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

The SWAC again ranked near the bottom nationally in offensive efficiency, with most teams posting AdjO in the 96–105 range. These rankings prioritize each team’s 2025-26 KenPom AdjO + national rank, plus returning offensive production (scorers/minutes/efficiency), net portal impact, and freshman fits. Data as of mid-May 2026.

1. Texas Southern Tigers (2025-26 AdjO: 101.8, #305 nationally)

Net Change: Neutral to slightly better — strongest offensive foundation in the league.

Retained key scorers and creators from their conference-leading offense. Up-tempo system generated the SWAC’s best efficiency despite the low national rank.

Biggest additions: Mid-major/JUCO guards and wings for spacing + transition scoring.

Clear favorite to lead the league in AdjO again if pieces mesh.

2. Southern Jaguars (2025-26 AdjO: 104.9, #256)

Net Change: Neutral.

Solid returning production from efficient pieces in a 17-17 campaign. Balanced minutes from perimeter and frontcourt contributors.

Biggest additions: Depth scorers via portal to maintain spacing.

Strong candidate to challenge for the top spot with veteran offensive continuity.

3. Alabama State Hornets (2025-26 AdjO: ~104 range, mid-260s nationally)

Net Change: Neutral.

Competitive returning double-digit scorers and role players. Avoided major losses.

Biggest additions: Perimeter transfers focused on 3-point volume and playmaking.

Veteran core positions them well to battle for a top-2 offensive ranking.

4. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (2025-26 AdjO: 103.7, #277)

Net Change: Neutral to better.

Decent retention from a 17-15 season; portal adds athletic scorers.

Biggest additions: Guards/wings for pace and perimeter efficiency.

Could push into top-3 contention with improved chemistry.

5. Jackson State Tigers (2025-26 AdjO: 100.2, #321)

Net Change: Better — solid portal haul.

Addressed some graduation losses with athletic transfers who create and finish.

Biggest additions: Perimeter talent emphasizing pace and scoring versatility.

Improved upside for AdjO with new pieces.

6. Prairie View A&M Panthers (2025-26 AdjO: 101.2, #311)

Net Change: Neutral to slightly worse.

Mixed returning production after a 19-18 year; lost some scoring punch.

Biggest additions: Depth-focused portal pieces.

Mid-pack projection with potential if frontcourt efficiency holds.

7. Grambling State Tigers (2025-26 AdjO: 97.0, #345)

Net Change: Slightly worse.

Key offensive contributors departed; modest portal reload.

Freshmen and role players must step up for creation.

Tougher road to efficiency gains but still competitive.

8. Alcorn State Braves (2025-26 AdjO: 96.5, #349)

Net Change: Slightly better.

Targeted portal additions of guards who can shoot/create.

Athleticism should help transition offense.

9. Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions (2025-26 AdjO: ~99-101 range, ~320-330 nationally)

Net Change: Neutral to slightly worse.

Lost key scorers to graduation and portal from a middling season.

Biggest additions: Lower-level transfers and freshmen guards for perimeter creation.

Rebuilding year focused on stabilizing efficiency; mid-to-lower pack projection.

10. Alabama A&M Bulldogs (2025-26 AdjO: 104.1, #271 — note: shared similar raw efficiency but weaker overall profile)

Net Change: Neutral.

Some veteran retention but heavy turnover in rotation.

Biggest additions: Portal depth pieces emphasizing defense-to-offense transitions.

Can compete in the middle if new scorers integrate quickly.

11. Florida A&M Rattlers (2025-26 AdjO: ~98-100 range, ~330-340 nationally)

Net Change: Neutral to worse.

Significant departures hurt scoring depth.

Biggest additions: Athletic wings and guards via portal/JUCO.

Bottom-half projection with reliance on freshmen contributors.

12. Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils (2025-26 AdjO: low-90s to mid-90s, #350+ nationally)

Net Change: Neutral to worse.

Chronic offensive struggles continue with high turnover.

Biggest additions: Minimal high-impact portal wins; mostly roster fillers.

Likely anchors the conference basement again unless major surprises occur.

Texas Southern and Southern separate themselves slightly due to better 2025-26 offensive baselines and retention. The rest of the league relies heavily on portal experimentation amid talent gaps. Another 0-1 NCAA bid year is expected, with the champion a heavy underdog (15/16-seed). Key question: Can any team break into the national top-250-280 in AdjO?