By: Jim Williams – Senior Columnist – Capital Sports Network
The Big East Conference enters the 2025–26 men’s basketball season with two clear frontrunners: UConn and St. John’s. Both programs are ranked in the top five of the AP preseason poll, and each boasts elite coaching and deep rosters. Dan Hurley’s Huskies, fresh off a Final Four run, return Tristen Newton and Donovan Clingan, while Rick Pitino’s Red Storm are riding momentum from last season’s breakout campaign, led by RJ Luis and Jordan Dingle. These two teams are expected to battle for the regular season crown and national title contention.
Big East History and Star Power
Founded in 1979, the Big East has long been a powerhouse in college basketball, producing 12 national champions and countless NBA players. The league’s revival in recent years has been fueled by coaching legends like Pitino, Hurley, and Shaka Smart, and by the success of programs like Creighton, Marquette, and Providence. This season, stars to watch include Kam Jones (Marquette), Eric Dixon (Villanova), and Tyler Kolek (Marquette) — all preseason All-Conference selections.
Depth Across the Conference
While UConn and St. John’s headline the league, the Big East’s strength lies in its depth. Creighton, Marquette, and Providence round out the top five in the preseason coaches poll, and Seton Hall, Xavier, and Butler are all projected to finish in the top 100 nationally. According to BartTorvik.com, 10 of the 11 Big East teams rank inside the top 100, making it one of the most competitive conferences in the country CBS Sports Busting Brackets.
