Every college basketball season creates opportunities for programs to rewrite their histories.
Some schools are attempting to win their first national championship. Others are hoping to reach the Final Four for the first time, end decades of postseason frustration or establish themselves in an entirely new conference.
The 2026-27 season features several particularly interesting possibilities.
Tennessee has repeatedly reached the Elite Eight without advancing to the Final Four. Iowa State hasn't reached the national semifinals since 1944, while BYU has never appeared on that stage despite decades of success.
Houston continues pursuing the national championship that has eluded the program, and Gonzaga begins an entirely new era as a member of the reconstructed Pac-12 Conference.
These five programs have different expectations, but each has an opportunity to accomplish something historically significant.
1. Tennessee could finally reach its first Final Four
Tennessee has developed into one of the most consistently successful programs in the country under Rick Barnes.
The Volunteers have reached the Elite Eight in three consecutive seasons, an extraordinary accomplishment in a tournament known for producing unexpected results.
However, one significant achievement remains missing from the program's history.
Tennessee has never reached the Final Four.
That distinction is surprising considering the program's success and the number of talented players who have represented the Volunteers over the years.
Tennessee reached the Elite Eight in 2010 before beginning its recent run of regional final appearances.
The Volunteers advanced to the Elite Eight in 2024, 2025 and 2026, only to fall short of the national semifinals each time.
Their most recent disappointment came against eventual national champion Michigan, which defeated Tennessee 95-62 in the 2026 regional final.
The result ended another outstanding season without producing the breakthrough the program has been chasing.
Barnes enters 2026-27 with considerable experience navigating March Madness, including a Final Four appearance during his tenure at Texas.
Tennessee also begins the season ranked No. 8 in the Associated Press preseason poll.
The Volunteers have demonstrated that they can consistently reach the final weekend of regional competition.
Now they must find a way to win one more game.
2. Iowa State could end an 83-year Final Four absence
Iowa State's Final Four history contains one of the most remarkable gaps among nationally competitive programs.
The Cyclones reached the national semifinals in 1944.
At the time, only eight teams participated in the NCAA Tournament, making the event considerably different from the modern 68-team competition.
Iowa State defeated Pepperdine in its opening game before losing to Utah.
The Cyclones haven't returned to the Final Four since.
That means a 2027 appearance would end an 83-year absence from the national semifinals.
The opportunity is particularly interesting because Iowa State has become a consistent national contender under T.J. Otzelberger.
The Cyclones have reached the NCAA Tournament in each of his first five seasons, including Sweet 16 appearances in 2022, 2024 and 2026.
Iowa State finished 29-8 last season, continuing its remarkable transformation from the struggling program Otzelberger inherited in 2021.
The school rewarded him with a long-term contract extension through 2036.
Iowa State enters the 2026-27 season ranked No. 18 nationally, providing another indication that the Cyclones remain relevant in the national conversation.
Reaching the Final Four would represent a significant achievement for any program.
For Iowa State, it would reconnect the modern program with a milestone accomplished more than eight decades ago.
3. Houston could finally capture its first national championship
Houston has reached the Final Four seven times without winning the national championship.
That history includes the famous Phi Slama Jama teams of the early 1980s, which reached consecutive national championship games but fell short of winning the title.
The Cougars returned to the championship game in 2025 under Kelvin Sampson.
Unfortunately, another opportunity ended in disappointment.
Florida defeated Houston 65-63, denying the Cougars their first national championship.
The loss was particularly painful because Houston had assembled one of the strongest teams in program history.
The Cougars finished 35-5 and won both the Big 12 regular-season and tournament championships.
Houston remained a national contender during the 2025-26 season, finishing 30-7 and reaching another Sweet 16.
Sampson's program has developed an extraordinary reputation for defensive intensity, rebounding and consistent execution.
Houston enters the 2026-27 season ranked No. 10 nationally, extending its run among college basketball's leading programs.
However, the program's ultimate goal remains unchanged.
The Cougars have experienced nearly every major accomplishment available in college basketball.
They have won conference championships, reached Final Fours and played for national titles.
The one achievement still missing is the national championship itself.
4. Gonzaga could become the first champion of the new Pac-12 era
Gonzaga begins the 2026-27 season in an unfamiliar position.
After decades of competing in the West Coast Conference, the Bulldogs are now members of the reconstructed Pac-12.
The move represents one of the most significant changes in the program's modern history.
Gonzaga officially joined the conference in July 2026, becoming part of a new nine-member league featuring Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Oregon State, San Diego State, Texas State, Utah State and Washington State.
The Bulldogs now have an opportunity to become the first men's basketball champion of the Pac-12's new era.
That achievement would provide an immediate statement about Gonzaga's place in its new conference.
Mark Few enters his 28th season as head coach after building one of college basketball's most consistently successful programs.
He has guided Gonzaga to 27 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and two national championship games.
Few also entered the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in August 2026, another milestone in his extraordinary career.
Gonzaga begins its new conference chapter ranked No. 15 nationally.
The Bulldogs will face a different collection of opponents and must adjust to a new conference schedule.
However, their expectations remain familiar.
Gonzaga has spent decades competing for championships.
Winning the first title of the Pac-12's reconstructed era would add another distinctive achievement to the program's history.
5. BYU could finally break through to the Final Four
BYU has one of college basketball's most interesting postseason histories.
The Cougars have appeared in the NCAA Tournament 33 times but have never reached the Final Four.
That statistic is remarkable considering the program's sustained success across multiple conferences and coaching eras.
BYU has produced outstanding players, captured conference championships and regularly competed in postseason tournaments.
However, the national semifinals have remained out of reach.
The Cougars reached the Sweet 16 in 2025 during Kevin Young's first season as head coach.
That run helped establish the program's potential under a coach with extensive professional basketball experience.
BYU returned to the NCAA Tournament in 2026, although its season ended in the opening round.
The Cougars enter the 2026-27 campaign ranked No. 25 in the preseason AP poll.
Young returns for his third season with another opportunity to build on the foundation established during his first two years.
BYU also continues competing in the Big 12, one of college basketball's most demanding conferences.
That environment provides difficult challenges but also valuable preparation for postseason competition.
For a program with 33 NCAA Tournament appearances, reaching the Final Four would represent an extraordinary breakthrough.
History is waiting for someone to make the next move
The five programs enter the season with different objectives.
Tennessee wants to reach its first Final Four. Iowa State hopes to return after an 83-year absence. Houston continues chasing its first national championship.
Gonzaga is attempting to establish itself as the first champion of a reconstructed conference, while BYU hopes to reach a stage it has never experienced.
None of those accomplishments will be easy.
The 2026-27 season features outstanding competition, and March Madness rarely follows the expectations established during the preseason.
However, each program has demonstrated enough success to make its historical opportunity worth following.
College basketball history is filled with teams that finally accomplished something previous generations couldn't.
The next chapter could be written by one of these five programs.
Every college basketball season creates opportunities for programs to rewrite their histories.
Some schools are attempting to win their first national championship. Others are hoping to reach the Final Four for the first time, end decades of postseason frustration or establish themselves in an entirely new conference.
The 2026-27 season features several particularly interesting possibilities.
Tennessee has repeatedly reached the Elite Eight without advancing to the Final Four. Iowa State hasn't reached the national semifinals since 1944, while BYU has never appeared on that stage despite decades of success.
Houston continues pursuing the national championship that has eluded the program, and Gonzaga begins an entirely new era as a member of the reconstructed Pac-12 Conference.
These five programs have different expectations, but each has an opportunity to accomplish something historically significant.
1. Tennessee could finally reach its first Final Four
Tennessee has developed into one of the most consistently successful programs in the country under Rick Barnes.
The Volunteers have reached the Elite Eight in three consecutive seasons, an extraordinary accomplishment in a tournament known for producing unexpected results.
However, one significant achievement remains missing from the program's history.
Tennessee has never reached the Final Four.
That distinction is surprising considering the program's success and the number of talented players who have represented the Volunteers over the years.
Tennessee reached the Elite Eight in 2010 before beginning its recent run of regional final appearances.
The Volunteers advanced to the Elite Eight in 2024, 2025 and 2026, only to fall short of the national semifinals each time.
Their most recent disappointment came against eventual national champion Michigan, which defeated Tennessee 95-62 in the 2026 regional final.
The result ended another outstanding season without producing the breakthrough the program has been chasing.
Barnes enters 2026-27 with considerable experience navigating March Madness, including a Final Four appearance during his tenure at Texas.
Tennessee also begins the season ranked No. 8 in the Associated Press preseason poll.
The Volunteers have demonstrated that they can consistently reach the final weekend of regional competition.
Now they must find a way to win one more game.
2. Iowa State could end an 83-year Final Four absence
Iowa State's Final Four history contains one of the most remarkable gaps among nationally competitive programs.
The Cyclones reached the national semifinals in 1944.
At the time, only eight teams participated in the NCAA Tournament, making the event considerably different from the modern 68-team competition.
Iowa State defeated Pepperdine in its opening game before losing to Utah.
The Cyclones haven't returned to the Final Four since.
That means a 2027 appearance would end an 83-year absence from the national semifinals.
The opportunity is particularly interesting because Iowa State has become a consistent national contender under T.J. Otzelberger.
The Cyclones have reached the NCAA Tournament in each of his first five seasons, including Sweet 16 appearances in 2022, 2024 and 2026.
Iowa State finished 29-8 last season, continuing its remarkable transformation from the struggling program Otzelberger inherited in 2021.
The school rewarded him with a long-term contract extension through 2036.
Iowa State enters the 2026-27 season ranked No. 18 nationally, providing another indication that the Cyclones remain relevant in the national conversation.
Reaching the Final Four would represent a significant achievement for any program.
For Iowa State, it would reconnect the modern program with a milestone accomplished more than eight decades ago.
3. Houston could finally capture its first national championship
Houston has reached the Final Four seven times without winning the national championship.
That history includes the famous Phi Slama Jama teams of the early 1980s, which reached consecutive national championship games but fell short of winning the title.
The Cougars returned to the championship game in 2025 under Kelvin Sampson.
Unfortunately, another opportunity ended in disappointment.
Florida defeated Houston 65-63, denying the Cougars their first national championship.
The loss was particularly painful because Houston had assembled one of the strongest teams in program history.
The Cougars finished 35-5 and won both the Big 12 regular-season and tournament championships.
Houston remained a national contender during the 2025-26 season, finishing 30-7 and reaching another Sweet 16.
Sampson's program has developed an extraordinary reputation for defensive intensity, rebounding and consistent execution.
Houston enters the 2026-27 season ranked No. 10 nationally, extending its run among college basketball's leading programs.
However, the program's ultimate goal remains unchanged.
The Cougars have experienced nearly every major accomplishment available in college basketball.
They have won conference championships, reached Final Fours and played for national titles.
The one achievement still missing is the national championship itself.
4. Gonzaga could become the first champion of the new Pac-12 era
Gonzaga begins the 2026-27 season in an unfamiliar position.
After decades of competing in the West Coast Conference, the Bulldogs are now members of the reconstructed Pac-12.
The move represents one of the most significant changes in the program's modern history.
Gonzaga officially joined the conference in July 2026, becoming part of a new nine-member league featuring Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Oregon State, San Diego State, Texas State, Utah State and Washington State.
The Bulldogs now have an opportunity to become the first men's basketball champion of the Pac-12's new era.
That achievement would provide an immediate statement about Gonzaga's place in its new conference.
Mark Few enters his 28th season as head coach after building one of college basketball's most consistently successful programs.
He has guided Gonzaga to 27 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and two national championship games.
Few also entered the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in August 2026, another milestone in his extraordinary career.
Gonzaga begins its new conference chapter ranked No. 15 nationally.
The Bulldogs will face a different collection of opponents and must adjust to a new conference schedule.
However, their expectations remain familiar.
Gonzaga has spent decades competing for championships.
Winning the first title of the Pac-12's reconstructed era would add another distinctive achievement to the program's history.
5. BYU could finally break through to the Final Four
BYU has one of college basketball's most interesting postseason histories.
The Cougars have appeared in the NCAA Tournament 33 times but have never reached the Final Four.
That statistic is remarkable considering the program's sustained success across multiple conferences and coaching eras.
BYU has produced outstanding players, captured conference championships and regularly competed in postseason tournaments.
However, the national semifinals have remained out of reach.
The Cougars reached the Sweet 16 in 2025 during Kevin Young's first season as head coach.
That run helped establish the program's potential under a coach with extensive professional basketball experience.
BYU returned to the NCAA Tournament in 2026, although its season ended in the opening round.
The Cougars enter the 2026-27 campaign ranked No. 25 in the preseason AP poll.
Young returns for his third season with another opportunity to build on the foundation established during his first two years.
BYU also continues competing in the Big 12, one of college basketball's most demanding conferences.
That environment provides difficult challenges but also valuable preparation for postseason competition.
For a program with 33 NCAA Tournament appearances, reaching the Final Four would represent an extraordinary breakthrough.
History is waiting for someone to make the next move
The five programs enter the season with different objectives.
Tennessee wants to reach its first Final Four. Iowa State hopes to return after an 83-year absence. Houston continues chasing its first national championship.
Gonzaga is attempting to establish itself as the first champion of a reconstructed conference, while BYU hopes to reach a stage it has never experienced.
None of those accomplishments will be easy.
The 2026-27 season features outstanding competition, and March Madness rarely follows the expectations established during the preseason.
However, each program has demonstrated enough success to make its historical opportunity worth following.
College basketball history is filled with teams that finally accomplished something previous generations couldn't.
The next chapter could be written by one of these five programs.
Every college basketball season creates opportunities for programs to rewrite their histories.
Some schools are attempting to win their first national championship. Others are hoping to reach the Final Four for the first time, end decades of postseason frustration or establish themselves in an entirely new conference.
The 2026-27 season features several particularly interesting possibilities.
Tennessee has repeatedly reached the Elite Eight without advancing to the Final Four. Iowa State hasn't reached the national semifinals since 1944, while BYU has never appeared on that stage despite decades of success.
Houston continues pursuing the national championship that has eluded the program, and Gonzaga begins an entirely new era as a member of the reconstructed Pac-12 Conference.
These five programs have different expectations, but each has an opportunity to accomplish something historically significant.
1. Tennessee could finally reach its first Final Four
Tennessee has developed into one of the most consistently successful programs in the country under Rick Barnes.
The Volunteers have reached the Elite Eight in three consecutive seasons, an extraordinary accomplishment in a tournament known for producing unexpected results.
However, one significant achievement remains missing from the program's history.
Tennessee has never reached the Final Four.
That distinction is surprising considering the program's success and the number of talented players who have represented the Volunteers over the years.
Tennessee reached the Elite Eight in 2010 before beginning its recent run of regional final appearances.
The Volunteers advanced to the Elite Eight in 2024, 2025 and 2026, only to fall short of the national semifinals each time.
Their most recent disappointment came against eventual national champion Michigan, which defeated Tennessee 95-62 in the 2026 regional final.
The result ended another outstanding season without producing the breakthrough the program has been chasing.
Barnes enters 2026-27 with considerable experience navigating March Madness, including a Final Four appearance during his tenure at Texas.
Tennessee also begins the season ranked No. 8 in the Associated Press preseason poll.
The Volunteers have demonstrated that they can consistently reach the final weekend of regional competition.
Now they must find a way to win one more game.
2. Iowa State could end an 83-year Final Four absence
Iowa State's Final Four history contains one of the most remarkable gaps among nationally competitive programs.
The Cyclones reached the national semifinals in 1944.
At the time, only eight teams participated in the NCAA Tournament, making the event considerably different from the modern 68-team competition.
Iowa State defeated Pepperdine in its opening game before losing to Utah.
The Cyclones haven't returned to the Final Four since.
That means a 2027 appearance would end an 83-year absence from the national semifinals.
The opportunity is particularly interesting because Iowa State has become a consistent national contender under T.J. Otzelberger.
The Cyclones have reached the NCAA Tournament in each of his first five seasons, including Sweet 16 appearances in 2022, 2024 and 2026.
Iowa State finished 29-8 last season, continuing its remarkable transformation from the struggling program Otzelberger inherited in 2021.
The school rewarded him with a long-term contract extension through 2036.
Iowa State enters the 2026-27 season ranked No. 18 nationally, providing another indication that the Cyclones remain relevant in the national conversation.
Reaching the Final Four would represent a significant achievement for any program.
For Iowa State, it would reconnect the modern program with a milestone accomplished more than eight decades ago.
3. Houston could finally capture its first national championship
Houston has reached the Final Four seven times without winning the national championship.
That history includes the famous Phi Slama Jama teams of the early 1980s, which reached consecutive national championship games but fell short of winning the title.
The Cougars returned to the championship game in 2025 under Kelvin Sampson.
Unfortunately, another opportunity ended in disappointment.
Florida defeated Houston 65-63, denying the Cougars their first national championship.
The loss was particularly painful because Houston had assembled one of the strongest teams in program history.
The Cougars finished 35-5 and won both the Big 12 regular-season and tournament championships.
Houston remained a national contender during the 2025-26 season, finishing 30-7 and reaching another Sweet 16.
Sampson's program has developed an extraordinary reputation for defensive intensity, rebounding and consistent execution.
Houston enters the 2026-27 season ranked No. 10 nationally, extending its run among college basketball's leading programs.
However, the program's ultimate goal remains unchanged.
The Cougars have experienced nearly every major accomplishment available in college basketball.
They have won conference championships, reached Final Fours and played for national titles.
The one achievement still missing is the national championship itself.
4. Gonzaga could become the first champion of the new Pac-12 era
Gonzaga begins the 2026-27 season in an unfamiliar position.
After decades of competing in the West Coast Conference, the Bulldogs are now members of the reconstructed Pac-12.
The move represents one of the most significant changes in the program's modern history.
Gonzaga officially joined the conference in July 2026, becoming part of a new nine-member league featuring Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Oregon State, San Diego State, Texas State, Utah State and Washington State.
The Bulldogs now have an opportunity to become the first men's basketball champion of the Pac-12's new era.
That achievement would provide an immediate statement about Gonzaga's place in its new conference.
Mark Few enters his 28th season as head coach after building one of college basketball's most consistently successful programs.
He has guided Gonzaga to 27 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and two national championship games.
Few also entered the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in August 2026, another milestone in his extraordinary career.
Gonzaga begins its new conference chapter ranked No. 15 nationally.
The Bulldogs will face a different collection of opponents and must adjust to a new conference schedule.
However, their expectations remain familiar.
Gonzaga has spent decades competing for championships.
Winning the first title of the Pac-12's reconstructed era would add another distinctive achievement to the program's history.
5. BYU could finally break through to the Final Four
BYU has one of college basketball's most interesting postseason histories.
The Cougars have appeared in the NCAA Tournament 33 times but have never reached the Final Four.
That statistic is remarkable considering the program's sustained success across multiple conferences and coaching eras.
BYU has produced outstanding players, captured conference championships and regularly competed in postseason tournaments.
However, the national semifinals have remained out of reach.
The Cougars reached the Sweet 16 in 2025 during Kevin Young's first season as head coach.
That run helped establish the program's potential under a coach with extensive professional basketball experience.
BYU returned to the NCAA Tournament in 2026, although its season ended in the opening round.
The Cougars enter the 2026-27 campaign ranked No. 25 in the preseason AP poll.
Young returns for his third season with another opportunity to build on the foundation established during his first two years.
BYU also continues competing in the Big 12, one of college basketball's most demanding conferences.
That environment provides difficult challenges but also valuable preparation for postseason competition.
For a program with 33 NCAA Tournament appearances, reaching the Final Four would represent an extraordinary breakthrough.
History is waiting for someone to make the next move
The five programs enter the season with different objectives.
Tennessee wants to reach its first Final Four. Iowa State hopes to return after an 83-year absence. Houston continues chasing its first national championship.
Gonzaga is attempting to establish itself as the first champion of a reconstructed conference, while BYU hopes to reach a stage it has never experienced.
None of those accomplishments will be easy.
The 2026-27 season features outstanding competition, and March Madness rarely follows the expectations established during the preseason.
However, each program has demonstrated enough success to make its historical opportunity worth following.
College basketball history is filled with teams that finally accomplished something previous generations couldn't.
The next chapter could be written by one of these five programs.
Every college basketball season creates opportunities for programs to rewrite their histories.
Some schools are attempting to win their first national championship. Others are hoping to reach the Final Four for the first time, end decades of postseason frustration or establish themselves in an entirely new conference.
The 2026-27 season features several particularly interesting possibilities.
Tennessee has repeatedly reached the Elite Eight without advancing to the Final Four. Iowa State hasn't reached the national semifinals since 1944, while BYU has never appeared on that stage despite decades of success.
Houston continues pursuing the national championship that has eluded the program, and Gonzaga begins an entirely new era as a member of the reconstructed Pac-12 Conference.
These five programs have different expectations, but each has an opportunity to accomplish something historically significant.
1. Tennessee could finally reach its first Final Four
Tennessee has developed into one of the most consistently successful programs in the country under Rick Barnes.
The Volunteers have reached the Elite Eight in three consecutive seasons, an extraordinary accomplishment in a tournament known for producing unexpected results.
However, one significant achievement remains missing from the program's history.
Tennessee has never reached the Final Four.
That distinction is surprising considering the program's success and the number of talented players who have represented the Volunteers over the years.
Tennessee reached the Elite Eight in 2010 before beginning its recent run of regional final appearances.
The Volunteers advanced to the Elite Eight in 2024, 2025 and 2026, only to fall short of the national semifinals each time.
Their most recent disappointment came against eventual national champion Michigan, which defeated Tennessee 95-62 in the 2026 regional final.
The result ended another outstanding season without producing the breakthrough the program has been chasing.
Barnes enters 2026-27 with considerable experience navigating March Madness, including a Final Four appearance during his tenure at Texas.
Tennessee also begins the season ranked No. 8 in the Associated Press preseason poll.
The Volunteers have demonstrated that they can consistently reach the final weekend of regional competition.
Now they must find a way to win one more game.
2. Iowa State could end an 83-year Final Four absence
Iowa State's Final Four history contains one of the most remarkable gaps among nationally competitive programs.
The Cyclones reached the national semifinals in 1944.
At the time, only eight teams participated in the NCAA Tournament, making the event considerably different from the modern 68-team competition.
Iowa State defeated Pepperdine in its opening game before losing to Utah.
The Cyclones haven't returned to the Final Four since.
That means a 2027 appearance would end an 83-year absence from the national semifinals.
The opportunity is particularly interesting because Iowa State has become a consistent national contender under T.J. Otzelberger.
The Cyclones have reached the NCAA Tournament in each of his first five seasons, including Sweet 16 appearances in 2022, 2024 and 2026.
Iowa State finished 29-8 last season, continuing its remarkable transformation from the struggling program Otzelberger inherited in 2021.
The school rewarded him with a long-term contract extension through 2036.
Iowa State enters the 2026-27 season ranked No. 18 nationally, providing another indication that the Cyclones remain relevant in the national conversation.
Reaching the Final Four would represent a significant achievement for any program.
For Iowa State, it would reconnect the modern program with a milestone accomplished more than eight decades ago.
3. Houston could finally capture its first national championship
Houston has reached the Final Four seven times without winning the national championship.
That history includes the famous Phi Slama Jama teams of the early 1980s, which reached consecutive national championship games but fell short of winning the title.
The Cougars returned to the championship game in 2025 under Kelvin Sampson.
Unfortunately, another opportunity ended in disappointment.
Florida defeated Houston 65-63, denying the Cougars their first national championship.
The loss was particularly painful because Houston had assembled one of the strongest teams in program history.
The Cougars finished 35-5 and won both the Big 12 regular-season and tournament championships.
Houston remained a national contender during the 2025-26 season, finishing 30-7 and reaching another Sweet 16.
Sampson's program has developed an extraordinary reputation for defensive intensity, rebounding and consistent execution.
Houston enters the 2026-27 season ranked No. 10 nationally, extending its run among college basketball's leading programs.
However, the program's ultimate goal remains unchanged.
The Cougars have experienced nearly every major accomplishment available in college basketball.
They have won conference championships, reached Final Fours and played for national titles.
The one achievement still missing is the national championship itself.
4. Gonzaga could become the first champion of the new Pac-12 era
Gonzaga begins the 2026-27 season in an unfamiliar position.
After decades of competing in the West Coast Conference, the Bulldogs are now members of the reconstructed Pac-12.
The move represents one of the most significant changes in the program's modern history.
Gonzaga officially joined the conference in July 2026, becoming part of a new nine-member league featuring Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Oregon State, San Diego State, Texas State, Utah State and Washington State.
The Bulldogs now have an opportunity to become the first men's basketball champion of the Pac-12's new era.
That achievement would provide an immediate statement about Gonzaga's place in its new conference.
Mark Few enters his 28th season as head coach after building one of college basketball's most consistently successful programs.
He has guided Gonzaga to 27 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and two national championship games.
Few also entered the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in August 2026, another milestone in his extraordinary career.
Gonzaga begins its new conference chapter ranked No. 15 nationally.
The Bulldogs will face a different collection of opponents and must adjust to a new conference schedule.
However, their expectations remain familiar.
Gonzaga has spent decades competing for championships.
Winning the first title of the Pac-12's reconstructed era would add another distinctive achievement to the program's history.
5. BYU could finally break through to the Final Four
BYU has one of college basketball's most interesting postseason histories.
The Cougars have appeared in the NCAA Tournament 33 times but have never reached the Final Four.
That statistic is remarkable considering the program's sustained success across multiple conferences and coaching eras.
BYU has produced outstanding players, captured conference championships and regularly competed in postseason tournaments.
However, the national semifinals have remained out of reach.
The Cougars reached the Sweet 16 in 2025 during Kevin Young's first season as head coach.
That run helped establish the program's potential under a coach with extensive professional basketball experience.
BYU returned to the NCAA Tournament in 2026, although its season ended in the opening round.
The Cougars enter the 2026-27 campaign ranked No. 25 in the preseason AP poll.
Young returns for his third season with another opportunity to build on the foundation established during his first two years.
BYU also continues competing in the Big 12, one of college basketball's most demanding conferences.
That environment provides difficult challenges but also valuable preparation for postseason competition.
For a program with 33 NCAA Tournament appearances, reaching the Final Four would represent an extraordinary breakthrough.
History is waiting for someone to make the next move
The five programs enter the season with different objectives.
Tennessee wants to reach its first Final Four. Iowa State hopes to return after an 83-year absence. Houston continues chasing its first national championship.
Gonzaga is attempting to establish itself as the first champion of a reconstructed conference, while BYU hopes to reach a stage it has never experienced.
None of those accomplishments will be easy.
The 2026-27 season features outstanding competition, and March Madness rarely follows the expectations established during the preseason.
However, each program has demonstrated enough success to make its historical opportunity worth following.
College basketball history is filled with teams that finally accomplished something previous generations couldn't.
The next chapter could be written by one of these five programs.
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