Darin Smith Jr. is taking the next step in his career, transferring to Rutgers and preparing to compete in the Big Ten. Smith is coming off a season where he established himself as one of the nation’s best scorers, averaging 20.7 points per game, which ranked 21st in the country. With Rutgers returning a lot of key pieces from last season, the Scarlet Knights have high hopes for what Smith can bring to the team.

Smith’s 2025-26 campaign at Central Connecticut State was one of the best individual seasons in program history. He scored 621 points, the third-most in a single season in CCSU history, while earning NEC Player of the Year honors. His production helped establish him as one of the top players in the conference and set the stage for his move to the Big Ten.

At 6-foot-7, Smith is a versatile wing who can score at all three levels, giving Rutgers another dynamic offensive weapon. Even more intriguing, Smith has two years of eligibility remaining, giving him plenty of time to continue developing and proving himself at the highest level of college basketball. With his scoring ability and experience already under his belt, there’s no telling where his future can go.

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Georges Niang is heading into his 11th NBA season with the Golden State Warriors, creating an almost full-circle moment after originally joining the organization on a training camp deal back in 2017. Since then, Niang has built a successful NBA career, going from Philadelphia to Cleveland before joining Atlanta, where he averaged 12.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 40.7% from three during the 2024-25 season. After the season, Niang suffered an injury and spent much of last year working to get healthy. Now back with Golden State, he gets another opportunity with the organization where his NBA journey first began.

Before reaching the NBA, Niang spent all four years at Iowa State, where he established himself as one of the best players in program history. He earned All-Big 12 honors multiple times and helped lead the Cyclones to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances. Niang currently ranks second all-time in scoring at Iowa State and remains the only player in program history to reach the NCAA Tournament in four consecutive seasons.

Now, Niang joins a Warriors team that many around the league may be sleeping on heading into the season. With a mix of established stars, experienced veterans, and young talent, there is a belief within the organization that this group can be much better than outside expectations suggest. With Niang bringing another veteran presence and floor-spacing ability, Golden State could be one of the more intriguing teams to watch this season.

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Hank Morgan’s journey through the NESCAC was a story of consistent growth, culminating in one of the best individual seasons in the conference. After four years at Hamilton College, Morgan improved year after year, breaking through as a First Team All-NESCAC selection as a junior before taking another major step as a senior and being named NESCAC Player of the Year. His development at one of Division III’s premier conferences ultimately earned him an opportunity to chase his professional basketball dreams.

Morgan’s first year in the professional ranks was anything but conventional. He earned a spot with the Utah Jazz’s G League affiliate through an open tryout and got off to a strong start before ultimately being waived. The opportunity didn’t last long, though, as Morgan was picked up by the Maine Celtics, where he began to find his footing in a better situation. He averaged over 8 points per game while shooting above 40% from three, showing that his game could translate against professional competition.

After a strong showing at NBA Summer League, Morgan has put himself in a position to continue climbing the professional ranks. The Celtics organization places a significant emphasis on evaluating its G League talent, giving Morgan a legitimate opportunity to earn another chance in the system. After going from a Division III standout to an NBA Summer League participant, his next step could be another opportunity to prove that he belongs at the professional level.

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Evan Bradds is returning to his alma mater, Belmont University, where he was a two-time AP All-American Honorable Mention and the program’s all-time leading scorer during the Division I era. After his playing career, Bradds quickly rose through the coaching ranks, gaining experience at the highest levels of basketball and ultimately becoming the second-youngest head coach in Division I basketball. Now, he returns to Nashville with the opportunity to lead the program where he made his name.

Bradds’ coaching journey has taken him through some of the most respected organizations in basketball. Most recently at Duke, he was part of a team that won 35 games, while his NBA experience with the Boston Celtics and Utah Jazz gave him the opportunity to be instrumental in the development of players like Walker Kessler, Keyonte George, and Grant Williams. He also worked alongside some of the game's most respected coaches, including Joe Mazzulla, Brad Stevens, and Ime Udoka, experiences that have helped shape his approach as a coach.

Bradds now takes over a Belmont program coming off an MVC Championship under Casey Alexander, with several key pieces returning and expectations remaining high. Belmont’s tradition and consistent success have established a standard that Bradds will be expected to maintain, but his familiarity with the program and experience across basketball's highest levels make this a particularly exciting new era for the Bruins.

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Aaron Johnston has spent the last 26 seasons building South Dakota State University into one of the premier mid-major programs in women’s college basketball. Under his leadership, the Jackrabbits have dominated the Summit League, consistently winning conference championships and earning NCAA Tournament berths. Most recently, SDSU has reached the NCAA Tournament in four consecutive seasons, continuing a standard of excellence that has made the Jackrabbits the benchmark for success in the conference.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Johnston’s career is that he successfully guided the program through its transition from Division II to Division I without missing a beat. While many programs struggle through that process, the Jackrabbits quickly established themselves as contenders at the Division I level. Johnston has also intentionally challenged his teams with demanding Power Four non-conference schedules, believing those early-season tests prepare his players to compete in March and elevate the program into the national conversation year after year.

As South Dakota State enters a new chapter following the departure of star Brooklyn Meyer, plenty of attention will be on how the Jackrabbits respond. Even with key pieces to replace, Johnston’s track record suggests the expectations won't change. With a culture built on player development, consistency, and championship habits, South Dakota State is poised to remain one of the nation's top mid-major programs and a team capable of making noise in the NCAA Tournament every season.

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Bill Armstrong’s first season as a college head coach could hardly have gone better. Taking over at McNeese State University, Armstrong led the Cowboys to a 28–6 record, a Southland Conference Tournament Championship, and the program’s third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. Despite being in his first year leading a Division I program, Armstrong seamlessly transitioned into the role, building on McNeese’s winning culture while putting his own stamp on one of the nation’s top mid-major teams.

What made McNeese especially unique was its relentless defensive identity. Armstrong’s philosophy centered around applying pressure for the full 40 minutes, with the Cowboys utilizing a full-court press that consistently disrupted opponents and forced mistakes. The results were staggering, as McNeese finished among the national leaders in multiple defensive categories, including turnovers forced and steals, establishing itself as one of the most difficult teams in the country to play against. The defensive mindset reflected Armstrong’s coaching background, which included successful stops at University of Mississippi, Louisiana State University, and Baylor University, as well as a national championship-winning run at Link Academy.

Rather than taking a step back after a historic season, Armstrong has positioned McNeese for another strong run. The Cowboys added seven high-major transfers this offseason, bringing even more talent and depth into a program that has already proven it can win at a high level. With Armstrong’s system firmly in place and an upgraded roster entering the year, McNeese appears primed to remain one of the most dangerous mid-major teams in the country and a serious contender for another NCAA Tournament berth.

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David Richman continues to add to his legacy at North Dakota State University, leading the Bison to another Summit League Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance this past season. In the process, NDSU set a program record for wins in a single season, further cementing the team's place among the nation's top mid-major programs. More than a decade removed from winning a conference title in his first season as head coach, Richman has once again guided the Bison to the top of the Summit League.

What makes NDSU's success particularly impressive is its consistency in an era of constant change across college athletics. Richman has been a part of the program since 2003, helping establish a culture built on player development, accountability, and long-term success. While roster turnover and transfer portal movement have become the norm throughout college basketball, the Bison have remained one of the sport's most stable programs, with Richman's leadership serving as the foundation for that sustained success.

Now, the focus shifts to building on another championship season and continuing the standard that has defined NDSU basketball for years. As the program looks toward future Summit League titles and NCAA Tournament appearances, Richman is also closing in on becoming the all-time winningest coach in school history. With his impact already deeply woven into the fabric of the program, another milestone appears well within reach as he continues to shape the next chapter of Bison basketball.

John Groce is embarking on a new chapter as the head coach of College of Charleston, taking over one of the most tradition-rich programs in college basketball. Charleston boasts the sixth-highest winning percentage in college basketball history, and the program’s expectations remain as high as ever. By bringing in Groce, the Cougars have secured one of the most accomplished and respected coaches in the mid-major ranks to lead them into their next era.

Groce arrives in Charleston after a remarkable nine-year run at University of Akron, where he built the Zips into one of the most consistent winners in the country. Most notably, Akron captured three consecutive MAC Championships, becoming the first program in conference history to accomplish that feat. Under Groce’s leadership, the Zips developed a reputation for toughness, discipline, and sustained excellence, regularly competing for championships and earning national respect.

Now, Groce takes over a Charleston program that is already one of the most attractive jobs in mid-major basketball. With the school’s winning tradition, strong fan support, and resources, the Cougars are positioned to become a major force under his leadership. The combination of Charleston’s history and Groce’s proven track record has made the program one of the most intriguing stories in college basketball, and expectations will be high as the Cougars look to contend for championships in the years ahead.

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Jevon Yarbrough just completed one of the most dominant individual seasons in all of Division III basketball, leading Hood College to a historic year. Yarbrough guided the Blazers to a MAC Championship and helped deliver the program’s first NCAA Tournament win while rewriting the record books in the process. He set new single-season program records in both points and assists, cementing himself as one of the most impactful players in school history and emerging as one of the top guards in the country.

Following the season, Yarbrough became a highly sought-after player in the transfer portal, drawing significant interest and offers from both Division I and Division II programs. Instead of leaving, he made the surprising decision to return to Hood for his final collegiate season. In an era where standout lower-level players often move up immediately, Yarbrough’s choice to stay loyal to the program that helped elevate his career could potentially set a new precedent for Division III basketball players weighing similar opportunities.

Now, expectations around Hood basketball have completely changed. After reaching the Sweet 16 and returning the face of the program for one more season, the Blazers enter the year with legitimate national attention and championship aspirations. With Yarbrough back leading the way, Hood won’t just be viewed as a dangerous underdog anymore—they’ll be expected to compete with the very best teams in Division III basketball.

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Owen Foxwell’s basketball journey has already been unlike almost anyone entering college basketball. After spending the last four years playing professionally in Australia’s National Basketball League, one of the top pro leagues in the world, Foxwell steadily developed into a high-level guard while posting career-best numbers this past season. Originally committed to Louisiana State University, Foxwell ultimately reopened his recruitment before committing to University of Wisconsin, giving the Badgers one of the most unique and experienced additions in college basketball.

Foxwell’s move to the NCAA has sparked major conversation across the basketball world, particularly surrounding his eligibility. Because of his professional background in the NBL and the fact that he went through the NBA Draft process last year when he became draft eligible, many questioned whether he would still be able to play college basketball. His path has created broader discussions around international players, professional experience, and how eligibility rules continue evolving in today’s game.

Despite all the attention and uncertainty surrounding the transition, Foxwell is confident his professional experience will allow him to adapt to college basketball almost seamlessly. Having already competed against grown professionals for multiple years, he enters Wisconsin with a level of maturity, physicality, and understanding of the game that few incoming players possess. With high expectations surrounding both Foxwell and the Badgers, his transition from the NBL to the Big Ten will be one of the most intriguing storylines in college basketball next season.