Imagine starting a basketball season with your team already labeled as the underdog by the experts—it's the kind of scenario that could either crush spirits or ignite a fire to prove everyone wrong! That's exactly what's unfolding for the Arizona State Sun Devils in the Big 12 Conference's preseason coaches poll for the 2025-26 season, released just this Thursday. And this is the part most people miss: while some might see it as a setback, it could be the spark needed for an unexpected comeback story. But here's where it gets controversial—do these early predictions really reflect the heart of the game, or are they just fueling the drama we all love in college sports?
Diving right in, the poll doesn't hold back its verdict on the Sun Devils. Coaches have unanimously placed ASU at the bottom of the pack, finishing dead last among the Big 12 teams. On the flip side, they've given a nod to the remodeled Arizona Wildcats, predicting they'll land in a solid fourth spot. For beginners trying to wrap their heads around this, a preseason poll is basically a snapshot of what coaches think before any games are played—it's like betting on horses before the race, based on past performances, player changes, and gut feelings. It's not set in stone, but it sure sets the tone for hype and expectations.
Let's break down why ASU is facing such steep odds. The Sun Devils wrapped up the 2024-25 season in 15th place out of 16 Big 12 squads, boasting a disappointing 4-16 conference record. Under head coach Bobby Hurley, the program has seen a lot of roster shuffling over the offseason, with just one returning player: guard Trevor Best. For context, roster turnover in college basketball can be a double-edged sword—it brings fresh faces and potential, but it also means losing chemistry and experience from the previous year. Key departures include Jayden Quaintance, who bolted to Kentucky, Adam Miller heading to Gonzaga, and Joson Sanon transferring to St. John's. This kind of flux can make building a winning team feel like starting from scratch, especially in a competitive conference like the Big 12.
Hurley, who's in his final year on contract, is up against long shots to claw his way back into the NCAA Tournament after missing it for two seasons straight. Skeptics might argue, 'Why bother if the deck's stacked?' But here's a controversial twist—some fans believe these low expectations could actually lighten the load, freeing the team to play with fewer pressures and surprise everyone. Think of it like underdog stories in movies: remember how the 'little engine that could' pulled through? Could Hurley turn this into ASU's moment?
Shifting gears to the bright side, the Wildcats are getting a lot more love in this poll. Arizona enters the season ranked as the No. 13 team nationally in the Associated Press Top 25 poll, showing they're already on the radar. Coach Tommy Lloyd's crew snagged what 247Sports calls the second-best recruiting class in the country, a smart move to bolster the team after stars like Carter Bryant and Caleb Love took their talents to the pros. Picture this: five-star talents Koa Peat and Brayden Burries, along with four-star Dwayne Aristode and three-star Bryce James—who, fun fact, is the son of NBA legend LeBron James—have joined the fold. This influx of high-caliber recruits comes on the heels of Arizona's impressive third-place conference finish last year at 14-6, where they punched their ticket to the Elite Eight as a four-seed. They took down Akron and Oregon before bowing out to Duke in the NCAA Tournament, proving they can play with the big boys.
But is this prediction of fourth place too conservative? Controversially, some analysts whisper that with this talent infusion, Arizona might punch above their weight and challenge for the top spots. After all, recruiting classes don't always translate to immediate wins, but they sure build excitement. The poll's top three—Houston, BYU, and Texas Tech—certainly have their own star power, with Houston even sitting at No. 2 in the AP Top 25. Interestingly, no players from either ASU or Arizona made the cut for the preseason All-Big 12 Team, and Texas Tech's JT Toppin claimed Preseason Player of the Year honors. It's a reminder that while talent matters, the overall team chemistry and coaching can make or break the season.
As the action heats up, keep an eye on the schedules: Arizona kicks off their regular season on November 3 against top-ranked No. 3 Florida in Las Vegas, while ASU starts at home against Southern Utah on November 4. These early games could set the narrative for the year.
What do you think—can ASU rally from these bleak expectations and shock the conference? Or do you see Arizona defying the poll and climbing higher than fourth? Is the preseason hype just noise, or does it shape how teams perform? Share your hot takes and debates in the comments—we'd love to hear your side!
