pivotal year for several programs as they look to rebuild and make postseason impacts. The Iowa Hawkeyes, under new coach Ben McCollum, are predicted by CBS Sports to return to the NCAA Tournament as a No. 8 seed, aiming to break their streak of early exits since 1999. Penn State is undergoing a significant roster overhaul led by Mike Rhoades, with many new players joining the team and promising growth before the season starts. Providence Friars face challenges after losing four of their top five scorers from the previous season, including leading scorer Bensley Joseph, which could affect their competitiveness in the Big East. Meanwhile, Kentucky Wildcats, coached by Mark Pope, boast a roster with multiple potential breakout stars such as Collin Chaloner, Denzel Aberdeen, and Kam Williams, positioning them as a strong team nationally. These developments highlight the dynamic shifts and hopeful narratives across college basketball programs as they prepare for the upcoming season.