Way Too Early 2026-27 West Coast Conference (WCC) Rankings (Post-Transfer Portal)

The WCC remains a very strong 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 (including PPG, RPG, APG, and awards) as key factors. Each team includes both offensive and defensive efficiency numbers.

1. Santa Clara Broncos

(2025-26 AdjO: 123.7, #19 | AdjD: 104.7, #88)

Net Change: Neutral to slightly worse. High offensive upside but heavy turnover via the portal.

Biggest additions: Kansas State transfer David Castillo (guard with Power 4 experience) and Arizona transfer Sidi Gueye (6-11 forward for size and rebounding).

Biggest losses: Christian Hammond (leading scorer) and Allen Graves (WCC Freshman of the Year / Sixth Man candidate) both entered the transfer portal, plus Bukky Oboye transferred to Auburn.

High-upside offense but faces a major rebuild after losing key scorers and frontcourt pieces.

2. Saint Mary's Gaels

(2025-26 AdjO: 119.2, #52 | AdjD: 97.3, #19)

Net Change: Neutral to slightly worse. Strong veteran retention but major frontcourt losses via the portal. Randy Bennett leaving as coach could mean for a very different team this season.

Biggest additions: Myles Che (transfer guard, high-upside scorer) and Luke Fennell (transfer guard).

Biggest losses: Paulius Murauskas (18.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG — All-WCC performer) transferred to Arizona State and Mikey Lewis (13.9 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 2.1 APG) transferred to Texas.

Annual contender with outstanding balance but must replace significant frontcourt production.

3. San Francisco Dons

(2025-26 AdjO: 113.7, #100 | AdjD: 109.7, #187)

Net Change: Neutral to worse — heavy turnover.  

Biggest additions: Auburn transfer Abdul Bashir (athletic wing/forward with Power 5 experience) and St. Thomas (Minn.) transfer Ben Oosterbaan (6-6 forward, 7.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG)

Biggest losses: Leading scorers Ryan Beasley, David Fuchs, and Tyrone Riley IV, plus four other players (total of 7 transfers out).

Competitive in the middle but faces a significant rebuild after losing multiple key scorers.

4. Pacific Tigers

(2025-26 AdjO: 110.7, #144 | AdjD: 105.4, #101)

Net Change: Neutral to worse.

Biggest additions: Perimeter depth via portal.

Biggest losses: Moderate turnover via the portal.

Battle for middle of the standings. Not having Elias Ralph strips Pacific of its leading All-WCC scorer and changes their depth dynamic.

5. San Diego Toreros

(2025-26 AdjO: 108.2, #184 | AdjD: 113.4, #260)

Net Change: Neutral to worse. Some scoring losses.

Biggest additions: Dusty Stromer, a highly covered Grand Canyon transfer previously at Gonzaga for 2 seasons and a former four-star recruit. Stromer brings elite, high-major WCC experience, size (6-6).

Biggest losses: Rotation players entered the portal.

Rebuilding but retains tools.

6. Loyola Marymount Lions

(2025-26 AdjO: 106.5, #222 | AdjD: 105.9, #108)

Net Change: Neutral. Portal-focused rebuild.

Biggest additions: Athletic wings and guards.

Biggest losses: Leading scorers entered the portal.

Potential upside if transfers mesh.

7. Portland Pilots

(2025-26 AdjO: 106.1, #230 | AdjD: 109.2, #174)

Net Change: Neutral. Mixed returning production.

Biggest additions: Perimeter creators.

Biggest losses: Key contributors entered the portal.

Mid-pack projection.

8. Pepperdine Waves

(2025-26 AdjO: 105.3 , #251 | AdjD: 113.6, #265)

Net Change: Neutral to better.  

Biggest additions: Multiple transfers for guard and wing positions.

Biggest losses: Rotation players entered the portal. Potential to climb with new pieces.

9. Seattle University Redhawks

(2025-26 AdjO: 102.7, #291 | AdjD: 97.4, #21)

Net Change: Neutral. Balanced returning production in their second year in the WCC.

Biggest additions: Perimeter creators and frontcourt depth via portal.

Biggest losses: Rotation players entered the portal.

Mid-to-lower pack projection as they continue to adjust.

10. Denver Pioneers

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

Net Change: Neutral to better (as newcomers). 

Biggest additions: High-level transfers to compete in new league.

Biggest losses: Some previous conference contributors entered the portal.

Immediate impact expected as a competitive newcomer but they were a bottom 10 defense in the country.

West Coast Conference Big Picture for 2026-27

With Gonzaga departing for the Pac-12, Santa Clara emerges as the new favorite thanks to their elite #19 AdjO from last season. Saint Mary's remains the biggest threat. San Francisco faces a tough rebuild after losing seven players. Expect 1 or maybe 2 NCAA Tournament bids in a more open WCC race.