The St. Thomas Tommies have quietly become one of college basketball’s most impressive success stories.
Building a Winner in St. Paul
After posting back-to-back 20-win seasons, they enter the 2025–26 campaign as a legitimate contender to reach the NCAA Tournament in just their fifth year at the Division I level.
At the heart of that rise is head coach Johnny Tauer, a St. Thomas lifer whose connection to the program runs deep.
Jon Tauer: From Player to Program Builder
Tauer, now 53, has never coached or played anywhere else. A former standout under legendary coach Steve Fritz, he helped lead St. Thomas to the 1994 Division III Final Four. His name still ranks among the school’s all-time leaders in scoring, rebounding, and three-point shooting.
After his playing career, Tauer joined the coaching staff and has been part of the program since 2000. He took over as head coach in 2011 and has built a remarkable record of 291–107, a model of consistency and culture.
Championship Pedigree and Consistent Success
During his tenure, Tauer has guided the Tommies to eight regular-season conference titles, four conference tournament crowns, and the 2016 NCAA Division III national championship. He’s only endured one losing season, the team’s first after transitioning to Division I play in 2021–22.
Since then, St. Thomas has flourished. The Tommies have won 30 of their last 50 Summit League games and finished second in the league last season.
Transitioning to Division I Relevance
Even though they were ineligible for the NCAA Tournament in 2024–25, the Tommies still reached the Summit League championship game, beating Denver and North Dakota before falling to Omaha 85–75 in Sioux Falls. That deep tournament run signaled that St. Thomas was no longer a feel-good story, it’s a legitimate contender.
The 2025–26 Outlook
The new season begins with a tough test as the Tommies travel west to face Saint Mary’s on November 3, a program they aspire to emulate. They return home five days later to face Army in their season opener in St. Paul, followed by another road challenge at Washington State.
Conference play begins January 3 when Denver visits, followed by South Dakota in another early-season home matchup.
St. Thomas enters the year as the preseason pick to win the Summit League for the first time in school history. Sophomore Nolan Minessale, the league’s preseason Player of the Year, will lead the charge as Tauer’s squad looks to make history.
The Moment They’ve Been Building Toward
Tauer has spent nearly three decades turning St. Thomas basketball into a model of consistency and pride. Now, as the Tommies stand on the brink of their first Division I NCAA Tournament appearance, his long-term vision is finally within reach.
If the 2025–26 season plays out as many expect, Tauer’s loyalty to St. Paul could be rewarded with a place in March Madness, and the next great chapter in St. Thomas basketball history.