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

The Summit League has historically been a mid-to-lower mid-major conference. 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. North Dakota State Bison

(2025-26 AdjO: 111.6, #128 | AdjD: 107.0, #128)

Net Change: Neutral to slightly better — best offensive baseline in the league coming off of a season where they were the highest ranked Ken-Pom defense in the conference.

Strong returning pieces from a very successful 27-8 campaign.

Biggest additions: Wisconsin transfer Jack Robison (6-6 guard/forward, adds size, skill, and shooting) and PacWest Player of the Year Andrew Nagy (6-9 forward, frontcourt size and scoring).

Biggest losses: Damari Wheeler-Thomas, Noah Feddersen, Trevian Carson, and others entered the transfer portal.

Clear favorite with the highest offensive ceiling and strong program continuity.

2. South Dakota State Jackrabbits

(2025-26 AdjO: 108.0, #191 | AdjD: 112.6, #248)

Net Change: Neutral.  Good retention of veteran scorers despite some turnover. Good additions from the portal.

Biggest additions: Transfer guard Elijiah “EJ” Ryans from Western Michigan and forward NAIA Player of the Year Jesse Van Kalsbeek from Northwestern (Iowa) — the latter a Bevo Francis Award winner.

Biggest losses: Damon Wilkinson (second leading scorer, 13.9 PPG) - transferred to Nebraska., Kalen Garry, Jaden Jackson, Luke Haertle, Andrell Burton Jr., and Bubz Alvarez all entered the transfer portal.

Strong annual contender with solid balance.

3. St. Thomas Tommies

(2025-26 AdjO: 106.1, #108 | AdjD: 109.3, #142)

Net Change: Key losses including all of their top 3 leading scorers.

Biggest additions: Brogan Madson (6'1 G, from Sioux Falls DII) — High-scoring freshman standout (19+ PPG); immediate impact expected.

Biggest losses: Nolan Minessale (leading scorer, ~19.8 PPG) — Transferred to Marquette.

Nick Janowski (~16 PPG), Isaiah Johnson-Arigu (~10.5 PPG).

Lots of key losses from last seasons top 125 offense. Can they find a way to repeat their success from a season ago?

4. Denver Pioneers

(2025-26 AdjO: 116.1, #75 | AdjD: 122.3, #359)

Net Change: Neutral.  Balanced returning production from a good offense but terrible defense.

Biggest additions: Jordan Rogers (6'6 wing, from NJIT) — Recent signing, adds perimeter scoring and athleticism, Kam Martin (6'4 guard, from Samford/Long Beach State)

Biggest losses: Corleone Dandridge, Didier Maleng, and Trajan Thompson entered the portal.

Battle for middle of the standings.

5. South Dakota Coyotes

(2025-26 AdjO: 104.3, #267 | AdjD: 114.8, #288)

Net Change: Slightly worse. Some scoring losses addressed through portal.

Biggest additions: Cade Kelderman (PG, from Iowa State) — Adds high-level experience and playmaking. KJ Thomas (6'1 G, from UTEP) — Scoring and assist threat with two years left.

Biggest losses: Jordan Crawford (top scorer, ~14+ PPG) - transferred to Missouri, Freshman Uzziah Buntyn entered the transfer portal.

Rebuilding but retains enough tools.

6. North Dakota Fighting Hawks

(2025-26 AdjO: 106.8, #216 | AdjD: 116.6, #313)

Net Change: Neutral to worse. Significant turnover in rotation.

Biggest additions: Samuel Hincapie (6'6 guard/wing, from Le Moyne) — Athletic scorer with strong JUCO background, Andrija Radojevic (6'8 forward, from Serbia) — Skilled big with pro experience; expected to contribute immediately.

Biggest losses: Multiple rotation players including Matthew Bothun, Marley Curtis, and others entered the portal. Lower-mid projection.

7. Omaha Mavericks

(2025-26 AdjO: 106.1, #229 | AdjD: 114.4, #279)

Net Change: Neutral to slightly worse. High turnover addressed with portal depth.

Biggest additions: Deke Thompson (6'4 G, from Texas State) — Athletic scorer, Heri Bukinga (6'11 F, from Drake) — Size and rim protection.

Biggest losses: Paul Djobet (leading scorer, 6'7 guard) — Entered the portal, Khamani Cooper and Julian Margrave entered the portal.

Bottom-half outlook.

8. Oral Roberts Golden Eagles

(2025-26 AdjO: 102.1, #300 | AdjD: 115.2, #295)

Net Change: Neutral.  Mixed returning minutes with focus on offensive flow. Struggled both way last season almost outside of the top 300 offensively and defensively.

Biggest additions: Transfer guard Blake Smith from Northwestern for perimeter scoring.

Biggest losses: Several supporting scorers entered the portal.

9. Kansas City Roos

(2025-26 AdjO: 92.0, #361 | AdjD: 117.4, #324)

Net Change: Neutral to better — strong portal haul under new head coach Mark Turgeon. Aggressive rebuilding through the transfer portal. They are coming off of a 4-27 season where they went 1-15 in conference play.

Biggest additions: Matija Samar (6'6 G, from Oregon State/Slovenia) — Transfer addition with size, experience, and scoring versatility, Jaylen Smith (5'11 G, from East Tennessee State/North Florida) — Veteran guard transfer who brings quickness and playmaking, Sebastian Hartmann (6'6 F, Sr., from Chattanooga/Eastern Washington) — Experienced transfer forward who adds physicality and rebounding.

Summit League Big Picture for 2026-27

North Dakota State stands out with the strongest offensive baseline (#128 nationally) and excellent defensive ranking (#128), bolstered by major additions like Jack Robison and Andrew Nagy. South Dakota State remains a strong No. 2 despite significant turnover. Expect a 1-bid NCAA Tournament year, with North Dakota State as the clear favorite and a potential mid-major threat. Key question: Can anyone close the gap on NDSU through smart portal additions?