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After a 16‑16 finish and a 7‑13 Big East record, the Butler Bulldogs are navigating a turbulent offseason marked by departures, a rookie head coach and a influx of newcomers.
The Butler Bulldogs finished a .500 campaign in the Big East, saw a cascade of player exits and a veteran coach’s retirement, and now face a uncertain future under a rookie head coach.
Indiana will open a two‑game series with Butler at Hinkle Fieldhouse in October 2026, while also meeting Western Kentucky and North Carolina in preseason contests, as the program looks to build momentum after a third consecutive NCAA Tournament miss.
The Big East’s 2026 offseason saw most teams stumble, with Butler’s 16‑16 record and a cascade of departures setting the stage for a pivotal rebuild under veteran coach Ronald Nored.
Former Delaware star and longtime assistant Mike Pegues is set to join the University of Connecticut staff, where he will focus on developing the program’s emerging big men and leveraging deep ties to the DMV recruiting corridor.
Mike Pegues, a former Delaware standout who once held the school's all‑time scoring record, has been added to the University of Connecticut's men's basketball coaching staff as an assistant coach. His arrival adds a seasoned voice that blends on‑court instruction with a deep connection to the talent‑rich DMV recruiting corridor.
UConn head coach Dan Hurley revealed new additions to his staff, highlighting Pegues' extensive coaching background and McClelland's expertise in athlete development.
Gonzaga’s Graham Ike, a 6-8 forward, is being discussed as a potential late second-round pick in the 2026 NBA draft, having averaged 22.4 points and 7.0 rebounds last season and earned workouts with the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic.
The 2025‑26 Big East season was defined by UConn, St. John’s and Villanova’s dominance, while Butler Bulldogs prepare for a major roster overhaul under new head coach Ronald Nored.