76 college basketball predictions: Who will surprise, who will disappoint and who will win it all

(Joseph Raines/Yahoo Sports illustration)

The men's college basketball season tips off Sunday in Rome, Italy, when Villanova faces Notre Dame in a matchup pitting Pope Leo XIV's alma mater against a fellow Catholic power. To celebrate the start of the new season, here are 68 76 predictions sure to come true (unless they don't).

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - OCTOBER 23: Mark Pope the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats gives instructions to his team against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the exhibition at Rupp Arena on October 23, 2026 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) — Mark Pope is 46-26 in his two seasons leading Kentucky, but he's yet to finish better than sixth in the SEC.

LAWRENCE, KANSAS - OCTOBER 25: Tyran Stokes #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks is guarded by Sebastian Wilkins #5 during the first half of an exhibition game at Allen Fieldhouse on October 25, 2026 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Reed Hoffmann/Getty Images) — Kansas freshman Tyran Stokes is viewed as a potential future No. 1 overall pick.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 25: Head Coach Sean Miller of the Texas Longhorns instructs his team in the second half against the St. John's Red Storm at Madison Square Garden on October 25, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images) — In his second year at Texas, Sean Miller is poised to take the Longhorns deep into the NCAA tournament.

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