Several high-profile college basketball programs are struggling to meet preseason expectations two months into the 2025-26 season. Teams like Alabama, Baylor, and Kentucky face mounting pressure to improve before Selection Sunday.

Alabama's defense has been porous, allowing over 93 points per game in losses. Baylor dropped its first three Big 12 games despite elite offensive talent. Kentucky has lost key players to injury and seen its defense rank 66th since early December.

Louisville misses top prospect Mikel Brown Jr., while Marquette flounders under Shaka Smart. Memphis is off to its worst start under Penny Hardaway. Even surprising Missouri shows inconsistency despite a strong non-conference record. These teams must regroup fast.