As we step into the heart of the 2025 college basketball season, excitement builds with the commencement of conference play. The first weekend of January has set the stage for an electrifying few months leading up to March Madness. This week's edition of College Basketball Weekly provides a snapshot of all 31 conferences, highlighting key teams and storylines that will shape the remainder of the season. From powerhouse leagues like the SEC to the lesser-known but equally compelling mid-major conferences, each league offers unique narratives and characters.

A Deep Dive into Conference Play

In the vibrant autumn landscape of early January, the college basketball world welcomed the official start of conference play. Notable matchups from the opening weekend included Kansas State's thrilling victory over Cincinnati and Kentucky's narrow triumph over Florida. These results have set the tone for what promises to be an unpredictable and competitive few months.

Among the power conferences, the SEC stands out as the frontrunner, led by Auburn, which boasts an impressive resume and top-tier offensive numbers. Tennessee, Florida, and Kentucky are also formidable contenders, while the Big Ten showcases depth with 11 teams in KenPom's top-50. The Big 12, despite losing some of its former luster, remains a force with Houston emerging as the new top dog. Meanwhile, the ACC faces challenges, with only a handful of teams like Pittsburgh and Clemson showing promise.

Mid-major conferences offer their own thrills. Utah State leads the Mountain West with a stellar record, while Gonzaga continues to dominate the WCC despite early-season struggles. In the A10, Saint Bonaventure emerges as a juggernaut, and Liberty shines in C-USA with its high-volume shooting. The Ivy League sees Princeton and Yale vying for supremacy, and Grand Canyon solidifies its position as a mid-major powerhouse in the WAC.

Lower-tier conferences provide underdog stories and unexpected twists. The Patriot League, for instance, witnesses the revival of Holy Cross, which is off to a promising start after years of struggle. The Ohio Valley and MEAC conferences showcase balanced competition, while Central Connecticut dominates the Northeast and Southern Jaguars lead the SWAC.

This comprehensive overview underscores the diversity and richness of college basketball, where every game and every conference contributes to the larger narrative of the sport.

From a journalist's perspective, this season's conference play highlights the unpredictability and excitement that make college basketball so captivating. Each league tells its own story, from the dominance of major powers to the surprising performances of smaller programs. As the season unfolds, these narratives will continue to evolve, offering fans endless drama and intrigue. The road to March Madness is paved with anticipation, and every game brings us one step closer to discovering this year's champions.