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

These rankings are ordered primarily by 2025-26 KenPom offensive efficiency, with returning production, net portal impact, and freshman fits as tiebreakers. Each team includes both offense and defense.

1. High Point Panthers

(2025-26 AdjO: 117.5, #62 | AdjD: 107.9, #141)

Net Change: Neutral to slightly better — best offensive baseline in the league by a wide margin.

Strong returning core of scorers and perimeter creators from their dominant 31-5 season. Efficient half-court and transition attack.

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

Clear favorite with the highest offensive ceiling and veteran continuity.

2. Winthrop Eagles

(2025-26 AdjO: 111.8, #124 | AdjD: 110.5, #204)

Net Change: Neutral.

Balanced returning minutes from efficient pieces.

Biggest additions: Depth scorers via portal.

Competitive in the upper half with good offensive retention.

3. Campbell Fighting Camels

(2025-26 AdjO: 111.2, #135 | AdjD: 112.9, #251)

Net Change: Neutral.

Solid returning production from key scorers.

Biggest additions: Portal depth and athletic wings.

Strong upper-mid pack contender with improved offensive potential.

4. Radford Highlanders

(2025-26 AdjO: 106.4, #223 | AdjD: 114.0, #273)

Net Change: Neutral to better.

Decent retention plus portal athleticism.

Biggest additions: Guards emphasizing pace and transition scoring.

Mid-to-upper pack with upside in AdjO.

5. Charleston Southern Buccaneers

(2025-26 AdjO: 105.9, #233 | AdjD: 112.2, #239)

Net Change: Neutral to worse.

Significant turnover; modest reload.

Biggest additions: Athletic wings and guards.

Lower-mid projection with defensive lean.

6. UNC Asheville Bulldogs

(2025-26 AdjO: 105.0, #255 | AdjD: 111.5, #221)

Net Change: Neutral.

Excellent retention of double-digit scorers and efficient role players. Known for disciplined offense.

Biggest additions: Targeted perimeter transfers for 3-point volume.

Annual contender with solid balance.

7. Longwood Lancers

(2025-26 AdjO: 103.6, #279 | AdjD: 112.6, #246)

Net Change: Neutral.

Mixed returning production; focus on defensive-to-offensive flow.

Biggest additions: Lower-level transfers and freshmen.

Battle for middle of the pack.

8. Presbyterian Blue Hose

(2025-26 AdjO: 103.3, #282 | AdjD: 112.2, #240

)Net Change: Slightly worse.

Some scoring losses to graduation/portal.

Biggest additions: Depth-focused portal pieces.

Rebuilding but retains offensive tools.

9. USC Upstate Spartans

(2025-26 AdjO: 99.2, #337 | AdjD: 111.4, #218)

Net Change: Neutral to slightly worse.

High turnover addressed with freshmen and transfers.

Biggest additions: Perimeter creators for spacing.

Bottom-half outlook.

10. Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs

(2025-26 AdjO: 95.7, #353 | AdjD: 122.0, #358)

Net Change: Neutral to worse.

Major losses from a difficult season; heavy reliance on portal and freshmen.

Biggest additions: Athletic perimeter pieces and depth scorers.

Rebuilding year with significant offensive and defensive challenges.Big South Big Picture for 2026-27

High Point stands far above the rest with an elite #62 national AdjO ranking and strong defense (#141). Winthrop and Campbell form a solid second tier offensively. Gardner-Webb sits near the national basement in both offense (#353) and defense (#358). Expect a 1-bid NCAA Tournament year, with High Point as a dangerous mid-major contender and the conference champion still a heavy underdog overall.