Way Too Early 2026-27 America East Conference Rankings (Post-Transfer Portal)

The America East ranked among the weaker conferences in 2025-26 (near the bottom in average KenPom metrics, similar to NEC). League-wide AdjO was mostly in the low- to mid-100s. These rankings are ordered primarily by 2025-26 KenPom offensive efficiency (AdjO + national rank), with returning production, net portal impact, and freshman fits as tiebreakers. Each team now includes both offense and defense for full context (2025-26 AdjO/AdjD with national ranks).

1. UMBC Retrievers

(2025-26 AdjO: 108.9, #176 | AdjD: 110.7, #208)

Net Change: Neutral to slightly better — strongest offensive baseline in the league.

Retained key scorers and perimeter creators from a solid 24-9 campaign and conference title run. Efficient half-court and transition attack.

Biggest additions: Portal guards/wings for spacing and depth.

Clear favorite with the best offensive foundation and veteran continuity.

2. Vermont Catamounts

(2025-26 AdjO: 106.2, #224 | AdjD:112.6, #247)

Net Change: Neutral.

Excellent returning production from experienced scorers and efficient role players. Known for disciplined, high-efficiency offense.

Biggest additions: Targeted perimeter transfers to maintain shooting volume.

Annual contender with strong offensive/defensive balance.

3. UMass Lowell River Hawks

(2025-26 AdjO: 102.6, #293 | AdjD: 117.3, #319)

Net Change: Neutral to better.

Decent retention of double-digit scorers; portal adds athleticism.

Biggest additions: Guards and wings emphasizing pace and perimeter efficiency.

Mid-to-upper pack with potential to climb in AdjO.

4. Albany Great Danes

(2025-26 AdjO: 103.3, #283 | AdjD: 118.3, #332)

Net Change: Neutral.

Balanced returning minutes from efficient pieces.

Biggest additions: Depth scorers and creators via portal.

Competitive in the middle with solid offensive retention.

5. Maine Black Bears

(2025-26 AdjO: 91.7, #363 | AdjD: 112.0, #233)

Net Change: Neutral to better.

Some veteran scorers back plus portal help.

Biggest additions: Athletic perimeter talent for transition scoring.

Upside to push higher in offense if new pieces mesh.

6. Bryant Bulldogs

(2025-26 AdjO: 96.7, #347 | AdjD: 119.7,#345

Net Change: Slightly worse.

Lost some scoring punch to graduation/portal.

Biggest additions: Depth-focused portal pieces.

Rebuilding but still has offensive tools.

7. NJIT Highlanders

(2025-26 AdjO: 96.6, #348| AdjD: 113.5, #262)

Net Change: Neutral to worse.

Significant turnover; modest portal reload.

Biggest additions: Athletic wings and guards.

Lower-mid projection with defensive lean.

8. New Hampshire Wildcats

(2025-26 AdjO: 95.3, #357 | AdjD: 116.0, #306)

Net Change: Neutral to slightly worse.

High turnover addressed with freshmen and lower-level transfers.

Biggest additions: Perimeter creators for spacing.

Bottom-half outlook with rebuilding focus.America East Big Picture for 2026-27

9. Binghamton Bearcats

(2025-26 AdjO: 97.7 #342| AdjD: 123.2, #306)

Net Change: Neutral.

Mixed returning production; focused on defensive-to-offensive transitions.

Biggest additions: Lower-level transfers and freshmen guards.

Battle for middle of the standings.

UMBC and Vermont stand out with the best 2025-26 offensive baselines and retention, giving them a clear edge in projected AdjO. Most teams show defensive vulnerabilities (AdjD ranks 200+), typical for the league. Expect another 1-bid NCAA Tournament year, with the champion as a heavy underdog. Key question: Can any team outside the top 2 push into the national top-220-250 in AdjO through portal gains?