Sports
“Snubbed but dangerous… North Carolina State and Oregon headline shocking omissions from 2025–26 preseason Top 25 poll”
The USA TODAY Sports preseason poll is out — and some of college basketball’s most intriguing programs are nowhere to be found.
Preseason polls are supposed to tell us who the favorites are — but they’re often just the beginning of the story. This year’s USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll has stirred exactly that conversation, as several major programs — including North Carolina State Wolfpack and Oregon Ducks — were completely left out of the preseason Top 25.
The poll, which reflects the opinions of 31 Division I head coaches, identified 2025–26’s leading contenders for the national championship, with Purdue Boilermakers opening at No. 1. But while Purdue basks in preseason glory, the teams left off the list may have the biggest point to prove.
NC State — Overlooked but not out
The omission of North Carolina State, led by head coach Kevin Keatts, raised plenty of eyebrows in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Wolfpack return a strong core and boast a mix of athleticism and experience that many analysts believe will make them contenders by midseason.
ALSO READ : Rockets Guard Fred VanVleet Tears ACL and Likely to Miss 2025-26 Season
In fact, several college basketball commentators on X (Twitter) suggested that NC State’s omission might be short-lived. “They’re built for March, not November,” one analyst wrote — capturing the sense that the Wolfpack could surge once the season begins.
Oregon — A West Coast team ready to shock again
On the opposite side of the country, Oregon also found itself on the outside looking in. Under long-time coach Dana Altman, the Ducks have a reputation for peaking late — and upsetting expectations.
Their exclusion surprised fans of the Pac-12 Conference, particularly since Oregon boasts one of the nation’s top recruiting classes and the kind of defensive grit that thrives in tournament play. “We’ve seen this movie before — Oregon always finds its moment,” ESPN analyst Jay Bilas noted on X following the poll release.
History proves the polls wrong
If the past tells us anything, it’s that preseason rankings mean little once the games begin. Just three years ago, the Connecticut Huskies were unranked in the 2022–23 preseason poll — and ended up cutting down the nets as national champions.

That’s why poll snubs often turn into motivation. “Every year, somebody outside the Top 25 shocks everyone,” said former college coach Seth Greenberg. “You don’t want to be ignored too long — but being ignored early can be the best fuel.”
Other notable snubs
Beyond NC State and Oregon, analysts also highlighted a few more overlooked programs:
- Providence Friars – rebuilding but dangerous in the Big East.
- Kansas State Wildcats – loaded with athleticism, waiting to find consistency.
- Memphis Tigers – unpredictable but always one hot streak away from national relevance.
All five programs could be Top 25 material before conference play even begins — if they capitalize on early-season matchups and showcase their young talent.
Perspective — the fun of preseason debates
Preseason polls are never perfect — and that’s part of their charm. They spark conversation, drive rivalries, and give teams like North Carolina State and Oregon a storyline to chase. For now, the so-called “snubbed five” may be unranked, but their hunger might be exactly what puts them in the spotlight come March Madness.
Sports
New York Knicks Set for Special ‘Tonight Show’ Episode… Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns & Stars Join Jimmy Fallon in Surprise NBA Crossover
The Knicks roster heads to late-night television as superfan host Jimmy Fallon prepares a star-packed episode featuring top NBA names ahead of the new season buzz
In a unique blend of sports and entertainment, the New York Knicks are set to take center stage on a special episode of The Tonight Show, hosted by longtime superfan Jimmy Fallon.
The upcoming episode is expected to feature several of the team’s biggest stars, including NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, along with Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges.
The special segment is being positioned as more than just a typical late-night appearance. Instead, it is expected to highlight the growing cultural overlap between the NBA and mainstream entertainment, particularly in a city like New York where basketball and celebrity culture often collide.
Jimmy Fallon, known for frequently showcasing sports personalities on his show, has long been an outspoken supporter of the Knicks. His enthusiasm for the team has often become part of the show’s identity, making this upcoming episode feel like a natural extension of his on-screen personality.
ALSO READ : Sen. Elizabeth Warren Calls It a ‘Cesspool of Corruption’ — Here’s Why Senators Are Now Fighting Back Against the DOJ’s Live Nation Deal That Left Every Fan Betrayed…
For the New York Knicks, the appearance comes at a time when the franchise is experiencing renewed attention and expectations from fans. With a refreshed roster and rising anticipation around the team’s performance, the late-night spotlight adds another layer of visibility ahead of the new NBA season.
The inclusion of multiple star players also signals the Knicks’ intent to position themselves not just as contenders on the court, but as a cultural force off it. The combination of established talent like Brunson and Towns, along with versatile defenders like Anunoby and Bridges, has already generated strong buzz among analysts and fans alike.

This special episode also reflects a broader trend in American sports entertainment, where leagues like the NBA increasingly intersect with television, music, and digital media. Appearances on shows like The Tonight Show help players expand their reach beyond the court, turning them into mainstream personalities.
Fans are particularly excited to see how the chemistry between the players translates in a more relaxed, conversational setting compared to the intensity of game nights at Madison Square Garden. With Fallon steering the conversation, the episode is expected to feature humor, storytelling, and behind-the-scenes insights into the team’s dynamic.
As anticipation builds, the collaboration between New York Knicks and The Tonight Show stands out as one of the more entertaining crossover moments of the NBA offseason.
Sports
Knicks win sparks emotional wave… Jimmy Fallon, Jon Stewart, Seth Meyers & Jimmy Kimmel say ‘it felt bigger than sports
From studio monologues to social media reactions, America’s biggest late-night hosts couldn’t hide their excitement as the New York Knicks delivered a win that sparked a cultural moment beyond basketball.
When the New York Knicks secured a major victory, it wasn’t just fans in Madison Square Garden who erupted—it was also some of America’s most recognizable late-night voices.
Hosts like Jimmy Fallon, Jon Stewart, Seth Meyers, and Jimmy Kimmel openly celebrated the win, turning what might have been just another playoff headline into a cultural talking point across entertainment and sports media.
A Win That Echoed Far Beyond the Court
For New York, basketball is never just basketball. The Knicks’ latest triumph reignited a kind of citywide energy that spills into every corner of pop culture—especially television.
On-air reactions and off-camera posts from the late-night circuit reflected a shared sentiment: this win felt personal.
“It all feels bigger than just sports,” one of the recurring themes echoed across discussions, capturing how deeply the Knicks are tied to New York identity itself.
ALSO READ : Sen. Elizabeth Warren Calls It a ‘Cesspool of Corruption’ — Here’s Why Senators Are Now Fighting Back Against the DOJ’s Live Nation Deal That Left Every Fan Betrayed…
Late-Night TV Joins the Celebration
Jimmy Fallon, known for his energetic The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, leaned into the celebratory mood with his signature mix of humor and fandom, reflecting the emotional pulse of New York audiences.
Meanwhile, Seth Meyers, who hosts Late Night with Seth Meyers, brought his usual sharp wit to the moment, acknowledging how Knicks victories tend to unify even the most divided corners of the city.
Political satirist Jon Stewart, long associated with New York cultural commentary through his work on The Daily Show, also joined in the celebratory atmosphere, highlighting the emotional weight Knicks basketball carries for long-time fans.
And over at Jimmy Kimmel, host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the win was met with light-hearted acknowledgment of how New York sports culture often dominates national conversation after big moments.

Why This Win Hit Differently
The Knicks’ victory wasn’t just about advancing in standings or adding another mark in the win column. It represented something deeper: resilience, long-standing loyalty, and a fanbase that has weathered years of ups and downs.
In cities like New York, sports teams are not just franchises—they are emotional anchors. That’s why even entertainers, who spend their nights behind studio desks, feel connected to the outcome on the court.
The reaction from late-night hosts underscores a larger truth: basketball in New York is cultural currency.
A Shared Cultural Pulse
What made this moment stand out wasn’t just the game itself, but how quickly it spilled into entertainment spaces.
From monologues to social media reactions, the Knicks’ win became part of a shared cultural conversation involving comedy, television, and sports all at once.
In a media landscape often divided by niche audiences, moments like this briefly unify attention across platforms—reminding viewers why New York remains one of the most influential cultural hubs in the world.
Sports
It felt bigger than sports… Jimmy Fallon, Jon Stewart, Seth Meyers & Jimmy Kimmel erupt over Knicks win in emotional late-night moment
From studio monologues to social media reactions, America’s biggest late-night hosts couldn’t hide their excitement as the New York Knicks delivered a win that sparked a cultural moment beyond basketball.
When the New York Knicks secured a major victory, it wasn’t just fans in Madison Square Garden who erupted—it was also some of America’s most recognizable late-night voices.
Hosts like Jimmy Fallon, Jon Stewart, Seth Meyers, and Jimmy Kimmel openly celebrated the win, turning what might have been just another playoff headline into a cultural talking point across entertainment and sports media.
A Win That Echoed Far Beyond the Court
For New York, basketball is never just basketball. The Knicks’ latest triumph reignited a kind of citywide energy that spills into every corner of pop culture—especially television.
On-air reactions and off-camera posts from the late-night circuit reflected a shared sentiment: this win felt personal.
“It all feels bigger than just sports,” one of the recurring themes echoed across discussions, capturing how deeply the Knicks are tied to New York identity itself.
ALSO READ : Sen. Elizabeth Warren Calls It a ‘Cesspool of Corruption’ — Here’s Why Senators Are Now Fighting Back Against the DOJ’s Live Nation Deal That Left Every Fan Betrayed…
Late-Night TV Joins the Celebration
Jimmy Fallon, known for his energetic The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, leaned into the celebratory mood with his signature mix of humor and fandom, reflecting the emotional pulse of New York audiences.
Meanwhile, Seth Meyers, who hosts Late Night with Seth Meyers, brought his usual sharp wit to the moment, acknowledging how Knicks victories tend to unify even the most divided corners of the city.
Political satirist Jon Stewart, long associated with New York cultural commentary through his work on The Daily Show, also joined in the celebratory atmosphere, highlighting the emotional weight Knicks basketball carries for long-time fans.
And over at Jimmy Kimmel, host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the win was met with light-hearted acknowledgment of how New York sports culture often dominates national conversation after big moments.

Why This Win Hit Differently
The Knicks’ victory wasn’t just about advancing in standings or adding another mark in the win column. It represented something deeper: resilience, long-standing loyalty, and a fanbase that has weathered years of ups and downs.
In cities like New York, sports teams are not just franchises—they are emotional anchors. That’s why even entertainers, who spend their nights behind studio desks, feel connected to the outcome on the court.
The reaction from late-night hosts underscores a larger truth: basketball in New York is cultural currency.
A Shared Cultural Pulse
What made this moment stand out wasn’t just the game itself, but how quickly it spilled into entertainment spaces.
From monologues to social media reactions, the Knicks’ win became part of a shared cultural conversation involving comedy, television, and sports all at once.
In a media landscape often divided by niche audiences, moments like this briefly unify attention across platforms—reminding viewers why New York remains one of the most influential cultural hubs in the world.
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