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

The NEC has ~9-10 teams and routinely sits near the bottom in average KenPom/NET/RPI (often 28th-29th out of 31-32 conferences). One-bid league with very limited NCAA success.Way Too Early 2026-27 NEC Rankings: Offensive Efficiency First (Post-Transfer Portal)The NEC posted low-100s to mid-90s AdjO league-wide in 2025-26. These rankings prioritize each team’s 2025-26 KenPom AdjO + national rank, returning offensive production, net portal impact, and freshman fits. Projections as of mid-May 2026. 1. Long Island University (LIU) Sharks (2025-26 AdjO: 105.7, #239) Net Change: Neutral to slightly better — best offensive baseline in the league.

Retained core scorers from a strong conference title run. Up-tempo identity produced the NEC’s highest efficiency.

Biggest additions: Perimeter transfers and JUCO shooters for spacing.

Clear favorite to repeat as regular-season and tournament champ. 2. Central Connecticut State Blue Devils (2025-26 AdjO: ~104-106 range, mid-240s nationally) Net Change: Neutral.

Solid returning production from double-digit scorers and veteran guards. Avoided major losses.

Biggest additions: Athletic wings via portal for transition scoring.

Strongest challenger to LIU with defensive-minded efficiency. 3. Mercyhurst Lakers (2025-26 AdjO: ~103-105 range, ~260-270 nationally) Net Change: Better — solid portal activity.

Recent DII-to-DI transition; added experienced scorers.

Biggest additions: Guards and forwards emphasizing pace and perimeter efficiency.

Rising program that could push for top-2 offense.

4. Le Moyne Dolphins (2025-26 AdjO: ~102-104 range, ~280-290 nationally) Net Change: Neutral to better.

Decent retention plus portal depth.

Biggest additions: Perimeter creators and shooters.

Mid-to-upper pack with upside if chemistry clicks quickly. 5. Fairleigh Dickinson Knights (2025-26 AdjO: ~101-103 range, ~290-300 nationally) Net Change: Neutral.

Mixed returning minutes after turnover; portal focused on defensive-to-offensive pieces.

Biggest additions: Lower-level transfers and freshmen guards.

Battle for middle of the pack. 6. St. Francis Brooklyn Terriers (2025-26 AdjO: low-100s, ~300-310 nationally) Net Change: Slightly worse.

Lost some scoring punch to graduation/portal.

Biggest additions: Depth scorers and athletic wings.

Rebuilding but still competitive in the lower half. 7. Stonehill Skyhawks (2025-26 AdjO: ~99-101 range, ~310-320 nationally) Net Change: Neutral to worse.

High turnover addressed with modest portal adds.

Biggest additions: Guards for creation and spacing.

Lower-mid projection. 8. Wagner Seahawks (2025-26 AdjO: ~98-100 range, ~320-330 nationally) Net Change: Neutral.

Veteran retention in some spots but overall rebuild feel.

Biggest additions: Portal role players.

Defensive focus out of necessity for offense. 9. Sacred Heart Pioneers (2025-26 AdjO: ~96-98 range, ~340+ nationally) Net Change: Neutral to worse.

Significant departures; heavy reliance on freshmen and lower-level transfers.

Biggest additions: Athletic perimeter pieces.

Bottom-half outlook. 10. Chicago State Cougars (2025-26 AdjO: low-90s to mid-90s, #350+ nationally) [if still in NEC or independent transition] Net Change: Neutral to worse.

Chronic offensive struggles continue.

Biggest additions: Minimal impact portal wins.

Likely anchors the basement.NEC Big Picture for 2026-27

LIU and Central Connecticut separate themselves thanks to stronger 2025-26 offensive foundations and better retention. The rest of the league battles with typical low-major turnover and portal experimentation. Expect another 0-1 NCAA bid year, with the champion as a heavy 15/16-seed underdog. Key storyline: Can any team push into the national top-220-250 in AdjO?