Sports
Storylines shaping the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season
There are 50 days until the NCAA tournament bracket is set on Selection Sunday.
We’ve learned a lot in the 80-plus days since the 2025-26 college basketball season tipped off, especially as conference play has hit high gear. Freshmen are dominating. Scoring is at a historically high pace. Nebraska and Miami (Ohio) are among the final three unbeatens. And that’s just scratching the surface.
Whether you’re just tuning in or enjoy the bird’s-eye view, ESPN’s Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf quickly break down the eight biggest storylines shaping the season so far below.

The biggest surprises so far
Indiana, the losingest program in college football history entering the 2025 season, just won the national championship. A miraculous run could be brewing in college basketball, too.
Undefeated Nebraska has orchestrated one of the top turnarounds in recent history. Miami (Ohio) hasn’t lost, either. Clemson is off to a surprising start in ACC play (6-0). And in his first season, Kevin Willard has made Villanova a top-tier offensive and defensive team in the Big East.
Vanderbilt is in this conversation, too. Before the Commodores’ current three-game losing streak, they had won 16 games in a row. Tyler Tanner (17.1 PPG, 39% from 3) is a projected first-round NBA draft pick in ESPN’s latest mock. And like Vanderbilt, which was picked 11th in the preseason SEC poll, neither Georgia (14th) nor Virginia (fifth) was picked to finish in the top tier of its respective preseason conference poll — yet both have emerged as early contenders for league titles as a result of surprising starts. — Myron Medcalf
0:29
Miami (OH) stays perfect after Luke Skaljac forces OT with acrobatic layup
Luke Skaljac hits an off-balance layup in the closing seconds as Miami (OH) forces overtime and ultimately beats Kent State.
The biggest disappointments so far
A number of teams and players have unexpectedly disappointed.
Donovan Dent was one of the top available transfers in the portal after winning Mountain West Player of the Year last season. Yet he has struggled at UCLA, shooting just 17% from 3 for the bubble team.
Kentucky is on a winning streak right now, but the Wildcats don’t look like the national contenders they were supposed to be after reportedly spending $20 million on their current roster. The same goes for Oregon, which already had a disappointing roster before recent injuries continued to derail its season.
In the Big 12, Baylor boasts two projected lottery picks, and yet the Bears still managed to kick off league play with a 1-5 record. Tennessee can’t seem to find its footing, either, despite having five-star freshman and projected lottery pick Nate Ament in the fold. A top-three defensive team in SEC play for the past five years, the Vols are currently ranked eighth.
A chunk of the Big East — see: Marquette, Providence and Georgetown, especially — is struggling to meet preseason expectations, too.
All of that said, Memphis might be at the top of this list: The Tigers are just 9-9 on the season, following the best season of Penny Hardaway’s tenure in 2024-25 (29-6). — Medcalf
Scoring is on the rise
A confluence of factors — NBA prospects returning to school, a historically strong freshman class, top Europeans coming to college — has led to an enormous amount of talent in the sport and some of the most explosive offense in decades. Entering last weekend, Division I teams were averaging 77.2 points per game this season; that would be the highest number for a single season since 1971-72, when teams put up 77.7 points per game.
On a similar note, teams entered last weekend shooting 45.4% from the field. That would be the highest collective field goal percentage since teams shot 45.7% in 1991-92.
Only one team finished last season averaging better than 90 points per game (Alabama at 90.7 PPG). There are 15 teams right now hitting that threshold.
From an efficiency standpoint, there’s been an upward swing, too. There are 11 teams currently with an adjusted offensive rating of 125.0 or better at KenPom, compared with just five last season. — Jeff Borzello
2:24
Highlight: No. 20 Arkansas’ offense shines at home in win over No. 15 Vandy
Six Razorbacks reach double-digits as they shoot 57.8% and 40.9% from three to knock off the Commodores, 93-68.
Star players managing injuries
When he’s on the floor, Kansas star freshman Darryn Peterson is among the elite players in college basketball. The potential No. 1 NBA draft pick would rank in the top 10 in the country in scoring, averaging 22.2 points per game — if he had played enough games to qualify, that is. Peterson entered the week with just nine games under his belt, having missed seven with a hamstring injury in November and December, and another two right before Christmas after apparently reaggravating the injury. He has played all six games in January, although not with a full allotment of minutes. And now he is contending with a sprained ankle, putting his status for the immediate future in doubt.
Peterson isn’t the only projected lottery pick to have missed time with injuries and also have a vague timeline for return. Louisville‘s Mikel Brown Jr. hasn’t played since the Cardinals’ Dec. 13 game against Memphis, missing the past nine matchups with a lower back injury. Head coach Pat Kelsey admitted last week that, although he expects Brown to return at some point this season, he doesn’t know when that will be.
Meanwhile, Kentucky’s Jayden Quaintance missed the first 11 games of the season while recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last February. He returned on Dec. 20 and was outstanding against St. John’s before scoring just 10 points over his next three contests and then being ruled out for Kentucky’s past three games. — Borzello
More former pros in college ranks
Has anyone checked on Tom Izzo? He and other power brokers in the game sounded the alarm in October after two G League players (Thierry Darlan and London Johnson) were cleared to play college basketball, a first-of-its-kind move by the NCAA. Then, James Nnaji — the 31st pick in the 2023 NBA draft who played only in summer league and EuroLeague games but never an official NBA contest — was cleared to compete for Baylor in late December. He had never played college basketball, so his case rivaled that of the former international pros who have been allowed to play Division I basketball with the exception of his draft status.
On Wednesday, an Alabama judge gave former Crimson Tide standout Charles Bediako — who had signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs after going undrafted in 2023 — a temporary restraining order allowing him to return to play college basketball for the following 10 days. Prior to Bediako’s case, no player who had actually played in the college and professional ranks had been given an opportunity to return to college. His Tuesday hearing for a preliminary injunction to play the rest of the season, if successful, could open the floodgates for other young two-way and NBA players to make their case for NCAA eligibility. — Medcalf
The strongest freshman class in recent memory
The recruiting class of 2025 had been circled by college coaches and NBA scouts for multiple years — and these freshmen have collectively exceeded all expectations.
Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, BYU’s AJ Dybantsa and Duke’s Cameron Boozer entered the 2025-26 season as the three big names in the class; they’ve become three of the best players in college basketball, with Boozer and Dybantsa running 1 and 2 in most National Player of the Year discussions. But it’s about more than just those three.
2:25
Cam Boozer leads Duke to a comeback win vs. Louisville
Cam Boozer drops 27 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals in Duke’s comeback win over Louisville.
Nine freshmen were named to the Wooden Award midseason top 25 watchlist, with Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr., Tennessee’s Nate Ament, Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr., Houston’s Kingston Flemings, Arizona’s Koa Peat and North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson all finding their way onto the list.
That doesn’t even include UConn’s Braylon Mullins or Arizona’s Brayden Burries, who are starting for the top two teams in the country. Or breakout stars Keaton Wagler of Illinois and Ebuka Okorie of Stanford. Nor does it include the former European pros who are classified as freshmen, such as Virginia’s Thijs De Ridder and Washington’s Hannes Steinbach. — Borzello
Strength of high-major conferences
The 2025-26 season is anchored by a deep field of contenders in the nation’s top leagues. The Big Ten has 10 teams ranked in the top 40 on KenPom, including top-15 Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue, Nebraska and Illinois.
The Big 12’s claim to fame this year is its star power: AJ Dybantsa (BYU), Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State), Darryn Peterson (Kansas), Kingston Flemings (Houston), JT Toppin and Christian Anderson (Texas Tech), and Koa Peat (Arizona) are all capable of leading their respective teams to the Final Four — and earning national accolades, too.
The ACC has also demanded respect in a bounce-back season. Duke is Duke, of course. And North Carolina, Clemson and Virginia have added to the depth of the league with strong overall starts.
Having said that, the SEC remains KenPom’s top-ranked conference a year after its record 14 NCAA tournament bids. It might not match that number again, but reigning national champion Florida is shaping up to defend its title. Alabama’s defense is still phenomenal. Kentucky is improving. John Calipari might have the best point guard in the country at Arkansas. And Vanderbilt already has six top-50 KenPom wins. — Medcalf
Big lineups are dominating
It wasn’t long ago that three-guard lineups were the preferred setup for high-level teams — think Villanova’s perimeter-oriented championship teams in 2015 and 2017, or Baylor’s 2021 title team that started four players 6-foot-5 or shorter. According to KenPom’s average height metric, only four NCAA tournament teams were in the top 20 in height in 2021.
This season, the top three teams in average height are ranked in the AP poll. Six other top-25 teams aren’t far behind.
Just look at the top four teams in this week’s AP poll. Arizona’s eight-man rotation features six players 6-6 or taller. UConn doesn’t start anyone shorter than 6-4. Michigan starts three players 6-9 or taller. Duke is No. 2 in average height and doesn’t have a single player in its nine-man rotation shorter than 6-4.
The NBA has valued positional size more and more, and unsurprisingly, college basketball is following suit. — Borzello
Sports
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill announces another NJ Transit World Cup ticket cut days after first reduction
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Just days after NJ Transit reduced 2026 FIFA World Cup train ticket prices after backlash, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced yet another cut.
Last week, the round-trip tickets from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey were cut from the initial cost of $150 to $105.
Now, Sherrill announced the tickets have gone down to $98 round-trip ahead of them going on sale Tuesday night.
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Gov. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., narrowly carried Rep. Tom Kean Jr.’s battleground district in 2025. (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images)
“Good news: Ahead of NJ TRANSIT World Cup train tickets going on sale tonight, @NJTRANSIT is lowering ticket prices to $98 without New Jersey taxpayer money,” Sherrill wrote on X.
“Thank you to our partners — DoorDash, Audible, FanDuel, DraftKings, PSE&G, South Jersey Industries, and American Water — for helping make this possible.
“We’re excited to host a world-class event this summer and showcase New Jersey on a global stage.”
NJ Transit and the FIFA New York New Jersey Host Committee caught flak after the originally announced $150 price of the round-trip tickets. Their argument was it would eventually cost taxpayers if they didn’t have that abnormal price set for the influx of those getting to MetLife Stadium from New York City.
Then, NJ Transit announced last week it received monetary support from “sponsors and other sources” in able to get prices lowered. Now we know those sponsors after Sherrill’s statement on social media.
Sherrill and FIFA got into a spat after the $150 price came out as well. The governor said FIFA should help pay for train tickets, while the governing body criticized Sherrill’s “unprecedented” plan and added that the expensive train tickets would have a “chilling effect” on the fan experience.

Transit officials are preparing for an unprecedented number of riders during World Cup matches this summer. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
“Governor Sherrill has been clear that FIFA should contribute to transport its fans to World Cup games. Since it hasn’t, she directed NJ Transit to seek private and non-taxpayer dollars to significantly reduce the fare,” a spokesperson for Sherrill told The Athletic. “The Governor appreciates all the companies that have already stepped up to lower the costs for ticket holders. She will continue to ensure the World Cup is an experience that benefits fans and all New Jerseyans.”
NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri defended the original price, saying the ultimate cost to the public transportation company shouldn’t burden New Jersey commuters.
“It is an exciting moment for New Jersey to showcase New Jersey’s diversity as well as its economic standing in the country and in the world. Equally important, (Sherrill) has said that New Jersey commuters cannot and will not subsidize the movement of fans going to the game, because that would not be fair,” Kolluri said, reiterating that the tournament will cost NJ Transit $48 million.
“In order to move 40,000 people and to pay for the cost of $6 million (per game), we have to charge $150.”
The regular train fare from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium round-trip is $12.90.

Commuters move through the NJ Transit section of Penn Station in New York City on May 20, 2025, after NJ Transit resumed operations following a tentative deal to end a three-day strike by train engineers. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
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Meanwhile, parking has been prohibited at MetLife Stadium, and ride-sharing will be limited, ultimately leading to a natural increase in NJ Transit commutes for World Cup matches.
The first game at MetLife Stadium is June 13 with a group stage match between Brazil and Morocco.
Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.
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Sports
Shan XI in Shambles: How Pakistan Imploded in Mirpur | The Express Tribune
Senior players failed to deliver as familiar weaknesses resurfaced in another disappointing overseas performance
Pakistan captain Shan Masood speaks at a press conference after their defeat in the first Test against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on May 12, 2026. PHOTO: PCB/FILE
TORONTO:
Pakistan’s defeat in the first Test against Bangladesh in Mirpur was not just disappointing — it was a complete exposure of the flaws that continue to haunt Pakistan Test cricket. From questionable captaincy to a fragile batting lineup and a toothless pace attack, this loss had warning signs written all over it from Day 1.
The first major question must be directed at Shan Masood. On a Mirpur wicket that was always expected to deteriorate and make fourth-innings batting difficult, why on earth did Pakistan choose to bowl first? Surviving on a wearing Day 5 surface — let alone chasing 268 — was never going to be easy for a batting lineup already struggling for consistency. Pakistan simply does not possess the batting temperament or technical solidity to play out two-and-a-half sessions on the final day of a Test match.
The toss decision backfired badly and put Pakistan on the back foot from the outset.
Then comes the pace attack — or rather, the lack of one. Modern Test cricket demands fast bowlers who can intimidate, rush batters, and break partnerships through sheer pace and aggression. Pakistan currently has none. Opposition batters look far too comfortable against Pakistani pacers.
There is no fear factor, no sustained hostility, and no sense that wickets can fall in clusters. In home conditions, Pakistan employs an all-spin attack to mask the weaknesses of the fast bowlers. But outside Pakistan, where pacers are expected to lead the attack and dictate terms, the team’s shortcomings become painfully obvious.
Bangladesh’s batters looked composed for most of the match because the pressure simply was not there. The 37 extras gifted to them in the first innings only made an already strong batting performance look even more commanding.
Pakistan’s batting was not much better either. Apart from debutants Azan and Abdullah making promising starts to their careers, there was very little to praise. Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, and Saud Shakeel failed to make meaningful contributions when the team desperately needed stability and authority.
These are senior batters expected to anchor the innings, yet their performances lacked intent, composure, and responsibility. While Agha and Rizwan’s half-centuries helped avoid a disastrous collapse in the first innings, their contributions were not substantial enough to allow Pakistan to take control of the game.
There came a point when it seemed Pakistan would secure a first-innings lead. But instead of batting with discipline and awareness, the middle and lower order played loose and careless cricket, throwing wickets away and eventually conceding a lead instead. Test matches are often decided in such moments, and Pakistan lost the advantage there.
A huge part of that can be attributed to the tailenders’ inability to offer any resistance with the bat. Contemporary cricket no longer allows bowlers to survive solely on bowling ability. Tailenders across the world contribute valuable runs, frustrate opposition bowlers, and shift momentum through partnerships.
Pakistan’s tail, meanwhile, collapses almost instantly and offers little once the recognized batters are gone. Bangladesh adding 29 runs for the 10th wicket in the first innings proved how valuable lower-order resistance can be. It is hard to remember the last time a Pakistani tail genuinely fought like that, survived crucial periods, and added vital runs under pressure.
That fighting spirit and resilience lower down the order often reflect how badly a team wants to win, and unfortunately Pakistan rarely seems to show that hunger. In the end, this was a thoroughly mediocre performance with both bat and ball by Shan XI.
Pakistan failed to demonstrate planning, discipline, aggression, or mental toughness. When a team carries multiple players who consistently fail to deliver and contribute little to the contest, overseas victories will remain a bridge too far.
Sports
Jacob Fatu chooses to acknowledge violence, AAA Mega Championship makes WWE history and more from Raw
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Roman Reigns wanted Jacob Fatu in the ring for an “acknowledgement ceremony” on “Monday Night Raw,” despite concerns from general manager Adam Pearce and Jimmy Uso.
Reigns learned the hard way of the old saying, “Be careful what you wish for.”
Despite the contract signing that Fatu would have to “acknowledge” Reigns after he lost the World Heavyweight Championship, Fatu wouldn’t have any of that.
Instead, he chose violence. He ignored Jey Uso’s pleas to think about what he was doing. Fatu, instead, headbutted Uso multiple times.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Jacob Fatu holds up the World Heavyweight Champion belt during RAW at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., on May 11, 2026. (Sydney Yonker/WWE)
“What you think? You want me to come and acknowledge you, Roman?” Fatu said. “Hell no! You’re going to beat that acknowledgement out of me.”
Fatu had no time for anyone trying to talk him off the ledge. He was truly all gas and no brakes. He got to the ring, stared down Reigns and the two went to work. The two exchanged blows in the ring and it looked like Reigns was going to gain the advantage. He hit Fatu with a chair multiple times, trying to make Fatu acknowledge him.
But the “Samoan Werewolf” was undeterred. Reigns went for a spear but was met by a superkick and the Tongan death grip. It was all downhill for the “Tribal Chief.” He taunted Reigns as he continued his beating.
He then powerbombed Reigns through the announce table. The assault didn’t stop there. He hit Reigns with another Tongan death grip as officials from the back tried to keep him at bay.

Jacob Fatu takes out Jimmy Uso, Roman Reigns and Jey Uso all at once during WWE RAW at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., on May 11, 2026. (Michael Owens/WWE)
Before he walked to the back, he saw the Usos tending to Reigns. He ran back at full speed and sent all three men through the barricade.
Seth Rollins tries to thaw icy relationship with Street Profits
Seth Rollins helped Street Profits win in six-man tag match against The Vision as he took out Bron Breakker from the outside. Angelo Dawkins rolled up Austin Theory to get the win.
Rollins came into the ring to help Dawkins up. But as Breakker got back into the ring and lined up for a spear, Rollins stepped aside making Dawkins take the damage. Montez Ford came back into the ring and wondered what Rollins was going out there in the first place.
Rollins, Ford and Dawkins talked in the back.
“If you boys are serious about getting the tag titles off The Vision, then it’s time we talked,” Rollins said, addressing Dawkins and Ford backstage.
Ford said there was no “we” in the conversation, while Dawkins wanted to hear out Rollins.
Rollins said he was “wrong” to tell the Street Profits that all parties should keep their business to themselves.
“You know, Seth, you’re every single thing they say about you,” Ford said. “Everybody. The greatest in our generation. A revolutionary. But you know what they also say? You’re not to be trusted. We don’t need your a– to win the tag team championship. Bet on that.”
The Street Profits will be aiming for tag team gold in two weeks when they take on Logan Paul and Theory.
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AAA Mega Championship defended on Raw

Dominik Mysterio makes his entrance during RAW at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., on May 11, 2026. (Michael Owens/WWE)
The AAA Mega Championship is the most prestigious title in Lucha Libre Worldwide (AAA) and possibly across all of Lucha Libre depending on who you ask. The title was defended for the first time on WWE programming on Monday night.
Dominik Mysterio put the belt on the line against Original El Grande Americano. Mysterio took advantage of Original El Grande Americano getting distracted by El Grande Americano. He hit the 619 and a frog splash to pick up the win.
The title defense came on the heels of WWE announcing a two-night Triplemania event for September. It will be the first time AAA’s premiere event will be ran over the course of two nights.
Passing of the torch

IYO SKY and Asuka embrace during WWE Backlash at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Fla., on May 9, 2026. (Michael Owens/WWE via Getty Images)
Iyo Sky defeated her mentor Asuka in an emotional match at Backlash over the weekend, and on Monday night, Asuka said “goodbye.”
Asuka met with Sky backstage before the “Genius of the Sky’s” match against Sol Ruca. She said she was looking for someone to take over as leader and found it in Sky.
“I was looking for someone to take over my passion. Finally, you’ve become the person. I’m so glad it was you,” Asuka said. “I’m proud of you.”
Sky responded, “Even if we fight, we’ll always be family. Goodbye, Asuka-san.”
Sky later defeated Ruca in an exhilarating singles match.
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Raw match results
- Angelo Dawkins, Montez Ford and Joe Hendry def. Austin Theory, Logan Paul and Bron Breakker.
- Je’Von Evans def. Rusev.
- Iyo Sky def. Sol Ruca.
- Oba Femi def. Angel and Berto as part of Oba’s Open Challenge.
- Dominik Mysterio def. Original El Grande Americano to retain AAA Mega Championship.
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