A new era begins in Spokane.
After decades of dominating the West Coast Conference, Gonzaga enters the 2026–27 college basketball season as a member of the reconstructed Pac-12.
Head coach Mark Few faces a familiar challenge with a different roster: winning conference championships while preparing his team for the demanding competition awaiting it during March Madness.
The Bulldogs enter the S³ preseason rankings at No. 15 following a 31–4 campaign that ended in the NCAA Tournament's Round of 32.
Huff Becomes the Centerpiece
Braden Huff enters the season as Gonzaga's best player and most dependable returning offensive weapon.
Before suffering a knee injury that ended his previous season prematurely, Huff averaged 17.8 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting an impressive 66.2 percent from the field.
His ability to remain healthy and provide consistent interior scoring will be critical.
Sophomore Davis Fogle returns with considerable offensive potential, while transfers Xaivian Lee, Massamba Diop and Isiah Harwell provide additional experience and versatility.
The arrival of Izan Almansa also strengthens Gonzaga's frontcourt depth.
Chemistry and Perimeter Shooting
Gonzaga's roster has undergone significant changes.
The departures of Graham Ike, Tyon Grant-Foster and Adam Miller leave the Bulldogs needing additional offensive production and leadership.
Those concerns appeared during an October 24 exhibition loss to Arkansas.
Gonzaga built a 10-point advantage before surrendering a major scoring run. The Bulldogs also struggled from the perimeter, connecting on only six of 28 three-point attempts.
Although the exhibition doesn't count toward the regular-season record, it provides a reminder that talented rosters must still develop chemistry and execute consistently.
Three Guaranteed Games Against AP Top 25 Opponents
Gonzaga's regular-season schedule features three confirmed games against teams appearing in the official AP Preseason Top 25.
| Opponent | AP Rank | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Duke | #2 | 1 |
| Michigan State | #6 | 1 |
| UCLA | #22 | 1 |
| Total | 3 |
Average Ranked Opponent: No. 10.0
Additional ranked opponents are possible through the Players Era Festival.
The February matchup against Duke will provide an important late-season test of Gonzaga's championship potential.
Can Gonzaga Win the Pac-12?
The Bulldogs enter their new conference as the S³ preseason favorites.
San Diego State, Utah State, Colorado State and Boise State will challenge Gonzaga, particularly away from Spokane.
However, Mark Few's roster possesses enough scoring talent, frontcourt depth and coaching experience to compete for both the regular-season and conference tournament championships.
Winning the Pac-12 is our expectation, but Gonzaga must demonstrate that its reputation translates into victories.
S³ Season Projection
| Category | Prediction |
|---|---|
| S³ Ranking | #15 |
| AP Preseason Ranking | #15 |
| Proposed Regular Season | 25–6 |
| Conference Record | 14–2 |
| Best Player | Braden Huff |
| Biggest X-Factor | Davis Fogle |
| Confirmed Ranked Games | 3 |
| Average Ranked Opponent | #10.0 |
| Pac-12 Championship | Favorite |
| Expected NCAA Finish | Sweet 16 |
| Tournament Ceiling | Elite Eight |
| Possible Downside | Round of 32 |
| Further Downside | First-round exit |
S³ Final Word
Gonzaga has established itself as one of college basketball's most consistent programs, but that history cannot guarantee another successful season.
Braden Huff gives the Bulldogs a legitimate offensive centerpiece. The newcomers provide considerable potential, and Mark Few brings decades of experience building competitive basketball teams.
The biggest questions involve roster chemistry, perimeter shooting and defensive consistency against elite opponents.
S³ projects Gonzaga to finish 25–6, capture the Pac-12 regular-season championship and advance to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16.
An Elite Eight appearance would exceed our preseason expectations.
S³ Prediction: 25–6 | Sweet 16 | Elite Eight Ceiling.
Rank the team, not the reputation.
