Gonzaga leads initial Pac-12 men's basketball power rankings
The new-look Pac-12 features nine teams, with Gonzaga entering as the clear preseason favorite behind forward Braden Huff and transfer Massamba Diop. Utah State, under new coach Ben Jacobson, is seen as the top challenger with returning stars Mason Falslev and Karson Templin. San Diego State rounds out the top three.
The Pac-12's revival comes after a turbulent period of realignment that scattered its original members across other conferences. Gonzaga's long-awaited departure from the West Coast Conference marks a significant shift for a program that had dominated that league for years, and Braden Huff's return from a serious knee injury will be critical to the Bulldogs' title hopes. Utah State's transition under Ben Jacobson brings continuity through returning award winners while integrating new transfers from his former program and elsewhere.
San Diego State's defensive identity remains its foundation despite losing three key players to Big East programs. Colorado State's roster retention strategy stands out in an era of frequent transfers, as the Rams return their top three scorers. The conference's composition reflects broader instability in college athletics, with programs from the Mountain West and WCC forming a new competitive landscape that will determine NCAA Tournament access for these schools.
This realignment could significantly affect college basketball fans in the western United States, who may see shifting rivalries and travel patterns as traditional conference matchups disappear. Smaller programs gaining power-conference status may benefit from increased visibility and revenue, while players face new competitive opportunities. The conference's success could influence future realignment decisions across college sports, potentially reshaping how mid-major programs approach scheduling and postseason qualification.