Way Too Early 2026-27 Horizon League Rankings (Post-Transfer Portal)

The Horizon League was a mid-to-lower mid-major conference, with league-wide AdjO mostly in the 100–115 range. These rankings are ordered primarily by 2025-26 KenPom offensive efficiency (AdjO + national rank), with returning production, net portal impact, and freshman fits as tiebreakers. Each team includes both offense and defense for full context.

1. Oakland Golden Grizzlies

(2025-26 AdjO: 115.4, #81 | AdjD: 115.1, #293)

Net Change: Neutral to slightly better — best offensive baseline in the league.

Strong returning scorers and perimeter creators. High-powered attack with good pace.

Biggest additions: Portal wing Belal El Shakery for scoring and rebounding.

Clear favorite with the highest offensive ceiling.

2. Milwaukee Panthers

(2025-26 AdjO: 106.6, #220 | AdjD: 115.4, #299)

Net Change: Neutral to slightly better.

Biggest additions: Local standout transfer Aaron Womack and Tre Norman — both expected to contribute immediately to perimeter scoring and depth.

Biggest losses: Freshman Stevie Elam entered the portal.

Ranking them #2 is justified due to strong returning production from their core offensive pieces, program stability under the coaching staff, and targeted portal additions that fit their system well. They project as the strongest challenger to Oakland.

3. Robert Morris Colonials

(2025-26 AdjO: 110.8, #142 | AdjD: 109.1, #167)

Net Change: Neutral to worse.

Biggest losses: Horizon League Player of the Year DeSean Goode entered the transfer portal.

Biggest additions: Depth scorers and frontcourt transfers via portal.

Competitive upper-mid pack projection if they replace Goode's production.

4. Detroit Mercy Titans

(2025-26 AdjO:108.0, #188 | AdjD: 112.1, #238)

Net Change: Neutral to slightly worse.

Good retention from last season but little to no transfer portal activity.

Competitive around the top of the league.

5. Wright State Raiders

(2025-26 AdjO: 112.6, #114 | AdjD: 110.2, #197)

Net Change: Significantly worse — large turnover.

Large turnover: Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year TJ Burch transferred to Utah, leading scorer Michael Cooper committed to California, and Solomon Callaghan and Alex Bruskotter also entered the portal.

6. Northern Kentucky Norse

(2025-26 AdjO: 109.6, #162 | AdjD: 110.2, #195)

Net Change: Neutral to better.

Veteran scorers back plus solid portal activity.

Biggest additions: Athletic perimeter talent for creation and scoring.

Upside to climb in offensive rankings.

7. Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons

(2025-26 AdjO: 105.5, #247 | AdjD: 113.2, #257)

Net Change: Neutral.

Mixed returning production with focus on offensive flow.

Biggest additions: Lower-level transfers and freshmen guards for playmaking.

Battle for middle of the standings.

8. Youngstown State Penguins

(2025-26 AdjO: 105.6 , #241 | AdjD: 109.5, #181)

Net Change: Neutral to slightly worse.

Some scoring losses addressed through portal.

Biggest additions: Depth-focused pieces and perimeter transfers.

Rebuilding but retains enough tools for competitiveness.

9. Cleveland State Vikings

(2025-26 AdjO: 109.5, #163 | AdjD: 124.1, #362)

Net Change: Neutral to worse.

Significant turnover; modest reload.

Biggest additions: Athletic wings and guards to address defensive issues.

Lower-mid projection with major defensive concerns.

10. IU Indianapolis Jaguars

(2025-26 AdjO: 105.6, #244 | AdjD: 119.4, #342)

Net Change: Neutral to worse.

Heavy roster changes with lower-level portal activity.

Biggest additions: Effort-based role players and athletic additions.

Likely near the basement.

Horizon League Big Picture for 2026-27

Oakland remains the clear top team offensively. Milwaukee’s ranking at #2 is solid thanks to key additions like Aaron Womack and Tre Norman combined with strong retention. Wright State faces the toughest rebuild after losing stars like TJ Burch and Michael Cooper. Expect a 1-bid NCAA Tournament year, with Oakland as the favorite.