Big East Preseason Rankings & Preview: Where UConn, Providence, and St. John’s Stand
By Rob Reinhart
The Big East enters the 2025–26 season with a mix of continuity and chaos — exactly what makes it one of college basketball’s most fascinating leagues. The top remains strong with St. John’s, UConn, and Providence, while the middle is as murky as ever, featuring proud programs like Villanova, Marquette, and Xavier fighting for NCAA Tournament positioning.
And lurking beneath them are rebounding giants — Georgetown, DePaul, and Seton Hall — hoping to crash the dance once again. Here’s where each team stands heading into the season:
2025–26 Big East — Projected Standings & NCAA Outlook
Projected conference records, NCAA seed lines, and preseason outlook for every Big East team.
| Rank | Team | Conf. Record | Projected Seed | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St. John’s | 16–4 | #3 Seed | Lock | Pitino’s Red Storm look poised to stay hot. Veteran leadership and elite defense. |
| 2 | Providence | 15–5 | #4 Seed | Lock | Balanced, deep roster — another NCAA favorite if healthy. |
| 3 | UConn | 13–7 | #6 Seed | Lock / Top 25 | Motion offense and veteran wings keep them dangerous. |
| 4 | Marquette | 12–8 | #7 Seed | Likely Lock | Guard play remains a strength under Shaka Smart. |
| 5 | Creighton | 11–9 | #11 Seed (Play-In) | Bubble – In | On the edge — résumé and consistency determine fate. |
| 6 | Xavier | 10–10 | #12 Seed (First Four) | Bubble – Out/In | Fringe bid team; a few big wins could push them in. |
| 7 | DePaul | 9–11 | NIT 2-seed | Long-shot Bubble | Rebuild shows promise; needs a breakout to reach NCAA talk. |
| 8 | Villanova | 8–12 | NIT 4-seed | Outside Bubble | Competitive at home but lacks top-end scoring. |
| 9 | Butler | 6–14 | — | Rebuilding | Heavy roster turnover; youth likely costs conference wins. |
| 10 | Seton Hall | 5–15 | — | Rebuilding | Defense keeps them close, but scoring is a concern. |
| 11 | Georgetown | 3–17 | — | Bottom Tier | Full rebuild mode; wins expected to be scarce. |
Note: These are preseason projections. Transfers, injuries, and late breakout performances will change the picture throughout the season.
The Contenders — St. John’s, UConn, Providence, Marquette, Creighton
Rick Pitino’s St. John’s revival continues to captivate the Big Apple. After a breakthrough 2024–25 campaign, the Red Storm return veteran guards, size inside, and the kind of defensive intensity that defines Pitino’s best teams. Madison Square Garden could host some magical nights again.
Providence had one of the best off-seasons in the country, acquiring one of the best scorers in the SEC last year and top-tier international talent in Stefan Vaaks. Expect Kim English’s squad to surprise everyone as a serious contender this year.
UConn, the league’s measuring stick, remains a juggernaut. Dan Hurley’s squad retools around its deep bench and defensive structure — and as long as they’re healthy, the Huskies will be a top-10 team nationally.
Marquette may not have the same star power as last year’s group, but Shaka Smart’s team still plays with pace and purpose. Their guard trio gives them a fighting chance in every game.
Creighton sits just a step below, but Greg McDermott’s motion offense and veteran wings make them a nightmare matchup. Expect a few marquee wins that remind everyone why Omaha has become a hoops hotbed.
The Bubble Brigade — DePaul, Xavier, Villanova
DePaul had it’s best season in ages last year as Chris Holtmann looks to be righting the ship. Expect their scrappy offense and retooled coaching to finally give Blue Demon Degenerate something to smile about.
Xavier is back in the conversation. The Musketeers’ mix of returning experience and a strong transfer portal class could push them into March, but inconsistency remains their biggest obstacle.
Villanova — once the Big East’s gold standard — is at a crossroads. The Wildcats’ talent is undeniable, but chemistry and offensive flow will dictate whether they’re a bubble team or back among the elite.
The Bargain Bin — Georgetown, Butler, Seton Hall
It’s been a slow climb, but Ed Cooley’s rebuild at Georgetown is starting to show results. The Hoyas have more toughness, more scoring, and, for the first time in years, real optimism. They may not dance this March, but they’ll spoil someone’s season.
Butler are both scrappy and dangerous at home, but lack top-end depth. Seton Hall remains one of the league’s stingiest defensive teams, though scoring woes persist.