Gator bites and elite freshmen debuts: Five observations from men’s college basketball opening night

The 2025-26 men’s college basketball season got underway on Monday, and it didn’t disappoint. There were upsets among ranked teams, elite performances, nail-biting games, surprising results and more. Leading the charge were stellar debuts for a range of five-star freshmen, along with the defending national champions going down. Five-star prospects in the 2025 class played at an ultra-high level during their collegiate debuts. Kansas freshman guard Darryn Peterson poured in 21 points in just 22 minutes. BYU freshman small forward AJ Dybantsa had 21 points and six rebounds as the Cougars knocked off Villanova. Tennessee freshman power forward Nate Ament tallied 18 points and nine boards against Mercer. North Carolina freshman power forward Caleb Wilson scored 22 points in 25 minutes against Central Arkansas. Southeastern Conference powerhouse Florida, which won the 2025 NCAA Tournament, fell in its season opener, albeit to a quality opponent. No. 13 Arizona knocked off No. 3 Florida, 93-87. For the Wildcats, fRead More