Kevin Willard on Rebuilding Villanova & the Future of College Basketball

Kevin Willard joins Jon Rothstein to discuss the challenge of rebuilding Villanova in today's college basketball landscape. From constructing a roster in the transfer portal era to balancing life as a head coach, Willard shares how he's approaching one of the sport's most high-profile jobs.

The two also discuss the Wildcats' 2026-27 roster, expectations in the Big East Conference, the non-conference schedule, the proposed expansion of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, and where the sport is headed in the years to come.

(0:00) Willard's Background
(1:45) Time Away from Family
(2:40) Bringing Villanova Back
(4:20) Is Villanova Still a Blue Blood?
(6:05) Coaching Career
(8:40) Big East Competition
(10:25) 2026-27 Roster
(11:30) Luigi Suigo
(13:40) Building the Team
(19:00) Notre Dame in Rome
(20:38) Injury Updates
(22:10) Non-Conference Schedule
(25:20) Expanded NCAA Tournament
(28:10) Future of College Basketball
(31:53) Looking Ahead

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CBS Sports’ official college basketball podcast is the most entertaining and informative of its kind. Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander bring the sport into your ears at least three times per week with commentary, reporting, insider information and statistical analysis throughout college basketball all year long.

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We're also the home for Inside College Basketball Now, hosted by Jon Rothstein. 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.