College of Charleston's Upcoming Challenges: 2025-26 Basketball Preview!
Layton, United States - The College of Charleston is gearing up for the upcoming basketball season with a mix of excitement and challenges. Coming off a successful season where they finished at 24-9 and ranked among the top mid-major programs in the CAA, the Cougars are looking to build upon that success. As they prepare for the 2025-26 season, they have confirmed four non-conference opponents that will surely put them to the test.
According to Busting Brackets, Charleston’s non-conference slate includes games against the Liberty Flames, Florida Atlantic Owls, Drake Bulldogs, and South Florida Bulls. Each of these teams comes with its own storyline and set of challenges.
Non-Conference Matchups
The Liberty Flames have suffered a few setbacks, losing their top two scorers, including the CUSA 6th Man of the Year, Taelon Peter, to the NBA. However, they are bringing back key players Zach Cleveland and Collin Porter, who are looking to step up their game after averaging 9.1 points per game and 4.3 assists per game last season.
Meanwhile, the Florida Atlantic Owls, fresh off a run to the Final Four last season, have seen most of their key players depart. But point guard Niccolo Moretti remains, aiming to lead a new wave of talent that includes transfers Isaiah Elohim from USC, Kanaan Carlyle from Indiana, and Devin Williams from UCLA. The Cougars will face them on December 2, offering a chance to measure up against a team with a strong recent track record.
The Drake Bulldogs present a different kind of challenge. They are undergoing a complete rebuild after losing both their head coach, Ben McCollum, and MVC Player of the Year guard Bennett Stirtz to Iowa. The Cougars will have a chance to test themselves against new roster additions like Jalen Quinn from Loyola Chicago and Owen Larson, who averaged 9.2 points at South Dakota State.
Let’s not forget the South Florida Bulls, recently energized by Coach Bryan Hodgson from Arkansas State. They’ve attracted double-digit scorers Joseph Pinion and Izaiyah Nelson, along with Xavier Brown from James Madison and Josh Omojafo from RMU. Many are expecting South Florida to be a contender for the conference title alongside Memphis.
Struggles in Scheduling
The Cougars will kick off their season at home on November 6 against Iona, a strong team that won the MAAC and competed against Connecticut in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Following this opener, Charleston is set for a demanding seven-game road stretch, with contests including a matchup with Duquesne and participation in the Myrtle Beach Classic, where they will meet Kent State—a team they bested last season.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, Charleston will not only strive to solidify its standing within the CAA but also strengthen its non-conference record. Based on data from Team Rankings, it’s clear that winning these non-conference games is crucial for a team’s overall performance and potential postseason placement. With various dynamics at play, the Cougars hope to harness their returning talent and newcomers to navigate the upcoming season successfully.
The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in Cougar basketball. With confirmed matchups against formidable foes and a home crowd eager for action, fans have much to anticipate. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Charleston to see how they manage to meet these challenges and rise above.
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