The Big East Conference, once a powerhouse in college basketball, saw a dramatic decline following the 2013 realignment, losing key programs. Despite occasional successes, such as UConn’s recent national championships, the conference has struggled with competitiveness, sending only three teams to the NCAA tournament in two of the last three years. In 2025-26, only four teams boasted winning records, with former strong teams like Marquette and Xavier faltering. However, 2026 might signal a turnaround, as many teams bolstered their rosters through the transfer portal, bringing hope for a resurgence reminiscent of its glory days in the 2010s.

By the Numbers
  • Only four of the 11 Big East teams finished with winning records in 2025-26.
  • Xavier brought in seven transfers, including five four-star recruits.
  • Six teams ranked in the top 25 for transfer portal additions in 2026.
State of Play
  • Big East teams like Georgetown and DePaul are looking to bounce back with new talent.
  • Providence secured the AAC Coach of the Year and multiple top transfers for 2026.
  • Xavier's significant transfer signings indicate a shift towards competitiveness.
What's Next

If the transferred players perform as expected, the Big East could reclaim its status as a competitive conference by 2026, potentially sending more teams to the NCAA tournament. These changes might help revitalize struggling programs and foster renewed rivalries.

Bottom Line

The Big East is at a crucial crossroads; strategic roster enhancements and effective coaching could mark the return of a revitalized conference, reclaiming some of its former glory in the college basketball landscape.