Sweet Science Sports | 2026–27 College Basketball Preview
UConn enters the season with one goal: return to the national championship game and finish the job.
The Huskies finished 34–6 last season and advanced to the NCAA Tournament championship game before falling 69–63 to Michigan.
Dan Hurley has established UConn as one of college basketball's premier programs, but another championship run will require a reconstructed frontcourt and a young backcourt to develop quickly.
Mullins Takes Center Stage
Sophomore guard Braylon Mullins returns as one of UConn's most important offensive weapons.
Mullins averaged 12.0 points and 3.5 rebounds last season, connecting on 72 three-pointers.
He opened the 2026–27 season with 20 points in an 86–46 victory over Gardner-Webb.
Silas Demary Jr. provides experienced backcourt leadership, while Jayden Ross offers additional athleticism and defensive versatility.
Duke transfer Nik Khamenia strengthens the wing rotation.
Replacing Karaban and Reed
UConn must replace two of last season's most important players.
Alex Karaban provided championship experience and floor spacing, while Tarris Reed Jr. was particularly effective during the NCAA Tournament.
Their departures place greater responsibility on Khamenia and Seton Hall transfer Na'jai Hines.
Hines opened the season with 12 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks.
Solo Ball's recovery from wrist surgery also creates uncertainty about UConn's backcourt depth.
Eight Games Against AP Top 25 Opponents
| Opponent | AP Rank | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Duke | #2 | 1 |
| Illinois | #3 | 1 |
| Arizona | #5 | 1 |
| Virginia | #9 | 1 |
| St. John's | #13 | 2 |
| Michigan | #16 | 1 |
| Kansas | #17 | 1 |
| Total | 8 |
Average Ranked Opponent: No. 9.8
UConn's nonconference schedule is particularly demanding. The Huskies face Arizona, Duke, Illinois, Kansas, Virginia and Michigan before the heart of Big East competition.
Can UConn Win the Big East?
Absolutely.
The Huskies were selected first in the conference's preseason coaches' poll, receiving eight of eleven first-place votes.
St. John's is their primary challenger.
UConn's combination of backcourt scoring, frontcourt potential and championship experience makes it our choice to win the Big East.
S³ Season Projection
| Category | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Proposed Record | 28–4 |
| Big East Record | 18–2 |
| Best Player | Braylon Mullins |
| Biggest X-Factor | Na'jai Hines |
| Ranked Games | 8 |
| Average Ranked Opponent | #9.8 |
| Big East Championship | Favorite |
| Expected NCAA Finish | Final Four |
| Tournament Ceiling | National Champion |
| Possible Downside | Elite Eight |
| Further Downside | Sweet 16 |
S³ Final Word
UConn's roster isn't identical to last season's national runner-up, but Hurley has assembled the personnel to make another championship run.
Mullins provides dependable perimeter scoring. Demary offers backcourt leadership, and the newcomers give UConn options in the frontcourt.
The biggest challenges are replacing championship experience and maintaining consistency against a difficult nonconference schedule.
S³ projects UConn to finish 28–4 and reach the Final Four.
A national championship is a legitimate possibility.
S³ Prediction: 28–4 | Final Four | National Championship Ceiling.
Rank the team, not the reputation.
