The highly anticipated men's college basketball season is set to begin with all but four AP Top 25 teams taking the court on Monday night. As fans gear up for an action-packed season, a list of 68 predictions has been compiled to add to the excitement. From the rise of dominant big men to conference showdowns and breakout stars, here's a breakdown of the top storylines and predictions for the upcoming season.

One prevailing theme is the prominence of taller players in the sport, with the best returning players standing at 6-foot-11 or taller. This trend continues from the previous season, with players like Zach Edey (Purdue), Hunter Dickinson (Kansas), and Donovan Clingan (UConn) expected to make a significant impact on the court.

The influence of big men is predicted to have long-lasting staying power, as changes in the NBA and NIL rules provide incentives for players to stay in college for longer periods, rather than opting for alternative pathways to professional basketball.

Duke University is expected to emerge as a powerhouse team, showcasing both highly-touted NBA prospects and a strong returning core. With four starters coming back from last year's successful squad, the Blue Devils are poised to dominate both in November and potentially in March.

On the other hand, UCLA is a team to closely watch, as they may face initial struggles while integrating new players into their lineup. However, their long-term potential and the talent they possess indicate that they could surprise fans as the season progresses.

While the preseason rankings are usually a good indicator of a team's potential, there are always surprises. This year, San Diego State is predicted to fall short of expectations due to key departures, despite their No. 17 preseason ranking.

Among the predictions are breakout stars in each conference, including Tyrese Proctor (Duke), Ezra Ausar (East Carolina), Donovan Clingan (UConn), Bruce Thornton (Ohio State), Terrance Arceneaux (Houston), Jaedon LeDee (San Diego State), Kylan Boswell (Arizona), and Rylan Griffen (Alabama).

The ACC, despite previous projections of greatness, is not expected to live up to the lofty predictions made by Mike Krzyzewski. With only four teams cracking the top 50 in preseason rankings, the ACC may secure a maximum of five NCAA tournament bids.

On the contrary, the Big East is predicted to offer a thrilling conference title chase, with multiple teams in the preseason AP Top 25. The SEC is expected to produce the most NCAA tournament bids among all the conferences, showcasing the depth and quality of its teams.

In the realm of coaching, Kentucky's John Calipari is making another bet on a talented, yet less hyped, freshman class. While the Wildcats may not be immediate dominators, their potential makes them a team to be feared come March.

The anticipation surrounding the return of Bronny James, LeBron James' eldest son, adds an extra layer of excitement to USC games. Although his debut may be delayed, fans are eager to see him in action and witness his impact on the court.

As the season unfolds, numerous tournaments are predicted to feature top teams and future Sweet 16 contenders, such as the Maui Invitational, Battle 4 Atlantis, and the NIT Season Tip-Off.

While these predictions provide a glimpse into what the season might hold, college basketball has a way of defying expectations. As the action gets underway, fans can look forward to the thrilling surprises and unexpected storylines that make the sport truly remarkable.