Pac-12 men’s 2026-27 season preview
The first season of this iteration should be a lot of fun to watch
The Pac-12 men's basketball league is set to return for the 2026-27 season after a two-year absence, boasting a new roster of nine teams. The league will now comprise nine teams, including former Mountain West, Pac-12, WCC, and Sun Belt schools.
Among the contenders, Gonzaga is expected to enter the new Pac-12 with one of the best rosters in the conference. Key players Xaivian Lee, Javon Bennett, Chauncey Wiggins, and new additions Massamba Diop and Izan Almansa will contribute significantly to the team's success. Nathan De Sousa and Davis Fogle will provide stability and growth in the backcourt and backcourt respectively.
Utah State Coach Ben Jacobson's success in the Missouri Valley has led to his new role at Utah State. Falslev, returning for his fourth season, will be a key asset, alongside new additions AJ Bates, Solomon Callaghan, and Will Hornseth. Falslev's reliability makes him the focal point of Utah State's offense.
San Diego State's team saw a decline last season, but they are aiming for improvement under new coach Brian Dutcher. They are expected to bolster the offense with efficient point guard Chance Gladden and potential breakout player Elzie Harrington. The frontcourt will be a question mark, with Bear Cherry's injury and the return of Tae Simmons and Latrell Davis from Oregon State.
Oregon State has revamped its coaching staff, bringing in Michigan's Justin Joyner. Joyner's focus on adding size in the frontcourt and athleticism in the backcourt has led to the addition of two 7-footers, Xavion Staton and Dennis Evans. The backcourt features Josiah Lake II and Daniel Freitag, who could form one of the highest scoring pairs in the league.
Colorado State aims to capitalize on its new league position under head coach Ali Farokhmanesh. The team will rely on returning players Carey Booth, Jase Butler, and Kyle Jorgensen, along with Marist's Justin Menard, Josh Pascarelli, and Georgia's Pops Dunson. Dunson's speed and agility make him a strong backup point guard option in the league.
Boise State, with a consistent presence in the Mountain West, is expected to maintain its strong performance in the new Pac-12. Keeping Lamar Washington eligible will be crucial for their success. Damari Wheeler-Thomas's stellar junior season at North Dakota State and Julian Bowie's return from injury will add to the team's strengths.
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