Rising Stars: 20 Mid-Major Coaches Poised to Break into Power Conferences in 2025

20 Men's Basketball Coaches Ready to Make the Jump to Power Conferences

With several high-profile coaching vacancies expected in 2025, the spotlight is on the next wave of mid-major coaches poised to ascend to power conferences. Here’s a look at the 20 coaches industry insiders believe are ready for the leap:

1. Ryan Odom, VCU Rams

   • Record: Led UMBC and Utah State to NCAA tournaments; VCU poised for Atlantic 10 title.
   • Highlight: 16-over-1 upset against Virginia in 2018.

2. Alan Huss, High Point Panthers

   • Record: 53-14 in two seasons; back-to-back Big South titles.
   • Background: High-major recruiting experience from La Lumiere and Creighton.

3. Bucky McMillan, Samford Bulldogs

   • Style: Up-tempo, known as "Bucky Ball."
   • Achievement: Back-to-back SoCon titles and NCAA appearance.

4. Ben McCollum, Drake Bulldogs

   • Background: Four Division II national titles at Northwest Missouri State.
   • Current: Missouri Valley regular-season title in first year at Drake.

5. Jerrod Calhoun, Utah State Aggies

   • Record: League title at Youngstown State in 2023.
   • Current: Likely NCAA tournament in first season at Utah State.

6. Niko Medved, Colorado State Rams

   • Record: NCAA appearances in two of the last three seasons.
   • Recent Form: 10 wins in last 12 games.

7. Russell Turner, UC Irvine Anteaters

   • Record: Seven Big West titles in 11 years.
   • Experience: High-major assistant at Wake Forest and Stanford.

8. Takayo Siddle, UNC Wilmington Seahawks

   • Record: Four straight 20-win seasons.
   • Potential: CAA tourney title could boost his profile.

9. Tony Skinn, George Mason Patriots

   • Background: Part of the 2006 Final Four team.
   • Current: Back-to-back 20-win seasons at George Mason.

10. Eric Olen, UC San Diego Tritons

    • Achievement: Led transition from Division II to Division I.
    • Current: 26-4 record and Big West lead.

11. Daniyal Robinson, Cleveland State Vikings

    • Record: 20-plus wins in three seasons.
    • Experience: Assistant at Iowa State.

12. Ross Hodge, North Texas Mean Green

    • Reputation: Strong ties in Texas coaching circles.
    • Current: 15 wins in last 18 games in AAC.

13. Matt Langel, Colgate Raiders

    • Record: Five Patriot League titles in six years.
    • Current: Down year but still a contender for high-major jobs.

14. Preston Spradlin, James Madison Dukes

    • Achievement: Sun Belt title in first season.
    • Background: Two OVC titles at Morehead State.

15. Drew Valentine, Loyola Chicago Ramblers

    • Record: NCAA tournament in 2022.
    • Current: Tied for third in Atlantic 10.

16. Eric Henderson, South Dakota State Jackrabbits

    • Achievement: Four Summit League titles in five years.
    • Background: Continued legacy of Nagy and Otzelberger.

17. Mike Morrell, UNC Asheville Bulldogs

    • Turnaround: From 4-27 to three straight 20-win seasons.
    • Highlight: NCAA tournament appearance in 2023.

18. Bryan Hodgson, Arkansas State Red Wolves

    • Style: Modern offense with pace and 3s.
    • Achievement: Share of Sun Belt title this season.

19. Mitch Henderson, Princeton Tigers

    • Record: Three straight Ivy titles.
    • Highlight: Sweet 16 run in 2023.

20. Bob Richey, Furman Paladins

    • Achievement: Beat Virginia in 2023 NCAA tournament.
    • Record: Five 22-win seasons in six years.

Honorable Mentions

• John Griffin, Bucknell
• John Becker, Vermont
• James Jones, Yale
• Brian Wardle, Bradley
• Josh Schertz, Saint Louis