The 2026-27 men’s college basketball season kicks off in style with a trip to Rome. Villanova comes into this one with big expectations, now in year two under head coach Kevin Williard. However, the Wildcats aren’t the only team looking to make a statement. Notre Dame’s fanbase is starved for success on the hardwood as well. Which of these two programs will leave Italy with a season-opening win on Sunday?
Villanova enters this one as 7.5-point favorites (-115) over Notre Dame. The total is set at 147.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here’s a college basketball pick, preview and prediction for Sunday’s game between the Wildcats and the Fighting Irish.
Villanova vs. Notre Dame prediction, preview
The Wildcats were a pleasant surprise last year, immediately improving under Willard’s leadership. A scrappy, youthful roster placed third in the Big East standings, all while earning a trip to the NCAA Tournament. Despite getting knocked off by Utah State in the Round of 64, it was a successful season on the Main Line.
Nova isn’t content with simply making March Madness; this program is trying to re-establish itself as a national powerhouse. As a result, it was a busy offseason for the Wildcats. Among the new additions, Ohio State guard Devin Royal and Oregon big man Kwame Evans Jr. are expected to play major roles on both ends of the floor. The pair of transfers combined for 27.0 points and 13.1 rebounds per game during the 2025-26 campaign. Tyler Perkins, named to last season’s All-Big East first team, returns to campus as well.
This roster didn’t do anything exceptionally well last season, but there weren’t any glaring weaknesses either. Among all 11 Big East schools, Villanova was fifth in points per game (77.1) and fifth in points allowed per game (71.2). Although those aren’t the most impressive numbers, the Wildcats were fairly consistent. Nova went 22-2 against Quad 2, 3 and 4 opponents. By avoiding bad losses, the program established a fairly high floor. The drawback was that this group didn’t get many marquee wins. The Wildcats only earned two victories against Quad 1 opponents. That includes a combined 0-4 record against Big East heavyweights St. John’s and UConn.
It was a much shakier season for Notre Dame, still struggling to find its identity under head coach Micah Shrewsberry. The Fighting Irish went 13-18 last season, an afterthought in the crowded ACC. Even more troubling, the program finished with a dismal 4-14 record during conference play.
With that being said, the tide might be turning in South Bend. A busy offseason landed this group several impressive players through the transfer portal. The standout is Ethan Roberts, one of the Ivy League’s top players during his time at Penn. Last season, the forward averaged 16.9 points per game while shooting over 40% from three-point range. Big South Player of the Year Logan Duncomb and former Gonzaga role player Braeden Smith should make an impact as well. Internal improvement from former top recruit Brady Koehler and Braeden Shrewsberry, son of Micah, would go a long way for Notre Dame.
Villanova vs. Notre Dame pick, best bet
Notre Dame doesn’t have much in terms of returning talent. That could spell trouble during the early portion of the season, when a team is attempting to build its identity. Granted, Villanova’s roster is stocked with plenty of new faces as well. However, I have a bit more faith in proven playmakers such as Royal and Evans. That’s without mentioning the return of Perkins, one of the Big East’s top players. At a neutral site with their most famous alum watching, Villanova earns a comfortable win in front of the Pope.
