Way Too Early 2026-27 Conference USA (C-USA) Rankings (Post-Transfer Portal)

Conference USA is a competitive mid-major league with significant 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 (including PPG, RPG, APG, and awards) as key factors. Each team includes both offense and defense.

1. Liberty Flames

(2025-26 AdjO: 117.9, #57 | AdjD: 113.2, #256)

Net Change: Neutral to slightly better. Strong returning core from a dominant season.

Biggest additions: Sean Register Jr. (JuCo Transfer): 24.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 2.0 APG, 2026 NJCAA All-America First Team, Dillon Claussen (Washburn Transfer): 15.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.1 BPG, Cooper Campbell (Troy Transfer): 12.5 PPG, two-time conference champion, Cobi Campbell (Troy Transfer): 9.0 PPG, veteran backcourt sharpshooter, Osmar Garcia-Araujo (Anderson Transfer): 16.5 PPG, elite physical interior depth. Matthew Shelton (Charleston Transfer): 12.4 PPG, 52% field goal shooter.

Biggest losses: Brett Decker (Transfer Portal): 6.3 PPG as an impactful freshman, committed to Baylor, Limited major departures via the transfer portal.

Clear favorite with one of the strongest offensive foundations in C-USA and excellent continuity.

2. Sam Houston Bearkats

(2025-26 AdjO: 113.9, #96 | AdjD: 108.6, #155)

Net Change: Neutral to better. 

Biggest additions: Multiple double-digit scorers via portal.

Biggest losses: Key contributors entered the portal.

Competitive upper tier with good portal activity.

3. Kennesaw State Owls

(2025-26 AdjO: 110.7, #145 | AdjD: 109.5, #180)

Net Change: Neutral. Balanced production.

Biggest additions: Perimeter creators.

Biggest losses: Key contributors left.

Mid-pack projection.

4. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

(2025-26 AdjO: 109.3 , #166 | AdjD: 109.8, #190)

Net Change: Neutral to worse. Some scoring losses.

Biggest additions: Transfer guards for playmaking.

Biggest losses: Rotation players departed.

Rebuilding but retains enough tools.

5. Missouri State Bears (new from MVC)

(2025-26 AdjO: 109.2 , #173 | AdjD: 112.1, #237)

Net Change: Neutral to better (as newcomers).  

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

Biggest losses: Some MVC rotation players entered the portal.

Strong newcomer projection with solid portal work.

6. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

(2025-26 AdjO: 108.8, #180 | AdjD: 108.5, #153)

Net Change: Neutral. Good retention of key scorers.

Biggest additions: Athletic wings and guards via portal.

Biggest losses: Rotation players entered the portal.

Strong annual contender with solid balance.

7. New Mexico State Aggies

(2025-26 AdjO: 109.0, #175 | AdjD: 110.3, #199)

Net Change: Neutral to worse. Significant turnover.

Biggest additions: Freshmen and portal depth.

Biggest losses: Key scorers entered the portal.

Rebuilding year.

8. FIU Panthers

(2025-26 AdjO: 107.6, #204 | AdjD: 109.6, #185)

Net Change: Neutral to better.  Portal-focused rebuild.

Biggest additions: Veteran transfers for guard and wing positions.

Biggest losses: Leading scorers departed.

Potential upside if transfers mesh.

9. Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens (new from CAA)

(2025-26 AdjO: 104.6 , #262 | AdjD: 115.7, #302)

Net Change: Neutral to better (as newcomers).  

Biggest additions: Multiple CAA standouts and portal additions to elevate competition level.

Biggest losses: Some CAA contributors entered the portal.

Immediate impact expected as a competitive newcomer.

10. Jacksonville State Gamecocks

(2025-26 AdjO: 105.3, #249 | AdjD: 108.5, #152)

Net Change: Neutral to worse. High turnover.

Biggest additions: Lower-level transfers and freshmen.

Biggest losses: Multiple rotation players. Lower-mid outlook.

Conference USA Big Picture for 2026-27

Liberty stands out with the strongest offensive baseline and continuity. The league features heavy portal turnover across all teams but remains competitive in the mid-major landscape. Expect 1 NCAA bid, with Liberty as the clear favorite.