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

The Big West features strong mid-major competition with newcomers California Baptist, Utah Valley, and Sacramento State. 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. UC Santa Barbara Gauchos

(2025-26 AdjO: 113.7, #98 | AdjD:110.8, #209)

Net Change: Neutral to worse — significant roster turnover. 

Biggest additions: Antonio Chol, RJ Smith, and Declan Duru — transfers focused on increasing frontcourt size and perimeter shooting.

Biggest losses: Colin Smith, Jason Fontenet II, Zion Sensley, and Z.Z. Clark all entered the transfer portal.

Top-ranked offense in the conference and a competitive upper-tier team if the new pieces mesh quickly.

2. Utah Valley Wolverines (new member)

(2025-26 AdjO: 112.9, #109 | AdjD: 104.3, #81)

Net Change: Neutral to better (as newcomers).  

Biggest additions: Multiple transfers to elevate competition level.

Biggest losses: Some previous conference rotation players.

Immediate impact expected as a competitive newcomer.

3. California Baptist Lancers (new member)

(2025-26 AdjO: 107.8, #199 | AdjD: 101.7, #50)

Net Change: Neutral to better (as newcomers).  

Biggest additions: High-level transfers to make immediate impact in new league.

Biggest losses: Some previous conference contributors entered the portal.

Strong newcomer projection with solid portal work. Coming off of an NCAA Tournament appearance a season ago.

4. UC Irvine Anteaters

(2025-26 AdjO: 104.6, #264 | AdjD: 98.9, #26)

Net Change: Neutral to slightly better. Strong returning core.

Biggest additions: 7-9 center Olivier Rioux (Florida transfer, tallest player in college basketball, elite rim protector and shot-blocker), Nils Cooper (UC Davis transfer), and other depth pieces.

Biggest losses: Kyle Evans (Big West Defensive Player of the Year, nation’s leader in blocks) transferred to NC State; Derin Saran (11.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG) transferred to Richmond.

One of the clear favorites with the strongest defensive foundation in the Big West.

5. UC San Diego Tritons

(2025-26 AdjO: 107.8, #196 | AdjD: 103.5, #69)

Net Change: Neutral to better.  

Biggest additions: Proven transfers for scoring and versatility.

Biggest losses: Rotation players entered the portal. Potential to climb with new pieces.

6. UC Riverside Highlanders

(2025-26 AdjO: 104.0, #273 | AdjD: 111.9, #232)

Net Change: Neutral to better.  

Biggest additions: Tony Duckett (from Saint Mary's, WCC All-Freshman honors at San Diego previously), Easton Reagan (from DII Northwest Nazarene University, led the entire DII West Region in scoring at 19.6 PPG), Abraham Oyeadier, and Dallas Washington — all incoming transfers bringing size, athleticism, and scoring ability.

Biggest losses: Marqui Worthy (16.4 ppg) and Daniel Tobiloba both entered the transfer portal.

Potential to climb with new pieces and solid portal work.

7. Cal State Fullerton Titans

(2025-26 AdjO: 109.3, #169 | AdjD: 109.3, #176)

Net Change: Neutral.  Good retention of key scorers.

Biggest additions: Australian guard Tiernan Stynes and Southern California native Rockwell Reynolds.

Biggest losses:  Bryce Cofield (10.1 PPG, 46% FG to CSU Bakersfield), Kiwane Garris Jr. (8.2 PPG, 43% from three to Robert Morris)

Losing their very talented freshmen backcourt makes this team more unknown.

8. Cal State Northridge Matadors (CSUN)

(2025-26 AdjO: 108.9, #179 | AdjD: 109.6, #183)

Net Change: Neutral to worse. High turnover.

Biggest additions: Lower-level transfers and freshmen for guard and wing positions.

Biggest losses: Rotation players entered the portal.

Lower-mid outlook with a focus on athletic transition play.

9. Long Beach State Beach

(2025-26 AdjO: 105.6, #243 | AdjD: 111.5, #224)

Net Change: Neutral.  Balanced returning production.

Biggest additions: Perimeter creators and frontcourt depth.

Biggest losses: Moderate turnover.

Battle for upper-middle of the standings.

10. Cal Poly Mustangs

(2025-26 AdjO: 109.4, #165 | AdjD: 109.4, #165)

Net Change: Neutral.  Mixed returning production.

Biggest additions: Athletic perimeter talent.

Biggest losses: Hamad Mousa (20.4 ppg, led the Big West in scoring and drawing interest from Michigan), Peter Bandelj (13.0 PPG Committed to Nevada)

Competitive in the middle as Cayden Ward (14.5 ppg) officially withdrew his name from the transfer portal.

11. Sacramento State Hornets (new member)

(2025-26 AdjO: 105.9, #236 | AdjD: 114.4, #281)

Net Change: Neutral. 

Biggest additions: High-level transfers and portal depth.

Biggest losses: Some previous conference contributors.

Rebuilding year as they adjust to the new conference.

12. Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners

(2025-26 AdjO: 101.9, #304 | AdjD: 117.4, #323)

Net Change: Neutral to worse. High turnover.

Biggest additions: Bryce Cofield (10.1 PPG, 46% FG from CSU Fullerton)

Biggest losses: Rotation players entered the portal.

Lower-mid outlook.

Big West Big Picture for 2026-27

UCSB, Utah Valley, Cal Baptist and UC Irvine stand out from the rest making it a very competitive top of the conference. UC Irvine is bolstered by the addition of 7-9 Olivier Rioux. UC Santa Barbara and UC Riverside both had major portal activity. Newcomers California Baptist, Utah Valley, and Sacramento State add fresh talent. Expect 1 NCAA bid, with the spot open to numerous team with no clear favorite.