Way Too Early 2026-27 Atlantic 10 (A-10) Conference Rankings (Post-Transfer Portal)
- Tesh
- May 25
- 4 min read
The A-10 remains one of the stronger mid-major conferences nationally. These rankings are ordered primarily by 2025-26 KenPom offensive efficiency (AdjO + national rank), with returning production, net portal impact, and specific player movement (including PPG, RPG, APG, and awards) as key factors. Each team includes both offense and defense.
1. Saint Louis Billikens
(2025-26 AdjO: 120.3 , #41 | AdjD: 100.8, #42)
Net Change: Neutral to slightly worse.
Biggest losses: A-10 Player of the Year Robbie Avila (senior C, dominant inside presence with high PPG/RPG).
Biggest additions: Elijah Strong (6-8 / 6-9 F, ~250 lbs, from South Carolina) - Veteran forward with prior experience at Boston College. Adds size, physicality, and experience in the frontcourt. Committed in early May, Alon Michaeli (6-9 F, ~230 lbs, from Colorado) forward who played as a freshman at Colorado in 2025-26. Brings length, strength, and stretch potential. SLU’s first major portal addition in April. Multiple veteran transfers to replace frontcourt production.
Competitive upper tier with returning talent from last seasons NCAA Tournament 2nd round team but they must replace their star big man.
2. Dayton Flyers
Net Change: Neutral to slightly better. Strong returning core and excellent defensive foundation.
Biggest additions: Grant Randall (6-9 F from Quinnipiac, 11.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG as a sophomore) and Zaide Lowery (Marquette transfer guard for perimeter creation).
Biggest losses: De'Shayne Montgomery (second-leading scorer) entered the portal seeking his fourth school.
Clear favorite with elite defensive foundation and one of the best offensive baselines in the league.
3. George Washington Colonials
(2025-26 AdjO: 117.4 , #64 | AdjD: 108.0, #143)
Net Change: Neutral to worse. Heavy roster changes.
Biggest additions: Terrance Arceneaux (R-Sr. G, from Houston/NC State) — High-upside veteran scorer, Jean Aranguren (Sr. G, from Hofstra/Iona) — Perimeter threat, Felix Kossaras (Jr. G, from Colorado) — Size and experience.
Biggest losses: Rafael Castro (Sr. F, 6'10) — Leading scorer and rebounder (~15.3 PPG, 9.1 RPG). Graduated / exhausted eligibility (mentioned for NBA Draft Combine), Trey Autry (Jr. G, 6'4) — Key starter (~11.0 PPG). Transferred to Wisconsin, Garrett Johnson (Jr. G, 6'8) — Double-digit scorer in spots (~11.4 PPG). Entered portal.
4. VCU Rams
(2025-26 AdjO: 119.2, #51 | AdjD: 101.8, #51)
Net Change: Neutral to worse.
Biggest losses: A-10 Sixth Man of the Year / Most Improved Player Terrence Hill Jr. (15.0 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 2.8 APG, 37% from 3) to Tennessee; forward Christian Fermin and others entered the portal.
Biggest additions: Veteran guards and wings via portal for scoring and playmaking. Annual contender but faces major scoring loss.
5. George Mason Patriots
(2025-26 AdjO: 113.1, #107 | AdjD: 106.0, #110)
Net Change: Neutral to better.
Biggest additions: Elijah Jones (forward from UTEP) — Adds size and experience, Makhai Valentine — Talented scorer, multiple transfers averaging double figures last season (including guards and forwards).
Biggest losses: Moderate turnover in rotation. Strong upside with experienced portal class.
6. Loyola Chicago Ramblers
(2025-26 AdjO: 103.6 , #280 | AdjD: 113.5, #261)
Net Change: Neutral to worse. Significant portal turnover.
Biggest additions: Lower-level transfers and freshmen.
Biggest losses: Multiple rotation players entered the portal.
Rebuilding year near the basement.
7. Saint Joseph's Hawks
(2025-26 AdjO: 107.8 , #194 | AdjD: 102.1, #55)
Net Change: Neutral to worse.
Biggest losses: Key scorers and rotation players entered the portal.
Biggest additions: Veteran transfers for guard and wing positions.
Potential to stay competitive with good portal work.
8. Davidson Wildcats
(2025-26 AdjO: 110.0, #156 | AdjD: 104.5, #85)
Net Change: Neutral. Balanced returning production.
Biggest additions: Perimeter shooters and guards via portal.
Biggest losses: Key contributors entered the portal.
Battle for upper-middle of the standings.
9. Duquesne Dukes
(2025-26 AdjO: 111.0 , #139 | AdjD: 107.2, #132)
Net Change: Neutral. Mixed returning production.
Biggest additions: Portal depth scorers.
Biggest losses: Several rotation players entered the portal.
Competitive in the middle.
10. Richmond Spiders
Net Change: Neutral to slightly better.
Biggest additions: Jamie Kaiser Jr. (Butler transfer, experienced scorer), Amon Dorries (Bucknell transfer), and Andrew Ball (Monmouth guard/forward).
Biggest losses: Rotation players entered the portal.
Solid mid-to-upper pack projection with good portal activity.
11. Rhode Island Rams
(2025-26 AdjO: 106.1, #226 | AdjD: 103.4, #67)
Net Change: Neutral to worse. Some scoring losses.
Biggest additions: Transfer guards for playmaking.
Biggest losses: Rotation players departed.
Rebuilding but retains enough tools.
12. St. Bonaventure Bonnies
(2025-26 AdjO: 113.9 , #95 | AdjD: 111.5, #220)
Net Change: Neutral to worse. Significant turnover.
Biggest additions: Freshmen and portal depth.
Biggest losses: Multiple scorers left. Rebuilding year.
13. Fordham Rams
(2025-26 AdjO: 104.9 , #257 | AdjD: 104.2, #80)
Net Change: Neutral to worse. High turnover.
Biggest additions: Lower-level transfers and freshmen.
Biggest losses: Key contributors entered the portal. Bottom-half outlook.
14. La Salle Explorers
(2025-26 AdjO: 105.9, #235 | AdjD: 65.9, #268)
Net Change: Neutral to better. Portal-focused rebuild.
Biggest additions: Athletic wings and guards.
Biggest losses: Leading scorers departed.
Potential upside if transfers mesh.
Atlantic 10 Big Picture for 2026-27
Saint Louis and Dayton stand out with the strongest overall foundation. Saint Louis and VCU face big challenges after losing A-10 Player of the Year Robbie Avila and Sixth Man of the Year Terrence Hill Jr., respectively. The league remains highly competitive despite heavy portal turnover. Expect 3-4 NCAA bids, with Saint Louis and Dayton as the clear favorites.
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