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

The MEAC remains the weakest D1 conference by KenPom metrics, with 2025-26 league-average AdjO hovering in the low-100s (or worse). Howard led the way with the conference’s top offense at 104.9 AdjO (#259 nationally) en route to the regular-season title, tournament crown, and NCAA appearance. But heavy portal turnover and graduations hit every program hard—typical for low-major HBCU leagues where roster stability is rare.These rankings prioritize 2025-26 KenPom offensive efficiency + returning production (minutes/PPG from efficient scorers/perimeter creators), then factor in net portal impact and freshmen fits. Data pulled from final 2025-26 KenPom ratings and spring 2026 portal activity. Projections as of mid-May 2026—late additions can still shift things.

1. Howard Bison

(2025-26 AdjO: 104.9, #259) Net Change: Slightly worse short-term, but still the clear favorite.

Lost two offensive anchors to graduation/portal: Bryce Harris (~17.3 PPG, MEAC POY, graduated) and Cedric Taylor III (17.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 3.1 APG, First Team All-MEAC + DPOY—entered portal but left door open for return). Also lost Ose Okojie (grad).

Biggest additions: James Brown (transfer from UNC—6-10 frontcourt size/experience) plus depth pieces. Returners include Cam Gillus (floor general, double-digit scoring in tourney), Alex Cotton (perimeter shooter), and Travelle Bryson.

Howard’s system produced the league’s only respectable offense last year; the portal losses hurt scoring punch, but Brown’s addition and veteran perimeter pieces keep them ahead of the pack for another auto-bid run.

2. Norfolk State Spartans

(2025-26 AdjO: 101.5, #308) Net Change: Better—aggressive portal reload for scoring.

Significant returning core from a competitive 15-17 season (key role players like Adrean Newton, Elijah Jamison, Dramane Camara). Lost some depth but avoided major star exits.

Biggest additions: Chris Walker (transfer guard—proven scorer), Jahki Gupton (high-flying G/F combo), plus prior-year transfers Anthony McComb III and Keyontae Lewis still contributing.

Robert Jones’ program excels at portal shopping for athletic perimeter talent and defensive toughness. This offseason injects more offensive versatility—expect improved pace and efficiency in transition.

3. Morgan State Bears

(2025-26 AdjO: 99.5, #334) Net Change: Better—strongest portal haul in the league.

Lost Daniel Akitoby (to UTSA) and Alfred Worrell Jr. (portal). Heavy graduation/turnover from a 14-16 campaign.

Biggest additions: Eugene Alvin (JUCO forward—scoring wing), Elijah Davis (DII guard), Dallas James (Big Ten experience at 7-1 center), Darian Grant (JUCO wing transfer—NJCAA All-Tournament).

New coach/staff emphasis on size and athleticism should boost inside scoring and rebounding. If the new pieces mesh quickly, Morgan State could push for top-3 offense again.

4. North Carolina Central Eagles

(2025-26 AdjO: 100.1, #323) Net Change: Worse—key offensive pieces departed.

Lost Gage Lattimore (First Team All-MEAC scorer) and other veterans to the portal. 14-18 season showed flashes but inconsistent efficiency.

Returners are mostly role players; portal additions are modest (mid-major depth pieces).

NCCU leans defensive by nature, but the scoring losses will make it tougher to generate points against even MEAC defenses. Solid mid-pack projection.

5. South Carolina State Bulldogs

(2025-26 AdjO: 95.3, #356) Net Change: Mixed/slightly worse.

Lost Noah Treadwell (Rookie of the Year) and Jayden Johnson (portal). 10-22 record reflected offensive struggles.

Some veteran guards return; portal brought in a few overlooked scorers.

Expect continued low-100s (or worse) AdjO unless freshmen guards step up immediately. Rebuilding year.

6. Coppin State Eagles

Net Change: Better—targeted portal additions for depth.

Heavy turnover from recent seasons. Added Favour Aire (transfer center from Bryant—size and rim protection).

Focus on athletic wings and guards to improve spacing. Still a long way from offensive respectability, but early signs of improvement.

7. Delaware State Hornets

Net Change: Worse—heavy losses without elite replacements.

Lost Ponce James (All-MEAC level) and other contributors. Previous momentum under Stan Waterman stalled.

Portal additions are lower-level; expect another bottom-tier offense with defensive focus out of necessity.

8. Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks

(2025-26 AdjO: 94.7, #358) Net Change: Neutral/slightly worse.

Consistently one of the lowest AdjO teams nationally. Modest portal activity and returning pieces, but talent gap remains wide.

Bottom of the MEAC with little offensive upside projected.MEAC Big Picture for 2026-27

Howard remains the clear offensive (and overall) favorite despite key losses—the conference simply doesn’t have enough talent to close the gap quickly. Norfolk State and Morgan State are the biggest portal winners and should battle for the No. 2 spot. Expect the league champion to still be a massive underdog in the NCAA Tournament (0-1 bids realistic). Non-conference wins will be scarce; the storylines center on which programs can finally crack the top-300 nationally in AdjO through smart portal use. These rankings will evolve with any late commitments or draft decisions. The MEAC grind never changes—offense is hard to come by, and every efficient scorer counts double.