Villanova is leaving the Big 5, dealing another blow to a college basketball tradition

In just over a week, Villanova men’s basketball will open its 2026-27 season in Rome and in the shadow of Pope Leo against Notre Dame.

The Wildcats will do so entering their final season as a member of the Big 5, the association that comprises the six Division I college basketball programs in Philadelphia.

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It was announced Thursday that Villanova will leave the Big 5 beginning with the 2027-28 season, marking the latest blow to one of the great traditions in college athletics as a result of the rapidly evolving landscape of college sports.

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Men’s college basketball preseason Top 25 rankings for 2026-27

25 — Brigham Young Cougars (23-12 in 2025-26, lost in first round of NCAA Tournament)

(William Purnell, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect)

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Men’s college basketball preseason Top 25 rankings for 2026-27

25 — Brigham Young Cougars (23-12 in 2025-26, lost in first round of NCAA Tournament)

(William Purnell, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect)

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Men’s college basketball preseason Top 25 rankings for 2026-27

24 — Purdue Boilermakers (30-9 in 2025-26, lost in Elite Eight of NCAA Tournament)

(Michael Hickey, Getty Images)

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Men’s college basketball preseason Top 25 rankings for 2026-27

23 — Kentucky Wildcats (22-14 in 2025-26, lost in second round of NCAA Tournament)

(Jordan Prather, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect)

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Men’s college basketball preseason Top 25 rankings for 2026-27

22 — Southern California Trojans (18-14 in 2025-26)

(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)

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Men’s college basketball preseason Top 25 rankings for 2026-27

21 — Vanderbilt Commodores (27-9 in 2025-26, lost in second round of NCAA Tournament)

(William Purnell, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect)

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Men’s college basketball preseason Top 25 rankings for 2026-27

20 — Michigan Wolverines (37-3 in 2025-26, won the…

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Publish date : 2026-10-22 16:30:00

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