Analyst makes bold prediction for Dan Hurley's UConn despite underwhelming performance last season: "Can win a national championship"

College basketball analyst John Fanta expressed belief that UConn will again figure in the 2026 NCAA men's basketball title picture despite an underwhelming performance last season.

Fanta even made a bold prediction in Monday's episode of the "Field of 68: After Dark" podcast that the Dan Hurley-coached Huskies have the tools to win their third national championship in four years.

"I think that this is a team that has the makeup to reach the program's third Final Four in four years and frankly can win a national championship," Fanta said (Timestamp: 1:18). When you have the continuity factors, you also have the hunger factor of last year."

The Fox Sports reporter also emphasized how close UConn was to beating reigning champion Florida in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

"UConn was giving Florida's defense so many fits. And the Gators were really in a deep hole," Fanta said (Timestamp 1:45). "They would tell you they might not win a national championship without that test from UConn to make them have a reality check."

The Huskies bring in a solid lineup for the 2025-26 season with returning players Alex Karaban, Solo Ball, Tarris Reed Jr., Jalylin Stewart and Jayden Ross bringing the veteran presence on the hardcourt.

Souleymane Diaby is also coming back for another season with UConn after sitting out last season as a partial qualifier.

The team will parade a highly regarded freshman class made up of five-star recruit Braylon Mullins, four-star signings Eric Reibe and Jacob Furphy, and guard Jacob Ross.

UConn also secured highly talented players from the transfer portal, including Georgia combo guard Silas Demary Jr. and Dayton playmaker Malachi Smith. Late additions Dwayne Koroma and Alec Millender complete UConn's roster this season.

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Solo Ball and Silas Demary Jr. take part in the CP3 Elite Guard Camp

UConn guards Solo Ball and Silas Demary Jr. were chosen to attend the 2025 Chris Paul Elite Guard Camp from July 29 to August 1 in Las Vegas. It was the second time Demary took part in the four-day event while Ball made his debut.

The camp brought together the nation's top collegiate and high school guards, who received personal instruction from 11-time All-NBA selection Paul, along with former NBA and high school coaches.

Last season, Ball averaged 14.4 points per game and was one of the top 3-point shooters in the nation, making 2.8 triples a game and shooting 41.4% from deep.

On the other hand, Demary Jr. transferred from Georgia and came off a great season with the Bulldogs, averaging 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.7 steals per game.

Ball and Demary Jr. are expected to be the top backcourt combination for UConn this season as they hope to bounce back from a second-round finish in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.