CBS picks Mark Pope as a future first-time NCAA Champion coach
The question was simple: Who will be the next college basketball coach to win their first national championship? CBS Sports asked their experts, and four names emerged—but one stands out in Big Blue Nation.
Mark Pope.
Duke’s Jon Scheyer drew a lot of praise due to his youth and recruiting dominance since taking over for the legendary Coach K, and Houston’s Kelvin Sampson drew praise for consistency, it was Pope who got the strongest long-term endorsement.
CBS’s David Cobb wrote: “Most programs are doing well to achieve one or two things: retain players, land elite transfers, recruit high school stars, or explore international talent. Mark Pope and Kentucky are doing all four.”
Pope’s first season in Lexington showed tactical brilliance amid adversity. Despite injuries and roster turnover, he had UK contending into March. Getting the Cats to the Sweet 16 for the first time since before COVID. With another top-tier transfer class, returners like Otega Oweh, Trent Noah, and continued NIL investment, Kentucky’s trajectory is clear: this isn’t a rebuild, it’s a reload.
Jon Scheyer may be the “safe” pick. He’s 89–22 in three seasons at Duke, with multiple Elite Eights and top-ranked recruiting classes headlined by Cooper Flagg. But titles are hard to win. And if the 2025 Final Four showed anything, it’s that talent alone doesn’t win in March.
Kelvin Sampson came within a possession of his first title with Houston. Grant McCasland of Texas Tech also got a nod for his modern approach and tactical adaptability.
But let your Louisville friends know—Pat Kelsey wasn’t even mentioned.
Kentucky’s mix of tradition, talent, and tactical edge under Pope is a rare trifecta. If CBS is right, Pope won’t just join the coaching elite—he’ll do it with scissors in one hand and a net around his neck and soon.