Gonzaga Leads Pac-12 Preseason Media Poll
The Bulldogs secured all 17 first-place votes in the newly expanded Pac-12 conference basketball poll.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Basketball
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Gonzaga has been unanimously selected as the favorite to win the Pac-12 in the preseason media poll. The team received all 17 available first-place votes from conference media members.
Why it matters
The top-tier ranking underscores Gonzaga's position as the team to beat in a shifting Pac-12 landscape. Their performance is closely watched as they enter the year ranked No. 15 in the preseason AP Poll.
Gonzaga enters the season ranked No. 15 in the AP Poll after a dominant 2023-24 conference campaign. Returning contributors include Braden Huff, who averaged 17.8 points and 5.6 rebounds, and Davis Fogle, who recorded 8.6 points per game.
The players
Gonzaga
This university basketball program is based in Spokane and has become a perennial powerhouse in collegiate sports.
Braden Huff
He is a key returning player for the Bulldogs who averaged 17.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game last season.
Davis Fogle
He is a contributing athlete for the basketball team who averaged 8.6 points per game last year.
Purdue
This university operates a prominent collegiate basketball program and is the scheduled opponent for the season opener.
The details
The Pac-12 now includes Gonzaga, Oregon State, Washington State, Texas State, San Diego State, Utah State, Colorado State, Boise State, and Fresno State. Coaches also contributed to the player impact selection process during the preseason evaluation.
Timeline
2001 marked the start of Gonzaga's streak of earning preseason first-place picks.
Gonzaga was not picked first in the preseason during the 2017-18 and 2023-24 seasons.
Gonzaga plays its season opener against Purdue on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
Season Trajectory
Being picked first in the media poll sets high expectations for Gonzaga as they navigate the newly expanded conference. This status reflects their potential to secure a top seed and influence the broader playoff picture within the conference standings.
Fans should monitor the production of Braden Huff and Davis Fogle as they lead the team into a challenging schedule. Their performance metrics are critical for those following the team's ability to maintain their No. 15 national ranking.
The takeaway
Maintaining the top spot in a preseason poll creates added pressure for a team aiming to prove their No. 15 ranking is an underestimate. Fans should watch how the squad integrates returning talent against early-season non-conference opponents.
What happens next
Gonzaga will officially begin their season at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, against Purdue.
Further reading
For more news on the team, visit the Spokane Basketball section.
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