As the 2026‑27 college basketball season looms, storylines are already taking shape across the nation. Among the most anticipated narratives is the return of JuJu Watkins, the Southern California phenom who has cleared the final hurdle of her ACL rehabilitation and is now back on the hardwood, poised to lead a revamped Trojans squad.
Key Returners and Departures
Watkins will not be the only veteran making a comeback. Jeremy Fears Jr. of Michigan State is set to anchor the Spartans for a fourth year, bringing a blend of scoring and playmaking that last season yielded 15.9 points and 9.4 assists per game. Meanwhile, Tyler Tanner will suit up for Vanderbilt once more, looking to build on his 19.5‑point average and 5.1 assists that helped the Commodores remain competitive in the SEC.
Not every rising star will be returning to campus. Koa Peat from Arizona announced he will stay in the NBA Draft after a freshman campaign that saw him average 14.1 points and 5.6 rebounds, while Morez Johnson Jr. has also filed his name for the draft, forgoing the remainder of his college eligibility.
On the sidelines, coaching stability and ambition are evident. Doug Gottlieb has secured a contract extension with Green Bay that runs through the 2030‑31 season, ensuring continuity for the program’s developmental pipeline. Across the Midwest, Brad Underwood has agreed to new financial terms with Illinois that could keep him at the helm through the 2035‑36 campaign, a deal that includes performance‑based incentives.
Will Wade, the newly appointed head coach at LSU, is already reshaping the roster. He has added a series of transfers and professional prospects, among them former St. John’s guard RJ Luis and several EuroLeague veterans, signaling an aggressive push to restore the Tigers’ national relevance.
The landscape also includes the end of a historic series between Kentucky and Gonzaga. The two powerhouses have mutually decided to discontinue their annual matchup, a move that reflects shifting conference dynamics and scheduling priorities.
Finally, the hiring of Emily Ryan as a full‑time assistant at Iowa State adds another layer of intrigue. The former Cyclones point guard, celebrated for her leadership and shooting, returns to Ames to contribute to the program that helped launch her professional aspirations.