Just In: Way Too Early Big East Power Rankings, significant changes this offseason

The Big East basketball landscape, renowned for its intense competition and historic programs, is experiencing significant changes this offseason. The conference boasts impressive achievements, with UConn securing consecutive National Championships and Seton Hall winning an NIT title. However, the scene is rapidly evolving as key players who contributed to these successes are moving on to the NBA Draft, transferring, or leaving college basketball entirely. This shifting dynamic sets the stage for our offseason power rankings, offering a glimpse into potential team changes and competition levels for the upcoming season.

In this period of transition, as traditional rosters dissolve and new ones take shape, it’s an ideal moment to speculate on the future Big East power rankings. Our rankings aim to predict the upcoming season based on current rosters while reflecting the transformative nature of today’s college basketball. As coaching strategies evolve and new leaders emerge, the conference becomes a dynamic mix of strategies and potential. Each team is just one strategic move away from a significant shift in their trajectory. Let’s embrace the unpredictability and excitement of the unknown as we explore which teams might rise, fall, and potentially redefine the competitive balance of the Big East.

Keep in mind, these Big East power rankings are early predictions, primed for an unpredictable season ahead.

Way Too Early Big East Power Rankings

11. DePaul Blue Demons

Under new head coach Chris Holtmann, the DePaul Blue Demons aim to recover from a tough 3-29 season, including a 0-20 Big East record. Holtmann, with a successful background at Ohio State, brings hope, though immediate victories may be ambitious. Significant roster changes include the departure of Jaden Henley and the addition of key transfers like J.J. Traynor, N.J. Benson, David Skogman, and Isaiah Rivera. These players are expected to make an immediate impact. Freshmen Chris Riddle and Sekou Konneh could also see considerable playing time due to these shifts. Despite these changes, DePaul’s overall roster depth and talent level indicate ongoing rebuilding. This season will focus on development and establishing a foundation for future competitiveness under Holtmann’s leadership.

10. Butler Bulldogs

Thad Matta continues to prove himself as a capable head coach at Butler, with each season showing improvement—from a 14-18 record in his first year to 18-15 last season. However, Butler remains behind the top teams in the Big East. The Bulldogs will struggle with a lack of offensive power, especially following the losses of Posh Alexander and D.J. Davis to transfers. While new additions like Kolby King show promise, significant changes in scoring are not expected immediately. The team also suffers from a lack of strong presence in the paint, a critical disadvantage in the competitive Big East. These factors contribute to Butler being ranked 10th out of 11 in the upcoming season’s Big East power rankings. Although the Bulldogs are improving under Matta’s leadership, they might still be a couple of seasons away from truly contending in the conference.

9. Seton Hall Pirates

The Seton Hall Pirates, under Head Coach Shaheen Holloway, start the season ranked ninth in the Big East power rankings, even after their recent NIT Championship win. They face a challenging season, having lost their top three players and scorers—Kadary Richmond, Al-Amir Dawes, and Dre Davis—which has created significant gaps in leadership and scoring. The team has brought in freshmen Godswill Erheriene and Jahseem Felton for depth, though they aren’t expected to have an immediate impact. Additionally, transfers Chaunce Jenkins, Zion Harmon, and Yacine Toumi will enhance the team’s capabilities. Despite these additions, the Pirates are not as strong as last season. They’ll need to focus on building cohesion and teamwork to have a respectable season and are unlikely to compete for the top spots in the Big East.

8. Georgetown Hoyas

The Georgetown Hoyas, coached by Ed Cooley, are ranked eighth in the upcoming Big East season power rankings. After a tough first season with a 9-23 overall record and 2-18 in conference play, the team faces an identity crisis. The departure of key players like Dontrez Styles, Ryan Mutombo, and Rowan Brumbaugh has cleared the way for new talent. Additions such as Malik Mack from Harvard and Micah Peavy from TCU, coupled with promising freshmen like Thomas Sorber and Kayvaun Mulready, hint at potential improvements. While not yet contenders, these roster changes could help the Hoyas climb back toward the top of the Big East. Mark this season as pivotal for Cooley’s revitalization efforts.

7. Villanova Wildcats

The Villanova Wildcats, led by third-year head coach Kyle Neptune, are ranked seventh in the upcoming Big East power rankings. The pressure to perform is mounting under Neptune, but people forget Jay Wright’s tenure started off a bit rocky too. The team welcomes back standout All-Big East player Eric Dixon and has strengthened its backcourt with new guards Wooga Poplar and Tyler Perkins. Freshmen Josiah Moseley, Matthew Hodge, and Malcolm Thomas are expected to contribute significantly due to the team’s current depth challenges. While Villanova is in a rebuilding phase and not yet at its historical peak, Neptune’s efforts are laying the groundwork for the team to become serious contenders in the coming seasons.

6. Xavier Musketeers

The Xavier Musketeers, led by the skilled Sean Miller, are ranked sixth in the upcoming Big East power rankings. Miller, known for maximizing player potential, faces the challenge of integrating a roster without any freshmen but filled with experienced transfers. Ryan Conwell, John Hugley, Lassina Traore, Dante Maddox Jr., and Marcus Foster are set to immediately impact the team. With the return of Zach Freemantle adding firepower, Xavier is expected to be more competitive this season. However, the key to becoming true contenders lies in how quickly this new lineup can gel into a cohesive unit.

5. Providence Friars

Under second-year head coach Kim English, the Providence Friars are ranked fifth in the Big East. English has quickly earned a reputation for his sharp coaching mind within both the NCAA and Big East. Despite losing star point guard Devin Carter to the NBA, the team’s morale remains high, ready to surpass expectations. The Friars have enhanced their roster with impactful transfers like Wesley Cardet, Jabri Abdur-Rahim, Christ Essandoko, and Bensley Joseph. They also have incoming promising freshman Oswin Erhunmwunse. This mix of new and returning talent endows the team with a blend of skill, size, and physicality, positioning them as formidable competitors. With its strategic depth and coaching, Providence is set to surprise as a potential dark horse in the fiercely competitive Big East.

4. Creighton Bluejays

Creighton Bluejays, ranked fourth in the Big East power rankings, face both challenges and opportunities this season. Key scorers Baylor Scheierman and Trey Alexander are off to the NBA. New transfers Pop Isaacs from Texas Tech and Jamiya Neal are poised to fill the offensive void. Isaacs, in particular, is expected to lead the scoring, leveraging his high-level experience. The team also benefits from Ryan Kalkbrenner, a potential four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, and a promising freshman class including Jackson McAndrew and Larry Johnson. Given Creighton’s consistent track record and strategic roster enhancements, they are well-equipped to continue their competitive run in the Big East.

3. St. John’s Red Storm

St. John’s University, under the legendary coach Rick Pitino, stands poised for a breakout season, ranking third in the Big East power rankings. In his first year, Pitino transformed the Red Storm into serious contenders, despite their controversial exclusion from the NCAA tournament. This season, Pitino has fortified the lineup with impactful transfers like Kadary Richmond, Deivon Smith, Aaron Scott, and Vincent Iwuchukwu, each poised to significantly elevate the team’s performance. Additionally, four-star recruit Jaiden Glover is ready to make an immediate impact. With these strategic additions and Pitino’s proven track record of success, St. John’s is set to redefine its standing in the competitive Big East.

2. Marquette Golden Eagles

Under Head Coach Shaka Smart, the Marquette Golden Eagles rank second in the upcoming Big East power rankings. Since joining Marquette in 2021, Smart has compiled a strong 75-30 record, dispelling initial doubts about his move from Texas. As the primary challenger to UConn in the Big East, Marquette is buoyed by the return of Kam Jones for his senior year, a key asset given his first-round talent status. The team also welcomes two 4-star forwards, Damarius Owens and Royce Parham, who are expected to immediately contribute given the team’s need at the position. Now in his fourth year, Smart’s recruits fully comprise the roster, positioning Marquette as a strong contender poised to make a significant impact in the conference this season.

1. University of Connecticut Huskies

UConn tops the upcoming Big East power rankings, largely due to Coach Dan Hurley’s dynamic recruitment and coaching style. The team has strengthened its roster with top recruits like Liam McNeeley, a 5-star small forward, and significant transfers such as Aidan Mahaney and Tarris Reed Jr., who are set to make an immediate impact. Despite key departures, the infusion of elite freshmen and transfers keeps UConn as a powerhouse. The team’s capacity to consistently replenish its lineup with high-quality players who thrive under Hurley’s rigorous coaching cements their position at the forefront of the conference. This blend of new talent and proven strategies secures UConn’s spot as the number one team in the Big East power rankings this upcoming season.