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

The Big East remains a premier high-major league with multiple national contenders and heavy portal activity. These rankings are ordered primarily by 2025-26 KenPom offensive efficiency (AdjO + national rank), with returning production, net portal impact, and specific player movement as key factors. Each team includes both offense and defense.

1. UConn Huskies

(2025-26 AdjO: 122.6, #29 | AdjD: 92.8, #7)

Net Change: Neutral to slightly better. Elite returning talent (including Braylon Mullins) and championship pedigree.

Biggest additions: Duke transfer Nik Khamenia (former top-15 recruit, versatile forward), Seton Hall transfer Najai Hines (6.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.2 BPG in limited minutes as a freshman), and Northern Arizona transfer Isaiah Shaw (6-8 wing for size and shooting).

Biggest losses: Tarris Reed Jr., Alex Karaban, Jaylin Stewart (transferred to SMU), and other key rotation players graduated or entered the portal.

Clear favorite and national title contender with one of the best offenses and defenses in the country.

2. Villanova Wildcats

(2025-26 AdjO: 120.7, #37 | AdjD: 100.8, #40)

Net Change: Neutral to better. Good retention of scorers with Tyler Perkins (13.7 PPG, Big East Most Improved Player 2025-2026) and forward Matt Hodge (9.2 PPG) both returning.

Biggest additions: Oregon transfer Kwame Evans Jr. (13.3 PPG, 7.4 RPG), Ohio State transfer Devin Royal (13.7 PPG, 5.7 RPG), sharpshooter Jake Fiegen (Cornell transfer forward,17.1 PPG, 41.4% 3PT%, First Team All-Ivy League), and Elijah Crawford (UIC transfer guard, 14.1 PPG, 4.9 APG).  

Biggest losses: Acaden Lewis, Bryce Lindsay, and other guards entered the portal.

Battle for upper tier with traditional style and new athletic pieces.

3. St. John's Red Storm

(2025-26 AdjO: 121.1 , #34 | AdjD: 93.9, #11)

Net Change: Neutral. Heavy turnover - losing their top three scorers after a Sweet 16 run.

Biggest additions: Syracuse transfer Donnie Freeman (scoring and rebounding forward), Columbia transfer Avery Brown (backcourt depth), and international/European prospects including Quinn Ellis and Djordije Jovanović.

Biggest losses: Zuby Ejiofor, Dillon Mitchell, Bryce Hopkins, and Oziyah Sellers (graduation/portal).

Competitive upper tier with strong portal activity and Rick Pitino’s reload.

4. Creighton Bluejays

(2025-26 AdjO: 116.4 , #73 | AdjD: 105.4, #100)

Net Change: Neutral to better. 

Biggest additions: San Diego State transfer BJ Davis (scoring guard), South Florida transfer Wes Enis (explosive scorer), and Providence transfer Oswin Erhunmwunse (rim protector).

Biggest losses: Owen Freeman (transferred to Auburn) and several rotation players entered the portal.

Conference contender with excellent balance and new athleticism.

5. Xavier Musketeers

(2025-26 AdjO: 117.1 , #68 | AdjD: 109.2, #172)

Net Change: Neutral to better. Balanced returning production.

Biggest additions: Texas A&M transfer Ruben Dominguez (13.6 PPG early season, strong 3PT shooter), UAB/Syracuse transfer Chance Westry (15.5 PPG, 5.6 APG), and LSU transfer Mike Nwoko (13.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG as a big).

Biggest losses: Several rotation players entered the portal.

Solid mid-pack projection with strong guard and frontcourt additions under new coaching.

6. Marquette Golden Eagles

(2025-26 AdjO: 112.1, #118 | AdjD: 102.1, #54)

Net Change: Neutral to better.  

Biggest additions: Louisville transfer Sananda Fru (6-11 forward, 9.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 75.3% FG in 2025-26) and St. Thomas (MN) transfer Nolan Minessale (Summit League Player of the Year, elite scoring guard).

Biggest losses: Sean Jones, Tre Norman, Zaide Lowery, and other rotation players entered the portal.

Rebuilding but retains enough talent with strong frontcourt and guard additions.

7. Butler Bulldogs

(2025-26 AdjO: 116.3 , #74 | AdjD: 106.5, #119)

Net Change: Neutral to better.  

Mixed returning production with aggressive portal work.

Biggest additions: Ole Miss transfer Eduardo Klafke (4.6 PPG, 42.6% 3PT), Kansas transfer Samis Calderon (former 4-star, high-athleticism forward), and Purdue Fort Wayne transfer Jalen Jackson (19.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 48.4% FG).

Biggest losses: Jamie Kaiser Jr., Finley Bizjack, Evan Haywood, Azavier Robinson, and multiple others entered the portal.

Potential to climb with a mix of veteran transfers and high-upside pieces.

8. Seton Hall Pirates

(2025-26 AdjO: 110.8, #143 | AdjD: 94.7, #15)

Net Change: Neutral to worse. Significant turnover.

Biggest additions: Radford transfer Del Jones (17.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, All-Big South Second Team), Texas transfer Simeon Wilcher (combo guard), and Xavier transfer Roddie Anderson III (backcourt depth).

Biggest losses: Budd Clark 12.7 PPG, 4.9 APG (to Ole Miss), Tajuan Simpkins (to Mississippi State), Najai Hines (to UConn) and several key scorers entered the portal.

Rebuilding year under Shaheen Holloway with a focus on backcourt depth.

9. Providence Friars

(2025-26 AdjO: 121.3 , #32 | AdjD: 109.1, #170)

Net Change: Neutral to better.  

Biggest additions: Florida Atlantic transfer Devin Vanterpool, Northwestern transfer Arrinten Page (frontcourt size), Italian wing Leonardo Marangon, and high-upside guard Malik Mack (from Georgetown).

Biggest losses: Sami Mancini (to Utah State), Oswin Erhunmwunse, and several rotation players entered the portal.

Mid-pack projection with a solid portal class focused on versatility.

10. Georgetown Hoyas

(2025-26 AdjO: 114.9 , #84 | AdjD: 103.6, #72)

Net Change: Neutral to better.  Portal-focused rebuild under Ed Cooley.

Biggest additions: Kentucky transfer Jaland Lowe (high-level point guard) and Kansas transfer Elmarko Jackson (scoring guard).

Biggest losses: KJ Lewis (to USC), DeShawn Harris-Smith, Jayden Fort, Isaiah Abraham, and multiple others entered the portal.

Potential upside if transfers mesh and young talent develops.

11. DePaul Blue Demons

(2025-26 AdjO: 107.4 , #208 | AdjD: 100.2, #32)

Net Change: Neutral to better. Heavy roster changes with an aggressive portal approach.

Biggest additions: Koree Cotton (Miami Southridge transfer, all-conference level two-way player), Fresno State’s Wilson Jacques (7-footer rim protector), Wofford’s Kahmare Holmes (19.5 PPG scorer), and San Diego State’s Magoon Gwath.

Biggest losses: Multiple rotation players entered the portal.

Lower-mid outlook but with real upside from a strong transfer class under Chris Holtmann.

Big East Big Picture for 2026-27

UConn remains the clear favorite with championship-level talent. Villanova, Creighton, St. John’s, and Xavier form a very strong top tier. Marquette, Butler, and Seton Hall are actively reloading via the portal. Providence, Georgetown, and DePaul are all in rebuild mode but showing portal ambition. The league should produce 4-6 NCAA Tournament teams, with UConn as the top projected squad.