Early 2026-27 Big East College Basketball Preview

Jon Rothstein previews the 2026-27 Big East Conference season, explaining why UConn enters as the team to beat once again. Plus, why the conference needs to double its NCAA Tournament representation, how Donnie Freeman's season-ending injury impacts St. John's, and his full preseason power rankings from top to bottom. Rothstein also reveals his preseason Big East awards, including Player of the Year, First Team All-Big East, sleeper picks, breakout candidates, impact freshmen, answers Twitter questions, and wraps up with his big-picture thoughts on one of college basketball's premier conferences. (2:50) The Big East Needs More NCAA Tournament Bids (5:10) UConn Is the Team to Beat (9:15) Donnie Freeman's Injury Changes St. John's (13:52) Big East Power Rankings (25:30) Big East Preseason Awards (29:55) Twitter Questions (40:16) Big Picture Big East Thoughts