That's A W

The 2026-27 college basketball season is here, and the conference favorites aren't necessarily the teams Vince Wolfram is most excited to watch.

On this episode of That's A W, Vince breaks down eight college basketball teams on his radar, the players poised for breakout seasons, and the freshmen who could make an immediate impact across the NCAA basketball landscape.

From Miami and Florida State in the ACC to Vanderbilt in the SEC, BYU and Baylor in the Big 12, Michigan and Nebraska in the Big Ten, and Villanova in the Big East, Vince explains why roster construction, coaching, and player development could make these teams especially exciting to follow.

Plus, Vince reveals five players he's keeping a close eye on, including Virginia's Chance Mallory, Nebraska's Pryce Sandfort, Florida State's Kam Taylor, Louisville's Flory Bidunga, and Michigan's Moustapha Thiam.

His breakout watchlist features Baylor's Kayden Mingo, Gonzaga's Davis Fogle, Notre Dame's Brady Koehler, Texas A&M's Mackenzie Mgbako, and South Carolina's Juan Fernández.

And don't miss the freshman conversation featuring SMU's Cameron Lomax, Kentucky's Mason Williams, Miami's Caleb Gaskins, North Carolina's Sayon Keita, and more.

Which team or player are YOU most excited to watch this college basketball season? Let us know in the comments!

Chapters:

00:00 College Basketball Is BACK

02:10 That's A W Tour Recap

03:08 Favorite Teams to Watch This Season

03:53 ACC Preview: Miami & Florida State

08:05 SEC Preview: Vanderbilt Basketball

09:30 Big 12 Preview: BYU & Baylor

11:17 Big Ten Preview: Michigan & Nebraska

13:54 Big East Preview: Villanova Basketball

15:42 Five College Basketball Players to Watch

19:52 Five Breakout Stars for 2026-27

25:46 Top Freshmen to Watch This Season

31:59 Best College Basketball Duos

32:24 SEC: Arkansas' Dynamic Duo

33:04 ACC: Louisville's Jackson Shelstad & Flory Bidunga

35:00 Big Ten: Wisconsin's Nolan Winter & Owen Foxwell

36:42 Big 12: Arizona's Defensive Duo

37:46 Big East: St. John's Basketball Duo

39:47 Five Wishes for the College Basketball Season

40:10 A Completely New Final Four

41:29 A First-Time National Championship Coach

42:09 Who Can Challenge the ACC's Top Four

42:48 Can Cinderella Return to March Madness

43:30 College Basketball Eligibility Wishes

44:18 Final Thoughts & Season Outlook

Subscribe to The College Sports Company YouTube Channel to get That's A W episodes, college basketball interviews, player stories, March Madness coverage, and insight from across the game from college basketball insider Vince Wolfram.

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Braden Frager made the shot that sent Nebraska basketball to its first-ever Sweet 16. Now he's revealing what really happened during those unforgettable final seconds against Vanderbilt.
Nebraska Cornhuskers stars Braden Frager and Cale Jacobsen join college basketball insider Vince Wolfram on That's A W to relive Nebraska's historic 2026 March Madness run, including the program's first NCAA Tournament victory over Troy and its thrilling 74–72 win over Vanderbilt.
Frager breaks down his game-winning layup with 2.2 seconds remaining, the unexpected pass from Pryce Sandfort, and the terrifying final shot that nearly changed everything.
Jacobsen shares another remarkable story: how he was prepared to enter the transfer portal before Nebraska's College Basketball Crown championship completely changed his future. From walk-on to a key contributor, Jacobsen reflects on his journey, his relationship with Sam Hoiberg, and the opportunity to help lead the Cornhuskers.
The two Nebraska natives also discuss playing for Fred Hoiberg, overcoming adversity, developing into leaders, and preparing for the 2026–27 college basketball season.
Plus, the guys rank six of Nebraska's most memorable victories from its historic season and share hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from the NCAA Tournament.
Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome to That's A W
00:45 – Nebraska's new roster and preseason preparation
01:46 – Growing up Nebraska basketball fans
03:13 – Inside Nebraska's first NCAA Tournament victory
04:34 – The emotional celebration in Oklahoma City
06:22 – Reliving the final minutes against Vanderbilt
07:07 – Braden Frager breaks down his game-winning shot
08:33 – The final shot that nearly ended Nebraska's run
10:35 – When the Huskers realized they were special
12:01 – The unforgettable March Madness experience
13:01 – The hilarious pregame dessert tradition
14:22 – From Nebraska high school stars to the Big Ten
16:40 – Cale Jacobsen's journey from walk-on to contributor
18:52 – Why Jacobsen nearly entered the transfer portal
20:54 – Frager's injury recovery and renewed confidence
22:49 – Leadership and expectations for the 2026–27 season
25:22 – Blind ranking Nebraska's six most memorable wins
27:47 – Their biggest personal victories
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for That's A W episodes, player stories, March Madness coverage, and conversations with the personalities shaping the game.
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#NebraskaBasketball #MarchMadness #BradenFrager #CaleJacobsen

Fred Hoiberg reveals how a rejected life insurance application led doctors to discover a life-threatening heart condition—and why he believes it may have saved his life.

Nebraska basketball head coach Fred Hoiberg joins Vince Wolfram on That's A W for an unforgettable conversation about his NBA career, open-heart surgery, the Nebraska Cornhuskers' historic NCAA Tournament breakthrough, and the personal experiences that shaped his life.

Hoiberg takes us inside Nebraska's remarkable 2025–26 season, including a 20–0 start, the program's first NCAA Tournament victories over Troy and Vanderbilt, and the emotional moments that followed. He explains how the Huskers rebuilt their culture, developed overlooked players, and turned Lincoln into one of college basketball's most passionate environments.

The conversation also reveals Hoiberg's incredible basketball roots. He recalls receiving a Nebraska football scholarship offer from legendary coach Tom Osborne, his grandfather's historic upset over Wilt Chamberlain's Kansas team, and unforgettable lessons from NBA legends Larry Bird and Kevin McHale.

Plus, Hoiberg discusses coaching his son Sam, navigating the transfer portal and recruiting agents, and the life-changing medical diagnosis that forced him to reconsider his basketball future.

And when Vince asks Fred to name the biggest W of his career, his answer goes far beyond basketball.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Fred Hoiberg

00:44 Previewing Nebraska's Upcoming Season

01:30 Hoiberg's Deep Nebraska Family Roots

02:34 Tom Osborne's Football Scholarship Offer

03:24 His Grandfather's Historic Win Over Wilt Chamberlain

04:53 Why Hoiberg Chose to Coach Nebraska

06:02 Nebraska's Historic NCAA Tournament Breakthrough

07:23 The Pressure of Winning 20 Straight Games

08:06 Rebuilding Nebraska's Basketball Culture

10:01 The Life-Threatening Heart Diagnosis

11:11 Open-Heart Surgery, a Pacemaker and His NBA Future

12:51 From the NBA Front Office to College Coaching

15:11 Building Nebraska in the Transfer Portal Era

16:00 How Walk-Ons Became Key Contributors

17:04 The Challenges of Coaching His Son Sam

19:05 Nebraska's Culture Meetings and Accountability

21:25 Agents, Recruiting and Roster Retention

24:58 What Larry Bird and Kevin McHale Taught Him

28:11 Fred Hoiberg Reveals His Biggest W

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BYU point guard Rob Wright III joins That's A W for an exclusive interview about his decision to return to BYU, his relationship with head coach Kevin Young, and the Cougars' exciting new roster. Plus, Sam Lance from The Field of 68 joins Vince Wolfram live from Big 12 Basketball Media Days in Kansas City to break down the biggest contenders, rising stars, sleeper teams, and championship predictions for the 2026-27 college basketball season.

Rob Wright takes us inside BYU basketball, discussing five-star freshman Bruce Branch III, his developing chemistry with Michigan State transfer Jaxon Kohler, and why he ultimately wanted to remain in Provo. Wright also shares his experience storming the field after a BYU football victory, reflects on his unforgettable game-winning shot at Madison Square Garden, and explains what makes Kevin Young's program special.

Sam Lance and Vince Wolfram examine the entire Big 12 landscape, including Arizona's talented trio of Caleb Holt, Ivan Kharchenkov, and Motiejus Krivas; Houston's winning culture under Kelvin Sampson; and Texas Tech's championship potential with JT Toppin and Darrion Williams. They also discuss whether Baylor is being overlooked, why Cincinnati and Oklahoma State could surprise people, and which programs have the best chance to compete for a Big 12 championship.

Who will emerge from college basketball's toughest conference?

Join the conversation in the comments with your Big 12 championship picks, and subscribe to That's A W for exclusive player interviews, behind-the-scenes access, college basketball analysis, and more with Vince Wolfram.

Chapters:

00:00 Vince Wolfram & Sam Lance from Kansas City

01:38 Big 12 Basketball Outlook & Eligibility Questions

04:34 Arizona's Caleb Holt & NBA Draft Potential

06:08 Motiejus Krivas & Arizona's Dominant Trio

08:26 Houston Basketball & Kelvin Sampson's Culture

10:48 Cincinnati & West Virginia as Big 12 Sleepers

12:49 Why Baylor Could Exceed Expectations

15:50 Texas Tech's Championship Potential & JT Toppin

18:36 Exclusive Interview with BYU's Rob Wright

19:52 Rob Wright Breaks Down Bruce Branch III

20:23 Jaxon Kohler's Impact on BYU

20:56 Why Rob Wright Decided to Stay at BYU

21:48 Rob Wright's Biggest W & Game-Winning Shot

22:23 Sam Lance Breaks Down BYU's New Core Four

26:11 Oklahoma State & TCU's Upside

28:23 Sam Lance's Big 12 Championship Predictions

33:10 Closing Thoughts

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#CollegeBasketball #BYUBasketball #Big12Basketball

College basketball is almost back, and the early exhibition games are already delivering surprises! LSU is finding ways to win with a six-man rotation, Kentucky is working through its growing pains, and BYU is showing signs of becoming one of the most exciting teams in the country. On this episode of That's A W, host Vince Wolfram breaks down the biggest takeaways, standout performances, and emerging storylines ahead of the 2026–27 college basketball season.

Will Wade's unconventional approach at LSU is turning heads, while North Carolina's Jarin Stevenson and Florida State's Marcis Ponder are making strong early impressions. Vince also takes a closer look at Kentucky's loaded roster, the adjustments facing Mark Pope's Wildcats, and why Big Blue Nation should remain patient as the team's chemistry develops.

Elsewhere, BYU's exciting core of Jaxon Kohler, Bruce Branch III, Robert Wright III, and Collin Chandler is raising expectations in Provo. Kansas welcomes back valuable veteran experience, Arizona looks poised to contend in the Big 12, and Baylor's Kayden Mingo delivers a statement performance against Florida. From breakout stars to potential championship contenders, Vince explores what these early exhibition games reveal about the season ahead.

Plus, Vince checks in from Lincoln, Nebraska, with a preview of upcoming Cornhuskers coverage, exclusive interviews, and Big 12 Media Days.

Chapters:

00:00 College Basketball Is Almost Back

00:44 Vince Checks In From Nebraska

02:26 Nebraska's Strangest Unwritten Laws

06:11 The Biggest Exhibition Game Takeaways

07:05 LSU's Surprising Six-Man Rotation

11:25 North Carolina's Emerging Frontcourt

14:44 Florida State's Fun Meter Is Rising

17:49 Kentucky Basketball: Be Patient, Big Blue Nation

21:46 Kansas Gets a Second Chance With Returning Stars

24:35 BYU's New Big Four Looks Dangerous

28:18 Arizona's Potential Big 12 Stars

31:01 Baylor vs. Florida: Kayden Mingo's Breakout

34:20 Final Takeaways and Big 12 Media Days Preview

Drop your biggest surprise team in the comments!

Subscribe to That's A W for college basketball interviews, analysis, player stories, and coverage from around the country.

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#CollegeBasketball #NCAABasketball #ThatsAW

Notre Dame basketball has a new backcourt partnership, and Braeden Shrewsberry and Braeden Smith are already building serious chemistry.

On this episode of That's A W, host Vince Wolfram heads to South Bend for an exclusive conversation with Notre Dame guards Braeden Shrewsberry and Braeden Smith about their growing connection, the upcoming 2026–27 college basketball season, life under head coach Micah Shrewsberry, and what it takes to compete in the ACC.

Smith, a former Patriot League Player of the Year who arrives at Notre Dame after playing at Colgate and Gonzaga, explains why South Bend was the right destination and what he's bringing to the Fighting Irish offense.

Meanwhile, Shrewsberry discusses his offseason transformation, his evolution as a shooter, and the expectations that come with playing for his father. Smith even reveals that Shrewsberry has been shooting approximately 60% from three in practice!

The conversation also goes beyond basketball strategy, featuring a hilarious story about assistant coach Tony Rack accidentally calling 911 through his Apple Watch, a blind ranking of classic Notre Dame basketball uniforms, and a fantasy basketball draft featuring Notre Dame football legends.

Chapters:

00:00 – Who Would Win? Notre Dame Football Basketball Draft

00:34 – Meet Notre Dame's Braeden Shrewsberry & Braeden Smith

01:10 – How the New Notre Dame Backcourt Came Together

01:48 – Why Braeden Smith Chose Notre Dame

03:08 – Building Backcourt Chemistry

03:45 – Shrewsberry's Incredible Shooting in Practice

04:20 – Braeden Shrewsberry's Offseason Transformation

05:40 – The NBA Guards Who Inspired Braeden Smith

06:56 – Developing Elite Point Guard IQ

08:16 – Competing Against Each Other in Practice

08:45 – Coach Tony Rack's Hilarious 911 Story

10:01 – Playing for Micah Shrewsberry

11:21 – The Reality of Being a Coach's Son

12:04 – Preparing for the ACC

13:15 – Building Chemistry With Logan Duncomb

14:32 – What Makes Notre Dame Basketball Special?

15:25 – The Biggest Wins and Lessons of Their Careers

16:49 – Blind Ranking Notre Dame Basketball Jerseys

18:33 – Drafting Notre Dame Football Legends for Basketball

21:40 – Which Dream Team Would Win?

Subscribe to That's A W for exclusive college basketball interviews, behind-the-scenes conversations, and stories from the players and coaches shaping the game.

Appreciate the game. Celebrate its people.

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#NotreDameBasketball #CollegeBasketball #ThatsAW

Micah Shrewsberry set a goal to become a head coach by age 30. Now, he’s building Notre Dame basketball his way, with a vision for his program and the people he wants to lead it.

In this exclusive episode of That's A W, Vince Wolfram sits down with Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Micah Shrewsberry in South Bend, Indiana, to discuss his roster, coaching philosophy, and journey through the game.

Coach Shrewsberry breaks down Notre Dame's new-look roster, featuring Gonzaga transfer Braeden Smith, Winthrop standout Logan Duncomb, and four-year Irish guard Braeden Shrewsberry. He also discusses the potential of Brady Koehler and Jonathan Sanderson heading into the 2026–27 season.

From his read-and-react offensive philosophy to recruiting character and finding the right fit in the transfer portal, Shrews explains what it means to be a “Notre Dame guy” and why academics remain a priority amid the changing landscape of college basketball.

Plus, Coach Shrewsberry reflects on his early mentorship under Brad Stevens, his goal of becoming a head coach by age 30, and the meaningful item he carries in his pocket every day as a reminder to keep chasing his dreams.

Chapters:

00:00 Micah Shrewsberry Joins That's A W

01:14 Why Notre Dame's New Team Is Different

01:58 Building a Freer, More Unselfish Offense

04:02 Rebuilding Through the Transfer Portal

05:39 Why Braeden Smith Was the Right Point Guard

07:45 What Logan Duncomb Brings to Notre Dame

09:16 Braeden Shrewsberry's Next Step

10:52 Brady Koehler and Jonathan Sanderson's Potential

13:22 Shrewsberry's Dream of Coaching by Age 30

14:07 What He Learned From Brad Stevens

15:43 Why Notre Dame Was the Right Job

18:02 Protecting Academics in the NIL Era

19:53 Recruiting Players Who Embrace Challenges

21:09 Why Shrewsberry Still Carries a Blockbuster Card

23:09 His Greatest Career W at Penn State

25:03 Notre Dame Superlatives and Rapid-Fire Questions

00:00 The Coach Still Chasing His Dream

00:31 Micah Shrewsberry Joins That's A W

01:14 Why Notre Dame's New Team Is Different

01:58 Building a Freer, More Unselfish Offense

04:02 Rebuilding Through the Transfer Portal

05:39 Why Braeden Smith Was the Right Point Guard

07:45 What Logan Duncomb Brings to Notre Dame

09:16 Braeden Shrewsberry's Next Step

10:52 Brady Koehler and Jonathan Sanderson's Potential

13:22 Shrewsberry's Dream of Coaching by Age 30

14:07 What He Learned From Brad Stevens

15:43 Why Notre Dame Was the Right Job

18:02 Protecting Academics in the NIL Era

19:53 Recruiting Players Who Embrace Challenges

21:09 Why Shrewsberry Still Carries a Blockbuster Card

23:09 His Greatest Career W at Penn State

25:03 Notre Dame Superlatives and Rapid-Fire Questions

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#NotreDameBasketball #MicahShrewsberry #ThatsAW

Why did Kevin Overton stay at Auburn after the coaching change from Bruce Pearl to Steven Pearl? And why does the Tigers' star guard believe last season's NIT championship was only the beginning?

In this exclusive episode of That's A W, Vince Wolfram sits down with Auburn basketball star Kevin Overton for a revealing conversation about his journey, his loyalty to Auburn, and his expectations for the 2026–27 college basketball season.

Overton shares the emotional moment he and his teammates experienced during Auburn's coaching transition, explaining how Steven Pearl earned their trust and why he never seriously considered transferring after that moment.

From his early days at Drake to Texas Tech and Auburn, Overton reflects on rediscovering his confidence, embracing a bigger offensive role, and finding the mentality that helped him finish last season on a high note.

He also opens up about winning the NIT, why he believes he belongs on a bigger postseason stage, and his determination to lead the Tigers back into NCAA Tournament contention.

Plus, Kevin discusses his electric backcourt partnership with Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn's new roster and improved depth, the differences between SEC and Big 12 basketball, and what it will take to reach the Elite Eight and beyond.

The conversation wraps with rapid-fire questions about NBA basketball, his favorite sneakers, Auburn's locker-room music, and the surprising story behind the biggest win of his basketball career.

Chapters:

00:00 Kevin Overton Joins That's A W

00:59 Why Kevin Overton Stayed at Auburn

02:47 The Emotional Coaching Transition

03:35 His Greatest Strength on the Court

04:20 Rediscovering His Game at Auburn

05:39 Winning the NIT and Wanting More

06:35 His Offseason Improvements

07:26 Playing Every Game Like His Last

08:21 His Partnership With Tahaad Pettiford

10:30 SEC vs. Big 12 Basketball

12:29 Auburn's New Roster and Team Chemistry

14:17 What He Would Tell His Younger Self

15:48 How Auburn's Depth Changes Everything

17:37 Chasing Another Elite Eight Appearance

18:31 Rapid Fire: NBA, Rings, Teammates and Sneakers

23:15 The Biggest W of His Basketball Career

24:30 A Message to Auburn Fans

Can Kevin Overton and Tahaad Pettiford lead Auburn on a deep NCAA Tournament run?

Drop your predictions in the comments!

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#AuburnBasketball #KevinOverton #ThatsAW

Steven Pearl is officially putting his stamp on Auburn basketball.

In this exclusive episode of That’s A W, Vince Wolfram sits down with Auburn head coach Steven Pearl to discuss building his first roster from the ground up, what he learned during his first season as a head coach, how his philosophy differs from Bruce Pearl’s, and why Auburn basketball could look very different this season.

Pearl opens up about the decisions Bruce couldn’t teach him, learning to delegate as a first-time head coach, Auburn’s revamped roster and increased size, the return of Tahaad Pettiford and Kevin Overton, the wild story behind Narcisse Ngoy’s unexpected NBA Draft selection, Auburn’s use of AI in recruiting, and why an October exhibition against Alabama was too good to pass up.

He also discusses the pressure surrounding NCAA eligibility decisions, Auburn football’s new era with Alex Golesh, and why being a great husband and father matters just as much to him as becoming a great basketball coach.

Chapters:

00:00 Steven Pearl’s New Era at Auburn

01:14 Building His First True Auburn Roster

03:38 Why This Season Feels Like Year One

04:38 How Steven Pearl Differs From Bruce Pearl

05:53 Why Auburn’s Stars Came Back

08:01 Developing Auburn’s New Leaders

10:18 Learning to Be a Head Coach

11:58 The Moment Pearl Found His Coaching Voice

12:52 What Bruce Pearl Couldn’t Teach Him

14:57 Steven Pearl Admits He Needed Help

16:37 Auburn’s New-Look Roster

17:04 The Wild Narcisse NBA Draft Story

18:36 Auburn’s Massive New Center

19:59 Why Auburn Got Much Bigger

22:09 Auburn’s Transfer Portal Steals

25:07 Auburn’s Newfound Depth

26:39 How Auburn Finds Transfer Portal Gems

27:11 Auburn Is Using AI to Recruit Players

28:07 Navigating NCAA Eligibility Chaos

30:05 What Auburn Must Fix Before the Season

31:32 Why Auburn Is Playing Alabama in October

32:45 Steven Pearl on Auburn Football’s New Era

34:16 Steven Pearl’s Biggest W

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#AuburnBasketball #StevenPearl #CollegeBasketball

Florida State men’s basketball head coach Luke Loucks sits down with Vince Wolfram on That’s A W for an in-depth conversation about building the next era of Seminoles basketball.

Loucks breaks down how his NBA background is shaping Florida State—from player development and analytics to recruiting, roster construction and the ultra-competitive culture inside practice. He explains why he believes FSU can take a major step forward, how lessons from Steve Kerr, Mike Brown and the Golden State Warriors influence his coaching philosophy, and what it takes to build a winning program in the modern era of college basketball.

Plus, Loucks tells the incredible story of flying to Slovakia while Sebastian Rancik was visiting Kentucky, reveals why Kam Taylor could become one of the most athletic players in Florida State history, explains FSU’s brutal treadmill punishment system, discusses the Seminoles’ new-look roster and shares why winning an ACC championship at Florida State remains one of the biggest W’s of his career.

Chapters:

00:00 Luke Loucks Joins That’s A W

01:00 Building the New Era at Florida State

04:12 Fundraising and the Reality of College Basketball

07:51 What FSU Learned From Last Season

10:49 Lessons From Steve Kerr and the NBA

14:48 How FSU Evaluates Transfer Portal Players

19:02 Is Being a Head Coach the Dream?

20:32 The Incredible Sebastian Rancik Recruiting Story

23:03 Going Head-to-Head With Kentucky

24:29 Flying to Slovakia to Win a Recruit

28:13 The Decision: Florida State or Kentucky?

30:02 Recruiting Florida and Georgia

31:24 Inside FSU’s Competitive Practice Culture

34:23 Why the Treadmills Are Always Running

36:40 The Meaning Behind “Ring the Bell”

38:27 The Analytics That Predict Winning

41:31 Breaking Down Florida State’s New Roster

43:00 Kam Taylor’s Rare Athleticism

44:22 Meet “Baby Shaq” Marcis Ponder

45:05 FSU’s Massive Lineup Possibilities

45:42 From Golden State Intern to FSU Head Coach

47:30 Learning From Kevin Durant and the Warriors

49:16 How Mike Brown Changed Loucks’ Career

50:24 Luke Loucks’ Biggest W

52:14 Bringing Winning Back to Florida State

Subscribe for more conversations from That’s A W with Vince Wolfram featuring the people shaping college basketball.

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#FloridaState #FSUBasketball #CollegeBasketball #LukeLoucks

College basketball is officially back — and this time, it was OUTSIDE.

Vince Wolfram checks in from Charleston, South Carolina after TheLinkU Invitational at Credit One Stadium, breaking down everything that stood out from one of the most unique preseason college basketball events of the year.

Vanderbilt and Virginia gave us an early look at two teams that could look very different this season. Vince breaks down Vanderbilt’s added size, athleticism and depth, Tyler Tanner’s development, the Commodores’ new-look frontcourt, and what stood out from Virginia under Ryan Odom.

Then, it’s time to tackle one of the biggest stories hanging over college basketball: fifth-year eligibility.

Tre White is back with Kansas. Malik Reneau could completely change Miami’s ceiling. And programs across the SEC, Big 12, ACC, Big East and Big Ten have major pieces tied to the ongoing eligibility situation.

Vince ranks which conferences have the MOST riding on those decisions and explains why the SEC could be impacted more than anyone.

Chapters:

00:00 College Basketball Is Back

00:44 Live From TheLinkU Invitational

01:34 Vanderbilt vs. Virginia Takeaways

02:12 Why Vanderbilt Looks Different

05:00 Tyler Tanner Looks Even Better

06:03 Vanderbilt’s New-Look Backcourt

07:53 What We Learned About Virginia

10:00 Virginia’s New Guards

11:43 Johann Grünloh Expands His Game

13:35 Vince’s Virginia Takeaways

14:11 Was Outdoor Basketball a Success?

15:24 Perfect Conditions in Charleston

16:31 Why TheLinkU Worked

17:39 Fifth-Year Eligibility Update

18:47 Tre White Is Back at Kansas

20:23 What White Changes for Kansas

22:45 Malik Reneau Changes Miami

24:13 Ranking the Conferences With Most at Stake

33:36 Final Eligibility Rankings

34:20 College Basketball Is Almost Here

34:29 What’s Next on the W Tour

35:05 Auburn, Florida State & Notre Dame

36:08 Closing Thoughts

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#CollegeBasketball #Vanderbilt #Virginia #TheLinkU #NCAABasketball

Could TCU basketball have its next NBA player in Xavier Edmonds? Former BYU standout and TCU radio analyst Matt Carlino joins Vince Wolfram on That's A W to break down the Horned Frogs' 2026–27 roster, Jamie Dixon's impact, and what it will take to compete in the Big 12.

Carlino believes Xavier Edmonds has NBA potential, comparing elements of his game to Charles Barkley. He explains why Edmonds could take another step forward, how Micah Robinson and Brock Harding can lead TCU, and which newcomers could make an immediate impact.

Vince and Matt also discuss Jamie Dixon's coaching philosophy, Trent Lincoln's athleticism, Gavin Sykes' scoring ability, DJ Thomas' development, and the challenges awaiting TCU in one of college basketball's most competitive conferences.

Plus, Carlino reflects on his return to BYU's Marriott Center, his memories of Jimmer Fredette, and the biggest W of his basketball career.

What are your expectations for TCU basketball this season? Can Xavier Edmonds develop into an NBA player? Let us know in the comments!

Subscribe to That's A W for more college basketball interviews, Big 12 coverage, player stories, and conversations with the people who make the game special.

Chapters:

00:00 Matt Carlino Joins That's A W

01:01 From BYU Basketball to TCU Radio

02:35 Carlino's Emotional Return to BYU

03:48 TCU's March Madness Momentum

05:55 Why Jamie Dixon Deserves More Credit

08:34 Xavier Edmonds: TCU's Next NBA Player?

11:13 How Edmonds Can Take the Next Step

12:42 Micah Robinson's Breakout Potential

14:20 Brock Harding's Leadership and Development

16:15 Jamie Dixon's Transfer Portal Strategy

17:14 Trent Lincoln's Athleticism and Big 12 Adjustment

19:38 Gavin Sykes and TCU's New Scoring Options

20:54 DJ Thomas and TCU's Potential Breakout Players

22:47 Where Does TCU Stack Up in the Big 12?

25:39 Matt Carlino's Biggest Basketball W

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#TCUBasketball #GoFrogs #CollegeBasketball

SMU Basketball head coach Andy Enfield joins Vince Wolfram on That’s A W to break down the Mustangs’ new-look roster, his vision for the upcoming season, the legendary Dunk City run, and the changing landscape of college basketball.After losing five starters, Enfield has assembled a revamped SMU team featuring returning talent, transfer additions, and a strong Texas recruiting presence. With more size, length, and defensive versatility, the Mustangs are preparing to build on their fast-paced offensive identity with a renewed emphasis on defense and rebounding.Enfield discusses the development of Jaden Toombs, the additions of Rowan Brumbaugh and Nic Codie, the importance of recruiting Dallas and Texas talent, and what he expects from SMU in the ACC.The conversation also goes beyond the upcoming season. Enfield revisits his unforgettable Dunk City run at Florida Gulf Coast, his coaching journey through the NBA and USC, and the lessons that shaped his approach to building a successful college basketball program.Plus, Enfield shares his perspective on NIL, the transfer portal, and what he would change about the current state of college basketball.

Miami Basketball newcomers DeSean Goode and Caleb Gaskins join Vince Wolfram on That’s A W to talk about the Hurricanes’ new-look roster, Jay Lucas’ culture and the championship expectations building in Coral Gables.

Goode breaks down his transition to Miami, the intensity of Hurricanes practices and what makes this group click both on and off the court. Gaskins discusses bringing his winning mentality to Miami, adjusting to college basketball and why he believes his work ethic can help him make an immediate impact.

The two also reveal what Miami practices are REALLY like, who talks the most trash, their early impressions of their teammates and the practice moment that left both of them stunned.

With a talented roster coming together and expectations rising, Goode and Gaskins explain why Miami’s ultimate goal is clear: compete at the highest level and put themselves in position to chase a national championship.

Subscribe for more exclusive college basketball interviews, player stories and behind-the-scenes conversations on That’s A W.

Chapters:

00:00 The Move That Left Miami Speechless

00:40 Meet DeSean Goode & Caleb Gaskins

01:21 Why Goode Chose Miami

01:50 Playing for Jay Lucas

03:26 Goode’s Breakout College Journey

04:28 Battling Through Injuries

05:37 Gaskins Learning From Miami’s Veterans

06:28 Gaskins’ Championship Pedigree

07:22 The Game He’ll Never Forget

08:22 Staying Home in Florida

09:05 Bringing a Winning Mentality to Miami

09:48 Goode & Gaskins Break Down Each Other’s Games

11:09 Inside Miami’s Intense Practices

12:32 Who Talks the Most Trash?

13:26 Miami’s “Unc” of the Team

14:14 How This Roster Became So Close

17:05 Why Miami Felt Different

18:30 Leaving Egos at the Door

19:29 Gaskins Fighting for His Role

20:44 Miami’s Expectations for 2026-27

22:41 The Practice Move Nobody Saw Coming

24:00 Final Thoughts

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#MiamiHurricanes #MiamiBasketball #CollegeBasketball

Miami Hurricanes head coach Jai Lucas joins Vince Wolfram on That’s A W for an in-depth conversation about building Miami Basketball into a championship-level program, recruiting in the NIL and transfer portal era, and what comes next for the Hurricanes.

Lucas breaks down his vision for Year 2 at Miami, why relationships and player development can still win in modern college basketball, and how this Hurricanes roster will be different.

He also dives into the development of Shelton Henderson and Dante Allen, what Acaden Lewis can bring at point guard, the potential of Caleb Gaskins and Christopher Birden Jr., Somto Cyril’s impact around the rim, Miami’s approach to roster construction, and why the Hurricanes are keeping flexibility with their final scholarship spot.

Plus, Lucas shares the story behind Miami’s mask, what he learned from coaches including Shaka Smart, John Calipari, Rick Barnes and Jon Scheyer, why Miami Football’s success can benefit the basketball program, and the moment he realized he could become a successful coach.

Subscribe for more That’s A W interviews, college basketball conversations and stories from across the game.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to That’s A W

00:43 Year 2 at Miami Looks Very Different

01:22 Building a Team in the Transfer Portal Era

02:08 Growing Up in a Basketball Family

02:52 From Player to Coach at 24

04:30 Why Jai Lucas Fell in Love With Miami

06:33 Building a Championship-Level Program

08:42 Recruiting With Honesty and Development

11:08 Why Relationships Matter More Than Ever

12:43 What a Jai Lucas Practice Looks Like

13:36 Building Miami’s Chemistry for March

14:34 Miami’s Biggest Strengths in Year 2

15:23 Miami’s Biggest Offseason Win

16:01 Shelton Henderson & Dante Allen’s Next Step

17:30 Blocking Out the Hype at Miami

18:25 The Story Behind Miami’s Mask

20:00 What Acaden Lewis Can Become at Miami

21:25 Caleb Gaskins & Miami’s Freshmen

22:20 Somto Cyril Brings Elite Rim Protection

23:16 Why This Miami Team Will Look Different

24:22 Lessons From Calipari, Smart, Barnes & Scheyer

26:52 The Chaos of Modern College Basketball

28:13 Why Miami Is Keeping a Scholarship Open

30:03 Can Relationships Beat NIL Money?

31:22 Miami Basketball’s Football Advantage

33:20 Jai Lucas Reveals His Biggest Career W

35:53 The John Calipari Lines Lucas Still Uses

37:15 Closing Thoughts

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#JaiLucas #MiamiBasketball #MiamiHurricanes

UCLA Basketball enters the 2026-27 season with one of the most intriguing rosters in college basketball — and Mick Cronin may be building something much bigger than just a one-year run.

Vince Wolfram is joined by UCLA basketball reporter Aaron Heisen to break down the Bruins’ revamped roster, headlined by elite freshman Nikola Kusturica, Texas Tech transfer Jaylen Petty, Trent Perry, Azavier Robinson, Xavier Booker, Eric Dailey Jr., Filip Jović and more.

How dangerous can Kusturica be immediately? Can Petty give UCLA the scoring punch it was missing? Is Trent Perry ready to become the Bruins’ lead guard? And can UCLA overcome questions about rim protection by doubling down on Mick Cronin’s trademark perimeter defense?

Plus, Vince and Aaron discuss UCLA’s unusual roster construction, potential breakout players, the Bruins’ ceiling in the Big Ten and whether this season could set the stage for a legitimate Final Four run in 2027-28.

Subscribe to That’s A W for more college basketball interviews, previews and conversations from around the country.

Chapters:

0:00 Welcome to That’s A W

1:21 UCLA’s Biggest Offseason Win

1:45 Why Nikola Kusturica Could Be Special

3:29 The Biggest Change From Last Year

5:29 UCLA’s Secret Weapon: Roster Retention

7:25 Jaylen Petty Adds Serious Firepower

11:20 Is Trent Perry Ready to Lead UCLA?

13:06 Azavier Robinson Could Be the X-Factor

14:57 Breaking Down Mick Cronin’s Four-Out Offense

17:15 Xavier Booker’s NBA Upside

19:00 What UCLA Needs From Eric Dailey Jr.

21:29 UCLA’s Biggest Weakness: Rim Protection?

23:55 Why UCLA Built Such an Unusual Roster

25:30 UCLA’s Breakout Player to Watch

26:43 Can UCLA Become a Final Four Team?

28:19 Aaron Heisen on Covering UCLA Basketball

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#UCLA #UCLABasketball #CollegeBasketball

Notre Dame legend Mike Brey joins Vince Wolfram on That’s a W for a wide-ranging conversation about his unforgettable journey through college basketball — from working under Coach K at Duke to spending 23 seasons leading the Fighting Irish.

Brey tells the stories behind his unlikely path into coaching, becoming Coach K’s famous “pizza and beer guy,” turning down Auburn, landing the Notre Dame job, coaching Irish stars like Pat Connaughton, Jerian Grant, Luke Harangody, Ben Hansbrough and Bonzie Colson, and building one of the most memorable eras in Notre Dame basketball history.

He also takes us inside Notre Dame’s incredible 2015 run — winning the ACC Championship, dealing with the loss of his mother during the NCAA Tournament and coming agonizingly close to knocking off undefeated Kentucky.

Plus, Brey gets candid about how NIL changed college recruiting, why he knew it was time for a new chapter after 23 years at Notre Dame, what today’s college coaches are dealing with and what he has learned since entering the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks.

And, naturally, we finish by making the man himself rank some of the greatest Mike Brey mock-turtleneck looks of all time.

Chapters:

00:00 Mike Brey Joins That’s a W

01:27 From DeMatha High School to Duke

03:44 Six Final Fours and Two National Titles

05:24 Learning Under Coach K

07:26 Coach K’s “Pizza & Beer Guy”

08:33 Knowing It Was Time to Become a Head Coach

09:37 Why Mike Brey Turned Down Auburn

10:45 Learning to Lead at Delaware

12:44 How the Notre Dame Job Happened

15:06 From the Beach to Notre Dame in One Week

17:53 Why Notre Dame Was the Perfect Fit

19:24 What Makes Notre Dame Different

21:08 Ben Hansbrough and Building Toughness

23:32 Luke Harangody vs. Jack Cooley

25:51 What Made Pat Connaughton Special

29:38 Winning the 2015 ACC Championship

31:32 Big East vs. ACC Basketball

33:16 The Emotional 2015 NCAA Tournament Run

35:53 Notre Dame vs. Kentucky

37:57 The Decision Brey Still Second-Guesses

39:31 Being a “Confidence Giver”

41:01 The Magic of Bonzie Colson

42:49 Brey’s Ultimate Extension on the Floor

44:17 NIL and Why College Basketball Changed

45:20 Why Brey Knew It Was Time

46:11 Today’s College Coaching Landscape

48:18 What the NBA Has Taught Mike Brey

50:55 The Biggest W of Brey’s Career

52:52 Ranking Mike Brey’s Mock Turtlenecks

57:32 Returning to Notre Dame

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#NotreDame #CollegeBasketball #MikeBrey

How dangerous can BYU Basketball be in 2026-27?

Vince Wolfram is joined by Karter Baughan of the Church Ball Podcast on The Field of 68 to break down Kevin Young’s new-look BYU Cougars — from Robert Wright III returning to lead the offense to the additions of Jaxon Kohler, Collin Chandler, Tyler Betsey, Bruce Branch III and more.

Can Wright establish himself as one of the best point guards in college basketball? How does Kohler fit into Kevin Young’s system? Which newcomers could break out? And does this BYU roster have enough depth, shooting and chemistry to make a deep run in March?

Vince and Karter break down the roster, BYU’s biggest strengths and concerns, potential breakout players, the new-look offense and just how high the ceiling could be for the Cougars in 2026-27.

Chapters:

00:00 BYU’s Wild Offseason

02:39 Rob Wright Is Back

04:06 Why This Roster Fits Wright

05:04 BYU’s Returning Core & Continuity

07:20 Breaking Down the Transfer Class

07:37 Why Jaxon Kohler Is a Perfect Fit

09:48 What Collin Chandler Brings to BYU

11:55 Expectations for Bruce Branch III

14:32 BYU’s Biggest Roster Concern

17:02 Dean Rueckert: Breakout Candidate?

18:03 Khadim Mboup’s Important Role

18:34 Tyler Betsey’s Flamethrower Potential

20:34 BYU’s International Additions

23:09 What Will Be Different This Season?

25:04 Wright + Kohler Could Be Dangerous

25:22 BYU’s Breakout Players

26:31 How Far Can BYU Go in March?

29:13 Where to Follow Karter Baughan

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#BYUBasketball #CollegeBasketball #BYUCougars

Virginia basketball head coach Ryan Odom joins Vince Wolfram for an exclusive episode of That’s A W to break down what’s next for the Cavaliers after a 30-win first season in Charlottesville.

Odom discusses Virginia’s remarkable roster retention, Thijs De Ridder’s continued development, Chance Mallory taking over as “PG1,” Sam Lewis’ offseason growth and the newcomers joining a veteran UVA core. He also explains why the Cavaliers are embracing a challenging 2026-27 schedule as they prepare to chase championships in the ACC and NCAA Tournament.

The conversation goes beyond this year’s roster. Odom reflects on his journey from growing up around Virginia basketball to becoming the Cavaliers’ head coach, his early years at Lenoir-Rhyne, the historic UMBC upset of Virginia, his relationship with Tony Bennett’s legacy and what signing a long-term extension at UVA means to him.

Plus, Odom reveals what he considers the biggest “W” of his coaching career — and why the relationships built along the way mean more than any trophy.

Chapters:

00:00 — Ryan Odom Joins That’s A W

01:08 — Why Virginia’s Core Chose to Run It Back

02:43 — Recruiting & Retention in the Portal Era

03:56 — What’s Next for Thijs De Ridder?

05:04 — Chance Mallory Is Virginia’s “PG1”

06:58 — Sam Lewis’ Offseason Transformation

08:08 — The Advantage of Bringing Everyone Back

09:17 — What Virginia Learned From a 30-Win Season

10:26 — Breaking Down UVA’s Newcomers

11:27 — What Makes Virginia Different in Recruiting?

13:43 — The Culture Ryan Odom Is Building

14:33 — Why Virginia Built Such a Tough Schedule

16:17 — The Goal: “Win the Whole Thing”

16:22 — Ryan Odom the Basketball Player

17:35 — Odom’s First Head Coaching Opportunity

20:16 — Finding His Identity as a Head Coach

21:44 — Ryan Odom Addresses UMBC vs. Virginia

23:08 — From UVA Ball Boy to Virginia Head Coach

25:08 — What His Extension Through 2032 Means

26:11 — The Biggest “W” of Ryan Odom’s Career

27:53 — The Books Shaping Virginia’s Team Culture

29:10 — Final Thoughts

Subscribe for more exclusive college basketball conversations, player stories and behind-the-scenes access from That’s A W with Vince Wolfram.

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#VirginiaBasketball #CollegeBasketball #RyanOdom

Who can actually play college basketball in 2026-27?
Vince Wolfram is joined by sports law professor Sam C. Ehrlich, creator of the College Sports Litigation Tracker, to break down the rapidly changing NCAA eligibility landscape and why the answer seems to change almost every day.
From the NCAA's ongoing eligibility lawsuits and the Class of 2022 fight to new rules from the SEC, Big 12 and other conferences, Sam explains why conferences are beginning to take matters into their own hands — and whether those rules could survive their own legal challenges.
Vince and Sam also dive into the latest court decisions affecting college basketball players, the uncertainty surrounding athletes like Seth Trimble, the growing battle over former professional players returning to college, Bryson Warren's fascinating Texas A&M case, and whether any real resolution can arrive before the 2026-27 college basketball season begins.
Plus: why the NCAA keeps finding itself in antitrust litigation, how appeals can completely change a player's eligibility, whether “hometown judges” actually matter, and what Congress could ultimately do about the chaos.
Chapters:
00:00 Sam Ehrlich Joins the Show
02:00 Why Conferences Are Taking Control
05:28 Why the NCAA Keeps Getting Sued
07:27 SEC vs. Big 12 vs. Big Ten Rules
09:06 Tennessee Changes the Eligibility Picture
10:43 Seth Trimble & Players Stuck in Limbo
12:26 Could California Eligibility Flip Too?
13:18 Do “Hometown Judges” Actually Matter?
15:32 Will This Be Settled Before Basketball Season?
19:08 Can Congress Actually Fix This?
20:42 Why the Problem Keeps Getting Bigger
21:51 The Wildest NCAA Eligibility Lawsuits
22:42 Bryson Warren’s Fascinating Case
23:39 Where to Follow Sam Ehrlich
24:27 Closing Thoughts
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#CollegeBasketball #NCAA #NCAABasketball