One notable takeaway in the Big East is how UConn, St. John’s and to a lesser extent, Creighton, are monopolizing the talent-acquisition game. UConn was the only team to land a top-40 freshman from the Class of 2025. The Huskies, Red Storm and Bluejays were the only Big East teams to land a top 50-rated transfer in the 2025 cycle.
Of course, transfer rankings are inherently flawed because fit matters so much, but it’s a slightly concerning development. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the chasm between the top and the bottom that is starting to develop in a basketball-crazed league.
With rosters starting to finalize, we can start to get a better idea of the pecking order developing in the 2025-26 Big East. Tiers provide a preferable way of contextualizing the outlook.
Tier 1 – Title contenders: Pretty cut and dry. I think these teams have the upside to win the title. Not just make the second weekend. Not just win three in a row because of a nice draw. Six straight, do-or-die wins.Tier 2 – Top-25 caliber club: These teams have accrued plenty of talent and should be safely in the NCAA Tournament field today, but they have a few flaws that could keep them out of the top tier.Tier 3 – Bubblicious: A Big Dance appearance is in the range of potential outcomes, but the NIT, the Crown (or worse) looms if things fizzle.Tier 4 – The basement: These teams have a slim chance of making the Big Dance unless something drastically clicks or they make a late splash in recruiting.
Just a reminder: Things can change by November, especially with some teams still on the prowl for a major piece or two.
Before we dive in, let’s take a look back at last year’s standings.
TeamConference W-LConf PCTOverall W-LOverall PCTSt……
