Inside College Basketball Now

Providence College coach Bryan Hodgson joins Jon to talk all things Big East basketball, what makes the conference the best basketball conference in the country and how that drove him to take the job at Providence. Additionally, they touch on his time at Alabama and what he learned from Nick Saban about coaching and work ethic. Plus, what makes Nebraska one of the best defensive teams Hodgson thinks he has coached against to this point ahead of Saturday's matchup.

Jon Rothstein breaks down some of the weekend's biggest matchups, including Michigan's national championship rematch vs. UConn on Friday, why Arkansas' Sunday matchup against Virginia has some big implications and more.

0:00 Intro

1:03 We won’t have a real idea about Duke’s rotation until the Champions Classic next week

9:16 Arkansas has the second-best bench in CBB behind Duke, Virginia looms on Sunday

17:19 Michigan is entering the lion’s den on Friday against UConn 

23:45 Answering your questions

29:19 Chase McCarty injury update

29:46 Jake Davis injury update 

30:14 UNC’s first true road game is on Dec. 12 

31:16 5 games to watch 

Jon Rothstein reacts to the first 24 hours of the college basketball season from UCLA's statement victory over Arizona to individual performances like Tommy Haugh and Rob Wright III. All that and plenty more from the beginning of the college basketball season.

(0:00) Intro + the season has begun!

(1:30) Three Big Things: UCLA, Thomas Haugh and Memphis’ big win

(18:39) Three Other Things to Note: Rob Wright, Illinois’ 120 piece and Notre Dame

(31:07) Games to Watch on Tuesday

(35:18) Questions from the army!

(39:52) Three Good Nuggets

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🎙ABOUT INSIDE COLLEGE BASKETBALL NOW

We're also the home for Inside College Basketball Now, hosted by Jon Rothstein. Known for his unmatched insider knowledge, bold takes, and relentless coverage, Rothstein goes deep to deliver what’s really happening in college hoops. From breaking down the biggest storylines to in-depth interviews with the top coaches in the country, this podcast is your all-access pass to the pulse of the game — 365 days a year. This. Is. March… and everything in between.

The 2026-27 college basketball season is HERE! Jon Rothstein breaks down the biggest storylines entering opening week, including why Florida and Duke look like the top two teams in the country, how close UConn is to joining that conversation, and why player eligibility could shape the entire season. Plus, can Kansas return to national prominence? What does the expanded 76-team NCAA Tournament mean for March Madness? And what should fans expect from Michigan under new head coach Mike Boynton? Jon also previews five must-watch opening week matchups, including Miami vs. Florida, Purdue vs. Gonzaga, Arizona vs. UCLA, and more! We'll also dive into Memphis' brutal opening schedule, Quinn Ellis' impressive start at St. John's, and answer your college basketball questions.

Jon Rothstein reveals his Top 45 teams heading into the 2026-2027 college basketball season.

The 2026-27 college basketball season is days away. Jon Rothstein reveals his first, second and third team All-Americans for the year. Who does Jon think will be the best of the best?

(0:00) Intro + Jon’s Preseason All-Americans

(4:10) First Team All-Americans

(11:10) Second Team All-Americans

(19:40) Third Team All-Americans

(23:00) Honorable Mentions

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🎙ABOUT INSIDE COLLEGE BASKETBALL NOW

We're also the home for Inside College Basketball Now, hosted by Jon Rothstein. Known for his unmatched insider knowledge, bold takes, and relentless coverage, Rothstein goes deep to deliver what’s really happening in college hoops. From breaking down the biggest storylines to in-depth interviews with the top coaches in the country, this podcast is your all-access pass to the pulse of the game — 365 days a year. This. Is. March… and everything in between.

Rick Pitino joins Jon Rothstein to discuss his success at Madison Square Garden, expectations for St. John's this season, and what it will take for the Red Storm to reach the Final Four. Pitino shares his candid assessment of a roster still learning how to play together, breaks down key players including Quinn Ellis, Ruben Prey and Tounde Yessoufou, and reflects on recent NCAA Tournament disappointments. Plus, his thoughts on Duke, Kentucky, a potential 76-team NCAA Tournament, the importance of Mike Repole to St. John's basketball, and why he still loves coaching.

Jon Rothstein gives 5 bold predictions for the upcoming college basketball season. Can Tom Izzo bring the Spartans back to the Final Four? Will the SEC reign supreme again?

Plus, conversation about new-look Georgetown looking to compete with head coach Ed Cooley and why Rothstein is high on USC heading into this college basketball season.

(0:00) - Intro
(1:30) - Bold Prediction 1: Michigan State
(7:35) - Bold Prediction 2: USC
(13:50) - Bold Prediction 3: SEC
(21:10) - Bold Prediction 4: Georgetown
(27:57) - Bold Prediction 5: New Mexico

Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland joins Jon Rothstein to reflect on his coaching journey, the Red Raiders' recent success, and the challenges of building a winning program in today's college basketball landscape. McCasland discusses handling adversity, learning from disappointment, JT Toppin's status, and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding NCAA eligibility.

Looking ahead, McCasland breaks down Texas Tech's 2026-27 roster, its challenging schedule, and the biggest keys to making another deep NCAA Tournament run.

(0:00) Grant McCasland

(0:30) First Memory

(1:50) Early Success

(4:20) Handling Struggles

(6:52) Experiencing Disappointment

(9:20) JT Toppin

(12:05) Eligibility Questions

(16:54) NCAA Landscape

(19:56) 2026-27 Roster

(22:04) NCAA Tournament

(23:54) Strength of Schedule

(26:58) Biggest Keys

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• Download and follow Inside College Basketball Now & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-college-basketball-now/id1823022867

Jon Rothstein tackles the biggest burning questions surrounding the Big 12 ahead of the 2026-27 college basketball season. With Houston and Arizona leading the pack, is there a true favorite? How many NCAA Tournament bids could the conference earn in a potential 76-team field?

Plus, can Kansas return to national prominence with the addition of Trey Kaufman-Renn? Rothstein also breaks down Texas Tech's loaded roster, why West Virginia could be a sleeper, and what to expect from one of college basketball's deepest conferences.

(0:00) Intro

(0:45) Big 12 Conference Favorites

(3:58) NCAA Tournament Bids

(12:45) Can Kansas Return to Dominance?

(18:30) Texas Tech Expectations

(22:30) Big 12 Sleeper Team

🎥 WATCH

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🎧 LISTEN

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• Download and follow Eye on College Basketball & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eye-on-college-basketball/id268800565

• Stream and follow Inside College Basketball Now with Jon Rothstein & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3t03SRmmslKzdQ5AtGlXiM?si=9443b63851324a18

• Download and follow Inside College Basketball Now & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-college-basketball-now/id1823022867