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

The MAAC has historically been a weaker mid-major conference, often ranking in the bottom 10-15 nationally in average KenPom metrics. League-wide AdjO in 2025-26 was mostly in the low- to mid-100s. 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. Siena Saints

(2025-26 AdjO: 107.8, #195 | AdjD: 108.9, #162)

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

Strong returning core of scorers and perimeter creators from a solid campaign. 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. Merrimack Warriors

(2025-26 AdjO: 106.7, #218 | AdjD: 107.3, #136)

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 strong offensive/defensive balance.

3. Fairfield Stags

(2025-26 AdjO: 106.0, #231 | AdjD: 113.9, #271)

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.

4. Quinnipiac Bobcats

(2025-26 AdjO: 104.4, #265 | AdjD: 108.5, #148)

Net Change: Neutral.

Balanced returning minutes from efficient pieces.

Biggest additions: Depth scorers via portal.

Competitive in the middle with good offensive retention.

5. Iona Gaels

(2025-26 AdjO: 104.1, #270 | AdjD: 111.7, #226)

Net Change: Neutral to better.

Veteran scorers back plus portal help.

Biggest additions: Athletic perimeter talent for creation.

Potential to climb if new pieces mesh.

6. Manhattan Jaspers

(2025-26 AdjO: 104.6, #263 | AdjD: 120.8, #350)

Net Change: Neutral.

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

Biggest additions: Lower-level transfers and freshmen guards.

Battle for middle of the pack.

7. Sacred Heart Pioneers

(2025-26 AdjO: 107.4, #209 | AdjD: 118.7, #337)

Net Change: Slightly worse.

Some scoring losses to graduation/portal.

Biggest additions: Depth-focused portal pieces.

Rebuilding but retains offensive tools.

8. Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers

(2025-26 AdjO: 99.6, #330 | AdjD: 108.9, #164)

Net Change: Neutral to worse.

Significant turnover; modest reload.

Biggest additions: Athletic wings and guards.

Lower-mid projection with defensive lean.

9. Marist Red Foxes

(2025-26 AdjO: 99.8, #327 | AdjD: 102.6, #62)

Net Change: Neutral to slightly worse.

High turnover addressed with freshmen and transfers.

Biggest additions: Perimeter creators for spacing.

Bottom-half outlook.

10. Niagara Purple Eagles

(2025-26 AdjO: 99.8, #326 | AdjD: 118.1, #330)

Net Change: Neutral to worse.

Heavy roster changes with lower-level portal activity.

Biggest additions: Roster fillers emphasizing effort.

Likely near the basement.

11. Rider Broncs

(2025-26 AdjO: 95.9, #351 | AdjD: 120.1, #349)

Net Change: Neutral to worse.

Significant departures; heavy reliance on portal and freshmen.

Biggest additions: Athletic perimeter pieces.

Basement projection with major rebuild needed.MAAC Big Picture for 2026-27

Siena and Merrimack separate themselves with the strongest 2025-26 offensive baselines and better retention, giving them a clear projected edge in AdjO. Most teams show defensive vulnerabilities (AdjD ranks 130+), typical for the league. Expect a 1-bid NCAA Tournament year, with the champion a heavy underdog. Key question: Can any team outside the top 2 push into the national top-220 in AdjO through smart portal work?