The Ivy League conference has been run by two programs since 2018-19. Either Yale or Princeton has at least won a share of the conference championship in each of the last six seasons that have been played. Penn was the last team to break the two-team stranglehold on an eight-team conference. Will 2025-26 break the cycle? Or will Yale and Princeton continue to dominate the Ivy League? Let’s check out the best bet you could make on the Ivy League this year and find our answer.
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2025-26 Ivy League Conference Champion Best Bet
Yale to win the Ivy League: -130
If you’re looking for a solid parlay piece to add to a conference champion play, Yale should be on your shortlist. The Bulldogs return three of five starters from last year’s championship team. Guards John Poulakidas and Bez Mbeng have run out of eligibility.
The good news is that forward Nick Townsend, guard Casey Simmons, and center Samson Aletan all return. All three should play key roles in 2025-26. Townsend is expected to be Mr. Everything. He’ll score, distribute, and be the leader on the floor. Aletan is their rim protector and muscle on the interior. Simmons should show up as one of the Bulldogs’ top defenders and as a vital piece of their offense.
Yale has the top-rated front court in the Ivy League this year, but the Bulldogs only have one senior guard projected to start. The rest of the lineup is up in the air. However, coach James Jones has several options to consider. Sophomore guard Isaac Celiscar could earn a piece of the starting backcourt. Celiscar emerged as a part of the Yale rotation last year. He should take on a larger role on the perimeter.
Sophomore guard Trevor Mullin may emerge as a part of the Yale backcourt. He’s a bit young and inexperienced to be counted on as a distributor. But we could see him grow into the role.
The offense will run through senior forward Nick Townsend. The Bulldogs will rely on Townsend to hit guys with backdoor passes or kick it out to shooters on the perimeter. As long as a few of the younger guys can emerge as shooters, the Yale offense should be fine.
Defensively? Yale is incredibly strong on the inside for an Ivy League team. The Bulldogs always get after guys on the perimeter.
Yale may look rough at times in their non-conference schedule. However, their goal is to find their rotation before the Ivy League regular season starts. Once they get into league play, the Bulldogs will show that their system, continuity, and skill will take them to the top of the league. Lock up Yale to win the regular season and secure a spot in the four-team conference tournament.
The College Basketball Experience
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