2026-27 Big East Preview

2026-10-07

The Big East enters 2026-27 with a clear championship tier, a crowded NCAA Tournament chase behind it, and several rosters capable of changing the shape of the league.

UConn gets the MMH nod at No. 1. St. John's has enough size, athleticism and proven scoring to push the Huskies all season. Villanova and Marquette form the next tier, while Creighton, Providence and Xavier all have realistic paths into the upper half.

The team MMH is watching most closely outside the expected contenders is Georgetown. The Hoyas are only 10th in the official Big East coaches poll and 10th in Bart Torvik's conference order, but the roster has much more upside than that placement suggests.

MMH Projected Order

The records balance to 110-110 across the league's 20-game conference schedule.

Other preseason picks

The title tier

1. UConn

Silas Demary Jr. gives UConn an experienced two-way lead guard, Braylon Mullins is poised for another jump, and Na'jai Hines supplies a massive interior presence after leading the Big East in blocks as a freshman at Seton Hall. Nik Khamenia and Jayden Ross give Dan Hurley lineup flexibility around them.

Question: Can the new frontcourt become championship-ready quickly enough?

Outlook: Favorite to win the league and a legitimate national-title contender.

2. St. John's

Quinn Ellis gives the Red Storm a 6-5 primary creator, allowing Ian Jackson to return to a more natural scoring role. Tounde Yessoufou is one of the most physically imposing wings in the country after averaging 17.8 points at Baylor. Babacar Sane and Ruben Prey give St. John's length across the front line.

Question: How quickly will a heavily rebuilt roster develop the defensive cohesion of last year's championship team?

Outlook: The clearest threat to UConn.

3. Villanova

Tyler Perkins returns after averaging 13.7 points and earning Big East Most Improved honors. Kwame Evans Jr. and Devin Royal provide two proven high-major forwards, while Darryl Simmons II and Elijah Crawford add scoring and creation in the backcourt. The addition of 7-3 Luigi Suigo adds another dimension inside.

Question: Who becomes the dependable primary point guard?

Outlook: A top-three Big East finish is realistic if the new backcourt settles quickly.

4. Marquette

Nigel James Jr. averaged 16.4 points and 4.9 assists as a freshman and enters the season as one of the country's best returning guards. Royce Parham gives Marquette a skilled 6-9 scorer, Adrien Stevens supplies shooting and defense, and Louisville transfer Sananda Fru gives Shaka Smart a true interior finisher and rim protector. Nolan Minessale adds another high-level creator.

Question: Can Marquette turn last season's late improvement into consistent winning?

Outlook: Strong bounce-back candidate with enough offense to push the top three.

The NCAA Tournament chase

5. Creighton

Alan Huss inherits useful continuity and adds backcourt production. Jasen Green is the tone-setter. Jackson McAndrew returns from injury, Oswin Erhunmwunse brings elite rim protection from Providence, and the guard group includes Brody Robinson, Wes Enis, Austin Swartz and BJ Davis.

Outlook: A dangerous fifth-place team with top-four upside.

6. Providence

Bryan Hodgson assembled one of the league's most fascinating transfer classes. Malik Mack knows the league. Miles Byrd is one of the best perimeter defenders in the country. Devin Vanterpool was FAU's leading scorer, Ryan Sabol is an elite volume shooter, and Dink Pate brings unusual size and professional experience.

Outlook: High ceiling, but greater volatility than the teams above them.

7. Xavier

Chance Westry gives Xavier a large playmaking guard, Tru Washington brings winning experience, Jovan Milicevic is one of the league's best shooting bigs, and Mike Nwoko gives the Musketeers a productive interior scorer. Ruben Dominguez adds high-end perimeter shooting.

Outlook: NCAA bubble team with room to climb.

8. DePaul

Layden Blocker returns at point guard, Kahmare Holmes arrives after averaging 19.5 points at Wofford, and Koree Cotton brings two-way production on the wing. The frontcourt could be enormous with Magoon Gwath, Wilson Jacques and Fabian Flores.

Outlook: Capable of beating anyone in the middle tier.

MMH Sleeper

9. Georgetown

Georgetown is MMH's Big East sleeper. Torvik places the Hoyas 10th in the conference, but gives Georgetown a 69.6 talent rating - second in the league behind UConn.

Jaland Lowe is the swing piece. If he returns to the form that produced 16.8 points and 5.5 assists at Pitt in 2024-25, Georgetown has a legitimate lead guard. Vyctorius Miller brings size and shot creation, Elmarko Jackson adds another athletic guard, and Caleb Williams and Kayvaun Mulready provide continuity.

Chol Machot was the CAA Defensive Player of the Year at Charleston, Josiah Parker was the American's Rookie of the Year at FAU, and Vince Iwuchukwu gives the Hoyas another Big East-sized center.

Outlook: Ninth is the MMH baseline, but Georgetown has the clearest path of any bottom-tier projection to jump several spots.

10. Seton Hall

Shaheen Holloway essentially starts over again. The Pirates added scoring guards Del Jones and Roddie Anderson, shooter Kareem Thomas, versatile wing Simeon Wilcher and a frontcourt led by Devin Williams and JUCO Player of the Year Terry Copeland.

Outlook: Tough defensively, but the floor is lower than it was last season.

11. Butler

Ronald Nored begins his rebuild with Jalen Jackson at point guard, Jordan Ellerbee and Christian Moore on the perimeter, and Treyson Anderson and Drayton Jones inside. Several international freshmen give Butler long-term upside.

Outlook: Better than the record may look, but the league is too deep to move them higher entering November.

MMH Top 10 Players

1. Silas Demary Jr., UConn
2. Braylon Mullins, UConn
3. Tounde Yessoufou, St. John's
4. Nigel James Jr., Marquette
5. Tyler Perkins, Villanova
6. Ian Jackson, St. John's
7. Miles Byrd, Providence
8. Na'jai Hines, UConn
9. Kwame Evans Jr., Villanova
10. Royce Parham, Marquette

Best Backcourts

1. UConn
2. St. John's
3. Marquette

Best Frontcourts

1. UConn
2. Villanova
3. St. John's

MMH Preseason Awards

Player of the Year: Silas Demary Jr., UConn

Freshman of the Year: Colben Landrew, UConn

Defensive Player of the Year: Miles Byrd, Providence

Breakout Player: Royce Parham, Marquette

Sleeper Team: Georgetown

Conference Champion: UConn