Sports
Spring training 2026: Stars, teams, themes we want to see
After an MLB offseason full of twists and turns, spring training is in the air.
The New York Mets capped an offseason overhaul with a trade for ace Freddy Peralta. The Baltimore Orioles brought slugger Pete Alonso to the American League East, and Alex Bregman left the division to join the Chicago Cubs. And the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers made the biggest splash when they inked No. 1 free agent Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million deal.
Now, with pitchers and catchers reporting across Arizona and Florida this week, we’ll start seeing what those moves mean for the season ahead. We’ve asked our ESPN MLB experts to get us ready for spring training, with the stars and storylines they’re most excited to see as baseball returns for the 2026 season.
What is the one thing you are most excited about as spring training begins?
Buster Olney: Seeing how quickly some of the prospects will push decisions to get them to the big leagues. Kevin McGonigle — the Detroit Tigers‘ infielder who is compared to everyone from Dustin Pedroia to Alex Bregman — will be a factor in the big leagues this year … but when? Will Colt Emerson force his way onto the Seattle Mariners‘ roster in April, May — or sooner? And when does Konnor Griffin become a conversation in the Pittsburgh Pirates‘ camp? Nothing is more exciting in baseball than the hope these sorts of talents represent.
Alden Gonzalez: There is an energy around Dodgers camp that’s different. It has been like that since Shohei Ohtani showed up at Camelback Ranch for the first time three springs ago, and it keeps growing, intensifying with every star who’s added and every championship that’s won. This time, the overarching theme will be the Dodgers’ quest for a three-peat, amid the backdrop of a brewing labor fight that their spending has helped escalate. Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz are the newcomers, joining what was already one of the most star-laden rosters in baseball history.
Ohtani will be prepping for a full, no-restrictions two-way season; Roki Sasaki will be looking to establish himself in his second year; Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow will strive to prove that they can still perform like stars in the back halves of their careers; and young, ascendent players such as River Ryan, Emmet Sheehan, Ryan Ward and Josue De Paula, among many others, will dot the complex as fans visiting from all over the world look on. There will be no shortage of storylines. There will be no shortage of intrigue.
Jeff Passan: Pitchers used to show up at camps having not thrown for months and using the six weeks to build up their arm strength. Hitters would arrive with the belief that they’d find their swings after spending the offseason, you know, off. Today, the winter is a training ground, a time when players level up their games, and spring training reveals who took an out-of-view leap. There will be pitchers who added 2 mph to their fastballs or finally perfected a splitter. Hitters will have completely retooled their swings for maximum impact. It’s those sorts of changes that can make the difference between a team playing in October or not, and those first few weeks of spring training will reveal the winter winners.
Jesse Rogers: It’s not sexy, but seeing players use the automated ball-strike system (ABS) to make challenges will be interesting to watch. Umpires making those calls is what we’re used to. It’s what we know. Now, players can object to those calls through technology. With limited challenges per game, the strategy in using them will be fun to follow. It won’t matter so much in spring contests but watching it all unfold will be interesting.
Which player who changed teams this winter are you most interested in seeing in his new uniform?
Bradford Doolittle: I’ve never let go of the idea of Luis Robert Jr. returning to star-level production, and if that were to happen with the Mets, it would be a huge story. I don’t know that his inconsistent durability and production can be blamed on the shortcomings in the Chicago White Sox‘s organizational processes, but the White Sox were the only team he has played for. Thus, this is a true fresh start with new voices in his ear and a lot of pressure to play well sooner rather than later. I’m really interested in seeing if that puts a jolt in Robert. If not, I’d have to accept that his run as an elite player is over.
Jorge Castillo: Devin Williams‘ short stint with the New York Yankees was rocky. Now, he’s across town, tasked with replacing Edwin Díaz, a fan favorite and perhaps the best closer in baseball, as part of the Mets’ thorough overhaul. Williams’ underlying metrics suggested he was a victim of bad luck last season. He enjoyed dominant stretches and a strong finish. At the same time, he lost the closer job twice and was charged with at least one earned run in 17 of his 67 regular-season outings after giving up earned runs in 16 of his 148 appearances over his previous three seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, who led the Brewers’ front office when Williams became one of the sport’s best relievers, believes he’ll rebound, enough to give him a three-year, $51 million contract. The Mets wanted to pair Williams with Díaz, but Díaz chose the Dodgers. Now, the pressure is on Williams to rediscover his previous world-class form.
Gonzalez: Few players can impact a culture like Alex Bregman. That’s precisely why members of the Cubs were so excited to land him this offseason, one year after falling just short in their bid for the star third baseman. A member of the team’s front office called him “a transformative presence.” More tangibly, he also lengthens the lineup, prompting Matt Shaw to move into a utility role, where he should thrive. And with the Cubs replenishing their bullpen and adding a much-needed, potential front-line starter in Edward Cabrera this offseason, Bregman looks like the player who will put them over the top in the National League Central.
David Schoenfield: After winning 101 games with a young team in 2023, the Orioles were supposed to be in the midst of nothing but good times and pennant races. Instead, they slumped to 75-87 in 2025, leading to a much-needed makeover for 2026. Their big move was signing Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million contract after the Mets showed little interest in bringing him back. He could be the jolt a stagnant offense needs, bringing energy and emotion to a team that lacked that in 2025. But most importantly, he brings power: Nobody on the O’s hit more than 17 home runs last year, while Gunnar Henderson led the team with just 68 RBIs.
Who is one player from our top 100 prospects list you are most looking forward to seeing this spring?
Olney: The Mets’ Nolan McLean, who was seemingly the organization’s best pitcher when he stepped on the mound near the end of last season. His mound presence was remarkable — he always looked so calm — and his ability to spin the ball was stunning. Given his relatively recent transition from position player to pitcher, he is still presumably in the early stages of learning his craft, but he already looks like he has been around for a decade. And the Mets need him to be great again.
Castillo: George Lombard Jr. is just 20 years old and posted a .695 OPS in 108 Double-A games last season, but the expectations are — perhaps unfairly — high. That’s what happens when you’re the Yankees’ top prospect, and fans are clamoring for a replacement for Anthony Volpe at shortstop. Kiley McDaniel recently ranked Lombard as 20th on his top 100 prospects list, noting that his defense, baserunning and power are the foundation for a strong, every-day player with star potential. Whether he debuts this season will depend on his performance in the minors and the Yankees’ needs, but the franchise considers him a significant part of its future. When, exactly, is unclear.
Passan: Kevin McGonigle plays with an edge. He is Philly born and raised, and always happy to illustrate that in baseball, size — he’s 5-foot-10 — does not necessarily dictate quality. There is no better pure hitter in the minor leagues than the 21-year-old McGonigle, who has done nothing but rake since Detroit thieved him with the 37th pick in the 2023 draft. Neither spot on the left side of Detroit’s infield is locked down, leaving opportunity for McGonigle to come into camp and win a job. And while the AL rookie field is loaded, the Tigers have reason to break camp with McGonigle: If he books a full year of service time (172 days on the major league roster), they’ll be able to cash in with a prospect promotion incentive draft pick should he win Rookie of the Year or place in the top three in MVP voting during his first three seasons.
Schoenfield: All eyes will be on Konnor Griffin in Pirates camp, but keep Bubba Chandler in your peripheral vision. The top pitching prospect on Kiley McDaniel’s top 100, Kiley described him as a “right-handed Blake Snell.” A right-handed Blake Snell? I’m in. With a fastball that averaged 97.8 mph in the minors, Chandler made his MLB debut late in the season, finished with 31 innings, and pushed his heater up to 98.9 mph. Though his Triple-A numbers were mediocre (4.05 ERA, 4.8 walks per nine), he walked just four batters with 31 strikeouts in the majors, where he seemed more focused. He might be ready to dominate right now, offering a lethal one-two duo alongside Paul Skenes.
What is one position battle (or rotation battle) you’ll be watching closely over the next month?
Olney: It’ll be interesting to see what choices the Toronto Blue Jays ultimately make with their surplus of corner/DH candidates. George Springer was among the best offensive players in the AL last year, and Addison Barger and Nathan Lukes were such an important part of what the team accomplished in October. Toronto added corner infielder Kazuma Okamoto on a four-year, $60 million contract — and you assume he’s going to play, given that level of investment, and how Okamoto fits the Jays’ philosophy of putting the ball in play. Anthony Santander missed most of last year with injury, after signing a $92.5 million deal. If they are all healthy, who sits?
Doolittle: With an aging roster that looks similar to last season, center field is the one spot where the Phillies can get younger and more athletic. But that depends on whether Justin Crawford can nail down the starting spot during the spring. That’s apparently the plan, so he’ll get every opportunity to do so. I love players like Crawford, with a high-average, speed-based profile. But until you see that skill set translate against big league pitchers’ scorching stuff, you have to remain a little skeptical. A lot is riding on Crawford’s ability to seize that position and enter into the NL Rookie of the Year race down the line. It’s the Phillies’ best chance to differentiate themselves from last season. That quest begins this week.
Passan: When the Mariners moved Ben Williamson in the trade that got them Brendan Donovan, they set up a battle for their final infield spot between two left-handed-hitting former first-round picks: Cole Young (21st in 2022) and Colt Emerson (22nd in 2023). Emerson is the better prospect. He is also still 20 years old, with all of 27 plate appearances in Triple-A. Young, 22, didn’t hit much in his big league debut last year but was solid at second base. He could slot there, with the versatile Donovan at third, or Emerson could take the job and play either second or third, with Donovan moving to second in the latter case. Either way, Seattle’s cadre of young position-playing prospects is on the verge of making an impact on the big league roster. The team that just missed making the World Series last year is here to stay.
Schoenfield: The Mets will be interesting to watch. Can rookie Carson Benge win the starting job in left field? He’s the No. 15 prospect, but struggled in a late-season call-up to Triple-A (.178 in 24 games). Who wins a starting job between Brett Baty and Mark Vientos? Can Baty play left field if Benge has to return to the minors? And then, there is the starting rotation. If the Mets use a six-man rotation, is Kodai Senga healthy and back to his regular velocity to be part of that rotation? Can Jonah Tong make himself a factor with a big spring and join fellow rookie Nolan McLean in the rotation? Then, there’s center field. Is Luis Robert Jr. just a more expensive Tyrone Taylor or will he find his 2023 stroke again?
Which team are you far more interested in today than you were a year ago at this time?
Castillo: The Marlins bottomed out in 2024, losing 100 games with a last-place finish in the NL East after reaching the postseason in 2023. Skip Schumaker, the NL Manager of the Year in 2023, moved on after the season. Things were grim. External expectations were low going into last year. Then, the Marlins smashed them, finishing 79-83, third in the division. The Marlins do things differently under president of baseball operations Peter Bendix. For example, they have starters throw live bullpen sessions between starts, and manager Clayton McCullough called pitches from the dugout over the final week of the season. But the future is promising, with one of the best starting rotations in baseball — even after trading Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers — an exciting young core of position players and a farm system that ranks 10th in baseball, according to McDaniel. Signing Pete Fairbanks to close should help win games in 2026 — maybe enough to surpass expectations again and reach the playoffs.
Doolittle: The Pirates aren’t likely to make a Blue Jays-level leap this season, but they’ve done just enough that you can dream of a Paul Skenes playoff appearance in 2026. That wasn’t the case a year ago, when Pittsburgh’s lack of activity was a source of considerable frustration. The Bucs should stay aggressive in adding offense, which has improved, but remains far from elite. But whereas the fringe playoff hopefuls in the NL East and NL West are seemingly consigned to eyeing the sixth seed as their opening to the postseason, Pittsburgh has that opportunity and a non-trivial chance at hanging in the Central title race. If that were to happen and Pittsburgh were to host that 3-6 matchup in the wild-card round with Skenes and Bubba Chandler lined up … yes, that would be very interesting.
Gonzalez: The Orioles needed a big offseason, and Mike Elias, their maligned president of baseball operations, delivered it. Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward were added to the lineup, adding much-needed right-handed hitters to the top of the order. Ryan Helsley and Andrew Kittredge were brought in to deepen the bullpen. And Shane Baz came over via trade to help stabilize a needy rotation. Adding that group to an enthralling young core of Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday and Samuel Basallo, all of whom could take steps forward, gives the Orioles a legitimate chance to win a difficult AL East. But there’s a caveat here: The Orioles need to add another front-line starting pitcher, even more urgent now because Framber Valdez is off the table.
Rogers: Quick, which team hit as many home runs in the second half last year as the AL champion Blue Jays? The White Sox probably weren’t your first guess, but that’s the right answer. And that’s before they added Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami. He’s no sure thing, but he’ll be intriguing to watch. So will shortstop Colson Montgomery, who was shipped to the White Sox spring facility to fix his swing early last season. It worked. He came up and hit 21 home runs in just 71 games. Chicago might not win the AL Central, but the team could be sneaky good at the plate if it picks up where it left off in 2025.
ATLANTA — Hubert Kós broke his own NCAA record while defending his title in the 200-yard backstroke to help the Texas men win a second straight national championship in swimming and diving on Saturday.
Kós won with a time of 1 minute, 34.13 seconds as the Longhorns piled up 445.5 points. He set an NCAA record of 1:34.21 in winning the event last season. Kós also broke the NCAA record in the 100 backstroke earlier this meet. Florida junior Jonny Marshall finished second and Virginia sophomore David King took third.
Runner-up Florida had 416 points. Indiana (351), Arizona State (328) and Tennessee (272) rounded out the top five.
Virginia freshman Maximus Williamson began the day by winning the 200 IM in 1:38.48. Indiana senior Owen McDonald was second, followed by Texas senior Baylor Nelson.
Florida senior Josh Liendo clocked a 39.91 to win the 100 freestyle. LSU junior Jere Hribar was second, followed by Tennessee senior Gui Caribe.
Arizona State junior Ilya Kharun won the 200 butterfly in 1:37.66, a half-second in front of Michigan senior Tyler Ray. Virginia freshman Thomas Heilman placed third.
Kharun, Adam Chaney, Remi Fabiani and anchor Jonny Kulow won the men’s 400 free relay with a NCAA record time of 2:42.15. N.C. State placed second and Florida was third. The Sun Devils won five of the seven relay races.
Texas A&M freshman Emilio Trevino won the title in platform diving with 465.40 points. Purdue sophomore Tyler Wills (451.15) and Florida sophomore Jesus Gonzalez (427.25) followed.
Coach Bob Bowman has led Texas to back-to-back championships. He guided Arizona State to the championship in 2024 before taking the Longhorns job.
Hall-of-Fame coach Eddie Reese led Texas to 15 championships during his 46-year run from 1978-2024.
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Myron Medcalf
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Myron Medcalf
ESPN Staff Writer
- Covers college basketball
- Joined ESPN.com in 2011
- Graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato
Multiple Authors
The 2026 men’s NCAA tournament has featured its fair share of heartbreaking losses — particularly after the first weekend.
Iowa, the 9-seed that took out reigning national champion Florida in the second round and 4-seed Nebraska in the Sweet 16, finally fell to 3-seed Illinois in the Elite Eight.
The Sweet 16, meanwhile, saw exits for St. John’s, Michigan State, Nebraska, Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa State and Houston.
In addition to the Gators’ unexpected early exit in the second round, Kansas was eliminated on a buzzer-beating layup by St. John’s. Kentucky suffered its worst NCAA tournament loss since 1972. And North Carolina surrendered a 19-point lead to fall to VCU in overtime.
With some of the most storied college basketball programs ending their seasons earlier than expected, ESPN’s Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf detail what’s next for each. Here’s your guide to their expected departures, returnees, top incoming recruits and where that leaves their personnel priorities for when the transfer portal opens April 7.
Record: 24-13 (10-10 in Big Ten)
How their season ended:: Lost to Illinois in the Elite Eight
Expected departures
Bennett Stirtz (19.7 PPG)
Tavion Banks (10.6 PPG)
Players with remaining eligibility
Alvaro Folgueiras (8.5 PPG)
Cooper Koch (7.8 PPG)
Cam Manyawu (6.9 PPG)
Kael Combs (6.2 PPG)
Tate Sage (5.6 PPG)
Isaia Howard (5.1 PPG)
Top incoming recruit: Ethan Harris (four-star)
The 6-foot-9 forward, and only recruit Iowa has signed from this class, is a strong addition to this roster. Harris averaged 18.1 points and 8.1 rebounds as a high school senior and picked the Hawkeyes over his home state schools of Washington and Gonzaga. He should give this frontcourt a boost.
Portal priorities: Stirtz is the centerpiece of everything McCollum has done at Iowa (and Drake and Northwest Missouri State before that), so his biggest priority in the portal will be to find a point guard and playmaker to run the Hawkeyes offense. The good news is that their Sweet 16 run should help them attract a player who fills that mold.
Iowa is also losing Banks, a versatile 6-foot-7 forward who is second on the team in scoring and excellent from 3 (45% this season). The Hawkeyes need another scoring threat who can stretch the floor, unless Banks — a former junior college player — is granted another year of eligibility as a result of the NCAA’s blanket waiver.
Finally, an Iowa team that finished 17th in offensive rebounding rate and 15th in defensive effectiveness inside the 3-point line in conference play needs more frontcourt depth to keep up in the Big Ten.
Record: 27-8 (15-5 in the Big Ten)
How their season ended: Lost to UConn in the Sweet 16
Expected departures
Jaxon Kohler (12.6 PPG)
Carson Cooper (11.0 PPG)
Players with remaining eligibility
Jeremy Fears Jr. (15.3 PPG)
Coen Carr (12.0 PPG)
Kur Teng (7.5 PPG)
Jordan Scott (5.9 PPG)
Cam Ward (5.2 PPG)
Divine Ugochukwu (5.1 PPG)
Top incoming recruit: Jasiah Jervis (No. 25)
The 6-foot-5 Jervis is one of four top-100 recruits — one of three in the top 50 — in Tom Izzo’s 2026 class. With Fears and Carr expected to return, Jervis will strengthen a talented Michigan State squad and have an opportunity to play with a point guard (Fears) who could enter next season as the front-runner to win the Wooden Award.
Portal priorities: Izzo has not traditionally relied on the portal because of his ability to retain players. His incoming freshman class also includes Ethan Taylor and Julius Avent, a pair of big bodies who will help replace the size and skill lost by Kohler’s and Cooper’s departures. Redshirt freshman and former four-star recruit Jesse McCulloch should strengthen this team’s depth inside, too. Assuming Fears also returns, the only portal needs might be more depth at power forward/center and point guard. — Medcalf
Record: 30-7 (18-2 in the Big East)
How their season ended: Lost to Duke in the Sweet 16
Expected departures
Zuby Ejiofor (16.3 PPG)
Bryce Hopkins (13.6 PPG)
Oziyah Sellers (10.5 PPG)
Dillon Mitchell (8.2 PPG)
Sadiku Ibine Ayo (1.8 PPG)
Players with remaining eligibility
Ian Jackson (9.6 PPG)
Joson Sanon (8.1 PPG)
Dylan Darling (6.9 PPG)
Ruben Prey (4.1 PPG)
Lefteris Liotopoulos (3.0 PPG)
Kelvin Odih (1.5 PPG)
Imran Suljanovic (redshirt)
Casper Pohto (redshirt)
Top incoming recruit: None.
Since Rick Pitino arrived, the Red Storm have leaned far more heavily into the transfer portal than high school recruiting when it comes to roster construction. Freshmen started a combined six games in his first season, one game last season and zero this season. In fact, a freshman hasn’t touched the floor for the Red Storm in a month. It is worth noting that St. John’s received a commitment from SC Next 100 recruit Adam Oumiddoch — but he decommitted in February and is now attending Villanova in the fall.
Portal priorities: St. John’s is sure to lose at least four starters, with Big East Player of the Year Ejiofor, two-time All-Big East performer Hopkins, third-team All-Big East selection Mitchell and starting guard Sellers all out of eligibility. Which means we should be in for another busy spring portal season in Queens.
The focus will be up front, with only reserve big man Prey coming back. Pitino will likely need at least two starters, potentially three if he opts to go with a bigger lineup again.
There could be some perimeter continuity, with Darling, the NCAA tournament hero, and scorers Sanon and Jackson all able to return. Will all three decide to do so? Jackson is the biggest question mark, as his role has fluctuated throughout the season and Pitino has spoken publicly about the potential for him to leave after this campaign. Despite his inconsistency, Jackson is a high-level scorer, and another year with Pitino could see him take the next step.
One more backcourt conundrum: While this trio helped St. John’s sweep the Big East regular season and tournament championships, it felt like the Red Storm lacked a true playmaking point guard. Will Pitino go to the portal for one of those as well? — Borzello
Record: 29-8 (12-6 in the Big 12)
How their season ended: Lost to Tennessee in the Sweet 16
Expected departures
Joshua Jefferson (16.4 PPG)
Tamin Lipsey (13.3 PPG)
Nate Heise (5.4 PPG)
Players with remaining eligibility
Milan Momcilovic (17.2 PPG)
Killyan Toure (8.6 PPG)
Blake Buchanan (8.5 PPG)
Jamarion Batemon (6.8 PPG)
Dominykas Pleta (4.5 PPG)
Top incoming recruit: Yusef Gray (Unranked four-star)
Gray, a 6-foot-3 guard from West Allis, Wisconsin, averaged 24.3 points as a high school senior before a labrum injury in February cost him the rest of the season. But T.J. Otzelberger has had success with prep talent from Wisconsin, and Gray could be the next standout for the Cyclones.
Portal priorities: The Cyclones might build a statue of Lipsey, who has been the starting point guard since his freshman season. Before him, Otzelberger had Tyrese Hunter, who helped the team reach the Sweet 16 as an 11-seed. That’s the first position Otzelberger will look to fill first out of the portal, because his offense doesn’t work without a dynamic point guard. Jefferson is also the best player on the roster. He did so many things that he can’t be replaced by just one player. There’s also the chance Momcilovic, one of the best shooters in NCAA history, could leave for the NBA after a surprising season. Iowa State’s best teams have had stars, and this group could lose three of them: at point guard, on the wing and in the paint. Otzelberger might have to find a few players for the 2026-27 season. — Medcalf
Record: 25-10 (16-2 in the SEC)
How their season ended: Lost to Michigan in the Sweet 16
Expected departures
Labaron Philon Jr. (22.0 PPG)
Latrell Wrightsell (12.7 PPG)
Houston Mallette (6.4 PPG)
Noah Williamson (1.2 PPG)
Players with remaining eligibility
Aden Holloway (16.8 PPG)
Amari Allen (11.6 PPG)
Aiden Sherrell (11.2 PPG)
Taylor Bol Bowen (6.5 PPG)
London Jemison (6.2 PPG)
Jalil Bethea (4.2 PPG)
Keitenn Bristow (3.6 PPG)
Davion Hannah (3.3 PPG)
Collins Onyejiaka (1.0 PPG)
Top incoming recruit: Jaxon Richardson (No. 17)
Richardson surprised most of the recruiting world in early March when he committed to Alabama over perceived favorite Creighton. An explosive athlete who’s at his best in transition, he should make an impact at both ends of the floor with his length and motor. He’s not a consistent 3-point shooter yet, which makes his commitment to the most 3-point-happy team in the country an interesting marriage, but he brings plenty else to add a different dimension.
Portal priorities: There are plenty of moving parts for Alabama. At the top of that list is the status of Holloway, the team’s second-leading scorer, who was arrested on a felony drug charge just before the NCAA tournament, and who subsequently missed the Tide’s Sweet 16 run. Then there are the NBA draft decisions facing Philon and Allen. Philon was a projected top-20 pick in ESPN’s most recent mock draft, while the fast-rising Allen sneaked into the back end of the first round. Some NBA evaluators believe he could continue to skyrocket as the predraft process continues.
Nate Oats is reinforcing the wing positions with the high school signings of Richardson, Qayden Samuels and Tarris Bouie, all top-50 recruits. But he will need a high-level point guard if Holloway or Philon aren’t back. He also desperately needs more size and talent in the post. Sherrell enjoyed a breakout season, but depth was such an issue up front that Oats tried to bring Charles Bediako back to college basketball in January. It would help if Bol Bowen or Jemison can become a consistent contributor and matchup problem as a wing forward, and if the freshmen hit the ground running. Alabama will still likely be looking for multiple starter-caliber players in the portal. — Borzello
Record: 30-7 (14-4 in Big 12)
How their season ended: Lost to Illinois in the Sweet 16
Expected departures
Kingston Flemings (16.2 PPG)
Emanuel Sharp (15.4 PPG)
Milos Uzan (11.3 PPG)
Kalifa Sakho (2.5 PPG)
Ramon Walker Jr. (2.3 PPG)
Players with remaining eligibility
Chris Cenac Jr. (9.6 PPG)
Joseph Tugler (8.5 PPG)
Mercy Miller (5.2 PPG)
Chase McCarty (4.0 PPG)
Isiah Harwell (3.6 PPG)
Cedric Lath (0.5 PPG)
Jacob McFarland
Bryce Jackson (redshirt)
Top incoming recruit: Arafan Diane (No. 20)
Diane is a massive addition for Kelvin Sampson’s team — and not just from a size perspective, though the 7-1, nearly 300-pound center is the most physically imposing and dominant player in the 2026 class. He’ll immediately upgrade the Cougars at both ends of the floor. He has good touch in his face-up game and can catch the ball in the low post to score with his back to the basket. He’ll also bring rim protection and offensive rebounding, two areas in which the Cougars weren’t quite as dominant this season. Four-star Ikenna Alozie also fits the Houston ethos of physicality and intensity on the defensive end.
Portal priorities: Houston will likely bid farewell to its entire perimeter group, with Sharp and Uzan out of eligibility, and Flemings a projected NBA draft lottery pick. Sampson will hope for a major step forward from former five-star recruit Harwell, who dealt with injuries and saw his role dissipate down the stretch of the campaign. There were also real signs of promise for reserve guards Miller and McCarty, with Miller scoring in double figures in three straight postseason games and McCarty an asset on the perimeter.
Even with all the expected personnel in the fold next season, Houston could use an immediate-impact player at point guard. The Cougars need a playmaker and facilitator, as they found last season with Uzan and this season with Flemings.
Up front, much depends on whether Cenac and Tugler return. Cenac is still a projected first-round NBA draft pick but is not the surefire lottery selection he was at the start of the campaign, and Tugler was not in ESPN’s most recent mock draft after previously looking like a potential first-rounder. Diane is a ready-made replacement if one of them opts to depart. — Borzello
Record: 28-9 (13-5 in SEC)
How their season ended: Lost to Arizona in the Sweet 16
Expected departures
Darius Acuff Jr. (23.3 PPG)
Trevon Brazile (13.2 PPG)
Malique Ewin (9.9 PPG)
Nick Pringle (4.6 PPG)
Players with remaining eligibility
Meleek Thomas (15.6 PPG)
Billy Richmond III (11.1 PPG)
Karter Knox (8.1 PPG)
D.J. Wagner (7.4 PPG)
Isaiah Sealy (2.9 PPG)
Paulo Semedo (redshirt)
Karim Rtail (redshirt)
Top incoming recruit: Jordan Smith (No. 2)
The best guard of the class chose Arkansas over Duke and a host of other schools, helping push the Razorbacks into the top five of the 2026 recruiting class rankings. Smith is one of the most decorated and successful players among the incoming freshmen, having won multiple gold medals with USA Basketball and put up huge numbers on the grassroots circuit. While not nearly as explosive or electric with the ball in his hands, Smith is an ideal replacement for Acuff. Smith is aggressive and can get to the rim and really defend.
The Razorbacks are also bringing in five-star forward JaShawn Andrews and top-25 wing Abdou Toure.
Portal priorities: Injuries left Arkansas dangerously thin for stretches of this season, so John Calipari will likely want to improve his depth further down the roster. And while Acuff is almost certainly out the door as a projected top-five NBA draft pick, former five-star guard Thomas could go either way — he landed in the second round of ESPN’s most recent mock draft, though he has had some fantastic individual performances down the stretch of the season.
Other question marks: Will Wagner return? Will Knox forgo the NBA draft again? If they, Thomas and Richmond all return, Calipari will have a rotation nearly finished.
There will have to be a frontcourt revamp with Brazile, Ewin and Pringle all out of eligibility. As things stand, there might not be a natural point guard on the team, either. But Smith, Thomas and even Wagner — to an extent — have the potential to be the team’s primary playmaker. A Thomas-Smith backcourt, in particular, could excel at both ends of the floor. — Borzello
Record: 28-7 (15-5 in Big Ten)
How their season ended: Lost to Iowa in the Sweet 16
Expected departures
Rienk Mast (13.9 PPG)
Jamarques Lawrence (9.8 PPG)
Sam Hoiberg (9.4 PPG)
Players with remaining eligibility
Pryce Sandfort (17.9 PPG)
Braden Frager (11.7 PPG)
Connor Essegian (5.4 PPG)
Ugnius Jarusevicius (7.0 PPG)
Berke Buyuktuncel (6.7 PPG)
Cale Jacobsen (4.6 PPG)
Top incoming recruit: Jacob Lanier (No. 90)
Both Lanier and Colin Rice (No. 94) will help Fred Hoiberg’s team reload this season after losing a trio of seniors (and perhaps its best player, too). Both incoming freshmen should be physically ready — Lanier is 6-foot-5 and Rice is 6-8 — to compete in the Big Ten.
Portal priorities: This question is tied to a lot of unknowns for Nebraska. Sandfort is emerging as an NBA prospect after a strong season. Will he pursue the draft? Essegian should return after missing most of the season due to injury, if he’s granted a medical redshirt. If we assume Sandfort returns, then Hoiberg might want to boost his backcourt depth with Sam Hoiberg and Lawrence both leaving. But Fred Hoiberg has enough on his bench, along with the expected return of Essegian, to thrive. His real concern — assuming Sandfort is back — will be the loss of Mast, who has been an imperative standout for Nebraska’s frontcourt. Buyuktuncel might play a bigger role but it won’t be surprising if Nebraska pursues more depth in its frontcourt. — Medcalf
Record: 21-15 (9-9 in SEC)
How their season ended: Lost to Purdue in the Sweet 16
Expected departures
Jordan Pope (13.1 PPG)
Tramon Mark (13.5 PPG)
Dailyn Swain (17.4 PPG)
Chendall Weaver (5.9 PPG)
Players with remaining eligibility
Matas Vokietaitis (15.7 PPG)
Camden Heide (5.9 PPG)
Simeon Wilcher (5.7 PPG)
Nic Codie (4.1 PPG)
Top incoming recruit: Austin Goosby (No. 19)
Sean Miller could lose the bulk of his starting rotation this offseason, but the 6-foot-5 Goosby could be the Longhorns’ next star. The No. 1 recruit from the state of Texas has a chance to put together a one-and-done campaign. Depending on Swain’s decision, Goosby could become the top option from the moment he arrives. He headlines a Texas recruiting class that features two more top-100 recruits: Bo Ogden and Joe Sterling.
Portal priorities: Swain has emerged as a borderline first-round NBA draft pick following a fabulous season leading the Longhorns in scoring, so his potential departure could mean a significant loss in experience with senior starters Pope and Mark on their way out. If Swain leaves, Miller could use a veteran guard or two.
The Longhorns are also losing a lot of size in their frontcourt. Vokietaitis should be the centerpiece if he’s back, but Miller will have to add depth around him in the post. — Medcalf
Record: 27-8 (16-2 in SEC)
How their season ended: Lost to Iowa in the second round
Expected departures
Thomas Haugh (17.0 PPG)
Xaivian Lee (11.4 PPG)
Micah Handlogten (4.2 PPG)
Players with remaining eligibility
Alex Condon (14.9 PPG)
Boogie Fland (11.7 PPG)
Rueben Chinyelu (11.2 PPG)
Urban Klavzar (9.7 PPG)
Isaiah Brown (5.6 PPG)
CJ Ingram (2.2 PPG)
Viktor Mikic (1.3 PPG)
Alex Lloyd (1.2 PPG)
Alex Kovatchev (0.5 PPG)
AJ Brown (redshirt)
Top incoming recruit: Jones Lay (three-star)
Florida has essentially eschewed immediate impact freshmen under Todd Golden, landing only two top-100 recruits in the past four recruiting classes combined. The incoming class is no different, with only the unranked Lay in the fold. He will very likely be a depth player early in his career, then his future will depend on development. The Gators did take a couple of swings at recruiting top-50 prospects, but will instead go to the portal or overseas for the rest of their newcomers.
Portal priorities: Before Florida fully goes into the portal, the Gators will need to figure out which of their starters are returning to Gainesville. Haugh has played himself into a potential NBA draft lottery pick, so we can project him to leave for the NBA. But both Condon and Chinyelu were projected second-round picks in ESPN’s most recent mock draft, leaving their short-term futures more uncertain. Condon was a borderline first-round pick in 2025 and opted to return to school. It probably would cost at least $3 million to retain each, but they’ve been anchors for back-to-back No. 1 seeds, and Golden could see value in building around them again. Fland should return to school after also withdrawing from the NBA draft last spring.
If Condon, Chinyelu and Fland all return, Golden would need a Haugh replacement and additional shooting on the perimeter. Klavzar could move into the starting lineup with Lee gone, but he proved to be incredibly useful as a sixth man. Could any of the seldom-used roster players make a sizable jump and move into a consistent rotation role the way Isaiah Brown did from 2024-25 to 2025-26? It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Florida go into the portal or look at international players to bring in at least two or three more perimeter players. — Borzello
Record: 24-11 (12-6 in Big 12)
How their season ended: Lost to St. John’s in the second round
Expected departures
Darryn Peterson (20.1 PPG)
Tre White (13.8 PPG)
Melvin Council Jr. (12.6 PPG)
Jayden Dawson (2.1 PPG)
Players with remaining eligibility
Flory Bidunga (13.3 PPG)
Bryson Tiller (8.1 PPG)
Elmarko Jackson (4.8 PPG)
Jamari McDowell (3.4 PPG)
Kohl Rosario (3.3 PPG)
Paul Mbiya (1.1 PPG)
Samis Calderon (0.4 PPG)
Top incoming recruit: Taylen Kinney (No. 19)
Kinney is one of the best point guards in the 2026 class, and will step in immediately as the playmaking focal point of the offense with Peterson’s departure. He’s better as a scorer at this point in his development, especially when taking his defender off the dribble and attacking the rim. Kinney has improved as a passer and creator over the past year, so the next step on offense is becoming more consistent from the perimeter. His length should help him early as a defender.
Portal priorities: The frontcourt should be in good shape if Bidunga and Tiller both return; it would make sense for both to be retention priorities. Bidunga developed into one of the best defensive players in the country this season while also proving to be a capable scorer in the post. And Tiller showed very impressive flashes despite struggling down the stretch.
With Kinney coming in to run the show at point guard, that leaves the wings as areas to improve for Kansas. It’s worth keeping in mind that the Jayhawks are considered the frontrunner to sign SC Next 100‘s top overall recruit Tyran Stokes. If they do land him, that could change the calculus for their offseason roster construction. But with or without Stokes, they will need an immediate impact player on the perimeter — Rosario showed promise early in the season, and though he could take a step forward, Kansas would benefit from more proven production.
There’s also the elephant in the room: Bill Self’s status. Self said after the loss to St. John’s that he hasn’t decided on whether he will return next season. If he doesn’t come back, it’s entirely unclear how the Kansas roster will look. — Borzello
Record: 22-14 (10-8 in SEC)
How their season ended: Lost to Iowa State in the second round
Expected departures
Denzel Aberdeen (13.5 PPG)
Otega Oweh (18.6 PPG)
Jayden Quaintance (5.0 PPG)
Players with remaining eligibility
Jaland Lowe (8.0 PPG)
Collin Chandler (9.7 PPG)
Mouhamed Dioubate (8.8 PPG)
Brandon Garrison (4.7 PPG)
Kam Williams (6.0 PPG)
Malachi Moreno (7.8 PPG)
Jasper Johnson (4.9 PPG)
Andrija Jelavic (5.5 PPG)
Trent Noah (3.0 PPG)
Top incoming recruit: None
You’re reading that right: Kentucky does not have a single commitment from the 2026 class as of Tuesday. The Wildcats pursued Tyran Stokes, but as Jeff detailed above, it seems the No. 1 recruit is leaning toward Kansas. It appears that coach Mark Pope will again construct a roster comprising returnees and transfers — but as he learned this season, that’s a risk. The Wildcats reportedly spent more than $20 million on their 2025-26 roster yet finished only two games above .500 in SEC play and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament only because of a miracle buzzer-beater.
Portal priorities: This season’s roster never jelled the way Pope anticipated, which means he might end up building another from scratch, depending on who stays or goes.
The backcourt has to be his top priority. Aberdeen and Oweh are out of eligibility, which means that not only will Pope need elite guards who are capable playmakers and scorers, but he’ll also need depth — especially at point guard. The latter has been a problem throughout his tenure. Even if Lowe returns, Pope will need multiple players at both guard positions to anchor next season’s roster.
The next priority: a big man. Though Moreno could take the next step as a sophomore, and Dioubate has been solid for stretches, the Wildcats didn’t have a dominant big with Quaintance contending with knee injuries. The teams still competing for this year’s national championship — Michigan, UConn, St. John’s and Duke — have imposing big men. Kentucky can’t enter another season without a strong inside presence.
Finally, with Chandler the only reliable 3-point shooter on this season’s squad, Kentucky also needs more support on the perimeter. — Medcalf
Record: 24-9 (12-6 in ACC)
How their season ended: Lost to VCU in the first round
Expected departures
Caleb Wilson (19.8 PPG)
Seth Trimble (14.0 PPG)
Players with remaining eligibility
Henri Veesaar (17.0 PPG)
Luka Bogavac (9.8 PPG)
Jarin Stevenson (8.1 PPG)
Derek Dixon (6.5 PPG)
Jonathan Powell (4.8 PPG)
Kyan Evans (4.0 PPG)
Zayden High (3.4 PPG)
Isaiah Denis (1.9 PPG)
Jaydon Young (1.8 PPG)
Top incoming recruit: Dylan Mingo (No. 9)
Mingo is one of the elite guards in the 2026 class, despite being hampered by injuries for most of the high school season. He has great positional size and length, and projects to make an impact at both ends of the court. With Evans potentially leaving for the portal after struggling this season, Dixon and Mingo could share playmaking duties in the backcourt — if Mingo opts to keep his commitment, should Hubert Davis depart. Mingo didn’t pick Carolina until mid-February.
Portal priorities: Though Wilson is probably off to the NBA and Trimble is out of eligibility, Davis or his potential replacement will have to make Veesaar the priority. He had an early second-round projection in ESPN’s most recent mock draft, but he could opt to return to Chapel Hill for a substantial amount of money. If Veesaar is back at UNC, he and Stevenson should form one of the better frontcourt duos in the ACC. If Veesaar leaves, the Tar Heels will need to target a high-level big man in the portal.
In addition to a potential Veesaar replacement, the Tar Heels also probably will need an upgrade when it comes to perimeter shotmaking and explosiveness. None of Bogavac, Powell or Young were overly consistent as scorers. And though Mingo is a terrific addition — as is four-star forward Maximo Adams — neither is a knockdown shooter. If the roster falls apart following Davis’ potential departure, Veesaar, Stevenson and Dixon should be the retention priorities for a new coach. — Borzello
MANCHESTER, England — Manchester City might as well get the champagne on ice, with their first Women’s Super League trophy in a decade all but wrapped up in a sparkly blue ribbon. And where better to cement their claim on the WSL title than in their local rivals’ backyard at Old Trafford?
United needed no reminder which club was holding the reins in the WSL title race this season as “we are top of the league” reverberated around the half-empty stadium from the City fans, silencing the subdued home crowd.
That is a bit of an understatement. City are now 11 points clear at the top of the table and could be crowned champions in the next league game against Brighton if fourth-place Arsenal drop points in their three games in hand before then. United is second, but this title contest has always been a one-horse race.
The comfortable 3-0 victory encapsulated on Saturday all the reasons why City are worthy title winners. But perhaps the most standout reason is that they are the only side to have beaten all top three opponents this season after defeating Chelsea 5-1, Arsenal 3-2, and United 6-0 across both league meetings.
This win was all too easy for the visitors, as they took full advantage of United’s exhaustion in the midst of an unexpected run to the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinals against Bayern Munich. Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce made a fine save in the opening minute, but it wasn’t long before Vivianne Miedema struck twice in two minutes — both with her head — to open City’s account. She was loosely marked for the first, and rather than learning from their mistakes, United’s defense left her even more open for the second after a flowing move.
It was almost a third when Rebecca Knaak headed home in the 25th minute — a carbon copy of the first goal — but referee Kirsty Dowle ruled the goal out for obstruction on Tullis-Joyce by Aoba Fujino.
It was clear that City would not relent, and United had little opportunity to counter. When they could get going in attacking areas, a poor final touch often broke down a promising move. And things got worse in the second half. Having hit the crossbar from range earlier in the game, Lauren Hemp orchestrated the third goal as she barrelled down the pitch to beautifully set up Kerstin Casparij, who was racing into the box.
It is the mark of a worthy winner that even when prolific striker Khadija “Bunny” Shaw — in line for another Golden Boot title with 18 goals thus far — was playing far from her best, the team could comfortably cruise to victory. The Jamaica international struggled to bury her chances, but her work rate and physicality still proved too much for United’s backline.
Around this time last season, City fell apart after Shaw was ruled out for the rest of the campaign. Her injury, compounded by the absences of Hemp, Miedema, Alex Greenwood and Mary Fowler, completely derailed their campaign, and they finished outside the top WSL three and exited the UWCL at the semifinal stage.
But this chain of events set them up for success this season, though. After sacking manager Gareth Taylor and bringing in Andree Jeglertz, the squad’s return to full strength and key signings in both transfer windows allowed City to remain in the WSL driver’s seat since that opening-day defeat to Chelsea.
Their lack of European football has arguably been the biggest reason for their sustained success, as they have been able to rest and recover without a backlog of games, but the same can’t be said for United, whose league ambitions fell apart amid their debut UWCL campaign.
The “Theatre of Dreams” has become the “Theatre of Nightmares” for United this week. On Wednesday, they showed spirit to come from behind twice against Bayern Munich, but ultimately lost 3-2, which leaves them with a tough ask to overturn the deficit ahead of the second leg next week.
That result would have stung, but the loss to City would have hurt even more. Though a development from the pair’s first meeting this season — when United failed to register a shot on target in a 3-0 loss at the Etihad — United’s failure to compete with their- two shots on target, 37% possession and only 14 touches in the opposition box, was indicative of the gap between them.
United are clearly a team struggling to balance the WSL and Europe — which is nothing new — but the toll of the UWCL has been high. United have eight key players missing: six through injury, one through suspension, and one due to pregnancy. On Saturday, they had only five outfield substitutes available … three of whom were 18 or under.
“We’re limited with the squad we have,” United boss Marc Skinner said after the game. “The players are giving everything we’ve got. It’s nothing to do with anything more than that. The more fatigued you are, the less likely you are to get that body shape right. Tiredness creeps in.
“How we have to plan going forwards, if we want to continually go to the depths in this competition level, so the Champions League, League, Cups, we have to design the squad with bigger numbers and bigger experience if I’m being honest.”
That kind of thing is likely to impact any team, but United’s squad depth was small to begin with and now their hopes of salvaging their season hang by a thread. They have already lost the League Cup final 2-0 to Chelsea and were knocked out of the FA Cup by the same opponent; they could be out of the WSL top three by Sunday and out of the UWCL by Wednesday.
In truth, they were never going to stop City. The champions-elect have been the only real contenders for the title all season and, though they gave glimmers of hope after the narrow loss to Arsenal and draw with Aston Villa, their early points accumulation (while their opponents were battling through European fixtures), gave them enough of a cushion.
City will soon end their 10-year title drought, and no one could say they aren’t deserving winners; United’s only consolation will be that they didn’t seal it in their own back yard.
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