Way Too Early 2026-27 Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Rankings (Post-Transfer Portal)

The OVC is a classic mid-major league with heavy portal activity and several programs rebuilding. These rankings are ordered primarily by 2025-26 KenPom offensive efficiency (AdjO + national rank), with returning production, net portal impact, and specific player movement as key factors. Each team includes both offense and defense.

1. Tennessee State Tigers

(2025-26 AdjO: 109.2 , #171 | AdjD: 111.3, #215)

Net Change: Neutral to better.  

Biggest additions: Veteran transfers looking to build on tournament success.

Biggest losses: Rotation players entered the portal.

Strong contender — 2026 OVC Tournament champions and co-regular season champions.

2. Morehead State Eagles

(2025-26 AdjO: 106.9, #215| AdjD: 117.4, #320)

Net Change: Neutral to slightly better. Strong returning core from a competitive co-champion season.

Biggest additions: High-upside perimeter and frontcourt transfers.

Biggest losses: Several key rotation players entered the transfer portal.

One of the clear favorites due to their strongest offensive foundations and good continuity in the OVC.

3. Southeast Missouri State Redhawks

(2025-26 AdjO: 105.3, #248 | AdjD: 109.6, #182)

Net Change: Neutral.  Balanced returning production.

Biggest additions: Perimeter creators and frontcourt depth via portal.

Biggest losses: Moderate turnover.

Battle for upper-middle of the standings

4. Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles

(2025-26 AdjO: 102.5, #294 | AdjD: 116.0, #305)

Net Change: Neutral. Mixed returning production.

Biggest additions: Athletic perimeter talent.

Biggest losses: Several scorers entered the portal.

Competitive in the middle.

5. UT Martin Skyhawks

(2025-26 AdjO: 100.5, #320 | AdjD: 105.4, #98)

Net Change: Neutral to better.  

Biggest additions: Transfer guards and scorers.

Biggest losses: Key rotation players entered the portal.

Competitive upper tier with good portal activity.

6. Lindenwood Lions

(2025-26 AdjO: 100.5 , #319 | AdjD: 109.1, #169)

Net Change: Neutral to worse. Some scoring losses.

Biggest additions: Transfer guards for playmaking.

Biggest losses: Rotation players departed.

Rebuilding but retains enough tools.

7. SIU Edwardsville Cougars

(2025-26 AdjO: 99.5, #332 | AdjD: 107.2, #133)

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.

8. Eastern Illinois Panthers

(2025-26 AdjO: 96.9, #346 | AdjD: 111.9, #229)

Net Change: Neutral to worse. High turnover.

Biggest additions: Lower-level transfers and freshmen.

Biggest losses: Multiple rotation players.

Lower-mid outlook.

9. Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles

(2025-26 AdjO: 95.5, #354 | AdjD: 114.3, #277)

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.

10. Western Illinois Leathernecks

(2025-26 AdjO: 92.9, #359 | AdjD: 121.5, #355)

Net Change: Neutral to worse. Significant turnover.

Biggest additions: Freshmen and portal depth.

Biggest losses: Key scorers entered the portal.

Rebuilding year.

Ohio Valley Conference Big Picture for 2026-27

 Tennessee State (2026 OVC Tournament champions and co-regular season champions) and Morehead State lead the way. The league features heavy portal turnover but remains a classic mid-major battle. Expect 1 NCAA bid, with Tennessee State and Morehead State as the top contenders.