The men’s college season is here. And boy should it be an interesting one.

A handful of major professional defections on the eve of the season could have an outsize impact on how the year shakes out in a few major conference battlegrounds. Can North Carolina resume its control over the ACC? Is Maryland about to enter a golden age? Can Syracuse replicate one of the more unexpected College Cup runs in the last few years?

All things we’re bound to find out in due time. For now, here’s a rundown of eight major contenders for the national championship. With all the tools these programs have back in 2016, don’t be surprise to see any on the national title podium in Houston come December.