St. John’s has been picked as the Big East preseason favorite for the first time since 1991, signaling a potential new era in conference dominance while UConn, despite its recent national titles, begins the season with a motivated second-place ranking.
The landscape of Big East men’s basketball has dramatically shifted. In a move that has sent ripples through the fan community, St. John’s has been named the unanimous preseason favorite to win the 2025-26 Big East title. This marks a significant moment for the program, as it’s the first time since the 1991-92 season that the Red Storm have claimed the top spot in the league’s preseason coaches’ poll. Their ascent unseats two-time reigning national champions UConn, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying season.
The Red Storm garnered seven of 11 possible first-place votes and 97 total points from the league’s head coaches. Close behind, UConn secured the remaining four first-place votes, finishing with a tight 94 points, just three points shy of their burgeoning rivals. The anticipation for the season is palpable, especially with these two powerhouses now positioned at the pinnacle of the conference, ready to clash for supremacy.
The Red Storm’s Ascendance Under Pitino
St. John’s enters the 2025-26 season with significant momentum, building on a stellar 2024-25 campaign that saw them win both the Big East regular season and tournament titles. That season, their second under legendary coach Rick Pitino, was their best in a quarter-century, culminating in a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament before a second-round upset. Pitino, ever the realist, downplayed the preseason hype, stating, “I really don’t pay too much attention to prognosticating because especially in this day and age, I don’t even know the names of the players (on the other teams).” This pragmatic approach from a Hall of Fame coach speaks volumes about his focus on in-season performance over early predictions, as reported by the USA TODAY Network.
The Red Storm’s strength lies in their returning talent and impactful transfers. Senior forward Zuby Ejiofor leads the charge, having been selected as the Big East Preseason Player of the Year. Last season, Ejiofor averaged 14.7 points and 8.1 rebounds, shooting nearly 58% from the field. While the team lost key players like Kadary Richmond, Deivon Smith, and last year’s Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis Jr., they have bolstered their roster with a strong transfer class including Ian Jackson from North Carolina and Bryce Hopkins from Providence. These additions are expected to seamlessly integrate and maintain the team’s competitive edge, making St. John’s a formidable force.
UConn’s Drive for Redemption and Sustained Excellence
For the UConn Huskies, a second-place preseason ranking might feel like a wake-up call after a period of unparalleled success. The Huskies made history by winning back-to-back National Championships in 2023 and 2024, dominating the Big East conference in the process. However, the 2024-25 season was a deviation from their recent triumphs, as they finished ranked third in the AP poll early on before falling out of the rankings entirely by season’s end and suffering a second-round exit in the NCAA Tournament. This perceived ‘struggle’ provides immense motivation for coach Dan Hurley and his squad as they enter the new season ranked No. 4 in the AP preseason poll, just one spot ahead of St. John’s, according to AP News.
UConn’s core strength for the upcoming season comes from a blend of experienced veterans and promising new talent. The Huskies return key players such as forward Alex Karaban, guard Solo Ball Jr., and center Tarris Reed Jr., all of whom earned Preseason All-Conference First Team honors—a feat not seen in the Big East since Villanova in 2005-06. Guard Silas Demary Jr., a transfer from Georgia, was named to the Preseason All-Conference Second Team, further solidifying their backcourt. Adding to this formidable lineup is five-star freshman Braylon Mullins, who was also named the Big East Preseason Freshman of the Year.
Key Huskies Expected Lineup and Challenging Schedule:
The Huskies’ expected starting five promises a balanced attack:
- G: Silas Demary Jr. (13.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.1 apg)
- G: Solo Ball Jr. (14.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg)
- G: Braylon Mullins (Freshman, ranked No. 14 nationally)
- F: Alex Karaban (Redshirt Senior, 14.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg)
- C: Tarris Reed Sr. (9.6 ppg, 7.3 rpg)
UConn faces a rigorous non-conference schedule that will test their mettle early. They open their season on November 3 against the New Heaven Chargers. Their first major challenges include matchups against No. 8 BYU on November 15, No. 13 Arizona on November 19, No. 17 Illinois at Madison Square Garden on November 28, and Kansas on December 2. These games will be crucial in establishing their national standing before conference play heats up.
The Big East Battleground: Marquee Matchups and Conference Outlook
The highly anticipated regular-season clashes between St. John’s and UConn are slated for February 6 at Madison Square Garden and February 25 at the XL Center. These games are not just rivalry matchups; they could very well determine the Big East regular-season champion, carrying significant implications for conference tournament seeding and national rankings.
The Big East conference itself is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the nation. Beyond the top two, Creighton was picked third with 80 points, followed by Providence in fourth and Marquette in fifth. The league also welcomes two new coaches, with Kevin Willard taking the helm at Villanova and Richard Pitino (Rick Pitino’s son) stepping into the head job at Xavier, adding intriguing new dynamics to the coaching rivalries. The two Pitinos are scheduled to face off on January 24 and February 9, a storyline sure to capture national attention.
Full 2025-26 Big East Men’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll:
Here’s how the Big East coaches ranked the teams for the upcoming season, according to the official Big East Conference announcement:
- St. John’s
- UConn
- Creighton
- Providence
- Marquette
- Georgetown
- Villanova
- Xavier
- DePaul
- Butler
- Seton Hall
This preseason poll sets the stage for an unforgettable 2025-26 season. While St. John’s enjoys a rare moment atop the rankings, the reigning national champions at UConn are undoubtedly fueled by their second-place designation. Fans can anticipate intense competition, captivating storylines, and potentially decisive matchups that will define the next chapter of Big East basketball.
