Eye On College Basketball

Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander fire up the late-night pod machine to react to the first full day of the 2026-27 college basketball season. From the battle for Florida between the Gators and Miami to west-coast action between UCLA and Arizona, we'll cover it all.

(0:00) Intro + what an opening night!

(2:30) Let’s start in Vegas with Arizona and UCLA

(10:30) Gonzaga beats Purdue in the other Vegas game

(15:15) No. 1 Florida looks as advertised in win over Miami (and a TV experience side rant)

(22:15) Penny Hardaway and Memphis take down Iowa State on Monday night

(27:30) Oh NO, OU! Sooners lose to East Texas A&M

(36:00) GP’s evening in Houston alongside a screaming Kelvin Sampson

(41:30) BYU rides a Rob Wright masterpiece to a win over Ohio State

(44:30) Other results worth mentioning from opening day + a Notre Dame-Nova recap from Rome!

• Theme song: “Timothy Leary,” written, performed and courtesy of Guster
• Eye on College Basketball is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.
• Follow our team: @EyeonCBBPodcast @GaryParrishCBS @MattNorlander @Boone @DavidWCobb @TheJMULL_
• Visit the ⁠betting arena on http://CBSSports.com⁠ for all the latest in ⁠sportsbook reviews⁠ and ⁠sportsbook promos⁠ for ⁠betting on college basketball⁠.
• You can listen to us on your smart speakers! Simply say, “Alexa, play the latest episode of the Eye on College Basketball podcast,” or “Hey, Google, play the latest episode of the Eye on College Basketball podcast.”
• Email the show for any reason whatsoever: ShoutstoCBS@gmail.com
• Visit Eye on College Basketball’s YouTube channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeFb_xyBgOekQPZYC7Ijilw⁠
• For more college hoops coverage, visit ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/

We've done it. We made it to the college basketball season. Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander sit down for one last season preview. Everything is on the docket. All-Americans, individual awards, Final Four picks and some of the biggest prediction questions heading in to 2026-27. Plus, the first installment of the Final Four And 1!

(0:00) Intro + Notre Dame vs Rome to start the season is sick

(4:15) CBS Sports Preseason All-America Teams

(8:55) Final Four and Title Predictions!

(14:00) Individual Awards - NPOY, FOY, TOY

(20:30) Predictions! 1st year hires, tournament turnover, last undefeated and more

(40:15) Rapid-fire questions for the biggest brands in the sport + a quirky prediction

(53:45) Our first Final Four & 1 of the season! Let’s start with Rome

• Theme song: “Timothy Leary,” written, performed and courtesy of Guster
• Eye on College Basketball is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.
• Follow our team: @EyeonCBBPodcast @GaryParrishCBS @MattNorlander @Boone @DavidWCobb @TheJMULL_
• Visit the ⁠betting arena on http://CBSSports.com⁠ for all the latest in ⁠sportsbook reviews⁠ and ⁠sportsbook promos⁠ for ⁠betting on college basketball⁠.
• You can listen to us on your smart speakers! Simply say, “Alexa, play the latest episode of the Eye on College Basketball podcast,” or “Hey, Google, play the latest episode of the Eye on College Basketball podcast.”
• Email the show for any reason whatsoever: ShoutstoCBS@gmail.com
• Visit Eye on College Basketball’s YouTube channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeFb_xyBgOekQPZYC7Ijilw⁠
• For more college hoops coverage, visit ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/

READ: Norlander's Top 100 And 1 teams

With major-conference previews complete, Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander take a tour around the mid-major ranks ahead of the 2026-27 college basketball season. From the Pac 12's return to new realities in a 76-team field, the guys get you set for the mid-major hoops season.

(0:00) Intro + mid-majors in the top 50 now and by season’s end

(6:00) Spending disparity between mid-major and high-major as never been greater

(10:00) The Pac 12 is back - three-bid league?

(13:15) The Mountain West will never be the same again

(16:45) Who is in the running for the best true mid-major?

(26:00) More mid-majors to circle heading into 2026-27

(39:00) Heavy favorites in mid-major leagues + when will the last mid-major lose its first game?

(43:30) How many at-larges will mid-major programs get in a 76-team field?

• Theme song: “Timothy Leary,” written, performed and courtesy of Guster
• Eye on College Basketball is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.
• Follow our team: @EyeonCBBPodcast @GaryParrishCBS @MattNorlander @Boone @DavidWCobb @TheJMULL_
• Visit the ⁠betting arena on http://CBSSports.com⁠ for all the latest in ⁠sportsbook reviews⁠ and ⁠sportsbook promos⁠ for ⁠betting on college basketball⁠.
• You can listen to us on your smart speakers! Simply say, “Alexa, play the latest episode of the Eye on College Basketball podcast,” or “Hey, Google, play the latest episode of the Eye on College Basketball podcast.”
• Email the show for any reason whatsoever: ShoutstoCBS@gmail.com
• Visit Eye on College Basketball’s YouTube channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeFb_xyBgOekQPZYC7Ijilw⁠
• For more college hoops coverage, visit ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/

Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander preview the Big 12 ahead of the 2026-27 college basketball season. Storylines, 1-16 rankings, predictions and more.

(0:00) Intro + Let’s talk Big 12!

(1:00) GP’s conversation with Tommy Lloyd at Big 12 Media Days

(19:00) 5 Storylines from the Big 12 starting with Arizona at the top of the league

(22:00) Will this be Bill Self’s last season?

(30:00) Over/under 1.5 coaching changes after this season in the Big 12?

(32:20) It’s the Monster Energy Big 12

(34:30) 1-16 predictions

(52:45) Player of the Year & NCAA Tournament teams

• Theme song: “Timothy Leary,” written, performed and courtesy of Guster
• Eye on College Basketball is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.
• Follow our team: @EyeonCBBPodcast @GaryParrishCBS @MattNorlander @Boone @DavidWCobb @TheJMULL_
• Visit the ⁠betting arena on http://CBSSports.com⁠ for all the latest in ⁠sportsbook reviews⁠ and ⁠sportsbook promos⁠ for ⁠betting on college basketball⁠.
• You can listen to us on your smart speakers! Simply say, “Alexa, play the latest episode of the Eye on College Basketball podcast,” or “Hey, Google, play the latest episode of the Eye on College Basketball podcast.”
• Email the show for any reason whatsoever: ShoutstoCBS@gmail.com
• Visit Eye on College Basketball’s YouTube channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeFb_xyBgOekQPZYC7Ijilw⁠
• For more college hoops coverage, visit ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/

How much does it really cost to build a winning college basketball team in 2026-27? With roster values ranging from $5 million to more than $25 million, college basketball's NIL arms race is changing the sport. The Eye on College Basketball crew breaks down the financial landscape of college hoops, examining NIL spending tiers, the growing gap between programs, and what it takes to assemble a roster capable of competing for a national championship. Which programs have the resources to compete with the biggest spenders? Can teams with smaller budgets still make a deep NCAA Tournament run? And how much does money really matter when it comes to winning in March? From multimillion-dollar rosters to the changing economics of recruiting and the transfer portal, we're breaking down the cost of competing in college basketball in 2026-27.

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark joins Gary Parrish at Big 12 Media Days for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of college athletics. Yormark discusses the challenges of leading the conference through a rapidly changing landscape, the professionalization of college sports, and the potential impact of the Protect College Sports Act. Plus, he shares how he balances the perspectives of coaches across the league, his vision for the Big 12's biggest events, and his experience working with Jay-Z at Roc Nation.

Gary Parrish catches up with Houston's Kelvin Sampson and Joseph "JoJo" Tugler at Big 12 Media Days. Sampson discusses how he rebuilt Houston into one of college basketball's premier programs, while Tugler reflects on his growth, defensive identity, and entering his fourth season with the Cougars.

Gary Parrish sits down with Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd at Big 12 Media Days to discuss his impressive first five years leading the Wildcats, what it was like being courted by North Carolina, and how he secured the resources needed to keep Arizona competing at the highest level. Lloyd opens up about the realities of fundraising in college basketball, his philosophy of “hold me accountable, but don’t hold me back,” and the future of the program. Plus, a look at Arizona's talented roster featuring five-star freshmen Caleb Holt and Cameron Holmes, the importance of marquee non-conference matchups, the Maui Invitational, and the current state of college basketball.

Oklahoma State head coach Steve Lutz joins Gary Parrish at Big 12 Media Days to discuss his coaching journey, the expectations surrounding the Cowboys, and what it takes to compete in one of college basketball's toughest conferences. Lutz reflects on becoming a Division I head coach at 46, the financial investment required to build an NCAA Tournament-caliber roster, and Oklahoma State's commitment to developing young talent. Plus, he breaks down the Cowboys' freshman class, his up-tempo playing style, and whether Oklahoma State has what it takes to reach the NCAA Tournament this season.

Kansas State head coach Casey Alexander joins Gary Parrish at Big 12 Media Days to discuss his move from Belmont to Manhattan and the challenge of rebuilding the Wildcats in his first season. Alexander reflects on his decision to leave Belmont, the realities of constructing a roster from scratch in today's college basketball landscape, and how NIL resources impact his ability to compete in the Big 12. Plus, he breaks down Kansas State's roster, the challenges of re-establishing the program, and what success would look like in year one.

Gary Parrish sits down with West Virginia head coach Ross Hodge at Big 12 Media Days to discuss his first season leading the Mountaineers, the program's postseason outlook, and his journey through the coaching ranks. Hodge shares his perspective on West Virginia's NCAA Tournament snub last season, the value of postseason experience, and how his time coaching junior college basketball shaped his career. Plus, does he have an NCAA Tournament-caliber team in Morgantown? And what makes Miles Sadler, the highest-rated recruit in program history, such an exciting addition?

Gary Parrish sits down with new Arizona State head coach Randy Bennett at Big 12 Media Days to discuss his decision to leave Saint Mary's after 25 seasons and take on a new challenge in Tempe. Bennett reflects on building the Gaels into one of college basketball's most consistent winning programs, the players who followed him to Arizona State, and what success looks like as he begins a new chapter leading the Sun Devils in the Big 12.

BYU guard Rob Wright joins Gary Parrish at Big 12 Media Days to discuss his future with the Cougars, the rapidly changing landscape of college basketball, and expectations for the 2026-27 season. Wright reflects on the uncertainty surrounding his return to BYU, what it was like playing alongside AJ Dybantsa, and why he believes Dybantsa's game will translate to the NBA. Plus, he discusses his individual expectations, Richie Saunders, the arrivals of Bruce Branch and Jaxon Kohler, and the impact of Kevin Young's NBA coaching background.

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark joins Gary Parrish at Big 12 Media Days for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of college athletics. Yormark discusses the challenges of leading the conference through a rapidly changing landscape, the professionalization of college sports, and the potential impact of the Protect College Sports Act. Plus, he shares how he balances the perspectives of coaches across the league, his vision for the Big 12's biggest events, and his experience working with Jay-Z at Roc Nation.

Gary Parrish sits down with Kansas head coach Bill Self and star Tyran Stokes for separate interviews at Big 12 Media Days to discuss the Jayhawks' revamped roster, expectations for the upcoming college basketball season, and the pressure to return Kansas to national championship contention. Self opens up about the addition of Trey Kaufman-Renn, building a roster in the modern era, and the back nine of his legendary coaching career. Plus, Stokes discusses his NBA aspirations, playing alongside Tre White and Kaufman-Renn, working with Self on the emotional side of his game, and what it would mean to help bring Kansas back to the top of college basketball.

Gary Parrish sits down with Iowa State head coach TJ Otzelberger at Big 12 Media Days to discuss the Cyclones' sustained success, the impact of NIL on college basketball, and the challenges of navigating an increasingly unpredictable offseason. Otzelberger opens up about the departure of Milan Momcilovic, why he's remained committed to Iowa State, and the standards that have helped build a winning culture in Ames. Plus, updates on Tamin Lipsey and Killyan Toure's recovery from shoulder surgery.

Gary Parrish sits down with Cincinnati head coach Jerrod Calhoun at Big 12 Media Days to discuss his return to Ohio, the challenges of taking over the Bearcats, and his experience building a successful program at Utah State. Calhoun reflects on what makes Utah State a destination where coaches can thrive, the evolving landscape of college basketball, and the uncertainty surrounding player eligibility, including MJ Collins' situation.

Gary Parrish sits down with Baylor head coach Scott Drew at Big 12 Media Days to discuss the Bears' exhibition victory over defending national champion Florida, expectations for the upcoming college basketball season, and his decision to remain at Baylor despite receiving interest from other major programs. Drew reflects on his commitment to the Bears and what lies ahead for the program.

Gary Parrish sits down with Texas Tech stars JT Toppin and Darrion Williams for separate interviews at Big 12 Media Days to discuss their returns to Lubbock, the Red Raiders' outlook for the upcoming college basketball season, and the expectations surrounding Grant McCasland's program. Toppin provides an update on his injury and recovery, reflects on the impact of NIL in keeping college stars in school, and shares what success would look like for Texas Tech. Plus, Williams opens up about his return to the Red Raiders, maintaining his relationship with McCasland, and what makes Texas Tech a special place to play college basketball.

READ: Norlander's SEC Media Days Takeaways

Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander preview the SEC ahead of the 2026-27 college basketball season. Will this be the sport's best league? Can Florida go from No. 1 to national champion? Plus, big seasons loom for Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky and more. The guys break it all down, make predictions and more.

(0:00) Intro + let’s talk SEC!

(1:15) Recapping SEC Media Days

(6:25) Storylines! Starting with the league as a whole

(8:30) Can Florida go from preseason No. 1 to national champion?

(14:00) How hot is Mark Pope’s seat at Kentucky?

(22:30) Will Wade and LSU will never stop

(34:00) Can Tennessee finally get to a Final Four?

(40:20) 1-16 Predictions + tournament teams

(1:18:15) Player of the Year Predictions

• Theme song: “Timothy Leary,” written, performed and courtesy of Guster
• Eye on College Basketball is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.
• Follow our team: @EyeonCBBPodcast @GaryParrishCBS @MattNorlander @Boone @DavidWCobb @TheJMULL_
• Visit the ⁠betting arena on http://CBSSports.com⁠ for all the latest in ⁠sportsbook reviews⁠ and ⁠sportsbook promos⁠ for ⁠betting on college basketball⁠.
• You can listen to us on your smart speakers! Simply say, “Alexa, play the latest episode of the Eye on College Basketball podcast,” or “Hey, Google, play the latest episode of the Eye on College Basketball podcast.”
• Email the show for any reason whatsoever: ShoutstoCBS@gmail.com
• Visit Eye on College Basketball’s YouTube channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeFb_xyBgOekQPZYC7Ijilw⁠
• For more college hoops coverage, visit ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/