Inside College Basketball Now with Jon Rothstein is your courtside seat to the inner workings of the sport. Known for his unmatched insider knowledge, bold takes, and relentless coverage, Rothstein goes deep to deliver what's really happening in college hoops. From breaking down the biggest storylines to in-depth interviews with the top coaches in the country, this podcast is your all-access pass to the pulse of the game — 365 days a year. This. Is. March… and everything in between.
Inside College Basketball Now
Inside College Basketball Now
Inside College Basketball Now with Jon Rothstein is your courtside seat to the inner workings of the sport. Known for his unmatched insider knowledge, bold takes, and relentless coverage, Rothstein goes deep to deliver what's really happening in college hoops. From breaking down the biggest storylines to in-depth interviews with the top coaches in the country, this podcast is your all-access pass to the pulse of the game — 365 days a year. This. Is. March… and everything in between.
Most Recent Episode
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Early Big 12 Breakdown - MOST ANTICIPATED season in BYU history + Kansas & Baylor in transition
Jon Rothstein provides a full breakdown of the Big 12 entering the 2025-2026 college basketball season. Houston may be younger than we’re used to, but they’re deep, talented, and right back in the mix for a league title. BYU is heading into the most anticipated season in program history, while Kansas and Baylor — two longtime anchors of the conference — are facing major transitions on and off the floor. Jon runs through his complete preseason power rankings from top to bottom, with Houston at No. 1 and Arizona State rounding out the list. He delivers projected starting fives, key newcomers, and notable departures for every team, along with his picks for preseason Player of the Year, All-Big 12 First Team, and the sleeper program that could sneak into the top tier. He answers questions from the audience in a live chat and closes with three key nuggets to keep in mind heading into the year: BYU’s Richie Saunders averaged 22 a game in the NCAA Tournament, Cincinnati hasn’t danced since 2019, and Baylor, UCF, and West Virginia return zero percent of their scoring from last season. Wall-to-wall Big 12 hoops. No nonsense. Just Rothstein.
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Episodes of This Show
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Even With A Succession Plan, Creighton's Greg McDermott isn't slowing down.
Jon talks with Creighton's Greg McDermott about his long career, the succession plan with head coach in-waiting Alain Huss and moving forward without impact big man Ryan Kalkbrenner.
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Early Big East Breakdown - St. John's and UConn are on a collision course + Power Rankings
We’ve got a lot to get to. St. John’s and UConn are on a collision course. Rick Pitino’s roster looks like a high-major All-Star team, and Dan Hurley is reloading with talent that fits his system like a glove. Those two are headed for fireworks. Shaka Smart? He’s about to face his greatest challenge yet at Marquette. No more Tyler Kolek. No more Oso Ighodaro. This will be a pure coaching job — and it’ll tell us a lot about where the program stands. And then there’s Villanova and Georgetown. Two of the most storied programs in the Big East — and quite frankly, the league needs them to matter. The Big East is better when the Wildcats and Hoyas are in the mix. Jon dishes his full preseason power rankings — from St. John’s at No. 1 to Seton Hall at 11 — along with projected starting fives, key newcomers, and a few names you’re going to want to remember come February. Plus, he hands out his preseason awards, including Player of the Year, All-Big East First Team, and his sleeper pick to shake things up. Jon takes your questions and your takes in the live chat — let’s make this a conversation. And before we wrap, Rothstein has three nuggets you need to know: — Bryce Hopkins averaged 17 and 7 in just three games last year. He’s back and healthy. — It’s been over 1,200 days since Villanova played in an NCAA Tournament game. — And DePaul? Quietly returns nearly 49% of its scoring from last season. Only UConn returns more. Let’s talk Big East basketball.
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John Calipari says transfer portal NEEDS TO BE FIXED in college basketball + Arkansas expectations for 2025-2026
Arkansas head coach John Calipari gets candid in a wide-ranging interview with Jon Rothstein. He opens up about the state of college basketball today — from the chaos of the transfer portal and why he believes “we’re hurting kids, not helping them.”
Calipari explains how he turned around Arkansas last season, how he finally feels like he has a team, and why his '25/'26 squad is built differently — with elite guard play, old-school conditioning, and a schedule he isn’t afraid of. He also shares behind-the-scenes moments from beating Kentucky, the heartbreak of the 2008 title game Kansas loss, and reflects on what drives him heading into the next chapter of his career.
From tournament expansion talk to why he’s calling Congress about the transfer portal, Coach Cal holds nothing back. And no — broadcasting is not in his future.
This is Calipari unfiltered, and it's a must-watch for any college hoops fan.
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Early SEC Breakdown -- Florida could go back-to-back + all eyes on Jayden Quaintance at Kentucky
We start with Three Big SEC Things: why 10+ teams could make the NCAA Tournament again, how Florida has a real shot to go back-to-back, and why all eyes are on Jayden Quaintance to lead a revamped Kentucky. Then, we roll through SEC Preseason Power Rankings and Early Season Awards — Florida grabs the top spot, but Arkansas, Kentucky, Auburn, and Alabama are right behind. We dive deep into rosters, transfers, and breakout candidates for each team in the top 10 and beyond. Plus, we hand out our Preseason Player of the Year (Otega Oweh), First-Team All-SEC, and name a sleeper team to watch (looking at you, Texas A&M). Later, we turn to viewer questions and live chat, before closing with Three Good SEC Nuggets, including. A wave of new faces in familiar places LSU and South Carolina looking far more competitive Nearly half the league’s coaches boasting Elite Eight credentials This is your full SEC preseason primer — rosters, rankings, and the storylines that will shape the season.
(2:15) 3 Big Things
(14:00) SEC Preseason Rankings
(35:00) Live Chat
(45:00) 3 Good Nuggets
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Ohio State HC Jake Diebler talks about improving on Year 1 & the importance of a strong non-con
Jon talks with Jake Diebler about improving on year one, the improved roster and the importance of scheduling strong non-conference games.
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Alex Jensen explains how coaching in the G-League is like the current state of College Basketball
Alex Jensen talks with Jon Rothstein about the similarities between the NBA G-League and the current college basketball climate.
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New Iowa Coach Ben McCollum explains how he started from the bottom at Drake to get to the Hawkeyes
Jon talks with new Iowa head coach Ben McCollum about his meteoric rise from D2 to his success at Drake and more!
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Maryland HC Buzz Williams thinks back on all of the lessons he's learned during his career
Jon talks with newly minted Maryland head coach Buzz Williams about scheduling Marquette for the first time since he left, what he's learned about NIL since and maintaining a happy marriage despite being a college basketball head coach.
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Niko Medved is bringing his winning ways back to where it all began
Jon talks to Niko Medved about "coming home", the lessons he's learned at Colorado State and more!
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Bucky McMillan explains the origins of "Bucky Ball" as he brings it to College Station
Jon talks with Bucky McMillan about the origins of Bucky Ball and how he rose from the high school ranks to being the Texas A&M head coach
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Darian DeVries explains why he left West Virginia for A "Dream Job" in Bloomington
Jon chats with newly minted Indiana head coach Darian Devries about what it's like to be snubbed from the NCAA Tournament, leaving Morgantown for Bloomington and the influence of Gregg McDermott.
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Big Ten Breakdown in July -- Will Anyone Join Purdue & Michigan Atop The Standings ?
It may only be July, but it's not too soon to start breaking down the the major conferences in College Basketball. Today, Jon starts with the Big Ten, where Purdue and Michigan appear to be the class of the conference. Will anyone challenge those two or will it be a two-horse race to the top? Join us for a way too early conference preview!
00:00 - Start
01:58 - It's Final Four or Bust for Purdue
04:00 - Michigan looks like Purdue's Top Challenger for the Big Ten Regular Season Crown
05:58 - The Michigan State Spartans face an uphill battle 08:32 - Jon's Big Ten Power Rankings
23:12 - Your Big 12 Thoughts, Heard
30:30 - Three Good big Ten Nuggets
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New Miami Head Coach Jai Lucas explains WHY he left Duke before the NCAA Tournament
Jon talks with new Hurricanes head coach Jai Lucas on growing up a son of an NBA Head Coach, what it's like to succeed Coach L and how many Duke games did he watch after leaving for Miami.
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New Virginia head coach Ryan Odom returns to the place he fell in love with basketball
Jon talks to new Virginia head coach Ryan Odom about returning to Charlottesville, his relationship with Tony Bennett, and what it means to be an ACC Head Coach!
🎥 WATCH • Subscribe to this channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CBSSportsCBB • Watch CBS Sports HQ: https://cbssports.com/live • Watch CBS Sports Network on your TV or the CBS Sports App with your cable provider 🎧 LISTEN • Stream and follow & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3t03SRmmslKzdQ5AtGlXiM?si=d475ddfbf5cb4e94 • Download and follow & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-college-basketball-now/id1823022867 • Other CBS Sports podcasts: https://cbssports.com/podcast 📱FOLLOW • Twitter: https://x.com/JonRothstein • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbssportscbb/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cbssportscbb?lang=en 📖 READ • More college basketball news: https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/ 💵BETTING • For everything CBS Sports Betting: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/ • Find the best sportsbooks: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/best-betting-apps/ • Get the latest sportsbook promos: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/
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New Lobos head coach Eric Olen is bringing an offensive style of his own to the desert
Jon Rothstein sits down with New Mexico head coach Eric Olen
0:00 - Intro
00:10 - Olen on becoming head coach at New Mexico
4:15 - Olen on managing a Big West program vs a Mountain West program
8:00 - Olen on the emotional roller coaster of the last few months
13:00 - Olen on New Mexico’s non-conference schedule for next season
🎥 WATCH • Subscribe to this channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CBSSportsCBB • Watch CBS Sports HQ: https://cbssports.com/live • Watch CBS Sports Network on your TV or the CBS Sports App with your cable provider 🎧 LISTEN • Stream and follow & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3t03SRmmslKzdQ5AtGlXiM?si=d475ddfbf5cb4e94 • Download and follow & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-college-basketball-now/id1823022867 • Other CBS Sports podcasts: https://cbssports.com/podcast 📱FOLLOW • Twitter: https://x.com/JonRothstein • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbssportscbb/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cbssportscbb?lang=en 📖 READ • More college basketball news: https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/ 💵BETTING • For everything CBS Sports Betting: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/ • Find the best sportsbooks: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/best-betting-apps/ • Get the latest sportsbook promos: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/
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The goal for Luke Loucks at Florida State will ALWAYS be to win a National Championship
Jon Rothstein sits down with Florida State head coach Luke Loucks
0:00 - intro
00:30 - Loucks on the last 60 days
1:15 - Loucks on returning to FSU as a head coach after playing there over 10 years ago
8:45 - Loucks on the less demanding travel schedule of coaching college vs. NBA
17:00 - Loucks on what Coach Hamilton means to him
🎥 WATCH • Subscribe to this channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CBSSportsCBB • Watch CBS Sports HQ: https://cbssports.com/live • Watch CBS Sports Network on your TV or the CBS Sports App with your cable provider 🎧 LISTEN • Stream and follow & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3t03SRmmslKzdQ5AtGlXiM?si=d475ddfbf5cb4e94 • Download and follow & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-college-basketball-now/id1823022867 • Other CBS Sports podcasts: https://cbssports.com/podcast 📱FOLLOW • Twitter: https://x.com/JonRothstein • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbssportscbb/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cbssportscbb?lang=en 📖 READ • More college basketball news: https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/ 💵BETTING • For everything CBS Sports Betting: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/ • Find the best sportsbooks: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/best-betting-apps/ • Get the latest sportsbook promos: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/
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New Texas coach Sean Miller believes that the lessons learned at Xavier prepared him for now
Jon talks with Texas Head Coach Sean Miller about the expectations in year one, the lessons he learned at Xavier and more.
0:00 - Intro
2:00 - Miller on why he left Xavier for Texas
14:00 - Miller on the initial roster he’s put together
17:00 - Miller on how much of an impact Lassina Traore can have on the team
21:00 - Miller on what it will be like coaching Kendall Weaver
27:30 - Miller on the biggest things he wants to accomplish in year one
🎥 WATCH • Subscribe to this channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CBSSportsCBB • Watch CBS Sports HQ: https://cbssports.com/live • Watch CBS Sports Network on your TV or the CBS Sports App with your cable provider 🎧 LISTEN • Stream and follow & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3t03SRmmslKzdQ5AtGlXiM?si=d475ddfbf5cb4e94 • Download and follow & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-college-basketball-now/id1823022867 • Other CBS Sports podcasts: https://cbssports.com/podcast 📱FOLLOW • Twitter: https://x.com/JonRothstein • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbssportscbb/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cbssportscbb?lang=en 📖 READ • More college basketball news: https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/ 💵BETTING • For everything CBS Sports Betting: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/ • Find the best sportsbooks: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/best-betting-apps/ • Get the latest sportsbook promos: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/
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New WVU Boss Ross Hodge BELIEVES he has the right crew to hit the ground running
Jon sits down with West Virginia University head coach Ross Hodge.
0:00 - Intro
00:10 - Hodge on what the last 6 weeks have been like
5:00 - Hodge on what it will be like going against Texas Tech and Grant McCaslin
8:15 - Hodge on the roster he has put together so far
12:00 - Hodge on how he wants to be known as WVU’s head coach
14:00 - Hodge on what he hopes to accomplish in his first season
🎥 WATCH • Subscribe to this channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CBSSportsCBB • Watch CBS Sports HQ: https://cbssports.com/live • Watch CBS Sports Network on your TV or the CBS Sports App with your cable provider 🎧 LISTEN • Stream and follow & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3t03SRmmslKzdQ5AtGlXiM?si=d475ddfbf5cb4e94 • Download and follow & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-college-basketball-now/id1823022867 • Other CBS Sports podcasts: https://cbssports.com/podcast 📱FOLLOW • Twitter: https://x.com/JonRothstein • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbssportscbb/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cbssportscbb?lang=en 📖 READ • More college basketball news: https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/ 💵BETTING • For everything CBS Sports Betting: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/ • Find the best sportsbooks: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/best-betting-apps/ • Get the latest sportsbook promos: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/
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New UNLV coach Josh Pastner BELIEVES his time off makes him the PERFECT Coach for the Rebels
Jon chats with the brand-new UNLV head coach, Josh Pastner, about how his time in the media prepared him for this moment, why he likes the current basketball landscape, and other life lessons.
0:00 - Intro
00:30 - Pastner on the excitement of the last month
8:30 - Pastner on his coaching philosophy
15:15 - Pastner on how he can get UNLV back to the NCAA Tournament
17:30 - Pastner on non-conference schedule highlights
25:15 - Pastner on what he hopes to accomplish in history first year 🎥 WATCH • Subscribe to this channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CBSSportsCBB • Watch CBS Sports HQ: https://cbssports.com/live • Watch CBS Sports Network on your TV or the CBS Sports App with your cable provider 🎧 LISTEN • Stream and follow & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3t03SRmmslKzdQ5AtGlXiM?si=d475ddfbf5cb4e94 • Download and follow & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-college-basketball-now/id1823022867 • Other CBS Sports podcasts: https://cbssports.com/podcast 📱FOLLOW • Twitter: https://x.com/JonRothstein • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbssportscbb/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cbssportscbb?lang=en 📖 READ • More college basketball news: https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/ 💵BETTING • For everything CBS Sports Betting: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/ • Find the best sportsbooks: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/best-betting-apps/ • Get the latest sportsbook promos: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/
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Richard Pitino on why choosing a Big East School was a must & why getting old is the goal
This episode was originally published on May 8, 2025.
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Phil Martelli Jr. on growing up with a Famous Father & his meteoric coaching rise to VCU
This episode was originally published on May 7, 2025.
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Louisville has something special brewing; NCAA Tourney expansion ONLY helps P4 teams; is UNC back?
It's only June but are the Louisville Cardinals building something special under Pat Kelsey in year two? Jon takes a look underneath the hood at what's the Cardinals will look like in 2025 -26. The NCAA Tournament is (probably) going to expand, Jon will explain why it only will help Power Conference teams. PLUS a chat with newly minted Penn coach, Fran McCaffrey.
01:48 - Louisville has something special brewing
07:03 - UNC might be back
13:44 - Your questions answered
16:15 - A conversation with Penn HC Fran McCaffrey
34:00 - Three good Nuggets
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Kevin Willard expects Villanova to eventually return to National Championship conversations
This episode was originally published on May 14, 2025.
Jon Rothstein talks to newly minted head coach Kevin Willard about making the move to Philadelphia, the new Pope being a Villanova alum and what it means to be a steward of Jay Wright's program.
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Mark Pope On Why NOTHING Less Than A Title Is Acceptable At Kentucky + Keeping Their Schedule Secret
This episode was originally published on April 30, 2025.
The Kentucky head coach describes why year 1 in Lexington was a dream, discusses expectations for next year's roster and we're joined by a special guest on FaceTime!
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New NC State Coach Will Wade plans to shake up the ACC next season
By popular demand, the American Gangster, Will Wade is BACK! He joins Jon to talk about a myriad of topics including relegation in the ACC and more!
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Introducing 'Inside College Basketball Now' with Jon Rothstein
Inside College Basketball Now with Jon Rothstein is your courtside seat to the inner workings of the sport. Known for his unmatched insider knowledge, bold takes, and relentless coverage, Rothstein goes deep to deliver what’s really happening in college hoops. From breaking down the biggest storylines to in-depth interviews with the top coaches in the country, this podcast is your all-access pass to the pulse of the game — 365 days a year. This. Is. March… and everything in between.
To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices