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

The Sun Belt is a deep and competitive mid-major conference with 14 teams. These rankings are ordered primarily by 2025-26 KenPom offensive efficiency (AdjO + national rank), with returning production, net portal impact, and specific player movement (including PPG, RPG, APG, and awards) as key factors. Each team includes both offense and defense.

1. James Madison Dukes

(2025-26 AdjO: 109.2, #172 | AdjD: 113.2, #255)

Net Change: Neutral to slightly better. Strong returning core from a highly efficient offense.

Biggest additions: Brandon Lee (Illinois transfer), Jacob Hogarth (Gardner-Webb transfer), Gage Lattimore (NC Central transfer), Garrett Sundra (Notre Dame transfer), and KJ Windham (Northwestern transfer) — all expected to contribute immediately.

Biggest losses: Justin McBride: The star junior forward transferred to Kentucky after averaging 15.3 points per game

Clear favorite with one of the best offensive baselines in the league and good continuity. It wasn’t long ago that this team went 32-4 with a top-75 KenPom offense and defense in a single season— they have the pedigree and current foundation to be at the top of the conference.

2. Appalachian State Mountaineers

(2025-26 AdjO: 106.0, #232 | AdjD: 108.3, #146)

Net Change: Neutral. Good retention of veteran scorers.

Biggest additions: Corbin Allen (6'5" Guard): A highly regarded combo guard transferring from the Kansas Jayhawks. He brings an elite scoring pedigree and high-major athleticism to the Mountaineers' backcourt after entering the portal in mid-April

Biggest losses: Luke Wilson (Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year, 10.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.8 BPG) Luke Wilson (C/PF): A massive 6-foot-9, 285-pound center.

Looking to contend at the top even after losing the conference Defensive Player of the Year.

3. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns

(2025-26 AdjO: 100.2, #322 | AdjD: 113.5, #263)

Net Change: Better. Transfer talent to mix with highly skilled freshmen.

Biggest additions: Dani Pounds (6-7 PF, 10.6 ppg and 4.9 rpg at Tennessee Tech), Trent Middleton Jr. (6-3 PG, 12.5 ppg at North Carolina A&T)

Biggest losses: Jaxon Olvera 13.7 ppg (to Portland), Joshua Lewis 8.1 ppg (to U. South Florida)

Competitive upper tier but faces significant scoring loss. Freshman talent with 4-star recruit Tyshawn Duncan and guard Isaiah Wilks will play huge role.

4. Old Dominion Monarchs

(2025-26 AdjO: 106.1, #228 | AdjD: 113.1, #254)

Net Change: Neutral. Balanced returning production.

Biggest additions: Athletic wings and scorers via portal.

Biggest losses: Moderate turnover in rotation.

Battle for upper-middle of the standings.

5. Georgia State Panthers

(2025-26 AdjO: 99.4, #335 | AdjD: 112.4, #243)

Net Change: Neutral to better. Veteran pieces back plus portal help.

Biggest additions: Jacob Meyer (12.4 ppg at UAB)

Biggest losses: Freshman guard Micah Tucker (13.5 PPG, 3.0 APG, started 28 games as a freshman) transferred to Grand Canyon.

Potential to climb.

6. Arkansas State Red Wolves

(2025-26 AdjO: 110.7, #146 | AdjD: 109.4, #178)

Net Change: Neutral. Mixed returning production.

Biggest additions: Perimeter creators.

Biggest losses: Several scorers entered the portal.

Competitive in the middle.

7. Marshall Thundering Herd

(2025-26 AdjO: 112.1, #119 | AdjD: 115.3, #297)

Net Change: Neutral to better. Portal-focused rebuild.

Biggest additions: Athletic perimeter talent.

Biggest losses: Leading scorers departed.

Potential upside.

8. Troy Trojans

(2025-26 AdjO: 110.4, #149| AdjD: 109.2, #173)

Net Change: Neutral to worse — significant turnover under new coach.  

Biggest additions: Jacoi Hutchinson (IMG Academy transfer guard), Willie Piggott Jr., Romain Valakou (international freshman)..

Biggest losses: All-Sun Belt standouts Victor Valdes (14.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG) transferred to Georgia Tech and Thomas Dowd (14.4 PPG, 10.1 RPG) committed to Auburn, Austin Cross, Javen Colbert (Texas 4A Player of the Year as a senior), Cooper Campbell (12.5 PPG, 4.2 APG), and Cobi Campbell (9.0 PPG, 40% 3FG).

Lower-mid outlook. Facing a major rebuild ahead following back to back Sun-Belt Conference tournament titles.

9. Georgia Southern Eagles

(2025-26 AdjO: 110.3, #150 | AdjD: 116.3, #310)

Net Change: Neutral to worse.  

Heavy roster changes.

Biggest additions: Portal role players.

Biggest losses: Key veterans departed.

Likely near the basement.

10. Southern Miss Golden Eagles

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

Net Change: Neutral.  Balanced but rebuilding.

Biggest additions: Perimeter creators.

Biggest losses: Key scorers entered the portal.

Mid-to-lower projection.

11. South Alabama Jaguars

(2025-26 AdjO: 107.2, #211 | AdjD: 110.1, #193)

Net Change: Neutral to worse.  

Significant turnover.

Biggest additions: Freshmen and portal depth.

Biggest losses: Multiple scorers left.

Bottom-half projection.

12. Texas State Bobcats

(2025-26 AdjO: 104.1, #272 | AdjD: 110.7, #207)

Net Change: Neutral to worse. Some scoring losses.

Biggest additions: Transfer depth scorers.

Biggest losses: Rotation players departed.

Rebuilding but retains tools.

13. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

(2025-26 AdjO: 101.9, #303 | AdjD: 108.7, #159)

Net Change: Neutral. Balanced production.

Biggest additions: Portal wings and guards.

Biggest losses: Key contributors left.

Mid-pack projection.

14. Louisiana–Monroe Warhawks

(2025-26 AdjO: 101.3, #310 | AdjD: 122.4, #360)

Net Change: Neutral to worse. 

High turnover.

Biggest additions: Lower-level transfers.

Biggest losses: Rotation players.

Rebuilding year.

Sun Belt Big Picture for 2026-27

James Madison holds the top offensive spot. The league features heavy portal turnover across all 14 teams but remains one of the deeper mid-major conferences. Expect no at-large NCAA bids, with James Madison as the clear favorite.