Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Jeff Borzello across Basketball, Football.
The 2026‑27 preseason landscape for Big Ten basketball is taking shape, driven not only by traditional power metrics but also by recent court injunctions that have cleared the path for 2022 recruits to return for a fifth year of eligibility. That ruling has reshaped rosters and, consequently, the expectations placed on each program.
The Crimson Tide rise to No. 14 in ESPN analyst Jeff Borzello’s latest early‑season Top 25, bolstered by freshman center TJ St. Louis as they prepare to open the 2026‑27 campaign at home versus Sam Houston.
The Volunteers welcome nine new transfer portal athletes, including high‑scoring guard Juke Harris and versatile forward Jalen Washington. Early predictions highlight Harris atop the scoring chart, while clutch guard Dai Dai Ames and breakout DeWayne Brown add depth. With strong defensive talent and a favorable early schedule, Tennessee is positioned for a deep SEC run.
ESPN's updated preseason Top 25 places Kentucky at No. 19, highlighting the impact of key transfers and a revamped backcourt under coach Mark Pope.
Duke's deep 2026‑27 squad features a fierce competition at power forward, with two elite freshmen vying for the starting role.
Tennessee remains inside the top ten of ESPN’s early rankings, bolstered by a deep transfer class and a schedule that includes a preseason showdown with Duke and a key non‑conference test against Michigan State.
Texas jumps to fourth in ESPN’s Way‑Too‑Early Top 25 after Marcus Spears Jr. pledged to the program, highlighting a revamped roster that could challenge for a championship.
Judge Charlotte Sweeney’s ruling granting a fifth year of eligibility to the 2022 college sports class has ignited a cascade of uncertainty, prompting appeals, roster reshuffles and a bipartisan legislative push for stability.
Mark Mitchell, a two‑time All‑SEC player, is exploring a return to college basketball through the transfer portal after a Colorado judge’s injunction extends eligibility to his class, raising questions about roster limits and NCAA appeals.
Missouri defensive tackle Sterling Webb secured a temporary restraining order that clears the way for a 2026 return, sparking debate over NCAA eligibility and affecting other Mizzou athletes.
A recent court decision has cleared the way for Missouri defensive tackle Sterling Webb to resume his collegiate career in 2026, while the university grapples with roster limits and potential comebacks for other alumni.
Tennessee's recent reliance on transfer players has set the stage for Juke Harris to become the focal point of a revamped offense, with the program ranked among the nation's top ten contenders.
Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats are banking on sophomore center Malachi Moreno to deliver a breakout performance and potentially launch a future NBA career.
A look at the Vols’ 2026‑27 roster, the national rankings they’ve earned, and what a 5‑seed could mean for their tournament path.
The Jayhawks enter the 2026‑27 season with high hopes, a new-look roster, and a No. 23 preseason ranking.
After four straight first‑round exits, ESPN ranks the Jayhawks No. 23, led by freshman Tyran Stokes and the potential impact of Serbian center Mihailo Mušikić.
The anticipated 2026‑27 season opener between the Wolverines and Blue Devils was called off after a venue shift and coaching changes, prompting Michigan to adjust its early schedule.
Michigan’s decision to part ways with coach Dusty May for the NBA has resulted in the cancellation of the 2026‑27 season game against Duke, a rematch of the national champion and the tournament’s top seed.
A young Serbian talent arrives in Los Angeles, promising offensive firepower while raising questions about defensive fit.
The Vols showcased new Adidas gear and a deepened lineup during a summer practice in Knoxville, highlighting the impact of newcomers and the program's ambition to finally reach the championship round.
Villanova’s basketball program has rebuilt its roster with size and experience, but still falls outside the preseason Top 25, prompting optimism for a deeper tournament run.
After a busy offseason that brought in size, depth, and international flair, the Wildcats hope to translate their upgraded lineup into a deeper NCAA run, even as analysts keep them out of the early Top 25.
Following Dusty May’s exit, Michigan retains top players and a top‑10 recruit, signaling a strategic push to preserve its championship pedigree.
Four‑star forward Lincoln Cosby has chosen to remain with the Michigan Wolverines after head coach Dusty May left for the NBA, leveraging the new 5‑in‑5 eligibility rule to bypass a redshirt year and join a roster bolstered by other top recruits.