Once again CBS Sports presents our annual Candid Coaches series, which spotlights relevant topics and issues in men’s college basketball. Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander polled nearly 100 coaches in recent weeks on a variety of subjects. Coaches spoke on background and were provided anonymity to offer unfiltered opinions. This is the first installment in our 2025 survey.
This year we’re leading with a question we ask every year, but typically save for the last publishing in Candid Coaches.
Who’s going to be the best team?
We’re coming off the most expensive, disorderly, temperamental offseason ever. Two thousand transfers, nearly 60 coaching changes, massive roster turnover yet again. Predicting elite teams may prove to be more difficult than ever, but that won’t stop us from trying.
Burning scheme questions for Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and every five-star freshman in college basketball
Isaac Trotter
So, who’s set up to rule the roost? We wanted to get the coaches’ best guess on laying out the upper echelon of college hoops less than two months from the start of the season. From some of the most recognizable names in coaching to assistants at the low-major level, here’s how they collectively voted.
Who will be the best team in 2025-26?
Other schools receiving multiple votes: Michigan, BYU, Kentucky, Louisville
Quotes that stood out
About Purdue
“They are so consistent. With the amount of returning production they have, with their coach they have, it seems like it’s impossible to bet against them,…..
