VillanovaWildcats
Villanova snapped a three-year NCAA Tournament drought as the Wildcats earned a No. 8 seed in this year’s event, though first-year coach Kevin Willard’s tourney was short-lived. The Wildcats, who went 24-9 and 15-5 in Big East play, were ousted by ninth-seeded Utah State 86-76. Williard projects to get most of his key players back, though he does have to replace forward Duke Brennan and his top guard off the bench, Devin Askew.
Four-star and top-100 recruit Adam Oumiddoch is the Wildcats lone commitment in 2026, thus far. However, SBNation’s Matt Lukoskie would be surprised if VU landed him.
“I would be surprised if the Wildcats were the choice, “Lukoskie said. “That said, he seems like an ideal replacement for the departing Devin Askew. Though his addition would likely signal that one of the remaining guards has or will transfer out.”
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Wake Forest’s NCAA Tournament drought was extended to nine seasons, though the Demon Deacons finished the season with their fifth-winning campaign at 18-17 after being eliminated in the second round of The NIT today. The Deacs were also 7-12 in ACC play, their first losing record in league play since 2020-21. Overall, they are 110-81 under head coach Steve Forbes.
Juke Harris has a decision to make about his pro career after a tremendous sophomore campaign. The Demon also lost three key senior rotational players — Trev’Von Spillers, Nate Calmese, and Mekhi Mason. Calmese was a major part of Forbes’ backcourt rotation and two of the team’s top three-point shooters. Calmese made 41 threes and led the team with 40.1% from the field. Forbes has signed a pair of 2026 four-star recruits, twin brothers Gavin and Gallagher Placide.
Vanderbilt Commodores
Vanderbilt had one of its best seasons in program history, finishing 27-9 and falling to Nebraska in the second round of the NCAA Tournament (74-72). Coach Mark Byington will have to rebuild his roster as the Commodores lose nine seniors, though leading scorer Tyler Tanner could return. Tanner may test the NBA waters this spring, which would be smart, though there are questions about size, so he may have to “show out” in college one more season.
Vandy has signed three incoming freshmen to NLI’s in 2026, including two top-100 recruits: 6-6 wing Ethan Mgbako and 6-1 point guard Anthony Brown. Jackson Sheffield, a 6-9 four-star center, is the other player to sign with the Commodores.
